Lewis Macari, the grandson of Manchester United and Scotland legend, Lou Macari, scored his first-ever goal in English football on his EFL debut for Notts County this weekend and it was an absolute screamer.
His grandfather, who played for Man United over 400 times and was part of Celtic’s iconic ‘Quality Street Gang’, still gives his name to one of the busiest matchday chippies outside Old Trafford and continues to work on behalf of the club to this day, but now his grandson is carrying the family on the pitch.
Lewis, still just 21, is on loan at the League Two side from parent club Stoke City, where Macari is also revered for his time as a manager across two spells and where his grandad still lives to this day helping the homeless community as he does here in Manchester.
Rifling home the edge-of-the-box rocket from centre-back no less, the youngster helped secure the three points in a 2-1 win against Gillingham in a moment he’ll never forget.
A goal for Lewis Macari in his first-ever @EFL game, to secure all three points for @Official_NCFC in their 5,000th @EFL game 🤩
As you can see, it was a finish that anyone would make anyone proud, and one more than worthy of his family name, with Macari’s sons Michael and Lewis’ dad Paul both having played professionally at Stoke in the 90s too.
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The match-winner itself helped the Magpies stay within touching distance of Greater Manchester side and league leaders, Stockport County, with their promotion rivals now sat on just a two-point cushion at the top of the table.
While his grandad scored a nearly century of goals from midfield for United and many more during his career, as for Lewis, this was just his second-ever goal in professional football, having previously netted one whilst on loan at Dundalk in Ireland last year.
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Speaking to media after the game, the youngster admitted that it was “all a blur” after he struck the ball, joking that he couldn’t even remember how he celebrated.
As mentioned, Macari Senior’s legacy goes far beyond his sporting career and having his name on the front of a chip shop; Lou and his organisation have been helping care for homeless people in Manchester, Stoke and more for several years now, raising over £750,000 for related charities.
The Macari Foundation set up a homeless shelter, The Macari Centre, in central Stoke back in 2016, helping house countless rough sleepers and now providing a bed, four meals a deal and support to around 50 individuals a day.
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Here in 0161, the ex-Red Devil has also played a key role in helping United establish their ‘Big Sleepout‘ initiative, where members of the club and locals camped out inside the Munich Tunnel to raise money for vulnerable young people and homeless charities in the region for the first time last year.
The next sleepout, which is now set to be held in the stands of Old Trafford, takes place next month on 3 November. You can find out more information and how to get involved HERE.
Featured Image — EFL League Two/Notts County (via Twitter)
Sport
Wigan Warriors finally reveal next season’s kits following update on delayed release
Danny Jones
Wigan Warriors have now officially revealed their new shirts for next season, following a much-anticipated update regarding the 2026 kits, the release of which had been delayed.
The Greater Manchester club lost this year’s Grand Final but still had a strong season, and with another local outfit having been relegated from the division, they are one of just two teams from the region competing for the title in the upcoming campaign.
However, supporters were fretting that they might not be able to get their new threads until after Christmas due to the launch of the latest merchandise being postponed.
Thankfully, this week, the club not only informed fans that things are getting back on schedule but also officially revealed the Wigan Warriors home and away shirt strips for the 30th anniversary edition of the Super League on Tuesday afternoon.
As you can see, the nearby rugby outfit is staying with Kappa as their manufacturer and, as ever, is sticking with the deep red, white and black colour combos across both jerseys.
Branding the home shirt as the ‘Loyal’ fit and the away one as their ‘Rebel’ version, the kits both feature horizontal stripes and other geometrical variations.
Most notably, Warriors now have a positive update on the status of the kits’ full launch, even if they don’t have an exact timeline just yet.
Writing to fans in an official statement, the club said: “Wigan Warriors are happy to report that [we are] expecting delivery of the 2026 home and away kits imminently.”
They go on to explain that they have been “experiencing significant delays” regarding the supply pipeline, which they say “were beyond the control of the Club.”
Nevertheless, the cogs are moving once again; you can see a closer look at some of the details below.
The home shirt…A.K.A. ‘Loyal’ kitAnd the away jersey…Or ‘Rebel’ strip
Warriors Chief Executive, Kris Radlinski, continued: “We want to thank everyone for their patience and continued support. Due to issues outside of our control, delivery timelines have unfortunately been impacted.
“We understand how frustrating this has been for supporters, particularly so close to Christmas, and we genuinely share that frustration. Please be assured that our team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure delivery as quickly as possible.
“We apologise that we have not been able to provide an earlier update while matters were ongoing. We are pleased to confirm that the delivery has now cleared customs and will be arriving at the Club imminently.”
Although personalisation will not yet be made available due to a focus on processing “as many orders as possible in the shortest time frame”, pre-orders for both shirts are now live, and those interested are being urged to opt for click and collect/visit in store where possible to avoid any further waiting.
Macclesfield FC player Ethan McLeod tragically killed in car crash
Danny Jones
Local footballer Ethan McLeod, who played for Macclesfield FC, has sadly died following a tragic car crash on the motorway.
The Birmingham-born player and former Wolves academy talent was driving back home from Macclesfield’s away game against Bedford Town on Tuesday night when he was involved in a collision along the M1.
Just 21 years old, the talented Cheshire-based forward was a substitute in the 2-1 win over the East Midlands side in the National League North.
The accident is said to have occurred at around 10:40pm on 16 December near Northampton after his white Mercedes collided with a barrier.
You can read the official Silkmen statement in full down below:
“With the heaviest of hearts and an overwhelming sense of surrealism that Macclesfield FC can confirm the passing of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod.
Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1, which tragically took his life. Ethan was an incredibly talented and well-respected member of our First Team Squad, who had his whole life ahead of him.
“But more than that, Ethan’s infectious personality endeared him to everyone that he came into contact with. In giving his all in everything he did, Ethan effortlessly pushed us all to be the best we can be – both on and off the pitch.
“Ethan’s professionalism and unwavering work ethic inspired everyone, and his lust for life put smiles on all our faces – even on the darkest of days. News of Ethan’s passing has devastated our entire Club, and no words can convey the immense sense of sadness and loss that we feel now.
Rest in peace, Ethan McLeod.
The Macclesfield FC forward was involved in a car accident that took his life when travelling back from Bedford Town on Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/A3u7JFmdlE
“The deep mental scars elicited from Ethan’s passing will undeniably never heal”, they continued, “but one thing is for sure, and that is Ethan’s vibrant legacy will never fade, no matter how much time passes in the future.
“Ethan will live in our hearts and minds forevermore, and no matter what the future holds, his unique smile that mesmerised us all will never be forgotten.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ethan’s family and friends at this deeply traumatic time, together with an assurance that we will provide as much support as we can to those who need it. May you rest in peace, Ethan – you will forever be a Silkman.
His past clubs, as well as plenty of other teams, organisations and people in and around the footballing world, are paying tribute to the promising youngster.
Rest in peace.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Macclesfield forward Ethan McLeod who has passed away following a car accident last night.
The 21 year old spent a number of years with the academy setup at Wolves and will be missed by many. #WWFCpic.twitter.com/MSjKaISMKT
Danny Jones -
23rd October 2023 
