Local gaffer Leighton Mills has shared a public statement after he reluctantly stepped away from his position as manager of Darwen FC, with many supporters shocked to learn he had resigned from the role effective immediately.
Darwen confirmed that Mills had resigned over the weekend following their most recent fixture in the First Division North of the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL), but now Leighton himself has come out to clarify some crucial factors behind the decision.
The Bolton-based manager recently celebrated his first anniversary in post at the Lancashire club, with their social media having only just written, “What a year it has been. Memorable ‘El Hotpot’ home win. Eight wins in a row. Made the Anchor a fortress”, and adding “This is only the beginning” on 30 August.
However, while there was clearly a keenness from both the administration and the fans for him to continue in the role, the former Daisy Hill FC boss felt compelled to part ways only half a dozen games into the season. Much to the “regret” of Darwen FC, here’s why…
Detailing an “unexpected meeting with the owner/chairman” following their 1-1 draw against Fulwood AFC, Mills revealed that he was informed the club were “no longer able to offer the 25/26 player budget as agreed to in pre-season due to sponsor issues.”
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He explained that this would have left him with “less than half of the initially agreed budget and a squad of players meeting said budget”, before being given two options: either inform the team that their weekly wages were being halved, or release these players and start from scratch.
An ex-player around Greater Manchester himself – going to work in scouting for Preston and even serving as Director of Football at Prestwich Heys amidst management roles – he stated that “neither of these proposed options sat right with [him]…
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“I have too much respect for my lads to ask them to play for a wage that does not match their abilities on the pitch. Over the last 12 months, myself, Connor [Hughes, assistant coach] and the management team, have put our hearts and souls into developing a squad who can compete in the top five of the league.
“I strongly believe the squad we had had the ability to go far in NW Counties, and we were all so excited to see what we could achieve this season, but unfortunately, this has now come to an end.
His winning streak and record at home, in particular, certainly gave ‘The Salmoners’ plenty to cheer about over the past year.
Mills went on to add: “I would like to thank everyone at Darwen FC for welcoming me, my management team and my ideas to the club little over 12 months ago. I wish the club and the new manager nothing but success for the rest of the 25/26 campaign.”
“Lastly, THE FANS.. you’ve got us through the tough times – thank you for welcoming me, supporting me and trusting in my vision over the last 12 months. You are a credit to the football club!
“As much as I am devastated to of left an incredible club like Darwen, I know it’s the right decision for me. This chapter is now closed, it’s time to open a new one…”
With other projects outside of sport, such as being the founder and director of Open Air Bounce in Over Hulton back in BL5, we’re sure he’ll be plenty busy in his time away from football – however long or short that may be.
When does the UK’s fourth heatwave of the year hit Greater Manchester?
Danny Jones
Brace yourselves: ANOTHER heatwave is set to hit the UK – the fourth in 2026 so far – and, understandably, Greater Manchester residents are already preparing for the latest blast of hot weather and wondering when it gets here.
Yes, in case you missed the news, more high temperatures are set to spread across Great Britain and Ireland this month and heading into August.
The increase will gradually build throughout this week, with Wednesday tipped to be the hottest day according to various meteorological sources.
Fortunately for us here in the North West, parts of the Midlands and the usual suspects down south are set to hit the highest numbers, but the thermometers are still on course to reach around the mid-20s over the coming days.
Temperatures are set to rise this week across some areas, bringing a return to hotter conditions 🥵
The heat looks to be fairly short-lived, however, with temperatures expected to fall again towards the end of the week 🌡️ pic.twitter.com/IKsunEdwhU
Estimates of 26°C have been predicted for this coming Tuesday, with the levels floating in and around 24/25 on the following Wednesday.
The heat is then due to drop off slowly, with top scores of no higher than 21°C on the cards for Thursday and Friday. Although the weekend forecast is less certain at present, one thing that has been announced is reduced rainfall.
Aside from a few more trickles today (Mon, 27 July), the showers or lack thereof cease rather soon, with some of the driest parts of the country already having various effects; for instance, parched parts of Wales have even revealed lost archaeological sites last Friday (24/7/2026).
It would be remiss if we didn’t mention the obvious moorland fires across our region, which were sadly exacerbated by hot weather earlier this month.
Following on from the hottest June on record, the Dovestone and Tinwhistle areas of Oldham and parts of Derbyshire saw hundreds of hectares turn into a deeply dangerous blaze for several days.
As per the latest statistics, it’s said that the equivalent of 1,250 football pitches were scorched following the alarming wildfire, which also raised concerns for wildlife and surrounding air quality.
Former US President Barack Obama is coming to Manchester for a special ‘Evening With’ event
Danny Jones
No, not a prank: the former President of the United States, Barack Obama, is coming to Manchester on his upcoming UK tour.
Confirming just three domestic dates across Great Britain and Ireland, the 44th President turned successful global speaker has delivered talks all over the world, and now he’ll be coming to the Co-op Live arena.
We always knew the industry-leading events space was going to lead to some big names, but no one was expecting this one.
Set to deliver his first-ever ‘An Evening With’ here in Greater Manchester, Barack Obama will be coming to the Co-op later this year.
Officially announcing the live show in line with a key American date, Obama will be making his first-ever visit to our city.
The Co-op Live post reads: “As America marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, President Barack Obama joins us in Belfast, Glasgow and Manchester to discuss what comes next – for America, and for all of us.”
More than two and a half centuries on from the start of the nation becoming the United States, the series of intimate interviews comes alongside a significant anniversary for both countries.
Always praised for being a talented orator, the 64-year-old ex-Commander in Chief has found a fruitful second career on the so-called ‘keynote circuit’ following his time as POTUS.
Having served two consecutive terms in the post, it feels undeniably surreal to hear that he will be coming to visit, especially amid the obvious recent development of our very own Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, having now become the 59th British PM.
As for Obama, it’s no surprise that he booked the biggest venue possible for his debut talk in 0161.
Presented by SeatUnique, who specialise in affordable but premium hospitality seats/tickets for live entertainment, it goes without saying that this is an unprecedented moment for the venue, specifically.
Set to arrive on 15 October, tickets go live from 10am at the end of this month, with official Co-op members pre-sale passes available from the same time on Wednesday, 29 July.
You can get ready to grab your tickets right HERE.
Manchester is an international city and its popularity is growing rapidly. Barack Obama, former US President is reportedly coming to Manchester this October. pic.twitter.com/9twbfaIWbI
Danny Jones -
9th September 2025 
