“It’s the best feeling in the world to play football – it’s just amazing.”
Speaking from the blue side of the city’s state-of-the-art training facilities in East Manchester, Man City Women’s Ellen White is reminiscing about her impressively successful professional career that’s spanned nearly two decades ahead of what is always one of the most important fixtures in the calendar for any footballer – derby day.
No matter the city, no matter the player, derby matches are always known for having that extra competitive edge, and even though the want to win games is what drives clubs all season long, there’s just something about a derby victory.
This derby looks set to be even more special than most, though.
After coronavirus restrictions forced stadiums across the world to fall silent from March 2020, there’s only a couple of weeks to go now before people will be taking to their seats at the Academy Stadium for the Barclays FA Women’s Super League Manchester derby on Sunday 13 February, which is the first time fans will be allowed back inside City’s home ground for a derby day since 2019.
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The chance to feed off the energy of the crowd once again, and to walk out to the cheers of ‘the best fans’ during the derby, is something White says she really can’t wait for.
Born into a football-loving family, Ellen White grew up playing for her father’s football academy in her Buckinghamshire hometown of Aylesbury, before she was spotted at the age of eight by scouts for the academy setup at North London club Arsenal, where she spent her youth career until she signed her first professional senior contract with rivals Chelsea in 2005.
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The 32-year-old has played for several other big-name clubs during her career – including Leeds United, Notts County, Birmingham City, and a return to Arsenal – all before joining Manchester City on an initial two-year deal in July 2019.
The ‘super patriotic’ player has shone on the international stage with England too, earning over 100 caps, and being an integral part of the 2019 Women’s World Cup squad, and Team GB squad for the 2012 Olympics.
Ahead of the Manchester derby, The Manc got the chance to sit down with White to chat about all things City, her time at the club so far, the best advice she’s ever been given, life outside the world of football, and how she’s feeling about the biggest game of the season in just under three weeks’ time.
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Ellen White joined Manchester City back in 2019 / Credit: Manchester City
“Playing for Man City is a privilege”
The Premier League domination and numerous title-winning successes of Manchester City’s Men’s Team over the last decade or so has earned the club a sought-after reputation as being a destination where the world’s top players want to be.
The Women’s Team is certainly no different – and White recognises this privilege.
“The passion that the fans have for the club is one that’s really special. That one club mentality is something that not a lot of clubs around the world have, with the Women’s Team and the Men’s Team collectively, so I think that’s really important.
“Coming to City, a lot of people speak about the facilities – which are incredible – but for me, it was about being surrounded by talented players who have the same mindset, the same competitiveness, the same drive, and the want to win.
“I’m really lucky that the players we have here, have that. We’re all constantly trying to push each other, and drive to hopefully succeed,” she said.
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Joining Manchester City back in the summer of 2019, just before the 2019/2020 season, meant that White had experienced ‘a good chunk’ of time playing for the club and getting to know her teammates before the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the football world, like the rest of the world, completely changed – which she says made her realise the club is ‘a real special place to be’ and one she feels ‘very lucky’ to play for.
“I signed just after the 2019 Women’s World Cup, and I was out for a little bit with injury, but I came back in just after that and had quite a big chunk before the pandemic,” she tells us.
“It was a real nice time to be in with the group and in the facilities before it hit.”
“Scoring against Man United is always nice”
Having experienced so much with the club over the past two-and-a-half seasons – from personal highs and lows, to injury set-backs, and group successes – it’s easy to see why White would find it difficult to pick just one stand-out moment from during her time with Manchester City.
She highlights trophy wins, temporary captaincy when Steph Houghton was sidelined with injury, teammate camaraderie, and scoring against the red rivals as definitely being up there, though.
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“Obviously winning the FA Cup was great,” she explains.
“It was just a shame that we didn’t have fans there, but it’s such a special occasion. I’m super patriotic as well, not just with playing for England, but in the sense that the FA Cup is such a major trophy and one that we do everything we can to be a part of, so it was a really amazing thing to win that as a Man City player.”
“Scoring against Man United is always nice too,” she quips with a grin on her face.
“And I enjoy collectively having that team banter in the changing room that you probably don’t see that often.”
White says “playing for Man City is a privilege” / Credit: Manchester City
“There’s some pretty crazy music going on in the changing room”
White admits that a typical match day for her is “pretty chilled”.
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Depending on what time kick-off is, and whether they are playing at home or away, she prefers to grab a bit of a lie-in if she can, tuck into some breakfast – “I always have porridge with honey and fruit, that’s one thing I try and keep the same,” – and of course, grab a coffee, which she says ‘a key one’ for pretty much all the players.
“We head to the stadium about an hour and a half before kick-off to have a bit of a team meeting, and then we’re straight to the changing rooms,” she explains.
She also revealed that there’s some ‘pretty crazy’ music coming out of the speakers in the changing rooms that “everyone seems to like but me”, but she says she’s happy to let everyone else enjoy it if it gets them into the right headspace before stepping out onto the pitch.
“I think it’s great that we feel comfortable to be ourselves”
Personal superstitions and little pre-match rituals seem to be commonplace in professional sport, although White admits that she’s had to get rid of some of those with experience as the years have gone on, otherwise “it would’ve been taking me four hours to get ready for a game”.
But she does make sure to praise the culture of the club and the players for allowing everyone to be themselves in the changing room.
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“What makes our changing room really cool is that everyone’s different and everyone’s themselves,” she tells us enthusiastically.
“Everyone has their own superstitions and rituals, and I think that’s great.”
“I’m probably the most boring person in this squad”
A self-confessed homebody who prefers to stay within the comfort of her own four walls with her husband and two cats, or make the most of the “lovely walks” near her home when she’s not in training or giving it her all on the football pitch, White hilariously confesses that she’s “probably the most boring person” in the City squad – but did point to the pandemic for throwing a spanner in the works when it comes to social lives.
“Obviously we’re living in a bit of a strange time at the moment, so we can’t really go out too much. But for me, it’s being able to go for a coffee or being able to go for brunch with my husband or friends if I’ve got a day off.”
“Seeing family is another one,” she stresses.
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“It’s been hard to see them throughout the pandemic, but it’s always really special to get those moments together.”
The 32-year-old admits that her typical match day is “pretty chilled” / Credit: Manchester City
“There’s so many people who’d love to do what we’re doing”
When the conversation turns to the best piece of advice she’s ever been given and what she’d share with the players of the future, White’s message is clear and concise – “just enjoy it”.
“Always have a smile on your face, and enjoy what you’re doing,” she tells us.
“Being a professional footballer is a real privilege, and there’s so many people who’d love to do what we’re doing, so for youngsters, I’d say work hard and definitely listen to your coaches, but just enjoy it – you’re making friends, you’re having fun, and it’s the best feeling in the world.”
“I always try to enjoy every single second.”
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“We are not underestimating this derby”
White has played in many derby matches before in her career.
She understands the intense rivalries, and she understands how important it is for the club and the dedicated fans that they clinch the win, but this time around, when the Barclays FA WSL Manchester derby comes to the Academy Stadium, she is most looking forward to seeing people back in the stands.
“I think one of the most exciting things for us is to be playing at home and having our fans there to support us back in the stadium,” she explains.
“As much as we want everyone to stay safe and we understand why we couldn’t have fans in the stadium, for us, they really give us an extra edge and they give us energy, so it’s really special to have them back and to feel closer to them.”
“We just want them to enjoy it.”
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While White does admit that she’d love the chance to show the fans her iconic goal celebration during next month’s match, and that it’s “lovely to see people recreating it with smiles on their faces”, she said that her main priority is to help the team get the win in any way she can ‘first and foremost’ – scoring a goal would just be an ‘amazing’ bonus.
“It’s the best feeling in the world to play football – it’s just amazing” / Credit: Manchester City
She also conceded that the red side of the city have ‘good fans’ too.
“To be fair, Manchester United have good fans that are normally pretty loud too, but we’ve got the best fans, so that’s a winner,” she tells us.
“A derby day’s always feisty, it’s always competitive, and I think both sets of fans and staff understand what’s at stake because of the rivalry – but for us, we want Manchester to be blue, so that’s our priority.”
“We’re not underestimating this derby, so it’ll be a really exciting one for us.”
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The Barclays FA Women’s Super League Manchester Derby is kicking-off at 12:30pm on Sunday 13 February 2022, and tickets are available from £8 for adults and from £3 for Under 16’s.
Manchester City are expecting a packed crowd for the game, with tickets selling fast.
You can grab yours from the Manchester City website here.
Featured Image – Manchester City
Feature
Gig review | KEO at the O2 Ritz in Manchester – Sometimes you just KNOW…
Danny Jones
Fontaines D.C., Turnstile, Wunderhorse, Sleep Token, Neck Deep; sometimes it only takes a few listens and a live show to KNOW that a band is going to catch fire and go on to be huge – for Audio North and KEO, it only took a few.
But having now seen KEO for a third time, collectively, we’re more convinced than ever that they’re going to be massive.
Sadly, a prior engagement meant that we just missed catching the support act, Tooth (though we did hear great things rumbling around the eager young crowd), but there was no chance we were going to miss this lot show off how very good they are at what they do.
And there was absolutely no chance they were going to disappoint us, either…
We first caught this fast-rising post-grunge outfit live in action at Kendal Calling last year, where they somehow turned a daytime slot on the Woodlands stage into a moody mid-evening mosh.
They had even less fully produced and officially released music out then, but then we had the pleasure of watching them at The Key Club in Leeds this past October, and they were even better; punchier, more graduated at their game, and their fandom seemed plenty strong already.
As it turns out, that same progression proved true in Manchester, as KEO played their biggest headline show to date, and that same cult following only appeared more fervent than ever.
They might be based down in the capital, with roots in Portugal, brothers Finn and Conor having grown up there, but they certainly know a thing or two about how to please a Northern audience.
Of course, we’re sure they go off just as hard down in the capital – in fact, we’re certain they do – but the response they got from two sold-out rooms full of Yorkshire folk and us equally discerning Mancs felt like they had well and truly passed the litmus.
With flying colours, may we add.
Everything from the raw ’90s rock feel to the aesthetic hits just right. (Credit: Audio North)
It’s also worth noting that these London lads have built up this hype like very few ever manage to do: by developing a sterling live reputation right from the off and putting top-notch shows first.
For those unaware, they only just released their first five-track EP, Siren, back in June 2025, yet they’ve been packing out venues and festival stages pretty much since day dot, with die-hards growing their love for the band via performance and initially only learning the lyrics through social clips and snippets online.
While some have questioned why they’ve been chosen to headline this year’s Neighbourhood Festival here in Manchester city centre before they’ve even dropped a debut album, you only need to hear the entire Ritz screaming back the lyrics to ‘I Lied, Amber’, ‘Thorn’ and ‘Hands’ to know they fit the bill.
Frontman Finn pours so much unbridled power and emotion into his vocals, guitarist Jimmy Lanwern didn’t even need to look to know that his riffs were ripping the roof off, and they’ve quickly moved far beyond the early Wunderhorse parallels – they’re their own beast just waiting to be fully woken.
Acclaimed bakery and other businesses bid final farewell to Prestwich ahead of major redevelopment
Daisy Jackson
After years of the threat of closure dangling over their heads, business owners in Prestwich have finally been served their final notices – it’s time for the demolition and redevelopment of Prestwich Precinct.
The ambitious £100m+ plan will see the dated Longfield Centre – and all the businesses who have been based here – flattened to make way for a new village centre.
When the work is complete, Prestwich’s heart will be a market hall and village square, with space for local businesses, retail units, a new larger library, and even new homes.
In recent weeks, the footpath through the Longfield Centre has been officially cordoned off ‘due to health and safety’, and business owners based here have begun to move out ahead of the redevelopment’s next phase.
While the Prestwich precinct wasn’t about to win any architecture awards anytime soon, the tired facades hid some of the suburb’s top local independents.
Many have moved out into new units with time to spare – like Keg Cask & Bottle, which is now trading as a beer bar and bottle shop further down Bury New Road; and Village Greens, which moved just around the corner into a much larger space – but others are closed indefinitely while they look for suitable new sites.
One of which is Masa, the acclaimed bakery (with the queues to match) that has been operating ‘slap bang in the middle’ of Prestwich for two years.
While they’ve gone on to open a shop and cafe, Neighbourhood, down the road, their unit in Prestwich precinct has been their main home for their bakery operation since 2023.
Masa has run its bakery from Prestwich precinct since 2023
Masa boss Rick Marlow said that they are now on the hunt for a suitable new site, capable of handling the very specific requirements of a bakery – but in the meantime, they’ll be doing their best to keep afloat out the back of Neighbourhood.
He wrote: “It’s not ideal, it doesn’t fit half of our equipment including our ovens (they’ll be going into storage in favour of a smaller one). But, it will allow us to stay up and running for now, albeit with a lower capacity. You will also unfortunately be seeing more of Rick in the shop.
“We know this isn’t ideal, and we hope you’ll be patient with us. We’ve come this far only with the support of our community and we need you more than ever.”
Macca’s Irish pub has already shut
Another busy spot that’s disappeared from Prestwich precinct is Macca’s, an increasingly lively Irish pub right in the heart of the Longfield Centre.
Macca’s announced at the end of January that they’d be calling ‘last orders’ for good, due to the development of the Longfield Centre ‘gathering pace’.
The now-closed pub later added: “Thanks so much for all the love since sharing the news. The messages, comments and support have honestly meant the world to us.
“To give everyone a proper chance to pop in and raise a glass, we’ll be open every day until we close — including Mondays and Tuesdays. No rushing goodbyes, just pints, memories and one last bit of craic together.
“Let’s make these last days count.”
Woodpeckers Pet Store is another local independent that will have to leave when the Longfield Centre is demolishing, receiving notice from Bury Council to vacate the premises by early April.
They wrote: “Alas, the time has finally come! Today, I received my notice to leave the premises. Bury Council want me out at the latest, early April.
“I do believe that all remaining businesses on the precinct have received theirs too! Each business may have different months notice so best to ask each business of their leaving date individually!
“I am still on the lookout for a new premises so if you know of anything suitable, please message me! Now you know exactly what I know, ya know?”
The All Aboard Charity Shop has already closed down (though still operates over in Salford), writing: “Due to the redevelopment of Prestwich Village, our Prestwich shop has now closed and is scheduled to be demolished.
“We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Shop Manager Wendy and her team Maria, Cheryl and Victoria and all the wonderful volunteers who have supported the shop over many years. Their dedication, commitment, and resilience has meant so much to us and to the many charities we support. Saying goodbye was an emotional moment, especially for the team who have given so much to the shop and their community.
“We would also like to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to our wonderful Prestwich customers and donors, whose loyalty, generosity, and ongoing support made the shop such a valued part of the community and helped make a real difference to the many charities we support.”
Keg Cask & Bottle is one of the lucky ones to already find a new location in Prestwich
Still open for a few more weeks is the Bury Hospice charity shop, which is selling off everything in store for just £1 before it closes at the end of March.
A business that had to leave before its time was officially up was Percivals of Prestwich, a gift shop and newsagent that had been in the village for 45 years.
When its current owners Nick and Christine took over the business, they believed it would only last three years before the precinct was demolished – it managed to hang on for 11 years.
But the pair had to move out last autumn due to the condition of the building, leaving them with just one site left in Ramsbottom.
The construction of a travel hub is moving at pace in Prestwich – and as the precinct itself empties out, it looks like the face of the village will soon change for good.
While the work is going on, it’ll be more important than ever to head out in support of the local businesses still operating around Prestwich village – we’ve rounded some up below.
RPB + Coffee– an award-winning barbershop with a star-studded client list, and brilliant coffee shop downstairs
Chin Chin – a beautiful wine bar from the team behind Elnecot, which has jazz vinyls spinning, Sunday roast sandwiches, and an ever-changing range of wines
Keg Cask and Bottle – a bar and shop where you can pick up a few cans of craft beer and sit in the shop to drink them
Cellar Door – another wine bar, operated by brother and sister Ben and Sarah, with more than 200 different wines, batched cocktails, and two floors of seating
Neighbourhood – the bakery shop for Masa, which has been thrown into turmoil by the closure of the precinct. Brave the queue and show them some support
Village Greens – a local co-operative that’s an organic supermarket, deli, and village community cornerstone
Chips @ No. 8 – An award-winning chippy, with fish and spuds sourced fresh and fried in beef dripping
Cuckoo – a cosy neighbourhood bar hosting cinema nights and serving top-notch pizzas
All The Shapes – seasonal brunches plus loads of craft beers and cocktails
The Crooked Man -a charming beer bar that feels like you’ve wandered into someone’s living room
Codi’s Kitchen – known for its freshly made, mouthwatering sushi but also offers a wide selection of pan Asian dishes
The Pearl – A neighbourhood British restaurant that’s deserving of every bit of the critical acclaim it’s received. Also, has a wine window
Remal – Authentic and unique home-style Lebanese dishes, in a cosy restaurant space
Whole Bunch Wines – A lovely wine shop where you can crack open your purchase and drink it on a seat by the windows with a charcuterie board
Thai Corner – A new-ish takeaway and small restaurant on the corner of Clifton Road, serving authentic Thai dishes.
Emily Sergeant -
27th January 2022 
