Greater Manchester’s very own Nathan Aspinall has finally done it: he’s won his first European Tour Trophy and ended a two-year wait for a title.
‘The Asp’ is back on the up.
33-year-old Nathan Aspinall broke onto the Development and Challenge scene over a decade ago and has had an up and down time in professional darts ever since, including a career-threatening injury back in 2022, but he’s remained a fan favourite underdog throughout that time.
That being said, the room was fully behind as he broke the duck. Here’s how it happened:
ASPINALL IS THE CHAMPION! 🏆
Nathan Aspinall beats Ryan Joyce to win his first European Tour title!
Notching a thrilling televised win against Ryan Joyce, currently ranked 26th, the world number eight from Stockport made felt like not just a statement victory but a comeback of sorts, showcasing some of the impressive form that saw him emerge as such a promising talent in the first place.
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He won his inaugural PDC Pro Tour title back in 2018 and his first World Series of Darts title at the US Darts Masters a year later, but he’s had to wait for his moments in the years since; in terms of a big title win on the Euro Tour, Aspinall was the first to joke “it only took me 10 years!”
His last piece of silverware came in July 2023 when he won his first World Matchplay title and dropped to the oche floor in a similarly emotional fashion, but the subsequent drought has felt like an eternity for the Stopfordian and his loyal following of fans.
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The Asp led the entire match, breaking Joyce’s throw to take a 4-1 lead before ultimately going on to win 8-4 at the European Darts Trophy final in Göttingen, Germany on Sunday night.
He flexed some serious muscles and showed some resilience to do so, including an absolute peach of a 170 checkout that will go down as one of the best of the year – we don’t care if it’s only March.
Checkout of the year easily if he goes on to win the title. The big fishhhhhh 🎣
It wasn’t the only ‘Big Fish’ he pulled off either, having managed the same feat against veteran Gary Anderson in the semis, a moment he said had his hands shaking, let alone making it to the final.
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Speaking after the crowd-pleasing conclusion and his maiden Euro title win, Aspinall said: “For me, personally – can I swear? It’s been a s*** few years for me. This is what I needed, it was a big win.
“It makes me believe in myself that I’m still good enough to compete with these boys. Because of the situation I’ve been in over the last few years with the injuries and the dartitis, this is probably my proudest moment.
The crowd were unbelievable. The support I got was amazing. This honestly means so much to me. Roll on [Michael] van Gerwen on Thursday night [in the Premier League of Darts].” He also told PDC of his struggles with ‘dartitis’ – a phenomenon that continues to confound players and viewers alike.
He signed off with a typically amusing moment, adding: “Honestly, [one] final word for this crowd, you guys are unbelievable and if anyone wants to buy me a pint at the bar, I’ll see you later.”
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
Inside Manchester’s new padel club with a Pot Kettle Black cafe and courtside cocktail bar
Daisy Jackson
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and it’s really picking up speed in Manchester now too with another city centre club opening this month.
The Pollen Club is a little different to the others, in that it’s fully undercover and protected from Manchester’s less-than-favourable weather.
And another thing that makes it a must-visit is the cafe attached to it – a third site for the beloved Pot Kettle Black.
The Pollen Club and Pot Kettle Black have both taken over a prominent city centre spot just off Deansgate, at the foot of the recently-opened Treehouse Hotel.
There are two state-of-the-art padel courts inside, with a mezzanine terrace for enjoy Pot Kettle Black’s offerings.
In summer, there are plans to launch a bar downstairs too, where you can sip spritzes courtside from loungers and swing seats.
The exciting new Manchester padel club will host pop up events, DJ takeovers and an extended evening food offering.
Pot Kettle Black are part of the new padel clubInside Manchester’s new padel club, The Pollen ClubPot Kettle Black are part of the new padel club
And even if you’re not heading inside The Pollen Club, Pot Kettle Black has a grab-and-go hatch facing onto Blackfriars Street, making their delicious coffees, sandwiches and pastries (from their own bakery Half Dozen Other) even more accessible.
Commenting on the opening of the new site, Pot Kettle Black co-owner, Mark Flanagan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened our third Pot Kettle Black site at The Padel Club. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
“After ten years in the city we’ve been enjoying seeing some familiar faces stopping by for a coffee and we can’t wait to get started on our programme of summer events!”
Danny Jones -
24th March 2025 
