Salford Lads Club has officially secured its future thanks to almost £50,000 of government funding.
Salford City Council has announced that the iconic youth club was successful in being awarded £47,800 from the Culture Recovery Fund that’s delivered by the National Lottery Heritage Fund on behalf of Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
The announcement comes after the club lost an estimated £90,000 of income over the past two years through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Salford Lads Club has served the community since 1903, and is a voluntary led charity.
As well as running a number of sport and creative activities for local young people throughout the city and wider borough of Salford, the club is also home to an extensive archive the documents the lives of teenagers since the venue opened.
/ Credit: Wikimedia Commons
To celebrate receiving the worthy funding boost, Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett paid a visit to the club along with Project Manager Leslie Holmes, a number of volunteers, and local young people who are taking part in Foundation 92 activities over the Easter holidays.
“The club has been a part of the cultural heritage and fabric of the city for almost 120 years, and still provides a wide range of activities, particularly for young people in the local community.
“It’s also well loved internationally thanks to the iconic images of The Smiths outside the club, along with other musicians such as Tim Burgess, Peter Hook, Shaun Ryder and Clint Boon, who have helped to provide fundraising and promotional opportunities for the club nationally and internationally.
“Places such as Salford Lads Club do so much and we must remember the huge positive differences it makes in this city, especially after 12 years of budget cuts at the City Council.”
Salford City’s Director of Football has left the club after more than half a decade
Danny Jones
Salford City’s Director of Football, Chris Casper, has officially left the Peninsula Stadium after more than seven years with the club.
Casper has been with Salford ever since they became a professional outfit back in 2017, being brought in as Sporting Director by the Class of ’92 before progressing into an adjacent Director of Football role in recent years.
Having been tasked with establishing the Salford’s Academy system, now classed as a Category 3 academy with teams ranging from Under-9s all the way up to the B-Team, he’s been key in creating pathways for young players in Greater Manchester and beyond to progress into first-team football.
Now, the Lancashire-born former player is set to join his boyhood club, Burnley, in the ideal role as Manager of the Clarets Academy, set to build on the success seen here in Salford.
After nearly 8 years at the club, Chris Casper has left to take up a role at Burnley 🤝
Chris has been a major part of the pathway for our young players who have made men's first team appearances, and we wish him all the best in his new opportunity!
Writing in a statement on the club website, Salford said: “In just seven years we have seen 46 players from our development system make men’s first-team appearances, and most recently Marshall Heys made Emirates FA Cup history as the youngest player to play for a professional club in the competition when he came on as a substitute in our 2-1 win against Shrewsbury Town.”
As for Casper himself, he said: “I would like to thank the staff and players that I have worked with for their help and support over nearly eight years in what has been such an exciting time at the club, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working at Salford with some wonderful people.
He went on to add: “I would also like to thank the supporters who have been brilliant in my time at the Club. In particular, I would like to thank the owners for their support and their trust throughout my time here, and I am grateful to them to have allowed me this opportunity.”
Like his previous co-owners, the 49-year-old started out his career as a player at Manchester United, going on to enjoy spells as a defender at the likes of Bournemouth, Swindon and Reading before getting a taste of management at Bath and Bury.
As the son of Burnley legend, Frank Casper – who played and managed the club – as well as the father of current goalkeeper, Charlie, it goes without saying that it was a warm welcome home.
Speaking on his first day, Chris went on to say: “It’s maybe fate to follow in the footsteps of my dad and my son as well. It feels surreal to be here but it’s genuinely a dream come true.”
As for what would have been his equivalent while at Salford, Director of Football Development, Paul Jenkins, added: “It’s a good day for us at the football club. Chris was an outstanding candidate with many years of experience at this level.
“He spent well over 10 years at the Premier League as a club [academy] support manager and one of the main qualities in that role is that you get to experience good practice at other football clubs, independently, which is important.”
“He also had success at Salford. He was pivotal in developing young players and their football strategy. So, coupled with his roots at this football club, he is the ideal fit.”
Featured Images — Salford City/Burnley FC (via YouTube screenshots)
Salford
Where to find the best sandwiches in Manchester city centre and beyond
Danny Jones
There’s nothing better than a good filling between two fluffy slices of bread, and we’re here to tell you the best places to find them in Manchester – that’s right, it’s the sandwich list.
From hot roast sarnies and hefty subs as long as your arm, to solid breakfast butties, giant Sardinian schiacciata and saucy Napoli-inspired cuzzetiello, if you’re a sandwich lover in Manchester then you’re well catered for.
We’re not happy to settle for a simple Subway or premium meal deal, we want big, honking artisan sarnies that’ll leave Tony Soprano talking with his most expressive hand gestures. Keep reading to find some of the best places to get a butty in Manchester and beyond.
Open your belt loop a notch, folks.
10 of the very best sandwiches in Greater Manchester
1. Ad Maiora – Northern Quarter
Credit: The Manc Eats
Look at the size of it this bad boy.
If you’re a fan of things in bread (and honestly, who isn’t) then Northern Quarter Italian sandwich dealer Ad Maiora is one that you absolutely need to get down your neck. They also have a great story.
Collected from a door on a Norther Quarter back street or for delivery, we’re talking giant handmade spongy schiacciata generously stuffed with the likes of ‘nduja, spicy Tuscan sausage, smoked scamorza, mortadella, burrata and red pesto.
With a total of nine different options to choose from, expect a huge array of different cheesy and meaty delights including parma ham, gorgonzola DOP, truffled brie, Milano salami and crumbled pistachios, plus a gorgeous vegan option with Italian hummus, roasted aubergine, olives, sundried tomatoes and rocket.
2. The Bread Club – Monton
Credit: The Manc Group
Run by in-laws Louise and Jack, The Bread Club sells some of Eccles’ fattest sandwiches (as well as the chunkiest hand-cut chips we’ve had in a while).
Equipped with a huge glass counter brimming with sandwich fillings, as the name suggests there is a good selection of bread to choose from with hoagies, bloomers, rye and more on offer.
On the menu, you’ll find eight different sarnies including the signature taco chicken, a hoagie stuffed with a mix of chicken breast, peppers, and onions, all enveloped in a secret sauce, then topped with Swiss cheese and jalapenos.
Other highlights include the Cubano – a much-loved mixture of roasted ham, pulled pork, melted Swiss cheese, sliced pickles and house mustard – and the Rueben on rye.
3. Katsouris Deli – Deansgate
Definitley one of the best sandwich places in Manchester.
Big portions and good value. (Credit: The Manc Group)
First established in the historic Bury market 50 years ago, this cross-cultural deli and cafe celebrates the mixed roots of its family with produce from Cyprus, Poland and Italy, plus more from across Europe.
Specialising in sandwiches as well as boasting an impressive salad bar and carvery, its second site on Deansgate is just as well established after 30 years in town. An iconic sandwich spot, the lunchtime queues speak for themselves.
Made with bread from Chorlton’s award-winning bakery, Barbakan, the ciabatta is a favourite here but you do have other options. If you’re in a rush, or just in need of something comforting, the hot roast pork with crackling, apple sauce and stuffing hits the spot every time.
Other highlights include the veggie-friendly ‘Zorba The Greek’, and the hangover-curing breakfast sandwiches filled with your choice of bacon, sausage and fried egg.
This hefty hole-in-the-wall sub sandwich spot drew fans from near and far when it opened in 2022 and it hasn’t stopped since.
The allure of a hidden alley walk-up, combined with mouth-watering Philly Cheesesteaks, Hot Honey Fried Chicken and Meatball Parm baguettes has earned it a place in our hearts and bellies forever.
Located just off Portland Street in the backstreets of Chinatown, ordering is done online in advance and they tend to sell out quickly so you need to be fast if you want to secure one of these beauties.
The Ancoats Deli meal deal. Credit: The Manc GroupAncoats Deli opens today serving sandwiches, wine and charcuterie boards. Credit: The Manc Group
Ancoats Deli is a gorgeous little sage green deli just off a sunny courtyard, with shelves stuffed with wine, mini canned cocktails, antipasti, meats and cheeses, plus sunny seats outside for sipping on a wine or a spritz.
It’s also got the best meal deal we’ve seen – for a tenner you can get a HUGE sandwich stuffed crust to crust with delicious fillings, plus either a packet of crisps or olives, and either a coffee or soft drink.
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You’ll often find a special or two but you can’t go wrong with the classics – jamon beurre, egg mayo and a tuna melt are all banging.
6. Pho Cue – Chinatown
Image: The Manc Group
Giggs reacted however everyone does.
This family-run Vietnamese restaurant in Manchester’s Chinatown opened in lockdown and has become popular for its bahn mi, which are available from midday and often sell out within the hour.
Only made ‘for the tradition’ in limited quantities for the lunch service, this fresh pickle and herb-topped Vietnamese sandwich can be ordered with either sweet soy, sriracha or spicy mayo.
Typically made by scooping out the inside of the baguette-style roll, here the chefs like to press the bread down instead to make more space for their fillings. Popular choices include chicken and king prawn, with beef, pork, tofu and avocado also available.
This tiny Stockport sandwich joint might have started out as a small but mighty little corner in the town centre, but with sandwich fans travelling across Greater Manchester to sample its wares, they’ve managed to expand their reach to three different sites now.
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There’s not much room to sit down in the original shop, but there is a very cute outdoor terrace that catches the sun perfectly at lunchtime and you’ll find plenty of people queuing up to grab a quick bit of dinner from here.
At each venue you’ll find a big chalkboard menu that lists its various options, with everything from egg mayo and Italian meats to a funky vegan option with handmade onion bhaji, chutney and pickles – they even do big fish finger butties now.
Toasted sandwiches are a big speciality here, with highlights including a peppery reuben, a three-cheese classic served with red onion dipping gravy on the side, as well as their hugely popular birria toastie.
8. Egg & Co – Various
Egg & Co serves one of the best breakfast sandwiches in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Consider your hangover cured. You’re welcome.
Egg & Co specialises in gooey scrambled egg butties, with loads of different options to try including sausage patty, turkey bacon, avocado or caramelised onions.
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Do your stomach a favour, have this in the morning with a side of crunchy truffle hash browns and start your day the right way.
You’ll find them at General Stores at Deansgate Square, and at Kargo Mkt in Salford.
9. Northern Soul Grilled Cheese – NQ
First established in 2015, the grilled cheese OG’s have been serving Mancs their naughty, cheesy sandwiches for nearly a decade.
Widely considered one of the best places to grab a toastie in the city, its classic house staple features a blend of three different molten cheeses – all sandwiched in between golden sourdough bread – and is entirely customisable with extra free fillings.
For the adventurous, wilder options include the ‘Bacon Frazzler’ with Frazzles crisps, streaky bacon, blue cheese, onion and sriracha, and the Mexican Junkie with chipotle mac n’ cheese, jalapenos and Chilli Heatwave Doritos.
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It would also be rude of us not to shout out their annual Crimbo Dinner toastie – complete with gooey brie cheese, cranberry, stuffing and even a pig in blanket – which we still believe is one of the best sandwiches in Manchester full stop every time it returns. We loved this place since forever, basically.
10. Bada Bing – NQ
In at number 10, we’ve got arguably the goat of all Manchester sandwiches, the return of the king if you will: Bada Bing is bada back with a bada bang. The Sopranos-themed deli and sandwich shop first opened a few years ago to queues out the door but sadly disappeared much to everyone’s horror.
But fear not, the hiatus is over and the comeback was biblical.
Serving giant hoagies, heroes, subs—whatever you want to call them, they’re well worth the £10-13 price stage and you likely won’t need to eat again that day if you grab one.
From the self-titled ‘Bing’ packed with cured Italian meats, salami and yes, gabagool done just like Tony Soprano himself likes, to a stacked turkey offering, a veggie pistachio one that genuinely surprised us as a Chicago beef inspired by another US TV favourite, The Bear, we’ve happily devoured all of these.
Our go-to in the city centre for fresh falafel, technically this is a wrap but we’re going to allow it. It’s not just the herby chickpea goodness that does it for us here – it’s all the salads, pickles and other saucy accoutrements that go in alongside it too.
Wraps are stuffed with your choice of pickled cabbage, potato, salad, tahini, chilli sauce and lashings of fresh hummus, with grilled aubergine and optional extra. Go Falafel also makes its own fresh juices to order, which are well worth a try.
And that should be your fill. To be honest, if you’re still hungry and looking for more after that then we’d be seriously worried about your health and/or addiction to butties, though we do sympathise.
Bread is, after all, one of the single greatest inventions in human history.
Last but not least, we hope it goes without saying that this is by no means a totally exhaustive list of the best sandwiches in Greater Manchester and we’re sure you can find the perfect place for you elsewhere in the 10 boroughs if you don’t find it here – and please let us know where it is if you do!
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Every week is National Sandwich Day if you ask, so you might as well celebrate properly.
Emily Sergeant -
14th April 2022 
