Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been presented with an honorary degree by the University of Manchester.
The Man City boss and club legend was given the accolade in a ceremony this week in recognition of the “extraordinary contribution” to local sport and the city in general.
Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium nearly a decade ago, the Catalan head coach has overseen the most decorated period in the team’s history, broken a litany of records and changed how the English game is played significantly.
His time at City has also seen their success and revenue generation spill over into East Manchester as a whole, too, with the area being significantly developed and regenerated. He was presented with the degree by the University’s Chancellor, Nazir Afzal.
Speaking via the institution, he said, “I have lived the best moments of my life, I would say”, right here in Greater Manchester and even admitted he’s come to “love the rain and the dark days and nights.”
Damn right.
“I know how important the University of Manchester is to our city. It’s the home to a lot of research, and it has a history of discovery. So, honestly, to be honoured in this way by such an esteemed institution is an amazing feeling.
“I want to thank everyone at the University of Manchester for this moment – and I want to thank everyone at Manchester City for their constant support.”
Addressing the audience inside Manchester’s beautiful Whitworth Hall, he described being recognised with the award as an “amazing feeling”, going on to express just how much the city and the community mean to him.
“I have spent nine years here and it has become home. The people, the culture, my incredible football club, my colleagues… it is all so special to me and my family.
“When I arrived here in 2016, I did not know how long I would spend here. The way this city embraced me made everything easy. My time here has been beautiful.”
The 45-year-old also took time to speak on important issues like the Ukraine war, suffering in Sudan and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Pep Guardiola delivered a powerful speech while receiving an honorary degree from the University of Manchester, where he spoke about the suffering in Sudan, Ukraine, and the ongoing genocide in Gaza.@PepTeampic.twitter.com/IdLXFsNaa5
Pep Guardiola, while receiving an honorary degree from the University of Manchester:
“It’s so painful what we see in Gaza, it hurts all my body. It’s not about ideology but the love of life. It’s about refusing to be silent or still when it matters the most”@PepTeampic.twitter.com/HlC5q1adi5
Touching on the latter, specifically, he added: “It’s so painful what we see in Gaza. It hurts all [of] my body. Let me be clear; it’s not about ideology, about I’m right and you’re wrong. Come on, it’s just about the love of life, the care of your neighbour.”
He also went on to cite ‘The Brave Little Parrot‘ (sometimes simply referred to as ‘The Bird in the Forest here in the West’) – one of the famous Jātaka Tales taken from the original collection of 550 morality stories from centuries-old Buddhist literature.
Unsurprisingly, the Spaniard has been heaped with praise for using his platform for good and shedding light on humanitarian crises; as for UoM itself, you can read what they had to say about him in full HERE.
So, while he may have finally spent a season without silverware – although his side could still go on to win the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup – he’s still managed to walk away with another impressive personal achievement.
Congratulations to Pep Guardiola on his honorary degree, but it’s worth noting he’s not the only City icon being celebrated this week either…
Best minute-to-trophies won ratio in the game and an absolute icon living. 🙌 😅
Manchester United are reportedly set to snap up Jess Park from rivals Man City
Danny Jones
Summer signing drama might be over for the men, but not for Manchester as a whole, as Man United are reportedly set to snap up Jess Park from close rivals Man City.
Being two of the clubs not only with one of the fiercest rivalries but that have been among the closest to pushing serial Women’s Super League winners Chelsea to the title in recent years, it seems surprising that there’d be a willingness for the two increasingly competitive teams to negotiate over talent.
Nevertheless, there seems to be more and more concrete talk of midfielder Jess Park moving from the blue half of Manchester to the red, as Man United have grown increasingly keen on the 23-year-old.
A fan favourite at the Joie, Park has been with MCWFC for eight years, making her debut for the club at the age of just 16, but did spend 2022/23 on loan at Everton. With that in mind, her next spell away from Man City could very well be a permanent one.
With a debut goal on her Lionesses debut and strikes like the screamer against Palace in the locker, supporters won’t want to see her go.
A creative outlet for both Man City and England, Park has scored 20 times and registered 17 assists, only increasing her goal contributions each season.
It is this, as well as her overall ability in the middle of the park, that has seen Director of Women’s Football at Manchester United, Matt Johnson, and INEOS decide to pursue the neighbouring player.
As you can see, not only are there plenty of City fans praying that the young international doesn’t depart, but not everyone is entirely convinced by the move over at United, either – especially if a swap deal were to somehow materialise.
Loding Clinton would be so bad. She was growing within the shirt towards the back end of last season, she can easily become a key player here
But when there's no ambition from the top, the coach cannot manage flies let alone people. Then losing a star is inevitable sadly
Online broadcaster and women’s football commentator, Mina Ibrahim, went on to add: “If Man City and Man United do a swap for Jess Park and Grace Clinton, who wins the deal?
“Hasegawa and Clinton midfield is a guarantee. I don’t imagine Park being a starter under the [manager] despite the fact [that] she should be. Why does this feel like a panicked, Deadline Day move?”
What about you, Reds and Blues – how do you feel about Jess Park seemingly leaving Man City for Man United, and what do you make of Grace Clinton possibly going the other way?
Nike and go-to online running shoe suppliers confirmed as new sponsors for Altrincham 10k
Danny Jones
The annual Altrincham 10k just got a whole lot bigger and better ahead of this year’s run, as the annual race has just notched Nike as one of their new lead sponsors – and that’s not all.
Alty’s annual race is also being backed by SportsShoes.com, a.k.a. the go-to trainers supplier for so many runners, who will be presenting the 2025 edition in partnership with RunThroughUK.
Now part of RunThrough North‘s regular programme, Altrincham 10k continues to grow in size with each passing year, as demonstrated by getting such prestigious sponsors on board.
Taking place this weekend, the 2025 Alty 10k could just be the biggest yet.
We are thrilled to announce that we are teaming up with @Nike & @sportsshoes_com to bring the town an unforgettable race day 🤝
📅 Sunday 7th September 🏃 3,500 runners 👟 Closed roads ⚡️ Electric atmosphere
Set to welcome approximately 3,500 runners to the Trafford market town’s central streets, the Altrincham 10k is one of the final large-scale running events on the local calendar.
Aligning both famous brands with the heart of Altrincham’s running community and, indeed, giving Greater Manchester’s wider sports culture, it’s yet more prestige for 0161.
The 2025 race will also see Nike showcase its latest road running line-up, including the newest max cushioning shoe: the ‘Vomero Plus’; the responsive ‘Pegasus’ everyday trainer, as well as supportive ‘Structure’ model, meaning runners will get a chance to sample their latest styles.
As well as support from SportsShoes.com and official Nike ambassadors, North West native and GB triathlete Katie Halligan, Hits Radio presenter and ultra runner Hattie Pearson, as well as local Manc artist Emma Evans will all be there too.
These equally inspiring women have also been chosen to help represent Nike and RunThrough’s shared mission of attracting more female runners, as shown with events such asthe recent 2025 Women’s Run Series back in April.
Co-Founder of RunThrough, Matt Wood, said of the new partnership: “Welcoming Nike as title sponsor of the Altrincham 10K, alongside our long-standing partner SportsShoes.com, is a huge milestone for the event.
“This partnership highlights the growth of our community and the strength of our brand. We can’t wait to support the thousands of runners taking part in the Nike Altrincham 10K, Presented by SportsShoes.com.”
As for SportShoes, brand manager Gavin Bannister added: “The energy around this year’s 10K will be electric, and we can’t wait to see everyone out there chasing their goals and celebrating the power of running.
“From our own athletes to first-time runners, this event is all about showing up, pushing limits, and being part of something truly special, and that is what Nike and Sportsshoes.com are all about.”
Entries are still open for any of those interested in a last-minute place in the race on Sunday, 7 September – you can sign up HERE.
Danny Jones -
10th June 2025 
