We’ve all cursed and shouted at our Sat Nav system when it’s guided us down the wrong road or tried to point us down a non-existent path. It happens more often than many of us would care to admit.
Spare a thought, then, for this poor fella who had to be rescued by local police after putting too much faith in his computer system last weekend – driving directly into the canal as a result.
The man behind the wheel had been travelling through Salford on Sunday (April 11) when his taxi’s Sat Nav urged him to make a turn off Bridgewater Way.
But the path ultimately led down to the Bridgewater Canal – where the taxi had to be hauled out of the water by a local Road Policing Unit.
Fortunately, nobody was hurt.
Greater Manchester Police posted an image of the incident online, calling it a “very lucky escape” for the “embarrassed” driver.
Sat Nav malfunctions don’t come much worse than this…
This Taxi was rescued by RPU west A relief in Eccles after the driver followed his Sat nav straight into the Bridgewster canal. Very lucky escape for the embarrased driver. #gmptrafficpic.twitter.com/lJWKD5pkXx
Salford City FC confirm former Manchester United shirt sponsor as latest commercial partner
Danny Jones
Salford City FC have announced a former Manchester United financial partner and well-known shirt sponsor as their latest commercial partner.
The local League Two, helmed by the consortium consisting of ex-Man United players most commonly known as the ‘Class of ’92’, now share even more in common with the Red Devils beyond just the colour of their shirt and some old personnel.
However, the Greater Manchester side has struggled to progress in recent years, so the owners have continued to look to generate further revenue when it comes to the business off the pitch; cue the return of a familiar logo and, arguably, one of the most recognisable sponsors to ever feature on a footy kit.
While it may not be featuring pride of place on the front of their shirt – that position still belongs to Fireball Whisky following their July 2024 deal – as it once did for Manchester United, Salford City have welcomed the American International Group (AIG) as a new minority equity investor.
Announcing the collaboration on social media, the ambitious Ammies wrote: “AIG’s investment in the Club is a powerful endorsement of the model we’re building, aligning world-class partners with a football-first vision grounded in ambition and long-term commitment.
“Together, we’re accelerating Salford’s next chapter and laying the foundation for lasting success, on and off the pitch.” AIG were paired up with MUFC from the 2006/07 campaign to the end of the 2009/10.
AIG are the first Fortune 500 company to back a League Two outfit in EFL history.
Beyond already being a multi-national insurance group, they were famously partnered with one of the most decorated Man United teams of all-time and therefore share part of the visual legacy by serving as the front-of-shirt sponsor for one of the most iconic shirts of all time.
We’re of course referring to the 2007 home jersey, which was worn by the likes of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez, Paul Scholes and more as they won the 2008 UEFA Champions League final, before the kit was kept for 08/09 as well.
Of course, the firm itself is no stranger to sporting crossovers; as well as sponsoring Manchester United at the peak of their powers, they also sponsor the likes of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, the AIG Women’s Open and lots more golf in Ireland.
Speaking on the new deal, SCFC co-chair Declan Kelly, added: “Partnering with AIG, a world-class organisation under the outstanding vision and leadership of Chairman and CEO Peter Zaffino, represents another major step forward in the evolution of Salford City FC.
“It proves what’s possible when global investment aligns with a football-first approach. AIG is committed to helping Salford achieve its vision of becoming the best small club in the world, and their investment, both financially and strategically, will help accelerate our next phase of progress.”
With Salford having called for new investors in February 2024, this is the kind of backing they were no doubt hoping for, with AIG also expected to help fund key upgrades to the Peninsula Stadium and more.
As for on the pitch, there’s been plenty of movement in the transfer market already this summer window, with the return of a highly-rated young goalkeeper being one that has delighted fans in particular.
Featured Images — Salford City (via club website/via X)
Salford
The Salmon of Knowledge – An Irish pub has opened at MediaCity for the first time ever
Daisy Jackson
For the first time in MediaCity’s history, there’s a new Irish boozer now open for business.
It’s a third site for The Salmon of Knowledge, which also operates busy pubs in the Northern Quarter and in Didsbury, making part of the infamous Didsbury Dozen pub crawl.
The new pub at MediaCity threw open its doors last week, serving legendary Irish fare like Guinness and spice bags (skin on fries, tossed in house seasoning with buttermilk chicken tenders, fried onions and sliced chillies).
The Salmon of Knowledge opened at the Salford hub over the weekend, with a packed schedule of traditional and contemporary live acts, as well as sporting events shown on the big screen.
It’s still operated and owned by the same team behind Dockyard, which previously stood on this site and was part of Salford Quays for 13 years.
Joe Foster, Managing Director of Northern Lights Group, is behind the original Dockyard and the brains behind the other Salmon locations.
He says the pub will have ‘the same local soul and community spirit lives on, just with a bit more Irish charm this time round’.
Stephen Kirk, Head of Asset Management at MediaCity said: “The Salmon of Knowledge is one of the many businesses joining us at MediaCity during our phase of growth and we’re particularly proud to be supporting homegrown talent, after their successful debut in the Northern Quarter.
“We are confident that the new opening will help us work towards our aim of bettering our spaces, not just for businesses, but also for our residents and visitors.”
Joe Foster, Managing Director of Northern Lights Group, the team behind The Salmon of Knowledge said:“We’ve felt the love in the Northern Quarter, and now it’s time to bring the magic to MediaCity.
“Salford’s got soul, and we can’t wait to add to the soundtrack with great tunes, great food and, of course, great Guinness.”
For more food and drink news, follow @themanceats on Instagram.