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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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)
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Greater Manchester cleans up at first-ever Festival of Women’s Football Awards
Danny Jones
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This week marked the inaugural Festival of Women’s Football Awards (FWFA), which not only saw a whole host of female talent from up and down the English pyramid celebrated, but Greater Manchester in particular picked up a number of accolades.
Of course, we all know that 0161 is the true home of football, with Manchester’s rich sporting heritage known worldwide, but it’s always nice to see our region recognised for its continued contribution to the beautiful game.
That reputation goes double for the women’s game too, as the 2025 FWFA saw a trio of local clubs and a trio of different players winning across multiple categories.
Starting with the blue side of Manchester, Manchester City Women star Yui Hasegawa picked up Player of the Year from a strong shortlist of midfielders.
Joining the club back in the summer of 2022, Hasegawa famously scored on her debut and was named in the PFA Team of the Year that season.
Playing in 92 of the 96 games since her arrival, she is widely considered not just one of the best midfielders in the Women’s Super League (WSL) but the world.
As for the red half of the city, not only did Phallon Tullis-Joyce – who has shone since filling the very big boots of Mary Earps – pick up the award for the best shotstopper, but centre-back Maya Le Tissier was named both Defender and Young Player of the Year.
Latics Women only launched their squad this season but have already amassed a passionate following, hence the award, and also won the Lancashire Women’s County League Championship at the first time of asking.
Congratulations to all the Greater Mancunian footballing organisations and sports personalities recognised at this year’s Festival of Women’s Football Awards – here’s hoping for even more in 2026!
🏆 We were delighted to attend this evening’s Festival of Women’s Football Awards in London…
It was an honour to be shortlisted for eight national awards, and take home the ‘Best Fan Experience’ prize! 💙#wafc 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/OoeN92Vxwv
Bury FC announce partnership with big-name local brand after ‘milestone’ season
Danny Jones
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Following their landmark North West Counties Football League title, Bury FC are toasting their trophy success with a significant new partnership, as multinational franchise JD Sports will be sponsoring the side moving forward.
The Premier Division champions sealed what they have dubbed a “milestone” first piece of silverware and first promotion for some time with a 4-0 win over Burscough FC last weekend: a moment which feels like a far cry away from the uncertainty of recent years.
A NWCFL Division One North title did come during the Bury AFC era.
It was only back in 2019 that Bury were dismissed from the EFL entirely, splintering into two teams after 125 years; fast forward to 2025 and now the Greater Manchester club are looking to reconsolidate their position in the football pyramid with efforts such as this latest commercial move.
Also founded in Bury back in 1981, JD Sports is the latest and most established local organisation to sponsor The Shakers to date, marking a big step forward for those around Gigg Lane.
While the exact nature of their collaboration (i.e. featuring logo on kits, around the stadium and so on) is yet to be detailed, nor has the initial length of the partnership deal been confirmed, getting the brand on board is still a big coup.
Not only is the retailer a well-known name in sports apparel and high-street fashion, with their own line of more than 90 JD Gyms across the UK too, but as a fellow local turned nationwide business from the same borough, their success story is also one that Bury FC can take plenty of inspiration from.
With a league record-breaking 8,719 fans filing into their historic home ground for the final game of the season, demonstrating an extraordinary level of support and loyalty throughout the community, teaming up with JD is an extension of “reignited pride” and brings football back to the heart of the local area.
As for JD – which also boasts a glowing global presence in over 36 countries – sports partnership manager Abi Haywood went on to add: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Bury FC, a club that sits at the heart of our community. As a company founded in Bury, this partnership means a lot to us.
“It’s about more than football – it’s about giving back to the town that helped shape who we are. We’re proud to support Bury FC and to play a part in the club’s future, both on and off the pitch.”
Over 8,700 fans in attendance at Gigg Lane to see Bury FC win 4-0, confirming their first promotion since being expelled from the EFL in 2019…
The Shakers signed off the announcement by stating: “As Bury FC continues its mission to climb back up the football pyramid, the Club remains deeply committed to regaining its place at the heart of the community.
“With the support of local businesses, lifelong fans, and a town full of pride, Bury FC is building a future worthy of its historic name.”
Here’s hoping this is just the start of an already brilliant comeback and that Bury never need come back from so close to the brink again.
Danny Jones -
12th November 2024 
