Back in August 2020, after falling victim to the financial fallout of the pandemic, Droylsden FC tragically had to bow out of the Northern Premier League and cease playing.
However, following a push from those still remaining at the club, some dedicated fans and loyal locals around the town, a campaign to resurrect the Tameside team is gathering momentum and now they are calling on Greater Manchester to do their bit.
Set up by the club’s head of media Nigel Barlow, those trying to keep the Droylsden alive — a club which was founded all the way back in 1892 — have been holding productive meetings since January and people in the area are already showing their love and support for their local side.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up with over £2,500 in donations raised since February. However, they still have some way to go if they hope to reach their total £10k target.
We have made some progress and thank to those who have donated over the last few days following our update but we still need more help #bloodsrevivalhttps://t.co/L8R2UTHFaE
As written in the description of the fundraiser, “Droylsden Football Club is on its way back but we need your help to carry on this great club’s 140-year plus history…
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“After two positive fan meetings with over 100 fans in attendance… we now know what the first steps are in order to allow us to play football at the Butchers Arms [Ground] again.”
Barlow goes on to explain how the bulk of the money will go towards helping “gain a safety certificate allowing us to play football at the ground and welcome fans back” with renovations including “replacing bird netting and roof netting… safety floor markings… some perimeter fencing”, labour costs and more.
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The stadium was also sadly vandalised following its closure shortly after lockdown hit, with several repairs now needed in the William Pace Stand, named after the father of current manager and former player Dave Pace, who still remains in post despite the team’s future remaining uncertain.
To date, thanks to all those who have donated so far and The Community Payback team spearheading the prospective comeback, more than £5,300 is said to have been raised as of 6 April.
Moreover, in a statement issued to ‘The Bloods’ Facebook page, they informed supporters that “the North West Counties are behind our application to join the league in 2023/24 season”, although they are still waiting for full confirmation from the FA.
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In the meantime, the club have continued to carry out numerous charitable efforts together with the local community, having been holding everything from charitable collection nights and family horse racing days to sports memorabilia auctions.
It goes without saying that the club are asking for more Mancs to help and have reiterated that any donation, no matter how big or small, would be greatly appreciated.
We wish all the best for Droylsden FC and their future which, hopefully, lies back on the pitch and packing out the Butcher’s Arms every weekend.
You can donate to Droylsden’s resurrection fundraiser HERE.
Kevin De Bruyne confirms he is leaving Manchester City
Danny Jones
One of the Premier League’s best-ever players and a true Manchester City legend, Kevin De Bruyne, has confirmed he will soon be leaving the club.
Announced in a series of emotional social media posts on Friday, 4 April, the brilliant Belgian footballer will be calling time on his career at the Etihad Stadium come the end of this season.
Having spent a decade in the iconic blue of Man City, De Bruyne will undoubtedly go down as one of their all-time greats, having helped them to their first Champions League trophy during the Treble-winning year and a record four consecutive Premier League titles – of which he’s won six in total.
As you can see in the lengthy message shared on his social media, ‘King Kev’ informed City supporters that this current campaign will be his last in their colours, writing: “Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter.”
The 33-year-old, who has suffered from increasing injury problems over the last couple of years, goes on to say that “Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players we all know this day eventually come. That day is here – and you deserve to hear it from me first.”
In what is clearly a heartfelt and just as difficult a post for him to write as it is for fans to hear, he added: Football led me to all of you – and this city […] This will always be our HOME.”
Blues all over Greater Manchester and beyond will be heartbroken, but many won’t be completely shocked given his in-and-out
It’s a sad day to be a Cityzen, no doubt.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Manchester derby, manager Pep Guardiola said: “In the Premier League, he is one of the greatest midfielders in this country and top of the Club. Great, if not the greatest.
Manchester City will bid an emotional farewell to Kevin De Bruyne this summer when his contract expires, bringing an end to a glittering 10-year period at the Club 🩵
Although his talent will never come into question, it’s no secret that he’s struggled to stay fit and be as prolific a creator in Guardiola‘s side – though this is largely in contrast to his ridiculously high levels and just how much of a talisman he has been over the past 10 years.
Starting just 19 matches this season, he’s still managed to score four goals and register seven assists, but a recurring hamstring problem has seen game time limited.
Regardless, when he’s at his best, there’s no question about it: he’s the best player in the Premier League, and the club have promised to pay fitting tributes to their generational number 17.
With 106 goals to his name in 413 appearances – the first midfielder since Colin Bell to reach over a century – across all competitions for City, not to mention 118 assists in the Premier League alone, he’s been one of the most creative and, frankly, ingenious players on the planet for more than a decade.
Whether you’re a Blue, a Red or otherwise, no one can deny the joy of watching him play football. Thanks for the memories, KdB.
Featured Images — Brad Tutterow (via Flickr)/soccer.ru (via WikiCommons) Kevin De Bruyne (via X)
Sport
Jack Grealish dedicates first league goal in 16 months to late brother on anniversary of his death
Danny Jones
Manchester City star Jack Grealish held back the tears following his first Premier League goal in more than 16 months, but not in relief after breaking the duck, because it came on a very emotional day for him and his family.
The Man City and England midfielder opened the scoring in the Blues’ 2-0 win against Leicester City on Wednesday night, bringing an end to his goal drought after a total of 473 days.
But what made it even more special is that the game happened to coincide with the anniversary of his late brother Keelan’s death.
Speaking in his post-match interview after picking up the man of the match award, Grealish was in a noticeably quieter mood than his usual charismatic self before revealing that the day marked the 25th anniversary of his younger sibling’s death.
Jack Grealish dedicates his goal to his late brother on the 25th anniversary of his death ❤️ pic.twitter.com/u3toaqZSuR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 2, 2025
The 29-year-old went on to reveal that the date coincided with Keelan’s passing and acknowledged that it’s “hard on the family but [I’m] happy to score”.
His mum and dad, Karen and Kevin, were up in the stands; it doesn’t need explaining why scoring in that particular moment was so special for all of them.
Clearly stirred by addressing what was a bittersweet occasion, he signed off by adding, “To score and to win was brilliant.”
Keelan Daniel Grealish was just nine months old when he tragically passed away from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) back in 2000 – ‘Super Jack’ was just four at the time.
Paying tribute on social media after the game, the comments below his post were filled with love and support.
Besides the goal itself, the former Aston Villa star was keen to reiterate that he was never brought to the club to score bags of goals and “has a lot more to offer” than just hitting the back of the net.
Touching on his Grealish’s game and the tribute to Keelan during his post-match duties, manager Pep Guardiola went on to add: “Jack is an incredible human being; in terms of gestures and for the other people, he’s incredibly generous.
“I didn’t know that [it was the anniversary of his brother’s death]. I can’t imagine how tough it could be for mum, dad, sister, and all the family. It’s good on this day to remember him, I’m pretty sure they remember every single day.”
A lovely moment from a much-loved character around the Eithad Stadium as well as up and down the country. Rest in peace, Keelan.
You can watch the highlights from the game down below:
Three more points on the board for City and a big moment for the Brummy-born midfielder.
Danny Jones -
11th April 2023 
