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?
Salford RLFC finally confirm new head and assistant coaches
Danny Jones
Salford RLFC have finally announced their new head and assistant coach picks as the new rugby league season fast approaches.
The Salfordian phoenix club had already confirmed they’d reached provisional pre-contract agreements with a new boss and several players following the news of the consortium bid that kept the sporting institution alive, but now they officially have a new leadership team to get behind.
Following Salford Red Devils’ resurrection by the aforementioned investment group – though it still remains unclear whether this will eventually include a full rebranding – familiar face Mike Grady and his assistant Dave Hewitt are now in place.
They replace ex-boss Paul Rowley, now at St Helens, and his assistant, Kurt Haggerty, who both left in October and September of last year, respectively.
Sharing the news in an official statement on their new Instagram account amid a major overhaul of their online presence, the local side wrote: “We are proud to announce Mike as the new Head Coach of Salford RLFC, joined by Dave Hewitt as Assistant Coach.
“Mike brings over 12 years of coaching experience across club and international rugby, most recently leading the Salford Women’s team and previously coaching at Widnes.
“His appointment marks another big step forward in our rebuild, combining experience, passion and a deep understanding of what Salford rugby league stands for: hard work, resilience and exciting rugby.
“Joining him, Dave Hewitt, former St Helens and England Academy player, will focus on developing our attacking play and nurturing new talent.”
Hewitt also played for Oldham RLFC across three spells, as well as Rochdale Hornets.
As for the board, they sign off by adding: “Together, Mike and Dave represent the energy and belief driving this new era for Salford RLFC.”
With several ‘key announcements’ soon to be made, we can expect a better idea of what the new and hopefully improved Salford will look like in time for their opener against the Roughyeds in the Championship on Friday, 16 January.
It is worth noting that the club have yet to reveal any actual squad signings.
As for co-owner Caton-Brown, who knows all about the club and the community from his several years playing in the area, we have the pleasure of chatting with him first-hand about the vision for their future.
As a result, Pep Guardiola and co. have decided to cut the 20-year-old’s loan spell at Championship outfit Watford FC short to bolster their ranks along the backline.
The Italian journalist gave the reports the ‘Here We Go!’ seal of approval on Monday, 5 January, following confirmation of Gvardiol‘s ankle problem.
“Man City act fast as Josko Gvardiol will now be out for several weeks with injury”, he writes, “and so Max Alleyne returns.”
Himself a bit of a utility player, having also been deployed in defensive midfield on occasion, the Bristol-born youth academy product could prove a useful option in various positions across the pitch.
While Guardiola admitted that the versatile Croatian star’s issue “doesn’t look good” – this being the same ankle he had surgery on back in November 2025 – it remains to be seen how serious his Portuguese teammate’s muscle concern is.
Romano continues: “Alleyne has been doing great at Watford on loan… City informed the London club this morning, even if they’re very happy [with] how they managed Max over recent months. Club-to-club good relationship, City wanted Alleyne in their squad ASAP, and Watford let Max leave today.”
The England prospect has represented his country in every age group from the under-17s to Lee Carsley’s U21 side, and has certainly impressed on the national stage.
Danny Jones -
16th May 2024 
