John Stones and Kyle Walker are apparently in the process of adopting “Big Dave” the stray cat from England’s World Cup hotel in Qatar.
Football might not be coming home, but Dave is.
While much of the country is understandably still a little disappointed following the Three Lions’ exit from the 2022 World Cup this past weekend, we can probably all agree that one of the more wholesome stories from tournament is the fact defensive duo John Stones and Kyle Walker befriended a cat they found hanging around the squad’s hotel.
Deciding to name him Dave, the Manchester City teammates were pictured with the cat most evenings and would often take to social media throughout the tournament to share general updates about their new feline friend and what he was getting up to – and people just absolutely loved it.
It’s fair to say that Dave – or “Big Dave”, as he was sometimes known – has become somewhat of a cult hero over these past couple of weeks, with fans and the media asking the pair on several occasions in interviews and press conferences how he was getting on.
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The two Yorkshiremen even referred to Dave as their “good luck charm” during the tournament.
“First day we got there… Dave pops out,” Stones explained in a Diary Room interview, “Every night he’s sat there waiting for his food.”
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“He was just there one day so me and Stonesy adopted him,” Walker also told England’s official media channel earlier in the World Cup campaign.
“Dave is welcome to the table… some people really don’t like the cat, but I love him.”
After finding out that Dave was in fact a stray cat, Stones and Walker promised to adopt him if they won the World Cup – but despite Gareth Southgate’s men exiting the tournament, reports are now suggesting that Dave is coming home anyway.
Speaking in the build-up to the Quarter Final game against France this past Saturday, Walker said: “Dave is fine. He had a little scrap with another cat the other night. I think they are fighting over territory and the food, but he’s doing well.
“Hopefully I can stick to my promise that he will come home with us if we were to win the World Cup.
“Dave’s fine, thank you for asking.”
John Stones and Kyle Walker are adopting ‘Big Dave’ the stray cat from Qatar / Credit: Kyle Walker (via Instagram)
According to report, Dave left Al Wakrah just two hours after the squad had departed their hotel and will first head to a local veterinary clinic.
Once he is at the veterinary clinic, Dave will need to have a blood test and receive some vaccinations, then will be required to spend a total of four months in quarantine before he heads to his new home here in the UK.
While it hasn’t been confirmed who will be looking after Dave in the future, all we know is, he’s officially coming home.
Featured Image – The FA
Manchester
Tickets go live as opening date is announced for Manchester City’s new ‘immersive’ museum experience
Emily Sergeant
Tickets to visit Manchester City’s new ‘immersive’ museum experience have officially gone live ahead of the grand opening.
Set to open in the heart of the £300m Medlock Square entertainment district at Manchester’s Etihad Campus next month, the Manchester City Museum Experience will be spread across 10 distinctive spaces – with visitors invited to take a trip down memory lane with nostalgic environments from throughout the club’s history.
Fans will also be able to take part in interactive media experiences, like posing with all 48 major trophies won by the club’s first teams or trying their hand at football punditry.
The experience will combine the latest immersive technology with physical memorabilia drawn from across the club’s history to do this.
Hidden details and surprising ‘did you know’ facts are set to be embedded across the experience, so that even the most devoted Man City fans will have the chance to discover something new about the club they love.
By combining interactive environments, technology, and authentic artefacts, the experience is aiming to appeal to a wide audience – from lifelong Manchester City supporters, to families and those with a broader interest in football, culture, and the city of Manchester.
“The Museum Experience has been designed as a destination that goes beyond just the pitch,” commented Jeremy Maxton, who is the Director of Visitor Attractions at Manchester City Football Club.
Manchester City releases CGIs and important details of its new ‘immersive’ museum / Credit: Manchester City / Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA)
“Whether you’re a lifelong supporter, visiting Manchester for a weekend, or simply looking for a unique day out, we’ve created an experience that offers something for everyone.
“From the recreated environments and original memorabilia to the interactive elements, there are different ways into the Club’s history throughout the Museum.
“We’ve also built in space for new stories to be added over time, so the experience can continue to evolve. It’s been a huge project to bring together and we’re looking forward to people seeing it for themselves later this year.”
The Manchester City Museum Experience officially opens on 14 December, and you can now book tickets to visit from that date here.
Featured Image – Credit: Manchester City / Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA)
Manchester
Role Model adds Manchester arena show to world tour after huge demand
Daisy Jackson
Platinum-certified singer-songwriter Role Model has just added a huge Manchester gig to his upcoming world tour.
The star – real name Tucker Pillsbury – had previously only added one single UK date to his Chuck on Tour tour, and that was down in London.
But now Role Model is officially heading north, announcing a massive gig at the AO Arena in Manchester.
The news follows a sold-out run of dates last year, which brought him to the (much smaller) O2 Apollo here.
His star really rose after the release and viral success of his 2025 single, ‘Sally, When the Wine Runs Out’.
And now with a third studio album to his name – Chuck Timely & The Hourglass – Role Model is ready to return to Manchester and London on his 2026-2027 global tour.
The tour will travel across North America before heading overseas, with dates across Europe early next year.
Keni Titus will support Role Model at all dates on the UK and European leg of the Chuck on Tour tour.
Role Model will perform at the AO Arena in Manchester on Sunday 28 February, with pre-sales available on 4 and 5 November before general release tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 6 November – grab yours HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
12th December 2022 
