Local leaders in Greater Manchesterand Liverpool have declared that the fans’ fight for football is “far from over” despite the collapse of the European Super League – announcing a new ‘Reclaim Our Game’ campaignto fix a “broken” modern game.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Liverpool City Centre Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram have banded together for a joint project in light of the Super League fiasco – stating that now is the time for “real reform of football so fans have a proper say in how their clubs are run.”
The Northern leaders added: “The failed proposals for the European Super League have shown that modern football is broken. Now is the time to fix it.”
The new campaign is calling on the government to legislate to require all English clubs to secure a 51% majority of their registered season ticket holders on any major decision that affects the club; adopting a model similar to the one seen in German football where fans retain majority control.
Additionally, the campaign asks for an independent financial regulator for all pro leagues and clubs.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Mayors also state that “legislation should require vendors to make shares available on a first refusal basis to recognised, democratically-controlled supporters’ trusts.”
Lastly, the campaign calls on Uefa to “rethink proposals for Champions League reform.”
All six English clubs – including Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool – pulled out of the widely-criticised breakaway European Super League on Tuesday (April 20) evening.
The news was met with jubilation from fans, players, MPs, and major football organisations.
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said it was time to “move on, rebuild the unity that the game enjoyed before this and move forward together.”
ADVERTISEMENT
But local leaders in Manchester and Liverpool suggested the fight was only just beginning.
Rotheram emphasised that “we can’t let this happen again”, whilst Burnham claimed that a cross-party campaign was required to “reclaim the game for supporters, with independent regulation of ownership and finances.”
Manchester United said it had “listened carefully to the reaction from our fans, the UK government and other key stakeholders” when making its decision to withdraw from the Super League.
Man Utd’s Vice President Ed Woodward, who was involved in discussions for the league, also announced he would resign from his role at the end of the season.
The owner of Liverpool, John W Henry, has since apologised to fans, saying “I heard you… I alone am responsible”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Meanwhile, the Super League said it would take “appropriate steps to reshape the project”.
A statement read: “Given the current circumstances, we shall reconsider the most appropriate steps to reshape the project, always having in mind our goals of offering fans the best experience possible while enhancing solidarity payments for the entire football community.”
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons
Sport
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
Inside Manchester’s new padel club with a Pot Kettle Black cafe and courtside cocktail bar
Daisy Jackson
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and it’s really picking up speed in Manchester now too with another city centre club opening this month.
The Pollen Club is a little different to the others, in that it’s fully undercover and protected from Manchester’s less-than-favourable weather.
And another thing that makes it a must-visit is the cafe attached to it – a third site for the beloved Pot Kettle Black.
The Pollen Club and Pot Kettle Black have both taken over a prominent city centre spot just off Deansgate, at the foot of the recently-opened Treehouse Hotel.
There are two state-of-the-art padel courts inside, with a mezzanine terrace for enjoy Pot Kettle Black’s offerings.
In summer, there are plans to launch a bar downstairs too, where you can sip spritzes courtside from loungers and swing seats.
The exciting new Manchester padel club will host pop up events, DJ takeovers and an extended evening food offering.
Pot Kettle Black are part of the new padel clubInside Manchester’s new padel club, The Pollen ClubPot Kettle Black are part of the new padel club
And even if you’re not heading inside The Pollen Club, Pot Kettle Black has a grab-and-go hatch facing onto Blackfriars Street, making their delicious coffees, sandwiches and pastries (from their own bakery Half Dozen Other) even more accessible.
Commenting on the opening of the new site, Pot Kettle Black co-owner, Mark Flanagan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened our third Pot Kettle Black site at The Padel Club. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
“After ten years in the city we’ve been enjoying seeing some familiar faces stopping by for a coffee and we can’t wait to get started on our programme of summer events!”
The Manc -
21st April 2021 
