In a welcome bit of news for Manchester City supporters, the club have announced another freeze on season card prices, as well as a change to a controversial policy surrounding ticket transfers.
A big bonus ahead of next term and what could still prove to be a blockbuster end to the 2025/26.
Confirming the news in a statement released on Friday, 24 April, Man City announced that they will be maintaining the current cost of season tickets for at least another campaign.
Sharing the information on social media, the update by and large has been met with a warm reception, with fan groups such as City Matters, various branches of the official Man City Supporters Clubs, and the likes of the 1894 Group welcoming the decisions.
Following extensive consultations with its fan engagement network, City Matters, Manchester City can confirm its approach to pricing for the 2026/27 season.
The post reads as follows: “Following extensive consultations with its fan engagement network, City Matters, Manchester City can confirm its approach to pricing for the 2026/27 season.
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“Prices for renewing general admission season tickets and Premier League match-by-match tickets for junior and adult Matchday Members will be retained at the same rate for a third consecutive season.
“The Club has taken the approach in recognition of the extraordinary accumulated impact of the current cost of living pressures on fans and their families.”
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City have also now informed Etihad Stadium matchgoers of the latest info regarding several other ‘significant’ choices and changes.
Besides paying the same price for their seat upon renewal, the cost of ‘match-by-match’ tickets will also stay at the same rate for juniors and adults, and they will also be introducing a new category for selected mid-week Premier League home games, starting from £25 for 18+ visitors.
Although annual adult matchday membership has increased by £3, juniors haven’t changed, and another 4,000 new ‘Flexi-Season Tickets’ – with 50% ringfenced for juniors – are set to be introduced as part of the home ground’s expansion and their “commitment to future generations of Cityzens”.
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The 1894, who have been vocal against the club and mobilised as part of multiple peaceful protests in recent times, shared a lengthy response of their own:
Perhaps just as crucially, though, following extensive consultation with City Matters, the previously unpopular ticket transfer policy has been simplified. Ahead of next season, matchgoers will be able to list up to a total of 18 family members and friends, regardless of their membership status.
City fans will also be able to do this at any point throughout the year if they are unable to attend a match. You won’t hear any complaints when it comes to this one.
Reflecting on the productive discussions, fan representatives said: “City Matters is delighted with the Club’s ticketing announcement and the decisions that have been made, both in relation to Season Ticket and Match-by-Match prices as well as the simplified ticket transfer policy.
“Over several months, we have worked closely and constructively with the Club, taking part in positive dialogue with them, sharing a wide range of views from within our fan base on ticketing-related topics.
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“The outcome that the Club and City Matters have delivered together demonstrates the real and positive impact that City Matters has as the Club’s official fan network.
“We would like to thank the Club for delivering on our priorities, showing once again that there is a clear understanding of the needs of fans and a commitment to acting in their best interests.”
There might still be somewhat of a bittersweet end coming very soon, but at least there’s stuff coming that can still be celebrated.
Dame Sarah Storey is going on Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Danny Jones
Record-breaking local athlete and Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, is set to become the latest to join the Strictly Come Dancing annals.
With the Strictly cast for 2026 steadily being unveiled, we always keep an eye out for the Greater Manchester names in particular.
That being said, we’re buzzing to see the hugely successful Stockport swimmer turned cyclist will be swapping her Team GB kit for sparkly, sequined ballroom gowns and an entirely different type of sport and fitness.
Announced on Friday, 17 July, Storey is the seventh celebrity to be confirmed for the 24th series of the hit BBC show and dancing competition.
Having represented her country not only at nine Paralympics but across two different disciplines after switching to the racing bike back in 2005, she’s our most decorated competitor in the entire history of the Games with 30 medals to her name – 19 of which are gold.
Absolute GOAT levels.
But now the Cheadle Hulme-born is once again set to show her versatility to see how she fares on the dance floor later this year.
Commenting ahead of the new-look season which starts this September, the 48-year-old said: “Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.
“I have always loved watching Strictly, and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world is incredibly motivating! I can’t wait to get started!”
This latest sea-change comes not long after the local legend and sporting icon officially announced her retirement from professional sport more than three decades on from first bursting onto the scene.
Thank you for taking the time to leave all the incredible messages. It’s so wonderful to read them and thank you for being the greatest supporters 🥰
— Dame Sarah Storey (@DameSarahStorey) July 9, 2026
What a career she’s had; it obviously didn’t take her long to get tired of sitting still for once, either.
She will be joined by the likes of Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer and Will Best.
In case you missed it, the upcoming edition of Strictly Come Dancing will be the first since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and pro dancer Johannes Radebe stepping in as replacements.
In other starring Stockport news, we’ve finally got more info on the final season of a popular programme filmed in the area. Find out more down below.
Oasis’ Wonderwall on the brink of becoming UK number one for first time ever 30 years after initial release
Emily Sergeant
Could Wonderwall FINALLY become UK number one for the first time ever?
England may no longer be in the running to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being knocked out in the Semi Finals by Argentina, who claimed a 2-1 win when the two teams faced off in Atlanta on Wednesday night (15 July), but it looks like that hasn’t harmed Wonderwall’s trajectory to the top of the Official UK Charts.
Oasis’ most-streamed song of all time – and arguably their most famous – is currently sitting right at the top of Spotify’s Global charts, meaning it is in the race to become the official UK number one later today.
Despite the fact it never reached number one when it was first released back in 1996 as part of the band’s second studio album, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?, the song has always had such cultural significance here in Manchester.
But after being adopted by the fans of the England men’s national football team during this World Cup, and belted out after every Three Lions victory this tournament, the song has taken on a whole new life.
Wonderwall was described at the time by the band’s lead guitarist and songwriter, Noel Gallagher, as being about ‘an imaginary friend who’s gonna come and save you from yourself’ – with the song’s title inspired by George Harrison’s solo album Wonderwall Music.
Sure, it has nothing to do with football (but neither did Sweet Caroline, let’s be real), but it’s an absolute anthem and one that’s become a symbol this year for the belief that football may have just been coming home after 60 years.
Win or lose, Wonderwall remains.
Unfortunately, while Wonderwall is in pole position as it stands, it’s up against some fierce footballing competition with the likes of Baddiel, Skinner & Lightning Seeds’ enduring anthem, Three Lions (Football’s Coming Home), hot on its heals.
Standing between both of them – and chart glory – is, of course, Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s record-breaking duet, Rein Me In, which looks to retain the top spot as it eyes a 17th non-consecutive week at the summit.
It’s also expected that The Beatles’ iconic 1968 hit, Hey Jude, will also find its way into the Top 40 in honour of the tournament’s star player Jude Bellingham.
So, will Wonderwall reign supreme then? Will the Gallagher brothers have another reason to celebrate tonight after the success of last year’s historic Oasis Live ’25 reunion tour? We’ll have to wait and see.
You can tune into the Official Chart Show on BBC Radio 1 from 4pm today.
Danny Jones -
24th April 2026 
