Tributes have been pouring in today for legendary Salford figure and artist Harold Riley, who has sadly died at the age of 88.
Harold was a hugely respected talent and local character, who spent lengths of time with the likes of Nelson Mandela, John F Kennedy, and Prince Phillip creating portraits for royalty and political heavyweights.
His work to this day is proudly displayed in the Salford Museum, and he was considered to possess the ‘true spirit of Salford’.
In 2017, Harold was given the Freedom of Salford – and afterwards was permitted to drive a flock of sheep up the Crescent in a truly memorable moment.
He was close friends with L.S. Lowry himself for 30 years.
To mark the news of his death, the flag at Salford Civic Centre has been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.
Harold RileyHarold Riley
Tributes have been flooding in today following the sad news of Harold’s passing, who has been described as ‘one of this city’s most famous sons and treasured artists’.
Salford Museum and Art Gallery shared: “We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Salford artist Harold Riley. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.
“Harold has been a huge part of Salford Museum & Art Gallery over the years, not only through his wonderful personality but also in his artistic contribution. Born in Salford in 1934, he sold his first painting to the museum aged 11, a sale engineered by his friend L S Lowry, and the museum then went on to purchase other works over the years as he became world-famous.
“As well as painting well-known figures, he spent much of his time recording the lives of people in Salford, and the significant changes to the city, through painting, photography and drawing. This love for Salford was reflected in his work and he enjoyed close links with the museum over the years, popping in frequently as he worked from his nearby studio.
“In 2017, Harold Riley was given the freedom of Salford, honouring the creative and cultural impact he has made on his home city.
Salford Scene: The NunThe Price of IndustryThe Chimney SweepThe CourtyardSome of Harold Riley’s paintings owned by Salford Museum & Art Gallery
“We are honoured to hold a number of Harold’s works in our collection and even more so to have some pieces currently on display as part of our exhibition ‘Exploring the Collection’, which is open until 30th April. Harold will be greatly missed.”
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank Harold for all he has done for our great city, he had the true Spirit of Salford with a deep love for the people, communities and an unwavering commitment to his city, Salford.
“Harold was a humble eloquent man with a great sense of humour and with the ability to put everyone at ease particularly through his many stories about his life in Salford and wider experiences travelling the world as an artist.
“Harold was a very generous man contributing to numerous good causes across the City over his lifetime. The list is long, but to name just one, Harold donated 100 original works to Salford Royal Hospital along with 100 prints of these works that are now on display around the hospital to support patients and staff. He will be sorely missed, and Salford is very much the worse for his passing – Rest in Peace Harold.”
Salford City FC shared: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Salfordian artist Harold Riley. He was devoted to his roots and was awarded the freedom of Salford in 2017. Rest in peace, Harold”
Poet Tony Walsh, also known as Longfella, said: “RIP #HaroldRiley, the great Salford artist.”
Photographer Simon Buckley, aka Not Quite Light, posted: “Sad to hear of the death of artist Harold Riley, a great talent, a lovely man and such a faithful son of #Salford.”
“Harold Riley was an incredible artist who remained connected to his roots in Salford. He was a regular in the local church, often doing and giving out quick sketches of the congregation. He will be much missed”
Louise Woodward-Styles said: “We remember with the greatest respect and love our beloved Salford Son. Harold Riley, thank you for being the eyes and smile of our great city. The Civic Flag in the sunshine at half mast for you.”
I’ve just heard that artist Harold Riley has sadly died. I had the pleasure of spending time with him when I worked at @SalfordMuseum, and when he found out that I was moving from Salford to Stockport he drew me this little dog. Such a kind man. #HaroldRileypic.twitter.com/jGoiKYrMOy
Sorry to hear that Harold Riley has died. I photographed him for my ‘Eminent’ Salfordians exhibition for Salford City Art Gallery l, and spent several entertaining, enjoyable days with him. My condolences to his family and friends #Salford@SalfordMuseumpic.twitter.com/yIBXF6BKd1
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.
Daisy Jackson -
20th April 2023 
