Sport

Salford City FC reveal new club crest ahead of return to orange kit

What do you make of it, Salfordians?

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 23rd December 2025

Salford City FC have finally revealed their new club crest, paying homage to both their historic and present badge, as they prepare to wear predominantly orange kits once again.

The Greater Manchester club are enjoying a healthy injection not only of investment but ideas and, indeed, a decent bit of form in turn.

Currently sitting sixth in the League Two standings and looking more than capable of scrapping with other third division hopefuls around them in the table, the end of this season could be the start of a fresh chapter for the Salford sporting institution.

Regardless of whether they go up following the conclusion of this campaign or not, the newly restructured ownership group is certainly looking to make this the start of a new era.

Officially debuting the new Salford City badge in the teaser video shared above on Tuesday, 23 December, you could call it an early Christmas gift for Ammies supporters.

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Writing on social media, the club said: “Our heritage. Our culture. Inspiring our future. From next season, Salford City FC will adopt a bold new identity, playing in orange with a new Club crest.

“Following recent consultations, 72% of fans voted to adopt this new Club crest from the start of the 2026-27 season.”

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A lengthier statement continues: “The new Crest comes after extensive consultation with fans over the past several months.

“It was designed in conjunction with renowned NYC-based agency MILK, and in recent weeks, fans have heard from co-owners Gary Neville and Sir David Beckham about the potential opportunities the new crest can offer the Club – from building our fan base globally to exciting new merchandise products.

This latest unveiling comes after confirmation of the club reverting to an orange-led colour scheme and home shirt.

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In addition to hinting at plans to once again upgrade the Peninsula Stadium, the official club statement also digs into the inspiration behind the various features included in the latest redesign.

They are as follows:

  • A rampant Lion that has featured on crests of the past, breaking out of the badge, refusing to be contained. It captures the fierce, on-field attitude expected from a Salford team. Relentless in the pursuit of success, never held back.
  • A new Salford rose, inspired by the iconic Salford Lads Club, symbolises enthusiasm, desire, passion and admiration.
  • Concentric circles represent a bird’s eye view of the Salford Gasworks.
  • A typeface crafted from the custom lettering found in Salford’s streets.

You see a more detailed breakdown of the thought process behind the various features down below; it does make for an interesting little read.

salford city fc new badge club crest orange kits
Credit: Salford City (via club website)

Salford famously switched to red when Manchester United’s ‘Class of 92’ legends bought the club in partnership with businessman Peter Lim well over a decade ago.

Despite the initial takeover seeing the struggling side find their way back into the EFL following multiple promotions, The Ammies have lost momentum in recent years, and many die-hard matchgoers still take issue with the colour change (the notion being that they were reborn in the shadow of Man United).

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Fast forward to now, and they reiterated that the plans – which follow the aforementioned official consultation held earlier this year – will see new insignia installed in time for next season, not only on the latest batch of kits but around their soon-to-be further renovated home ground.

With Salford‘s rugby league community also set for its next iteration as of the 2026 season, it’s all change in Greater Manchester’s second city.

RFL give the go-ahead for a new Salford rugby league team

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Featured Images — The 92 Bible/Salford City FC (via X)

Sport

Manchester’s beloved Club de Padel to return home, with plans for huge new club

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Manchester's beloved Club de Padel to return home, with plans for huge new club

Club de Padel – the first padel club to bring the sport to Manchester – have announced exciting plans for a brand-new club in the city centre.

The Manchester-born business closed down earlier this year after land owners Renaker began redeveloping the site it occupied at Deansgate Square.

But now Club de Padel will be making a grand return home, with an exciting new club featuring five covered courts, a coffee-bar, and event spaces.

They’ve secured a new home within Mayfield Park, beneath the arches of Depot Mayfield which is already home to Freight Island and the Warehouse Project.

The new club will also be close to the park’s award-winning children’s playground.

As well as operating padel clubs in Sheffield and Manchester, Club de Padel has a huge lifestyle arm to its business too, collaborating with local brand UN:IK on a clothing range, as well as working with M&S for a spring childrenswear line.

Co-owner Lucy Noone-Blake said: “We are beyond excited to have found our Manchester home at Mayfield Park.

Manchester's beloved Club de Padel to return home, with plans for huge new club
Manchester’s beloved Club de Padel to return home, with plans for huge new club

“The regeneration of the Mayfield district, including the dynamic and creative use of the Depot, the sheer care and effort poured into the park, incredible collaborations such as the rehoming of an award-winning Chelsea Flower show garden and the development of new workspace and homes come together to create a neighbourhood that we’re delighted to be a key part of.

“We’re grateful for the Mayfield Partnership who understand our vision and commitment to bring a well priced, accessible and creative approach to city centre wellness, and for their efforts in creating this beautiful place. We’re Manchester-born and based and we just can’t wait to come home.”

Hen Nowne, Development Director at Landsec, speaking on behalf of the Mayfield Partnership, said:
“Club de Padel is a brilliant addition to Mayfield Park. We want to create the kind of place people feel a real connection to and want to return to with more reasons to spend time here.

“It brings another burst of energy to Mayfield and feels like a really natural fit. We’re delighted to have Club de Padel as part of our community.”

Club de Padel Manchester will open in the summer of 2027, with a full programme of events, coaching, music and wellness.

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Featured image: Supplied

Sport

Manchester Half Marathon 2026 – route map, start times, travel warnings, and more

Lydia Mastrolonardo Lydia Mastrolonardo

It’s that time of year again: the ASICS Manchester Half Marathon is back this weekend and with more than 32,000 people taking part, it truly is going to be bigger and better than ever.

Taking place on Sunday 4 October, Mancs and runners from all over will be taking on the 13.1-mile challenge. Make that 21.1 kilometres if you’re metric folks like us. 

The event expects to raise £1.8 million for various well-deserving charities including Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK, The Christie, and Moya Cole Hospice. 

It’s set to be a bad day to be an empath – the event hosts thousands of runners, all with their own personal stories coming together to raise awareness and money for charities close to their hearts. 

This race never fails to draw in a city full of supportive spectators, even despite a chill being back in the air. So, remember to pack those tissues and prepare to cry for thousands of people you don’t even know. 

Being the biggest half marathon event in the region, whether you’re taking part or just cheering on from the roadside, it’s handy to have all the important details in one place.

Be it the route, hotspots for spectators, or freebies, we’ve got everything you need in this helpful guide to the 2026 ASICS Manchester Half. Let’s start off simple.

ASICS Manchester Half Marathon 2026 – all you need to know

What time does the 2026 ASICS Manchester Half start?

Those running in this year’s Manchester Half can expect to hear the starting gun from as early as 8:50am. 

The first wave of the day will be for the elite wheelchair participants, with the rest of the standard elite wave following them at 9:05am.

However, as we’re sure you’re all fully aware, the Manchester Half is broken up into waves based on predicted times. The rest of the participants will then set off in roughly 10-minute intervals, depending on their allocated bib colour, with the final group setting off at approximately 11:07 am.

You can find the full breakdown of waves and their start times HERE.

The starting line and route for the Manchester Half 2026

To access the start line on race day, participants should head to the Event Village, at the Lancashire County Cricket Club Grounds.

Here you’ll find the bag drop station, toilets for those pre-race nervous wees and poos (this is a non-judgmental space, guys – trust us and go for a ‘safety’ one), as well as the many marshals who will direct you to the starting line which is located on Talbot Road, opposite Trafford Town Hall.

The course will take runners into Manchester city centre, then back through Stretford, Sale, Chorlton-cum-Hardy and finishing back on Talbot Road before the celebrations can begin. You’ll be glad to hear the route is generally flat with no major inclines – phew.

You can find the full map for the 2026 Manchester Half Marathon route down below and click HERE for additional route information.

Manchester Half Marathon water stations, toilets and nutrition

Now, you might be thinking, “What about water stations?” or, “Where are the toilets in case there’s, you know… an emergency along the way”. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of both, as well as vital points to pick up some mid-race fuel.

There will be four water stations located roughly every three miles along the course to keep participants refreshed; there will also be ESN Hydro Gels available at the second and third water stations to give participants that extra boost if needed.

As for toilets, you’ll find them at or near each water station, as well as at the Event Village before and after the race, so you’ll have plenty of chances to grab a pit stop.

Preparation is key, as they say, so you can find out more about race day nutrition HERE and find out other ways to get your body ready now we’re into the final few days before the race.

Manchester Half Marathon road closures and travel info

As for travel advice, it’s going to be a busy weekend and so please allow extra time for any journeys. 

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As I’m sure you can imagine, this type of event does require a fair few road closures, meaning driving is strongly discouraged, to avoid missing your start time due to traffic.

Many bus services will also be diverted due to these closures, too.

Whether you live in the city centre, you’re getting the train into Piccadilly or Victoria from further afield, or you choose to Park and Ride, our recommendation would always be to use the Bee Network trams. 

The closest tram stops are Old Trafford and Trafford Bar, but they may be congested due to their close proximity to the race, so why not incorporate a gentle 15-minute walk into your pre-run warm up and get off at the quieter Imperial War Museum tram stop.

As always, we advocate for travelling as green as possible. More travel guidance is available online HERE.

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Where is best for spectators to watch the Manchester Half?

Spectators are best to encourage loved ones on from along the course, rather than just at the start and the finish area where access is limited and often overcrowded. 

There are multiple places along the course to cheer on our wonderful runners including the Asics Cheer Zone, The Bupa Stretch, ESN Fuel & Cheer Zone and cheer points from all of the Official Charity Partners.

The Deansgate Interchange would be our recommendation at the start of the day to soak up the atmosphere, where a big screen will show the live starts from the ‘Kick-Off Cam.’

Other prime viewing spots include Stretford, Sale and Chorlton around a mile before the finish. 

To see participants cross the finish line, you can get another view away from the roadside by heading inside the Lancashire County Cricket Club. Here, The Event Village is set to be the place to be, with food and drink vendors and a large screen, to show live finish line coverage throughout the day.

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Official merch and the 2026 Manchester Half medal design

Now, in case you need any extra information, we thought we’d give you a glimpse of what’s up for grabs at this year’s Manchester Half Marathon – other than glory, of course.

This year’s Finisher Tee is one of our favourites for a long time, showing the route in a black and gold design, making it the perfect keepsake to remember such a huge achievement. 

Oh yeah, and there is the obvious prize you’re all working towards: the 2026 Asics Manchester Half Marathon medal. We really love this year’s design too and we can’t wait to see you all wearing them proudly around your necks in just a few days’ time.

What else to look out for at the 2026 Asics Manchester Half Marathon?

Beyond all that, there’s also an array of activities and new experiences to get involved in over the event weekend. 

To make the most of what’s on offer, spectators can also use new interactive walking maps on the online Spectator Hub. These maps contain recommended routes for walking, stop-off points for refreshments and more transport suggestions. 

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Oh – and the hugely popular hyper-personalised bibs are back. As part of the ‘Express Yourself’ edition there are some super exciting new design options.

What post-run treats can you make the most of?

There will also be plenty of freebies and exciting activities on offer for participants.

Now the race is over, head on down to The Event Village to begin the celebrations. Here, there will be an ESN Performance Hub, ASICS Celebration Zone, Bupa Recovery Zone and Vitamin Well Victory Vault.

First up, ESN are giving out their Goat Bars over the finish line. These recovery protein bars will help to repair your muscles, allowing you to re-energize ahead of your evening plans.

Next, head on over to the Erdinger Alkoholfrei DJ zone to quench your thirst with a natural isotonic drink packed with vitamins and minerals to replenish any lost. 

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Finally, there will also be ice cold Vitamin Well drinks available in the Athlete’s village to quench your thirst and ensure you leave feeling revitalised, before collecting kudos from your peers.

Once you’ve collected your goodies, move on to the Asics Celebration Zone to get your picture taken, then visit the Bupa Recovery Zone to unwind with physiotherapists leading stretch sessions. The ESN Performance Hub will also allow supporters a chance to win exclusive products, while runners can pick up a limited number of ESN Fuel Pack goodie bags.

There’s lots to get your hands on so make the most of it before leaving the village – after all, you deserve it. 

Lastly, we wish you the best of luck for race day and just remember, there’s nothing quite like that feeling when you cross the finish line.

Now go and smash it! We’re already unbelievably proud of you all.

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Featured image: Manchester Half

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Travel advice for the Manchester Half Marathon 2026. Credit: Manchester Half

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