Former Man United coach under Sir Alex Ferguson joins Stockport County in director role

Danny Jones Danny Jones Former Man United coach Rene Muelensteen joins Stockport County

Former Manchester United coach René Meulensteen, who famously worked under Sir Alex Ferguson, has been appointed to a new role at Stockport County FC.

Joining the club in an unprecedented position – the terminology for which has definitely sparked some speculation – the Dutch coach arrives at Edgeley Park during a period of big changes across the board.

Not only serving under Sir Alex, but also having managed Fulham for a spell and helping steer Iraq to their first World Cup since 1986 this summer as assistant, he brings a varied pedigree to SK3.

Announcing the news on Monday evening, Meulensteen has already set about his introductions to the squad and the rest of the coaching staff this week.

Starting out as a Skills Development Coach in Man United’s youth academy, helping develop reserve players on their way into the senior setup, he then went on to work at Danish side Brøndby, over in Russia, as part of the Australian national team, and, of course, a second stint at Old Trafford.

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With this being a brand-new role not only for Stockport County but one boasting a unique title which presents plenty of questions, it will be interesting to see just how much on an imprint he can have on the first team.

In Sporting Director Damien Allen’s words, “This appointment represents another important step in delivering our long-term vision, reinforcing our commitment to creating an elite football department and developing players and coaches capable of competing at the highest levels of the game.”

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Writing on X, the 62-year-old is clearly relishing the opportunity to carve out a path through this unique new role.

Moreover, the reaction to his name being now tied to the club has been one of excitement and optimism given his CV and well-documented career history.

Speaking on his arrival, new Hatters boss Jimmy McNulty – who is set to embark on his debut season as manager of the club after leaving Rochdale AFC this summer – said: “It is a genuine pleasure to be adding a coach of René Meulensteen’s calibre to our coaching team. 

“Having operated at the very highest level, guided elite players, and gained invaluable experience across diverse footballing cultures in both domestic leagues and major international tournaments, he brings a tremendous breadth of wisdom and perspective to our coaching team. 

“This brilliant addition adds another layer of strength to our coaching collective, and I am delighted René has decided to join our County team.”

What do you make of the appointment, County fans?

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Featured Images — Stockport County (press shot)/The Manc Group

New Mayor Bev Craig announces FREE bus travel for 11 to 16-year-olds in Greater Manchester

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Thousands of high school children across Greater Manchester are set to benefit from free bus travel next year.

That’s because Greater Manchester’s newly-elected Mayor, Bev Craig, set out plans on her first official day in office yesterday (3 August) to help families with the rising cost of living by extending the already-popular ‘Our Pass’ scheme to give 11 to 16-year-olds free bus travel on the Bee Network from January 2027 onwards.

The move is expected to benefit nearly 200,000 young people across Greater Manchester – saving families up to £500 per child every year.

Applications will open later this year, so families can apply for their pass in advance.

Bev Craig has announced free bus travel for 11 to 16-year-olds in Greater Manchester / Credit: TfGM

Greater Manchester’s successful ‘Our Pass’ scheme was introduced in 2019 and already gives 16-18-year-olds free bus travel to make getting to education, training, and opportunities easier.

But this new extension means that, for the first time, all children between 11 and 18-years-old will be able to travel for free on the region’s buses.

On top of this, in further support for families, Bev has also confirmed that previously-agreed plans to give free bus travel for children in temporary accommodation will be implemented from this September – with this extra support set to be administered by councils and be in place for the new school term.

“During my campaign, I promised that I would apply a simple test to every decision I take as Mayor – will it make life better for the people of Greater Manchester? That’s why on day one I’m announcing the extension of Our Pass to give free bus travel to 11 to 16-year-olds,” commented Bev Craig as the move was announced this week.

“This is exactly the kind of decision that passes our test.

“It will put more money in the pockets of thousands of hard-working families, and gives those young people a ticket to all the brilliant opportunities our city region offers.

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“Families across Greater Manchester are struggling with the cost of living and I’m using my first day as Mayor to do something practical to make life a bit easier. By launching in January, young people will be boarding the Bee Network for free as they head back to school.”

Featured Image – TfGM

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