Sport

The Hardest Geezer is back at it again as he begins his run to Germany for Euro 2024

'Back on the einser und zweier.'

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 12th June 2024

Just two months after completing the entire length of Africa, Russ Cook a.k.a. ‘Hardest Geezer’ is back out on the road once again and has set himself the challenge of running all the way to Germany for Euro 2024.

Does this guy ever just have a sit-down?

The 27-year-old fundraising athlete from Worthing in West Sussex has barely had any time off since becoming the first person to run the entire length of Africa over the course of 352 days, even chucking in a casual London Marathon just a fortnight after achieving the incredible feat.

Now, though, the Hardest Geezer grind is back underway as Cook set off from Wembley at 3:30pm on Tuesday, 11 June and intends to make it all the way to the Veltins Arena in Germany for England’s opening game against Serbia on Sunday.

Jumping back on social media to track the entire challenge just as he did for the last 12 months, the inspiring endurance runner is hoping to follow the Three Lions across the country in an effort to support them and raise money for charity throughout the Euros.

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Set to run from city to city for each fixture, his journey – at the very least – will see him travel from England’s opener in Gelsenkirchen to the Waldstadion in Frankfurt for the second game against Denmark, before moving on to FC Koln’s RheinEnergieStadion for the Slovenia match on 25 June.

However, should Gareth Southgate’s side make it through the group stages (you better believe they will), Russ is prepared to follow the boys throughout the tournament and is welcoming others to come and join him for the multiple legs in what he admits is “a race against the clock”.

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He’s also already joked that he’d be willing to sort what’s for tea if someone can sort him a bed when he makes his first stop in Harwich on Wednesday evening.

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Having worn classic England shirts on numerous occasions throughout the course of his run across the African continent, seeing him wearing Three Lions on the shirt will be a familiar sight, having also been sponsored by retro replica kit manufacturer Score Draw to keep the national team colours on show.

The best part about all of this other than us getting to tune into the Hardest Geezer’s journey every day is that he is once again raising money for The Running Charity, the same non-profit he raised over £1 million through Project Africa.

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The organisation supports young people who are homeless or have complex needs and Cook is also choosing to donate his sponsorship fees from both Score Draw and fellow retailer Sports Direct directly to the cause. What a legend.

We’re now more hopeful than ever that England make it all the way to the final; what a story it would be, especially if he can provide some added motivation and national spirit, as well as raise even more money for a vital cause along the way. It’s coming home – just not before big Russ gets to Germany.

Russ Cook, a.k.a. ‘Hardest Geezer’, is spurring on an entirely new generation of runners
The Hardest Geezer has smashed Africa and is now putting in the hard yards for Euro 2024 in Germany – a true inspiration.

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Featured Images — Hardest Geezer (via Instagram)/Raimond Spekking (via Wikimedia Commons)

Sport

Tributes pour in for chairman of Manchester City’s ‘Cheadle Blues’ supporters club, Tommy Muir

Danny Jones Danny Jones Tommy Muir dead tributes

Tributes are pouring in following the death of Tommy Muir, the long-standing chairman of Manchester City’s ‘Cheadle Blues’ supporters club, at the age of 71.

News of Muir’s death broke on Thursday, 21 November, with countless Man City fans learning of his tragic passing online and proceeding to pay their respects.

The Cheadle Branch boss, lifelong supporter and well-known club figure is said to have died following a period of illness, with a member of the popular Bluemoon Forum claiming he suffered from the progressive disease pulmonary fibrosis for some time.

Numerous messages of sadness, love and support have been shared on social media already.

By all accounts, Muir will be remembered as a much-loved leader of City’s Cheadle Branch, as well as a generous character with a great sense of humour.

There are countless messages from people who know him from the local area or through helping sort spare tickets for matchdays and as the familiar face around Maine Road back in the day and on the bus to the Etihad Stadium for many years.

Tommy was also one of the official supporters group members who were treated to a visit by Man City themselves, naming him honorary Life Vice President of the Official Supporters Club and bringing the Treble trophies to his doorstep back in July 2023.

He also famously face-timed with Kevin de Bruyne back in 2018, during which he said, “I want to watch this City team for 100 years.”

Muir, an ex-Royal Mail worker, also served as the landlord of The Kenilworth pub back in Cheadle, Stockport, where fans would regularly meet pre-match before heading to watch the game.

Local author and historian of Manchester sport, Gary James, wrote on Facebook: “I’ve just seen this news… Sad to hear the news that Tommy Muir has died. A wonderful person who first helped me with my research decades ago. A dedicated MCFC fan. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Known to so many throughout the fan base, even supporters who never met him personally have been sharing their condolences on various platforms. Those who knew him well have nothing but heartwarming memories to share.

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Fan forums like Bluemoon have been awash with people mourning Muir’s passing. One person told the story of meeting him at the age of 17 and following him when moved to The George and Dragon pub – another popular City haunt before games.

Another wrote: “I got to know Tommy when I joined the Cheadle Supporters branch. Tommy loved being branch secretary. He was absolutely dedicated to his position as branch secretary […] The branch meetings were serious affairs, getting through what had to be discussed, but in between was humour and laughter brought about by Tommy.

“Tommy had a huge sense of humour, and his one-liners were famous amongst the branch members, which would have everyone laughing throughout the meetings. The coach trips to the away games were never dull. They were always full of cheer, drinking, laughter, and City songs.”

“Keep on watching your beloved City from above. Rest in peace, Tommy.”

Losses like this within a fan base are always tough to take. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, the Cheadle Branch and all the Blues whose lives he touched. RIP Tommy Muir.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images – Bluemoon Forum/X

Sport

Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet named coach of the year after historic quadruple-winning season

Danny Jones Danny Jones Matt Peet wins SJA Committee coach of the year award after quadruple-winning season

Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet has been named coach of the year by the Sports Journalists’ Association Committee (SJA) following his record-breaking season with the champions.

Peet led the Greater Manchester side to four Grand Slams in a single calendar year, a feat never seen before in the Super League era, achieving the historic feat with a Grand Final win over Hull KR at Old Trafford last month.

In recognition of his incredible 2024 campaign in charge of the Warriors, the Wigan-born local hero was awarded the SJA Committee Award, handed over to the most outstanding coach each year, on Wednesday, 20 November for the second time in his career.

The 40-year-old won the prestigious accolade during his first season with the club back in 2022 but it’s fair to say this one will feel even more special.

The Warriors began the season by defeating Penrith Panthers at The Brick Community Stadium to lift a record-equalling fifth World Club Challenge before success in the Betfred Challenge Cup Final saw Wigan beat fellow North West outfit, Warrington Wolves, at Wembley Stadium in June.

Having sealed the League Leaders’ Shield following a final-round win against local rivals Salford Red Devils, the Warriors then went on to beat Hull – who were competing in their first Grand Final – to become the first team of the Super League era to lift all four trophies within the space of just 12 months.

Speaking on the award via an official club statement, Peet said: “I’m very proud and very grateful to be selected by the committee. It reflects really well on our organisation, our club, players and rugby league in general.

“We never set out with an ambition to win the quadruple, we just set out to improve and learn. It’s not an award rugby league is synonymous with, so to know our sport is getting some recognition, it makes me very proud to be at the forefront of it.”

He went on to tell Sky Sports that it was the “energy and the atmosphere” of Wigan that helped get them across the line after so many games, insisting that they “had the whole town behind [them]”.

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It’s a truly fantastic achievement and to have the award brought home to Greater Manchester once again is wonderful news no matter who you support.

The fixtures for the 2025 Super League season are set to be released tomorrow (Thursday, 21 November), with the action getting underway in February as usual. The Summer Festival of Rugby League will also return after a year off with a blockbuster May Bank Holiday weekend in Newcastle.

Not only will it be a decade since the event was first held in the Toon but it also marks the Magic Weekend’s 18th birthday.

As for SJA coach of the year Matt Peet and the Warriors, it’s looking like a question of just how many titles can they defend next year.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Sky Sports

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