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.
Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Therme Manchester was initially touted as a £250m project that would complete in 2025, but it’s now up to £500m and is scheduled to complete it 2029.
It marks one of the most significant building developments to ever take place in the North.
Featured Image – Supplied
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All students in England to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE
Emily Sergeant
All students in England are soon to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE.
Said to be part of the UK’s ‘enduring support’ for the Ukrainian community and continued commitment to stand with Ukraine and its people, young people in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will now have the opportunity to study for a new Ukrainian GCSE, the Government has announced.
While the qualification will be open to all students, it marks a ‘particularly significant’ milestone for Ukrainian children and young people living in the UK.
It’s hoped that the introduction of the new GCSE will help Ukrainians to preserve a vital connection to their language, culture, and identity.
It’s also hoped that it’ll open pathways to future education and employment for all pupils.
In line with the other modern foreign language GCSEs that are currently on offer, the qualification will assess listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, while also recognising the cultural and historical contexts that shape the Ukrainian language.
Examination board AQA will now begin the next phase of development, bringing together language and subject experts to design what will be a ‘high-quality’ qualification reflecting the richness of Ukrainian language and culture.
Education Secretary, Lucy Powell, commented: “As they build their lives here in the UK, it is right that Ukrainians and their children should have every opportunity to maintain that connection to their heritage and to be proud of who they are.
“This new qualification is available to all pupils and will give them the chance to develop their language skills and celebrate Ukraine’s rich culture and history, while also opening pathways to future study and employment and strengthening our partnership with Ukraine.
“Through that enduring partnership, we are building the lasting ties between our countries that will see the young minds of the future move forward together, and foster connections that transcend borders.”
The Ukrainian GCSE is expected to be available for first teaching from September 2028 – with first assessments taking place in 2029.
Danny Jones -
9th September 2025 
