FOOTBALL: FC United are to develop a football ground in Newton Heath — the birthplace of Manchester United.

The supporter-owned club, which was established when the Glazer family took over Manchester United in May 2005, is proposing to include new and renovated community sports facilities and a multi-function community space at the 5,000-capacity stadium.

FC United hope to secure the finance for the £3.5m development, which will be at the Ten Acres Lane sports centre owned by Manchester City Council, which will be ready in two to three years, by a public appeal for donations, a Community Shares issue and grant funding.

The team return to action tomorrow in the Unibond Premier Division looking to get back to winning ways after a recent horrendous spell which has seen them lose four of their last five games.

They have to travel to Guisley, however, who are riding high in second spot and one of the favourites for promotion.

Radcliffe Borough go for their third consecutive win when they travel to arch-rivals Chorley tomorrow.

Boro have climbed up to the fringes of the Division One North promotion play-offs, and director of football Gerry Luczka — a former Chorley manager — reckons the Stainton Park outfit could be the dark horses of the campaign.

They beat promotion candidates Skelmersdale United 2-1 in their last league outing after defeating Bamber Bridge.

With 10 games remaining, Luczka said: “There is still a lot to play for. It just needs someone to come with a late run and they could squeeze into contention.

“There is no reason why it can’t be us.”

Boro are currently in eighth place in the table, eight points off the play-offs, but have games in hand over most of their rivals.

Leigh Genesis have had a remarkable resurgence in Division One North despite the loss of their financial backer and have won four and drawn one of their last five games.

They are just one place outside the play-off zone and they hope to continue their impressive run of results tomorrow when they make the trip over the Pennines to face Garforth Town, a mid-table side with little to play for other than pride.