Sport

AO announced as new front-of-shirt sponsor for Altrincham FC

Can't lie, a simple 'AO, Let's Go!' chant would go off at Moss Lane.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 2nd July 2024

In another big step forward for non-league Altrincham FC, local electric retailer AO has been unveiled as their new front-of-shirt sponsor.

As the Greater Manchester club continues in its bid to become a bigger sporting entity and one of the fastest-growing football teams in the region, AO being announced as the new official sponsor of Altrincham FC kits for the upcoming season onwards is a big step.

The Bolton-based brand is recognisable throughout the UK and lends its name to Manchester’s iconic arena, so to get them on the front of their 24/25 strip is a landmark moment for the resurgent side, who will debut the new look this weekend.

Confirming the announcement via social media on Tuesday, 2 July, the club confirmed that AO will replace the J. Davidson logo after 13 years, though the Alty scrap company will remain as the club’s long-serving stadium sponsor.

Being splashed front and centre on the new Altrincham FC strips also marks AO’s fourth North West sponsorship alongside the self-titled AO Arena, this year’s Netball Super League Grand Finalists Manchester Thunder, Bolton Lads and Girls Club as well as Lancashire County Cricket Club.

The partnership will see the distinctive AO smile logo feature on the front of the National League team’s home and away shirts as part of a multi-year agreement.

Alty’s new home shirt will be debuted in their pre-season fixture against Colne this Saturday, 6 July and the away version is set to be worn for the first time next week.

However, the club have now given their fans a first glimpse at the latter:

Looking good.

The new shirt sponsor also comes not long after they received sizeable investment for a club of their size as a number of local individuals and organisations decided to back The Robins.

Last season was one of the most successful in the club’s history, reaching the playoffs and falling just two games shy of securing promotion to the EFL for the first time ever, ultimately missing out in the semi-finals to League Two debutants, Bromley FC.

It’s an exciting time for the town and their football club.

Altrincham FC receive £1.5m cash injection as 20 new investors back the club

Read more:

Sam Mackenzie, Chief Executive at Altrincham FC, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with such a dynamic and thriving company as AO. Their values and outlook align closely with ours, making this partnership a perfect fit.

“The longevity and commitment from both sides in this partnership will mirror the successful ongoing relationship we have with J. Davidson. We deeply appreciate J. Davidson’s invaluable contribution and thank them for their continued support as we enter this exciting new partnership.

“The AO partnership is a significant development for the club, particularly in terms of the activation and outreach it will bring. As a national brand with a strong presence, AO will help us grow. Their culture is something I hugely admire – their team have been wonderful to deal with and work alongside.”

As for AO, Group Marketing Director Vicky Monky expressed a palpable buzz about teaming up with the club during such an “exciting time in their history” as they continue to consolidate as a full-time professional outfit. It’s not the only eye-catching collaboration they’ve announced recently either.

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Featured Images — AO (supplied)/Michael Ripley (via Flickr)

Sport

Manchester City dedicate derby win to late and beloved boxing blue, Ricky Hatton

Danny Jones Danny Jones Man City tributes to Ricky Hatton

Manchester City players past and present, club members and fans alike have paid tribute to the late, great boxer, Ricky Hatton MBE, following his shock passing this weekend, honouring him with a fitting derby day win.

Safe to say there’ll be a blue moon all over Greater Manchester this week.

The tragic news about Ricky Hatton was sadly announced just hours before the 197th Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, 14 September, with the entire ground observing a ‘minute of appreciation’ before kick-off.

Manager Pep Guardiola looked visibly emotional when the camera panned to him applauding his memory in the crowd, and there were plenty of other tributes to ‘The Pride Hyde’ spotted both the home and away ends, with several famous City faces taking to social media after full-time to share their own.

Perhaps one of the most moving tributes came from Guardiola himself, who has always immersed himself in local Manc culture beyond just football, so it was no surprise he felt the sorrow in the stands.

Speaking to the media in his post-match duties, the Catalan coach and former athlete himself said: “I’ve been here for ten years, [seen/heard] a lot of minute [silences/applauses], and I don’t remember one so, so intense like today.

“I want to say thank you so much to the Man United fans because they behaved and applauded. I know he was a World Champion in boxing. It was a special, special moment. There are no words that can contain the pain that the family can feel right now for this loss, but we are close.

“I know how much of an incredible Man City fan [he was]. He lived the bad moments and the good moments in the last 10/15 years. I know for the fans how close he was [held]. The moment of applause was unbelievable.

“It was an experience I will always remember because I felt in every applause of every person in the stadium the gratitude for what he has done professionally and being a massive, massive City fan.”

Once again, he wasn’t the only familiar sports personality, blue or otherwise, who made it known how much he was admired by those in and around the region of Greater Manchester.

Both Manchester United legend Roy Keane and ex-Man City defender Micah Richards joined the Sky Sports panel in discussing his legacy as a local sporting icon.

It’s worth noting that the die-hard City fan became a key ambassador and charity champion, raising huge funds and awareness surrounding mental health.

Rest in peace to a legend and a mental health hero.

Everyone involved paid tribute to Ricky Hatton as City claimed the win over United.

Read more:

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Featured Images — Sky Sports (screenshot)/SamboD (via Flickr)/Man City via (X)

Sport

Boxing great Ricky Hatton found dead at home, aged 46

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Boxing great Ricky Hatton found dead at home, aged 46

Ricky Hatton has been found dead at his home in Tameside at the age of 46.

The Stockport-born boxing legend, often known as The Hitman, had just recently announced he was returning to the ring.

Ricky Hatton was set to come out of retirement for his first competitive fight in 13 long years this December.

A police cordon is around his home on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross, Hyde.

Greater Manchester Police say his death is not being treated as suspicious.

A GMP spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have found a body at an address on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross at 6.45am today, Sunday, September 14. The death is not being treated as suspicious.”

Ricky Hatton was one of the sport’s best-loved boxers and one of the greatest sportspeople to come out of Greater Manchester.

Hatton, who held an MBE, had been working as a promoter and trainer since retiring from the sport.

His illustrious boxing career spanned from 1997 to 2012, during which time he held multiple world championships.

Tributes are pouring in, with boxing magazine Boxing News writing: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of British boxing royalty Ricky Hatton.

“A relentless pressure fighter and spiteful body puncher in the ring, Hatton was adored for his charisma and down-to-earth character outside of it.

“He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. Rest in peace, Ricky.”

Amir Khan posted: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.

“As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong — we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind. Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other.

“Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible. To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding.

“Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”

Sacha Lord shared: “RIP Ricky Hatton. A gentle giant and absolute legend.”

Fellow pro boxer Anthony Fowler wrote: “Feel sick. RIP RICKY HATTON.”

And podcaster James English shared: “RIP Ricky Hatton.

“A true champion inside and outside the ring, Ricky’s grit, passion and courage will never be forgotten.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who admired him during this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace, Ricky. Thank you for the memories.”

Read more: Everton are reportedly already hoping to sign Jack Grealish from Manchester City permanently

Featured image: Wikimedia Commons, Aeropixels Photography

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