Sport
Salford City FC debut 24/25 away kit as Fireball Whisky is revealed as new front-of-shirt sponsor
But the deal isn't just limited to kit sponsorship.
Salford City FC has officially revealed its new shirt sponsor for the coming seasons as globally-known North American whisky brand Fireball is set to be splashed on the front of their home and away kits.
While Salford City‘s home kit for the 2024/25 season is still yet to be revealed, the away have now been debuted in line with Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey being announced as the Ammies’ latest commercial collaboration, which is said to be a “first-of-its-kind deal” for both parties.
The multi-year agreement will see the spicy cinnamon-infused whisky liqueur feature as the main sponsor on Salford shirts for the next three seasons as part of a “360-degree partnership”.
Confirming the front-of-shirt deal on Friday, 5 July, the two brands will also team up on “various touchpoints including broadcast and news media, custom social and digital content, in-store, and on-field branding experiences” on and off the pitch.
It’s the Canadian alcohol brand’s first foray into English football and a landmark moment for the Greater Manchester club which has been looking to expand its commercial portfolio and generate more revenue.
This comes since the Class of 92 group and co-owner Peter Lim opened the club to the floor for new investors earlier this year, with the club’s progress having slowed somewhat after they were promoted four times in five seasons following their 2014 takeover.
Fireball will replace nationwide property development and funding company, Salboy – which many Mancs will likely recognise from various bits of construction across the city centre and beyond – who served as Salford’s shirt sponsor for just one season to kick off their first year with Adidas as manufacturers.
The 40-year-old brand can be found in most alcohol aisles in the UK and is shipped all over the world, making the partnership a huge deal for the local outfit, not to mention just the latest in a series of global drinks companies sponsoring clubs – e.g. Ryan Reynolds’ Aviation Gin on Wrexham kits and Red Bull partnering with Leeds United earlier this month.
Here’s how Salford’s new away strip looks:
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Commenting on the new kit deal, Salford City CEO and Manchester United legend Nicky Butt said: “We are excited to welcome Fireball as our men’s team front of shirt sponsor for the next three years, and we are really looking forward to working with them.
“Salford has a rich history of being creative and doing things in our way, so when this opportunity to partner with Fireball came about and we saw how they have made an impression on their sector, it resonated with us and the journey we have been on since taking over a decade ago.”
Lorenzo Farronato, Fireball’s European Marketing Director added: “Football is a game all about shots – taking them and making them is what the game is all about. So, as the number one shot brand in the USA, Fireball was inspired to enter the game but knew we needed to do it right.
“Fireball’s partnership with SCFC is a match made in heaven – just like our brand, Salford believes in working hard, playing hard and having a ton of fun every step of the way. We share similarly dedicated fanbases, too, and can’t wait to deliver unexpected moments of mischief and celebration to them all season long.”
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Featured Images — Salford City (via X)/m01229 (via Flickr)
Sport
Manchester Basketball set to make history at first-ever Super League Cup finals in the city
Danny Jones
In case you missed the latest landmark for Manchester Basketball, both of our men’s and women’s teams have officially reached the 2026 Super League Cup Finals.
Aside from being a huge achievement for the fresh sporting franchise in itself, things are now all set up for a perfect weekend for local fans, with the conclusion of the Super League Cup taking place in our city for the very first time.
This year is just the second campaign of the regional basketball organisation’s next chapter, having rebranded from Manchester Giants as part of the SLB’s wider unification process with the British Basketball League, which began in late 2025.
All that being said, it’s quite a watershed moment for this new and improved outfit – and pretty soon, too, so here’s hoping they can follow it up with a dream ending against the kings and queens of the capital.
It’s rare you get both the male and female members from the same side making it to the final of a major competition in the same year, not to mention having it hosted on their own turf.
Zak Irvin, Captain of the Men’s side, said in a statement: “Since I arrived here, the goal has been to bring championships home to the city.
“Our team has a great opportunity to do that in front of a Manchester crowd on the 22nd. It’s going to be an electric final, and having the backing of the Manchester crowd can be a real difference maker.”
With multiple Manc natives like Kaiyem Cleary, Demi Babalola and Irene Oboavwoduo in the squad – all of whom have come through the club’s junior pathways – they’ve got hometown pride on the line, too.
And better yet, they’ve already proved that they can make sure the weight of the occasion doesn’t get the better of them, having just won a major European knockout match as part of the MOBOs Fringe Festival earlier this week.
Facing off against KK Dubrava from Zagreb, they managed to pull off a narrow victory, beating the Croatians 94-92 to make it through to the quarter-finals of this year’s European North Basketball League (ENBL) knockout phase.
17-year-old Irene added, “It means a lot to me to play in a Cup final in my home city. Having my family and friends there, as well as all the support for Manchester, will be incredible.
“To play in a domestic final around the corner from where I’ve grown up is really unique. We’re all excited for the game; it will be a great occasion.”
With the stage set for what we have every faith will be an unforgettable conclusion at the AO Arena, it’s on us to make sure they’ve got the stands on their side.
Taking place on Sunday, 22 March, with seat prices starting from just £26 for adults (or £65 if you want to sit courtside), let’s help Manchester Basketball get over the line against London Lions.
You can grab your tickets right HERE.
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Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via MCR Basketball/AO Arena)
Sport
Kyle Walker announces retirement from international football with England at 35
Danny Jones
Former Manchester City star and England defender has announced his retirement from international football at 35 years old.
He calls it a day for his country with nearly a century of appearances.
Kyle Walker, who has won six Premier Leagues, four Carabao trophies, a pair of FA Cups and a Champions League title with Man City, made his national team debut back in 2011.
Now, nearly a full decade and a half later, he is hanging up his boots on the biggest stage, retiring as England’s most capped right back in history.
As you can see, he confirmed the news in a highlight video looking back on her best moments with the Three Lions.
Sharing a lengthy and emotional statement in the caption, the Yorkshireman wrote: “After more than a decade representing my country, I have decided to retire from international football. Playing for England has always been the biggest honour of my career and something I will always be proud of.
“Thank you to every teammate, coach, manager, the 12th man, and everyone behind the scenes who has been part of the journey. Every roar from the fans pushed the team along, and I’m looking forward to joining them to support the lads in the World Cup.”
His last appearance in an England shirt came in June against Senegal, since dropping out of manager Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice team and future plans, with both form and age no doubt being factored into that decision.
Walker added: “The memories in an England shirt will stay with me forever.”
He went on to sign off by saying, “I also want to thank my family for their support every step of the way. They have made this journey even more special, and I will always be grateful to have shared it with them.”
The Sheffield-born fullback left Manchester last year following a loan spell at AC Milan, before joining fellow Premier League side Burnley FC permanently this past July.
Meanwhile, the Clarets are staring down relegation back to the Championship; however, this step will no doubt help Walker prolong his club career, whether or not he stays in Lancashire.
Where does Walker rank among the all-time England defenders in your mind?
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Featured Images — Oleg Bkhambri (via Wikimedia Commons)/England (screenshot via YouTube)
Danny Jones -
5th July 2024 
