Manchester United have asked any fans with spare warm clothes to bring them along to the derby this weekend as they continue their ‘Warm Hub’ community initiative this winter.
While most fans will obviously be fixated on what happens on the pitch come 12:30pm on Saturday, the club are once again reminding us that many have more important things to worry about than football.
Following the surge in energy prices and overall cost of living crisis, more than 3,700 warm banks have been set up across the UK in the past few months to support those who sadly cannot afford to keep the heating on.
One of those sites is located at Old Trafford, inside the Red Cafe to be specific, which opened on 6 December and provides a safe, heated space for the people who need it most in the local community. This latest community benefit marks the Warm Hub being extended for another six weeks.
.@ManUtd and supporters of the campaign are also holding a charity sleepout in the Munich Tunnel this evening. ❤️https://t.co/oOdOGyDUX2
Alongside providing hot drinks, snacks, entertainment and ‘talking benches’ to provide visitors and those battling loneliness with an outlet to communicate and feel welcome, they are now encouraging fans to donate any unwanted layers as part of a crucial new clothes drive.
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Created as part of the larger ‘United By Your Side’ campaign, which included a stadium sleepout for charity last month, this latest step sees the club going further when it comes to community action by asking supporters to get involved on their way to the ground.
Setting up collection points all around the ground, all fans need to do is drop off their coats, jumpers, scarves, hats, gloves etc. on their way into the stadium and do their bit for those struggling during these colder months.
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Issuing a statement on the club website, the United Foundation‘s chief exec John Shiels highlighted how the organisation is working “all-year-round to increase opportunities for vulnerable young people”, but that they also feel “an extra responsibility during the winter”.
💭 Will you be at Old Trafford for the derby on Saturday?
👉 We kindly ask you to please bring any spare clothes, which will be donated to people in need across the Greater Manchester community. #MUFC
That being said, although the Manchester derby is typically a day where the city splits in two and revels in the long-standing rivalry, the club are still focused on doing what they can to “ease some of the pressures facing our community”, especially during these difficult times.
Moreover, as mentioned, the fresh schedule of Warm Hub evenings start on Tuesday 17 January between 5-8pm and are, of course, free of charge to anyone who wants to come along. Those arriving can register via the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand reception and will be guided to the Red Cafe.
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Red or blue aside, it’s good to see important Manchester institutions contributing to the community and encouraging their loyal supporters to follow suit.
Be sure to bring your spare warm clothes if you heading to the game on Saturday.
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 -
12th January 2023 
