First they were called Hyde United, but the United was dropped when Hyde were given pots of cash by Manchester City for sponsorship and use of their stadium. Now Hyde are set to change their name again.
"We never dropped the United from our name with pressure from City," said chairman, Thomas Guyboat. "And in the same way, our new name will have nothing to do with anything other than Hyde's history."
Although the Conference North side will see out the 2011/12 season with the name Hyde, as they did the 2010/11 season, for the 2012/13 season, they will be known as Hyde Rangers.
"Our local rivals in the league are Stalybridge Celtic," said Guyboat, "but we are not attempting to cash in on the Scottish Celtic-Rangers rivalry. Before we were Hyde, before we were United, we were Hyde Rangers, and we are looking back in our history and bringing it into the modern age."
"I think it's disgraceful," said long-suffering fan, Luke Antouch. "I've looked back through the annals and I can't find a Hyde Rangers anywhere. I also think it's a bit dodgy what with the other Rangers in this league getting relegated last season. By Celtic no less. I wouldn't wish that on us!"
Nick Pavlova, sports reporter for the club believes that the move is part of looking for funding after the Manchester City money comes to an end.
"City's investment ends this season," said Pavlova. "The club need other income streams, and I do believe they have secured a massive sponsorship deal with Daisy Nook garden centre. If that's true, the change of name suddenly makes sense."
