Former footballer and abuse survivor Paul Stewart has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of Salford for his safeguarding work.
The 58-year-old was born and brought up in Wythenshawe, and like many young children, dreamed of playing professional football, before going on to realise his dream and play as a defensive midfielder and forward number of famous English including Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Blackpool – where he was even inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.
But despite all those successes, Paul’s journey to becoming a professional footballer had horrifically tragic roots, as after he was talent-spotted at the age of 11, he suffered four years of abuse by a coach at a grassroots football club in Manchester.
As many may remember, in November 2016, Paul went public as a victim of child sexual abuse, after reading an article about another footballer who had been abused as a child.
Being a high-profile former player himself, Paul said he felt he had to speak up.
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Up until that point, though, he had not told anyone about what had happened, and had experienced some real emotional challenges.
Former footballer and abuse survivor Paul Stewart awarded honorary degree / Credit: University of Salford | ITV
In 2017, Paul wrote his book ‘Damaged’ – which critics described as “a powerful and moving account” of both the abuse he suffered as a child, and the aftermath of this abuse – and after the important and vital memoir was so well-received, since then, he has dedicated his life to working on safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
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He then decided to set up his own company, Paul Stewart Official Excellence in Safeguarding, to provide safeguarding education to the football league and develop relevant training, as well work beyond football to help organisations better safeguard young people.
Settling up the company was something that Paul says he felt was key in creating “a monumental shift” in the way organisations work to keep people safe.
Paul’s honorary degree from the University of Salford comes in recognition of his work on safeguarding with the University’s Social Work team since 2017 – which has been hailed by the education institution as having “incredible impact”.
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Congratulations to former England, Manchester City and Liverpool star Paul Stewart, who has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of Salford today in recognition of his work on safeguarding.
But he also worked with football academies right across the UK – including Watford and Fulham, as well as with Street Soccer and other organisations – to develop safeguarding courses that provide them with practical tools and knowledge that aid in the commitment to safeguarding excellence.
“I am totally honoured to receive this award,” Paul said as he accepted the honorary degree during a graduation ceremony at the University of Salford this week.
“It supersedes any of my football achievements, including playing for England and my FA Cup winner’s medal.
“Safeguarding is my passion and the future protection of children.”
A special day today thank you to Salford University for honouring me with a Doctor of Literature honoris causa for my work in Safeguarding it was special to have my family with me on such a special occasion! ❤️ that was for you Bev❤️❤️❤️#safeguardingpic.twitter.com/ODAlGDqX5g
Lecturer Sarah Riding, who nominated Paul for the honorary award, said the former footballer has “equipped so many students with knowledge and insight that is transformative to their practice”.
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“He has become integral to the development of our first year social workers,” she added.
“The incredible impact he has can be seen through the countless testimonials we get from students who have been deeply moved and inspired by his work.”
Family-run Greater Manchester business calls out customers for punching cakes
Thomas Melia
A well-known independent Greater Manchester business has taken to social media to call out customers who were caught on CCTV punching their cakes.
Known for everything from cakes and pastries to hot baked goods and custom chocolate designs, Slattery’s in Whitefield has been serving up their gorgeous cake and chocolate creations for over 50 years, all while keeping the business family-run.
Unfortunately, the reason they’re receiving lots of attention at the minute is due to two customers resorting to violence on their pre-packaged sweet-treat products.
The social media account for this Greater Manchester chocolatier has uploaded two images which show the outcome of the fatal blows which struck two of their Victoria Sponge cakes.
Although this punch may have cost them the price of two of their delicious traybakes, later on in the post, Slattery’s issues a big thanks to “All the wonderful families who’ve visited so far this summer.”
“We know cake can be exciting, but a gentle reminder that little bakers should remain under adult supervision at all times – Thank you.”
This third-generation family-run “chocolate wonderland” has brought a smile to many locals’ and tourists’ faces alike with their wide variety of unique-shaped chocolate bars, lollies, grab bags and more.
All throughout 2021, Slattery’s were serving up their moreish Slattery’s Chocolate Lockdown Platters consisting of shortbread, brownies, fudge, pretzels, marshmallows and Oreos, helping Mancs continue to get our sugary fix even during one of the country’s toughest times.
Just look at them – they do the lord’s work:
Slattery’s chocolate shop and bakery has called out customers on social media for punching their pre-packaged cakes / Credit: The Manc Group
As well as attracting visitors with its grand three-storey bakery and chocolate shop, Slattery’s also has its very own restaurant, Mason’s Dining Room, where people flock to attempt the ‘Chocolate Challenge’.
To win, two chocoholics must team up to finish an American-style chocolate fudge cake with chocolate ice cream, a portion of fresh cream and two chocolate pots filled with liquid chocolate sauce – oh and two delicious hot chocolate drinks too.
Any sweet tooth successor will bag themselves one of Slattery’s chocolate medals and a box of handmade chocolates too – in case you needed chocolate anymore.
Lastly, anyone after supporting this Greater Manchester sweet-treat provider can find the chocolatier and cake makers on 197 Bury New Road in Whitefield or via Slattery’s official website HERE.
Featured Images – The Manc Group/Slattery’s (via Instagram)
Manchester
Plans to build tower next to Manchester’s historic Britons Protection pub scrapped
Danny Jones
Punters, rejoice: plans to build a large apartment tower next to Manchester’s Britons Protection pub have reportedly been scrapped after a long, drawn-out process and widespread protests.
What a relief.
One of the city’s oldest boozers, the Britons Protection was due to be dwarfed by a large development reaching 26 storeys tall, which not only would have encroached on the cultural landmark and storied watering hole, but also blocked out its popular beer garden to the rear.
We’ve seen a similar loss of outdoor drinking space with the recent St Michael’s development, which has essentially removed the equally historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub – though it is at least getting a refurb – but in truth, the ‘Protect the Protection’ fight has been going on much longer.
As per a notice published on Manchester City Council’s website this week, it now appears that the plans for 72 new flats have been cancelled, with developers Arrowsmith Management having officially withdrawn their application.
Run by Bahraini businessman Mohamed Abbas Haji, the company is now said to be reassessing its options for the ‘Apex Tower’ proposals.
Speaking to the BBC, Mark Brennan – who took over the pub back in January 2025 – said: “I’m quite happy to be honest, a lot of people say the pub might be busier with more people about, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to people coming in here.”
“It would have looked horrendous… It’s Grade II-listed, so the pub should always be here. It wouldn’t have been a good look, having a big ugly building on top of our building.”
Countless Mancunians have echoed the sentiment over the past few years, with appeals dating back to post-pandemic and a big awareness push in 2021.
Standing for more than two centuries and holding countless awards, it was never going to go quietly.
It also happens to be quite comfortably on our list of the cosiest pubs in Manchester and has been since day dot.
Anyone who’s been in will know the sense of a warm welcome the place always puts out, and we’re overjoyed to hear that years of petitions and campaigning to save it have paid off.
These stories don’t always end with the right outcome (not often enough, anyway), so we’ll definitely be raising a glass to the Britons Protected this weekend.
Unfortunately, we do still have some other sad news from the hospitality sector, as our oldest Manc publican has passed away at a fellow favourite pub.
Emily Sergeant -
20th July 2023 
