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
Yet another major Deansgate Locks nightlife spot has closed in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Deansgate Locks is set to lose yet another of its nightlife spots, with Ark confirming it will be shutting its doors ‘within weeks’.
The multi-room, multi-storey, multi-genre nightclub has been part of the canalside development for more than a decade, having first opened back in 2014.
At that time, Deansgate Locks was arguably Manchester’s leading nightlife destination, drawing hundreds of students and party-goers to its mix of venues.
The railway arches have been home to iconic clubs and bars including Baa Bar, Lola Lo, Revolution, and Sugar Buddha, as well as The Comedy Store.
But with news that Ark Manchester is closing too, it leaves only Popworld left at what was previously one of the city’s hottest destinations.
In a statement shared with the Manchester Evening News, a spokesperson for Stonegate said: “The hospitality sector continues to face significant challenges.
Ark Manchester will be closing for goodIt leaves Deansgate Locks with just one venue
“After careful consideration, and despite our best efforts, Ark Manchester is no longer commercially viable and we have taken the difficult decision to close the venue.
“Our priority is to support our hard‑working team during this time, and we would like to thank them for their commitment and dedication. We would also like to thank our guests and the local community for their support over the years.”
It’s believed that Ark Manchester will close on Deansgate Locks in the next few weeks.
The Streets announce big change for Castlefield Bowl gig in Manchester amid World Cup clash
Daisy Jackson
One of the biggest gigs taking place in Manchester this summer has announced a pretty major change to its plans.
The Streets are set to perform two nights at Castlefield Bowl this weekend, taking to the magnificent outdoor stage in the heart of the city.
But one of those shows happens to clash with a pretty major event – England’s quarter final World Cup match against Norway.
But The Streets have got the nation’s interests at heart, and have announced a plan to make sure fans can watch both their gig and the football.
Mike Skinner et al will be shifting their entire Saturday gig forward by a full hour, which means gig-goers should be able to escape Castlefield Bowl and peg it to the nearest pub in time for the footy.
“Fear not,” they wrote in an update on Instagram today. “Saturday’s show will begin early to accommodate England vs Norway at 10.”
It also means their support acts – Mancunian artist Antony Szmierek, and rap and grime MC CASISDEAD – will be playing an hour earlier than planned.
The Streets’ gig on Friday will remain at the time originally planned.
Doors to Castlefield Bowl will open earlier ahead of Antony Szmierek’s performance at the revised time of 5.50pm.
Then CASISDEAD will perform at 6.15pm, with The Streets on stage at 7.45pm.
Fans have been delighted with The Streets’ decision to move their Manchester Saturday show forward, with one writing: “THANK YOU CASTLEFIELD BOWL AND MIKEYYYY. We had a very difficult decision on our hands today, this is what dreams are made of. See you Saturday!!!!”
Many more are calling for the England games to be screened at Castlefield Bowl, but no plans have been confirmed for that just yet. Watch this space…
Emily Sergeant -
12th December 2022 
