Manchester City have officially unveiled their new home kit for the 2024/25 season and it’s safe to say the central feature has left fans divided.
Dropping shirt fresh from having taken control of this year’s title race going into the final day of the Premier League this weekend, with a record-breaking four in a row now looking more likely than ever, you could argue there’s no better time to reveal how they look while defending the trophy next season.
However, amongst the supporters – be they Blue or otherwise – it seems that a lot of people have been left torn over one key, defining detail on City‘s new home shirt.
Yes, as you can see, although not much has changed on the kit made by Puma and it’s still very much sky-blue, the design of Man City’s 24/25 home shirt revolves almost entirely around the number 0161.
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Designating the area code for Manchester phone numbers and having become a shorthand for the city for as long as we can remember, while it may be a recognised bit of slang predominantly used by the younger generation, it isn’t one that everyone necessarily likes.
Think of people who hate it when anyone says ‘Manny‘.
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As always with new football shirts, the debate is split right down the middle; plenty of fans are labelling it “cold” and saying “what a beautiful kit”, others are saying they “hate it” or find it “cringe”, and a very big chunk lie somewhere in the middle – or “mid”, to quite many of the comments from youngsters.
Honestly, the further you scroll the less it seems like there’s a consensus on this one.
Just a handful of the varying reactions to City’s divisive new home kit. (Credit: X)
Naturally, a lot of people have simply quipped “Same every year” and others just seem to have grown tired of Manchester clubs calling on ‘tired’ emblems and references like 0161.
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Featuring not only the new collar but also the cuffs of the sleeves and obviously being central to the launch advert and their entire marketing strategy, the angle doesn’t chime with everyone.
Local fan Charlie told us: “I’m personally not a massive fan of it. I understand they’re trying to connect with the youth a bit more and almost mix it with street culture, but it just seems super tacky”.
Another lifelong Blue added: “I don’t think it looks as bad as the leaks made out now I’ve seen it on but I still think the constant pandering to MCR is cringe from both [City and United]. If they have to do it just keep it on the third shirt, even though you can’t actually see the 0161 that much.
They really hammered it home by getting Manc rapper Mike ‘Tays’ Taylor (known as Tays MCR online) to write a whole song themed around the number 0161 for the kit launch, though the reception to the song and the video itself has been largely positive.
The 24/25 City home shirt is available to buy online and in stores now.
Personally, we don’t mind the whole 0161 thing over here at The Manc and, let’s be honest, most footy kits don’t change that much year on year, do they?
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Yes, it might not be hugely different or distinct from previous years under Puma but, as many have also written in the comments, they still probably end up going and buying it anyway.
What do you make of Man City’s new home kit for next season?
Tommy Fury announces return to boxing after his ‘hardest battle’ yet
Danny Jones
Manc boxer Tommy Fury has announced his return to the ring later this year, although he’s still keeping tight-lipped about some of the finer detailsabout his next fight.
Tommy Fury has been stuck on the sidelines for the best part of the last two years following his last boxing match against influencer and musician KSI, having reluctantly stepped away from boxing through injury and well-publicised personal issues outside of the sport.
He ultimately pulled out of his intended comeback against Darren Till ahead of what looked to be an already fraught face-off, and his been quiet on the competitive front ever since – until now.
Revealing a scheduled date for the next fight, the 25-year-old took to social media to confirm that he will be back very soon but is withholding some of the particulars for now.
Writing in the caption, the younger Fury brother said: “Two years out. One surgery. The hardest battle I’ve faced has been the mental battle of being away from boxing. But I’m back stronger, sharper, and more HUNGARY than ever.”
However, the most notable omission is who he will actually be taking on, i.e. one of the main reasons fight fans would be interested in the first place.
Although many have been left frustrated by the infrequency of his fights due to multiple cancellations, it’s clearly a concerted effort to build anticipation ahead of the event.
Sharing the date for his Budapest bout – which is coming much sooner than many would have expected (Friday, 9 May) – he signed off by adding: “It’s showtime. Let’s go!”
Besides the social media post, the local fighter published a lengthy announcement video/teaser trailer on the official Tommy Fury YouTube channel on Monday night, in which he states, “the contract has literally just been signed as we speak”.
You can watch the feature in full down below:
In truth, the majority of the video is about brand deals, but it does show getting some training done.
Hyping up his undefeated record, with 10 wins to his name thus far in his still fairly fledgling boxing career, he goes on to say he is “over the moon” and ready to get back in business.
Only time will tell whether this fight will actually go ahead as his followers have gotten more than used to seeing his matches postponed or cancelled. First and foremost, who do you think his comeback opponent is gong to be?
His name has mostly been in the headlines due to his high-profile relationship with fellow famous face Molly Mae-Hague.
The couple, who first met on Love Island back in 2019, welcomed their first child, Bambi, back in January 2023 but went on to split up last August. A docuseries covering their struggles dropped at the start of this year.
Featured Images — Screenshot (via YouTube)/Ghazi Twaissi (via WikiCommons)/The Manc Group
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Belle Vue manager warns of former Aces ahead of Premiership clash
Danny Jones
Belle Vue Aces boss and Aussie speedway legend Mark Lemon has warned his side of Oxford Spires’ quality ahead of their face-off in the Premiership, especially as they prepare to come against some ex-ATPI employees.
With a ROWE Motor Oil Premiership round coming up on Monday night (14 April) and the Aces second in the table with five early points total on the board already, the CEO, Director and Team Manager isn’t underestimating the southern opponents.
Even though Oxford have had a tough start to the season, the Manchester racers can’t afford to be complacent, and Lemon has already identified some key threats on the track, including two former Aces.
It’ll be a thrilling night at the National Speedway Stadium (NSS), as always.
𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼…
♣️ ATPI Aces v Oxford Spires ⛪️ 🗓️ Monday, April 14, 7.30pm. 🏆 Premiership R1. 🏟️ National Speedway Stadium. 🎟️ Get ticket now: https://t.co/DREWNjxB09 🍴 Hospitality: https://t.co/RFS3gcPD99
Speaking on Sunday ahead of the races, the 52-year-old said: “I know it’s a cliche, but there really aren’t any easy meetings in the Premiership.
“We know what Oxford’s riders are capable of; Rohan [Tungate] and Charles [Wright] can be very good at the National Speedway Stadium, and that makes them dangerous.
“When you add in the likes of [Maciej] Janowski, Erik Riss and guest Dan Thompson, [Oxford Spires] are a strong side.”
33-year-old ‘Magic’ Janoswki from Poland is not only a former world number three but has four FIM Speedway World Cup gold medals to his name.
Nevertheless, the Aces have bounced back after a disappointing 50-40 defeat in the KO Cup by Ipswich Witches to record a double over King’s Lynn Stars, with a narrow loss against Leicester still showing plenty of fight and promise for the rest of the campaign.
Belle Vue Aces’ Jaimon Lidsey pushing hard against King’s Lynn – here’s hoping for more of that against Oxford. (Credit: Taylor Lanning)
Lemon went on to assure that he remains confident, however, adding: “We’re settling back into a routine. It was good that all the boys are getting confidence-building scores.
“Zach Cook, Norick Blodorn and Jake Mulford have all started winning key races and scoring well. Tate Zischke is also solving some bike issues.
“As I’ve said before, at this time of the season, it’s about building momentum. That’s the target.”
The Aces get underway against the Spires at the NSS just down the road in Gorton from 7:30pm – best of luck to all those at Belle Vue.
Danny Jones -
16th May 2024 
