Bolton Wanderers FC are in mourning as they pay tribute to a lifelong fan who tragically died during a league match this past weekend.
Boyhood Bolton fan Iain Purlsow, 71, suffered a suspected cardiac arrest during the home fixture against Cheltenham Town on Saturday, 14 January.
The game was ultimately abandoned after Purslow was rushed to hospital and sadly passed away later that afternoon.
The club and its fan base have been paying their respects to the Oldham-based supporter, with social media awash with tributes and posts remembering the well-known fan, as well as tips on how to try and help in the event of a medical emergency in the crowd.
Iain Purslow will be remembered tomorrow evening, I encourage every single one of you to come to the game and pay your respects!! RIP Iain 🤍 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/5VzPCezbMU
Everyone at Cheltenham Town are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of lifelong Bolton Wanderers supporter Iain Purslow who was taken ill during yesterday's fixture.
Our thoughts are with Iain's family, loved ones and the Bolton Wanderers community at this time.
The 71-year-old Bolton fan sadly died despite the best efforts of several individuals who attempted to save his life using CPR.
A regular match-goer with his son Stuart Purslow, Iain was described as nothing short of a true member of the “BWFC family” by manager Ian Evatt, who assured that his family will be given the peace, time, patience and privacy to deal with the tragic loss.
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The head coach went on to insist that “it is all about them and nobody else. Obviously, we’re extremely saddened to lose one of our fans – we are united, we are a family here… but it’s not about anybody else but that family tomorrow evening and Saturday.
“They deserve some time to mourn and some peace and quiet — and to be left alone to do that”.
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As alluded to, as agreed with Iain’s family, the club will be holding a minute’s silence before the start of their FA Cup tie against Luton Town on Tuesday night (16 January) as well as a minute’s applause in the 71st minute, with black armbands being worn and club flags being flown at half-mast.
🗣️ "We want to do all we can to make he and his family proud."
⚪️ Bolton boss Ian Evatt wants the players to pay tribute to fan Iain Purslow with their performance tonight.
Bolton will commemorate the life of supporter Iain Purslow with a minute of silence prior to Tuesday's Emirates FA Cup third-round replay against Luton Town, with a minute of applause to be encouraged in the 71st minute.
Lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan Iain Purslow has sadly passed away after being taken ill during yesterday's game Our sincere condolences to his family and friends, RIP 🙏 pic.twitter.com/BikIwbhMre
While not referenced directly by Evatt, the emphasis on privacy feels more pertinent than ever after The Sun published a shameful headline claiming that the game had been abandoned simply because a fan was “ill” prior to the news of Purslow’s death.
Naturally, fans across the UK and outside of football were appalled and have once again called for people to boycott the tabloid.
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More importantly, however, it highlighted just how crucial first aiders, medics and fans within British football grounds are, with Bolton thanking their “supporters and medical staff who provided assistance, and for the cooperation and understanding of everyone inside the stadium”.
They gave special thanks to those directly involved in trying to save Iain, including photographer and former paramedic Lee Parker, who was first on the scene; fellow fans Dr Simon Irving, Dr Syed Bokhari and James Bracegirdle, as well as steward Gerald McManus and the North West Ambulance Service.
Manchester United to wear special one-off shirt for important awareness campaign
Danny Jones
Just to pre-empt any Manchester United fans fearing they’re still in total delirium the next time they see that iconic red shirt, we can confirm it isn’t just your rose-tinted glasses deceiving you – the club will be wearing a special one-off shirt with a notable difference very soon.
All eyes may now be on Wednesday, 21 May but this limited edition kit has already caught the eye of many supporters for one very obvious reason.
In case you haven’t seen it for yourselves already, Man United have confirmed that both the men’s and women’s squads will be will be wearing a slight variation on their home shirt for their next two matches as part of a special campaign for an important charitable cause.
Joining forces with their usual primary shirt sponsors Snapdragon and global health campaigners Product RED, this one-off alternative strip will be unveiled on the pitch this week.
Product Red, or simply (RED) as it will read on the jersey itself, is a worldwide charity that’s been working to fight global health crises since 2006.
(RED)’s key aim is to end the AIDS epidemic and related injustices by raising money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
The organisation officially partnered with the club and Snapdragon back in January in an effort to help drive awareness and generate further backing for their work – it just so happens that teaming up with one the planet’s biggest brands and one synomyous with that colour made for the perfect collaboration.
With that in mind, putting together a one-off Man United kit with (RED) slap bang in the middle as is close to a commercial/charitable tap-in as you’re probably ever going to get.
Set to be debuted by Manchester United Women in their WSL fixutre against Arsenal this Saturday, 10 May and then again by Ruben Amorim’s side in the Premier League the following day (Sun, 11 May); plus, a select few limited edition replicas shirts will be made available for fans to purchase.
Be first in the know, Reds 👀
Get notified when our limited-edition @RED collection drops ⤵️#MUFC || @Snapdragon
It goes without saying that given the nature of the front-of-shirt sponsor swap, these will no doubt become somewhat of a special item among kit collectors from the off.
More importantly, however, the funds raised through selling these one-off Man United shirts will provide much-needed income for the non-profit and their crucial efforts.
The unveiling of the comes not long after the bedlam that ensued inside Old Trafford during the second leg against Athletic Club, in which United booked their return trip back to Bilbao for the Europa League final, leaving plenty of fans of seeing nothing but the colour red ever since.
MUWFC also sealed their spot in the Women’s Champions League next season to with an important point in the Manchester Derby this past weekend, confirming a finish above Man City this year.
Safe to say it’s been a good few days to be a (RED).
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.
The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.
If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.
As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.
Danny Jones -
16th January 2024 
