NEIL’S ON ANOTHER EUROPEAN MISSION
FC UNITED of Manchester manager Neil Reynolds is aiming for more success in the Fenix Trophy this season after the Red Rebels completed an English trio in the final four.
The NPL Premier side are heading towards their third successive semi-final in the unique European competition after beating French side Vinsky FC on Wednesday.
Reynolds’ team, whose side won the inaugural trophy in 2022 when the defeated Prague Raptors in Italy, will be joined by fellow English Step 3 sides Enfield Town and Lewes in this summer’s semi-final stage, again in Italy.
And Reynolds would love nothing more than his Rebels to come out on top.
“It looks like the Prague Raptors are going to be in the semi-finals as well with Lewes and Enfield,” Reynolds told The NLP.
“So, the final four is going to be really tight. But with every competition you aim to do as well as you can do and we’re no different.”
Last season, FC United found themselves playing at the prestigious San Siro stadium in Milan, the third-place play-off.
Despite defeat to Brera that day, the experience has left Reynolds with very fond memories.
“You look back at your memories, and, you know, I can say that I managed in the San Siro,” he added.
“There are many great managers that go full time now that will have the opportunity to manage in the San Siro. I went up along with the likes of Mourinho and Guardiola, people who stood in that technical area and I did the same.
“It’s got to be right up there with the most magical experience that you can ever have in football. just to walk up out of the dressing room, down the tunnel, up the steps into the arena, you know, and the sunshine was basking.”
“Not only did we get the Fenix Trophy experience, but we also got a mini-Champions League feel as well with Inter fans watching the Champions League final in the stadium later that night.
“It was just a unique experience, one that I will never ever forget. We can’t wait for this summer too.”