Prime Minister Boris Johnson has officially announced the government’s ‘roadmap’ to take the country out of its third national lockdown.
In a direct address to the nation yesterday, and coming just over seven weeks after the reintroducing of national restrictions in England for a third time amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the government’s roadmap will see the economy reopen over a number of weeks, lifting measures for separate sectors at four different stages.
Mr Johnson claimed that this exit strategy was designed in such a way as to be “irreversible”.
The ‘COVID-19 RESPONSE – SPRING 2021‘ roadmap document published on the gov.uk website clearly sets out the ‘Four Steps’ method for the easing of restrictions.
But it’s the all-important ‘Step Three’ that football fans will want to keep an eye on.
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While people have been barred from entering sporting venues all together since December when the tiers system was scrapped, the Prime Minister’s plan has now set out the way forward.
And so, depending on if the government deems it to be safe, from 17th May at the earliest, the largest seated stadiums across the country that can properly space out fans – including Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium – will be allowed up to 10,000 people inside, or to be a quarter full – whichever is lower.
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Also under the plans, smaller outdoor venues will be capped at 4,000 or 50% capacity, whichever is lower, and indoor sporting events at 1,000 or 50% capacity.
This means that fans could be allowed back inside stadiums for the final weekend of the Premier League.
Wikimedia Commons / Flickr
The Football Association said it was “absolutely delighted” at the plan to allow fans back in stadiums, because “the game is simply not the same without them”.
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While it may be a little too early to tempt fate, this news is likely to be music to the ears of the blue side of the city as, if all goes to plan and the winning streak continues, it raises the prospect of Manchester City lifting the trophy in front of their fans at home after playing Everton on 23rd May.
Manchester United on the other hand are away that weekend, but fans may still be allowed to cheer on their team when they play against Wolves at Molineux Stadium.
It’s not just dates for the Premier League that football fans need to mark in their diaries though, as the FA Cup Final on 15th May could also be used as a test event for the new rules, and then they also look set to be able to attend the delayed Euro 2020 matches at Wembley this summer.
The stadium is due to host seven matches including all three of England’s group games, a last-16 clash, both semi-finals and the final.
Even grassroots football can resume from 29 March too.
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Manchester United / Catherine Ivill
If it’s not football you’re a fan of though, you might be pleased to know that the other major sporting events set to benefit from the roadmap to end lockdown include Wimbledon, Royal Ascot, the British Grand Prix and cricket internationals, as well as several non-elite sporting facilites such as tennis and basketball courts and open-air swimming also reopening on 29th March.
So, there’s plenty to look forward to.
Sport
Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever
Danny Jones
Runners and regular Mancs alike, start lacing up your trainers and sorting safety pins early, because the Great Manchester Run is back for 2026, and you can be part of it.
With sign-ups flying and bibs selling out fast, we really recommend getting a move on and booking your place now to make sure you’re part of what is, without fail, not just one of the most exciting dates on the local sporting calendar, but always a great day for the city in general.
Returning for its 23rd edition and fourth year being backed by principal sponsors, AJ Bell, we can assure it’ll be as well-attended as ever.
In fact, judging by the numbers already and the increasing crowds of spectators every year, this is looking on course to be the biggest Great Manchester Run to date.
The only question is, are you going to help make it the BEST yet by joining the thousands of others already finding the perfect spot to hang their shiny new medal?
Half-marathon, 10k, junior and mini races
As ever, the Great MCR Run isn’t just limited to one event: there are multiple distances, routes and age groups that can race the route in and around the city centre.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day
So, whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day, there really is fun for all ages.
In all seriousness, even watching the massive metropolitan event stood next to the roads with homemade signs promises plenty of atmosphere, but with fancy dress galore, various different activations in the middle of the city, there’s not a chance you’ll get bored.
Even in the years we’ve missed out on running it ourselves (it sold well in advance last year, for instance), the pure buzz we got from joining countless other Mancs cheering from the pavement is enough to keep us coming back time and time again.
All that being said, if you’re looking to sort the perfect Christmas present for a runner, or simply need more reason to give yourself the kick up the backside you’ve been waiting for and just put your name down, this is it.
Besides the full annual marathon in April, running events simply don’t get bigger in this region than this one, so don’t miss out.
Sign up for the 2026 Great Manchester Run right HERE.
Featured Images — Great Run Company/AJ Bell (supplied)
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Wigan Warriors finally reveal next season’s kits following update on delayed release
Danny Jones
Wigan Warriors have now officially revealed their new shirts for next season, following a much-anticipated update regarding the 2026 kits, the release of which had been delayed.
The Greater Manchester club lost this year’s Grand Final but still had a strong season, and with another local outfit having been relegated from the division, they are one of just two teams from the region competing for the title in the upcoming campaign.
However, supporters were fretting that they might not be able to get their new threads until after Christmas due to the launch of the latest merchandise being postponed.
Thankfully, this week, the club not only informed fans that things are getting back on schedule but also officially revealed the Wigan Warriors home and away shirt strips for the 30th anniversary edition of the Super League on Tuesday afternoon.
As you can see, the nearby rugby outfit is staying with Kappa as their manufacturer and, as ever, is sticking with the deep red, white and black colour combos across both jerseys.
Branding the home shirt as the ‘Loyal’ fit and the away one as their ‘Rebel’ version, the kits both feature horizontal stripes and other geometrical variations.
Most notably, Warriors now have a positive update on the status of the kits’ full launch, even if they don’t have an exact timeline just yet.
Writing to fans in an official statement, the club said: “Wigan Warriors are happy to report that [we are] expecting delivery of the 2026 home and away kits imminently.”
They go on to explain that they have been “experiencing significant delays” regarding the supply pipeline, which they say “were beyond the control of the Club.”
Nevertheless, the cogs are moving once again; you can see a closer look at some of the details below.
The home shirt…A.K.A. ‘Loyal’ kitAnd the away jersey…Or ‘Rebel’ strip
Warriors Chief Executive, Kris Radlinski, continued: “We want to thank everyone for their patience and continued support. Due to issues outside of our control, delivery timelines have unfortunately been impacted.
“We understand how frustrating this has been for supporters, particularly so close to Christmas, and we genuinely share that frustration. Please be assured that our team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure delivery as quickly as possible.
“We apologise that we have not been able to provide an earlier update while matters were ongoing. We are pleased to confirm that the delivery has now cleared customs and will be arriving at the Club imminently.”
Although personalisation will not yet be made available due to a focus on processing “as many orders as possible in the shortest time frame”, pre-orders for both shirts are now live, and those interested are being urged to opt for click and collect/visit in store where possible to avoid any further waiting.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd February 2021 
