It is time for the return of Manchester United’s much-loved Stadium Sleep Out, where fans can actually sleep over at Old Trafford to help raise money for charity.
Back for just the third time in the club’s history, the Red Devils are once again inviting fans of Man United to not just visit the Theatre of Dreams outside of a usual matchday but to sleep for one special night in the stands of Old Trafford itself.
The now annual fundraising event which looks to combat homelessness in Greater Manchester and among young people, specifically, raised over a whopping £40,000 for this vital cause last November and is looking to amass even more this time around.
Given that this figure was double the amount managed in the inaugural year, we think the next edition is going to smash that target too.
— Manchester United Foundation (@MU_Foundation) October 16, 2024
The concept is pretty much what it says on the tin: hordes of Reds pile into Old Trafford with their warm layers, sleeping bags, flasks and more to sleep out at one of the most iconic stadiums in the world.
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Over 100 Reds took part in the 2023 Sleep Out and while the concept has been seen before at various different sporting organisations in recent times, there aren’t many clubs bigger than United, so they’re looking to welcome even more numbers to sleepover in the stands.
The event was set up to help raise money not only for the Manchester United Foundation but for UK charity Centrepoint too. With a base here in Greater Manchester, the homelessness charity has been helping support vulnerable young people all over the region and beyond since 1969.
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Between 2022 and 2023, Centrepoint found that 136,000 young people across the UK approached their council for help because they were homeless or at risk of homelessness, highlighting the desperate plight of many in our area and the need for events, and support, like this.
As the colder temperatures creep in, it’s more vital than ever that those less fortunate get help wherever they can and the November date also allows locals to experience a taste of what it’s like for those sleeping rough and remind them of why initiatives like this are so important.
Taking place on Friday, 15 November, the 2024 Old Trafford Stadium Sleep Out is set to welcome more participants than ever and it goes without saying that the atmosphere is pretty special.
A strictly 18+ event only, you can get ready to swap your bed for a sleeping bed and instead of staring at the ceiling, you can look up at the stars while laying down under the lights of Manchester United’s legendary home ground from just £30. All fund goes directly to the cause.
You can register your interest HERE and, who knows, maybe you’ll be joined by Fred the Red and a few other familiar faces this year.
The new Match of the Day presenter lineup has been confirmed
Danny Jones
The brand-new presenter lineup has been confirmed for Match of the Day (MotD) following the departures of Gary Lineker and Ian Wright.
Lineker had been the lead anchor on the BBC’s flagship football programme for 25 years, spanning generations of fans after taking over the equally iconic Des Lynam back in 1999.
The 64-year-old ex-pro and England star is still in post at present but will be stepping down after the conclusion of the current Premier League season.
Following months of speculation around who would be taking over in the main chair across from regular pundits like Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, the corporation has now confirmed its new core team.
After reports began appearing earlier this month, popular presenter Kelly Cates is making the big switch to become one of three main hosts, though she does already host BBC Radio 5 Live’s Tuesday night sports coverage.
The daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish and a familiar face on Sky Sports weekly matchday on-screen talent since 2016 after first appearing as part of Sky Sports News back in 1998, she’s a recognisable face to anyone who regularly watches football. A great appointment.
‘Chappers’ continues in post
In at number two – a number he’s become more than familiar with during his time as part of the existing Match of the Day team – Mark Chapman isn’t going anywhere and will now be sharing an equal third of the presenting duties as co-host.
Chapman joined MotD back in 2013 following the departure of Colin Murray and has gone on to present various other BBC Sport productions, including their NFL coverage. ‘Chappers’ isn’t going anywhere and rightly so.
Gabby Logan remains a BBC Sport stalwart
Third and finally, Football Focus mainstay, multi-discipline sports presenter and BBC veteran, Gabby Logan, is taking her rightful place on the Match of the Day panel. About time if you ask us.
Also the son of a famous footballer – Leeds legend and Wales international Terry Yorath – and a retired athlete herself, having competed as a rhythmic gymnast, she’s been a household name on British telly for as long as most of us can remember.
As for Lineker, you can expect an emotional send-off when he does call it this May.
The former Leicester, Everton, Barcelona and Spurs player will still be serving as a key part of the BBC’s FA Cup presenting team as well as future Euros and World Cups.
We’ll always have the memories, eh, Gary?
The new Match of the Day presenters have some big shorts to fill.
Tributes paid to loyal Curzon Ashton FC fan and beloved volunteer Barry Thickett
Danny Jones
Tributes are being paid to a much-loved local football fan and loyal volunteer at Curzon Ashton Football Club, Barry Thickett, who sadly died last week at the age of 82.
Known to the majority around the Tameside Stadium and more throughout Greater Manchester’s non-league pyramid, Thickett was a long-serving supporter and assisted the club for many years.
Unfortunately, following a short period of illness which remains undisclosed, the die-hard fan passed away while most were wrapped up in the action from the FA Cup third-round ties this weekend.
Confirming the heartbreaking news with their fan base on Monday, 13 January, Curzon Ashton shared a single black-and-white image of Barry, which was met with an outpouring of heartfelt condolences.
As you can see, countless followers of ‘The Nash’ hopped on social media to pay their respects to a fan favourite figure who has been remembered, above all else, “a wonderful man” – overwhelmingly so.
Fellow fan Dr Andy Hershon commented, “I knew him via the Friday walking football. He always came to watch. Lovely bloke who loved to chat about the game. Will be sadly missed. RIP Barry”.
Multiple fans mentioned loving their “chats” with the local legend, who used to work as an area manager at the old Wilson’s Brewery in Newton Heath.
Perhaps most notably, Barry’s loved ones expressed their thanks to the club and all those posting touching tributes; his daughter Sara replied, “Thank you for such a lovely tribute. Dad would have been touched”, and son Gaz added: “Thank you for the lovely message, means a lot to the family.”
Player-manager Craig Mahon went on to write “Barry was a true gentleman and respected by all the team. Always there with his words of wisdom at half-time and full-time.
He will be sorely missed by everyone at Curzon Ashton FC. RIP Baz thanks for all you [have] done.”
Curzon Ashton are yet to announce any official plans for a Barry Thickett memorial service via the club, but he will no doubt receive an emotional observance when the National League North outfit travels to nearby Stalybridge on Tuesday, 14 Jan.
Their next home game takes place this weekend (Saturday) and we’re sure he’ll be given a proper send-off by all those who knew and loved him up on the terraces. Our thoughts go out to Barry’s family, friends and everyone at the club. Rest in peace.
Danny Jones -
17th October 2024 
