Jordan Pilkington, a former soldier and lifelong Manchester United fan, was recently surprised by the club with a visit by some of his favourite Red Devils, as well as a special message from motor neurone disease champion, Kevin Sinfield.
Diagnosed with MND himself while serving in the British army back in 2020, age just 22 at the time, Jordan Pilkington has had his life turned upside down by the disease, having to withdraw from his post as a Royal Engineer and renovate his home to make his remaining time as comfortable as possible.
However, he was not prepared for what came next and neither were we:
26-year-old Jordan Pilkington thought his dreams had come true when the @ManUtd Disabled Supporters Association arranged for him to meet some of his football heroes.
The ex-soldier couldn’t help but break down after this touching message from Kevin Sinfield.
As you can see, after meeting the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and more, the United captain was given the honour of delivering another surprise to Jordan, as he hit play on a deeply moving message from another one of his idols in Leeds Rhinos and Manc legend, Kevin Sinfield.
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Speaking to the 26-year-old via a tablet, the ex-rugby player turned coach and remarkable MND fundraiser told Jordan: “I’ve heard your story, I’ve heard all about you and you are an amazing guy. Just like my mate Rob, you’ve inspired everyone who knows you with your fight courage and bravery.
“You are a true champion. I’m going to send you my t-shirt that I ran the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in on Sunday, but don’t worry, it’s been washed.”
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The Oldham-born sporting hero went viral along with best mate Burrow again this past weekend after lifting his former teammate out of his wheelchair and carrying him across the finish — one of the most moving moments you’ll ever see in sport.
He closed his message by stating, “Let’s keep banging the drum for MND. As the great Doddie Weir [a fellow former rugby union star who sadly passed away from the condition in November 2022] always said, ‘MND isn’t incurable, it’s just underfunded’. Keep fighting, keep smiling my friend”.
If you weren’t crying already then we defy you to not be after watching that all the way through.
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Now three years on from his diagnosis and still fighting, Jordan is making the most of however long he has left, with a fundraiser set up by one of his fellow troops back in 2020 to help pay for adjustments around his home. Though limited to a wheelchair, he has been raising money for MND ever since.
Both of these men are absolute icons, as is the wonderful Rob Burrow. You can still do your bit to help them by donating to the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) HERE.
Super League Basketball Cup Finals return to Manchester for second year running
Danny Jones
Following the roaring success of last season’s epic conclusion, the 2026/27 Super League Basketball (SLB) Cup Finals are returning to the AO in Manchester.
Coming back for a second consecutive edition, the SLB’s domestic cup finals tournament will be taking over the city centre’s historic sporting and entertainment space for what is sure to be an even more exciting contest than the previous.
Intertwining themselves even deeper with UK basketball’s premier division, we’ll be hoping we can carry the home advantage all the way this time around.
Landing early next year, the arena’s bowl will be turned into a basketball venue which will host the top teams and talents throughout Britain.
Showcasing some of the very best men’s and women’s stars, this is one of the competition’s biggest flagship dates on the national calendar.
Offering clubs the first real chance of winning major silverware in the annual campaign, the organisers are urging fans to grab their tickets earlier than ever this year, with interest in the domestic game increasing constantly.
Local fans really showed up this past spring.
Set to take place on Sunday, 21 March 2027, next year’s deciders will see the female final tip off in the early afternoon, before the men’s players take to the court for a chance at the trophy.
In Manc basketball news, MCR have confirmed several key signings ahead of the new term, including a former London Lion.
SLB’s Head of Events, Clare Holmes, said in a statement: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the SLB Cup Finals back to the AO Arena for a second consecutive year.
“Last season’s event demonstrated the incredible appetite for elite basketball in Manchester, with a fantastic atmosphere created by supporters from across the country.
“Our goal is to continue raising the bar for our major events, and we’re excited to welcome fans back for another unforgettable day celebrating the very best of Super League Basketball.”
Early pre-sale access will be available to fans signed up to the official mailing list from Monday, 10 August, while general admission tickets go live at 10am the following week (17 Aug).
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via AO Arena/MCR Basketball)
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Manchester United announce plans for first permanent fan zone at Old Trafford
Danny Jones
Manchester United have revealed the first glimpse at a brand-new fan zone at Old Trafford – the first permanent one of its kind at the ground.
Dubbed ‘The Paddock’ in a nod to the club’s history, the official Man United supporter park is due to open later this year.
Set to be fully unveiled just metres from the Stretford End, the aim is to make it “the closest place to the stadium to enjoy great local food, drink, and lively entertainment.”
The new addition comes after recent consultations with regular season ticket holders who want a dedicated and club-sanctioned space to enjoy themselves before, during and after fixtures.
As you can see from the brief look we’ve now gotten at the fan park, which will be able to hold approximately 1,300 Reds, The Paddock will revolve around food and drink – including some self-service bars – as well as space for live music and other entertainment.
We know the above image is only a little artist’s mock-up, but you can picture local grassroots musicians who support the team being given the opportunity to play the stage, etc.
Rick McGagh, Director of Fan Engagement at United, said: “We’re delighted that in partnership with Levy, we have implemented a wide range of changes to enhance matchdays, bringing greater choice and better service for supporters across the stadium – something fans have told us they want.”
An official statement goes on to read that “the proposed fan zone is the latest example of our continued investment in the atmosphere, fan experience and facilities at Old Trafford, while progressing plans for a new world-class stadium.”
Speaking of which, we recently got more details on where exactly ‘New Trafford’ (not a confirmed title, just FYI) will sit in relation to the existing Theatre of Dreams.
Wharfside will look VERY different in the years to come.
Obviously, all of this news comes as somewhat temporary by default given that we now know the vision of Man United’s new stadium is finally starting to move forward.
However, it is nevertheless good news for matchgoers looking for places to spend extended periods near the venue when going to a game.
At present, this is all still subject to full planning permission, but with former Old Trafford Regeneration Taskforce Members and Greater Manchester Mayor turned Prime Minister Andy Burnham now at the helm, you’d expect something like this to pass through smoothly and quickly.
With an autumn opening date currently set for the opening of The Paddock, it will be interesting to see how well-attended it is given some of the recent sentiments and frustrations surrounding many of the most loyal and dedicated Man United fans.
In case you missed it, even a six-year-old kid and former mascot has seen his ticket restricted due to the attempted crackdown on touts. 😬
Danny Jones -
19th May 2023 
