Sport

American Wrexham fan’s reaction to getting a ticket to Stockport County goes viral

Let's be clear: being that emotional to go and see your club is quite sweet — the fact she flew all the way over to experience Edgeley, of all places, is just a bit jarring.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 24th September 2023

An American Wrexham AFC fan who managed to get her hands on a first-ever ticket to see The Red Dragons in person has gone viral on social media, not only because of her emotional reaction but because the destination she flew over for was none other than Stockport.

Wrexham have gained a massive influx of fans over the past couple of years following their blockbuster buyout at the hands of celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, with even more coming along for the ride after watching the accompanying Welcome to Wrexham documentary.

That being said, most Americans who still might be relatively new football fans certainly wouldn’t have been expected to be spending their hard-earned cash travelling over to Britain to watch their side in Wales, let alone away here in Greater Manchester. Then again, not every fan is Dana Burkey.

As much as she was clearly excited and seemingly very emotional to receive a ticket for her first game, footy fans obviously found it hilarious that this poor lady paid what we can only assume was an obscene amount to travel to Edgeley in Stockport, only to watch her team get battered by County 5-0.

We can literally hear the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia theme music playing.
This was only at half-time…
Can’t beat that view when you’re coming into the station Stockport.

Yes, unfortunately for this recently converted Wrexham supporter and avid fan of the FX documentary series, after travelling to none other than Stockport to watch her beloved Dragons, she received the full hospitality of Edgeley Park in the form of an absolute thumping by the home side.

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As if this mini-tragicomedy wasn’t already poetic enough, for many it was even funnier that the heavy defeat came against the same team that denied them promotion from the National League two seasons prior and whom so much of the series’ drama and heartache centred around to begin with.

There were nearly 10,000 in attendance for the League Two match on Saturday as Dave Challinor‘s side recorded their biggest win since the 6-0 against Wycombe Wanders in 2007, thanks to a hattrick from Isaac Olaofe, a goal and assist from high-flying loanee Louie Barry, and a finishing touch from captain Paddy Madden.

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It’s safe to say the fixture has struck up somewhat of a rivalry between the two clubs of late, so once Hatters and neutrals alike caught wind of Burkey flying over from the US to watch the game in person, they were having a field-day even before they saw the score at full-time.

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As many noted online, while it won’t have been the day out in Stockport Dana was hoping for, at least she was part of a real football experience; there’s nothing that tests your resolve as a fan more than travelling to an away game and paying all that money only to see your team get battered.

To be fair, whatever she spent flying over here probably isn’t far off how much a train to Euston from Piccadilly sets us back these days.

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You can see the highlights of Stockport 5-0 Wrexham down below — though we’re sure this particular fan won’t want to watch it back anytime soon.

An American Wrexham Fan in Stockport > An American Werewolf in London.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image — Dana Burkey/Stockport County/Gaz Drinkwater (via Twitter)

Sport

Manchester Storm’s record-breaking return to AO Arena goes down a storm with fans

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Manchester Storm's return to the AO Arena. Credit: Supplied

Manchester Storm have made their grand return to the AO Arena, after more than two decades away from their former home.

And it appears the ice hockey craze (which may have been spurred on by a certain Heated Rivalry) is here to stay, with record-breaking numbers piling into the venue for Sunday’s match against Sheffield Steelers.

The AO Arena has now shared that a record crowd of 11,000 fans attended the long-awaited Manchester Storm homecoming last week.

The action has gone down a storm with fans, with plenty of chatter on social media (and videos of a certain fight) doing the rounds.

Manchester Storm’s homecoming has now smashed the record for an Elite Hockey pre-season fixture, with fans travelling from across Manchester and beyond.

As the team enters this new era, bidding farewell to the ‘Storm Shelter’ in Altrincham that’s been their home for a decade, demand for tickets is continuing to grow.

@elizabeth_ivy

First game at the AO Arena and Jeni BRINGS IT 💪💜⛈️🏒 #manchesterstorm @Manchester Storm #eihl #icehockeyedit

♬ Can’t Stop – Bare Up

This is the first time fans have been able to see the club on the ice at the AO Arena since 2004, and last weekend they thrilled supporters with a 5-5 draw agains the Steelers.

Manchester Storm is now set to bring approximately 35 games to the city centre each year, providing a
regular programme of major sporting events for Manchester and its visitors.

It also brings elite-level hockey back to one of Europe’s largest indoor sporting arenas.

Manchester Storm's return to the AO Arena. Credit: Supplied
Manchester Storm's return to the AO Arena. Credit: Supplied
Manchester Storm's return to the AO Arena. Credit: Supplied

Gemma Vaughan, General Manager at the AO Arena says, “Tonight is a hugely significant moment for Manchester.

“To welcome Manchester Storm back to their former home after more than 20 years, and to do so in front of a record Elite Hockey League crowd, is incredibly special.

“The response from supporters has demonstrated the strength of Manchester’s passion for ice hockey and the demand for world-class sport in the city. We’re proud to be able to provide a home for the Storm as they begin this exciting new chapter.”

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Featured image: Supplied

Sport

Erling Haaland has named his four favourite films… and fans have a lot to say on it

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Erling Haaland has answered the all-important question.

The question heard around the world, the question on everyone’s lips, a question that has absolutely nothing to do with football whatsoever… that’s right, he’s answered Letterboxd’s famous question of ‘what are your four favourite films?’.

If you’re unaware of what Letterboxd is, it describes itself as being an ‘online diary platform and app for film lovers’ and it gives users the chance to display their four favourite films at the top of their profile for all to see (and judge).

An extension of this has then been Letterboxd asking celebrities in press junket interviews and on red carpets what their ‘four faves’ are – and it’s gone on to become something of a phenomenon in the film world.

Everyone from massive A-list movie stars, to indie darlings and up-and-coming names have answered this question before, and now (it appears) to be Erling Haaland’s turn.

He’s not the first footballer to be tasked with question though, as the entire Spurs team was ambushed with it by former player – and famously massive cinephile – Alfie Whiteman last year, but it’s fair to say that after the summer he’s had with Norway at the World Cup, achieving international fame in the process, that Haaland is one of the most high-profile to answer it in a long while.

So, what’s on Erling’s list then?

Well, to self-confessed ‘film bros’ out there, you’re not going to find any deep cuts in this selection unfortunately, and you’re probably not going to get any recommendations for movies you haven’t seen before either, but come on, he is only a footballer after all.

Erling Haaland has named his four favourite films… and fans have a lot to say on it / Credit: Letterboxd

First up for the Manchester City striker is a pretty common pick by straight white men, it’s The Wolf of Wall Street, and he doesn’t give much of a reason for it, other than just suggesting: “I think you understand why”.

He then follows that up with Ridley Scott’s classic Gladiator, calling it ‘amazing’, before naming 2004’s epic Troy, and then rounding it out with a Christmas favourite for many, Home Alone, adding that he ‘watched it a lot as a kid, and then again now’.

As for fan reaction to Haaland’s four favourites, let’s just say it’s been mixed.

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Among the 1,000+ comments on the Instagram video, you’ll find just as many people called him ‘king’ and saying he has ‘goated’ taste, as you will comments like this: “He has the most male gazed top four in history of Letterboxd.”

After all, you can’t please everyone.

Featured Image – Letterboxd (via Facebook)

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