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Thomas Woodcock

Thomas Woodcock


Viva la Barclays – the rise of football nostalgia on social media

Viva la Barclays – the rise of football nostalgia on social media

Why football fans are obsessed with Barclays, why a high street bank is such an iconic emblem of the beautiful game, and why people are so fixated on the past
Adios tres amigos – farewell to Top Gear, a seminal yet controversial car show

Adios tres amigos – farewell to Top Gear, a seminal yet controversial car show

Following the final episode of The Grand Tour, we examine how the television exploits of Clarkson, Hammond and May were both heartwarming and divisive
Victory for MMU as Varsity returns for 2024

Victory for MMU as Varsity returns for 2024

It was a day to remember for Manchester Metropolitan as they finished their season on a high, ousting the University of Manchester 20-38 in a thrilling comeback for The Manchester Varsity Series.  At last, Varsity returned to a ticketed event, sold-out by both universities. As kick off approached, supporters were primed and ready to enjoy […]
Memories of the game: A look back at favourite sporting moments

Memories of the game: A look back at favourite sporting moments

Whether it be on the world stage or during adolescence, there has been one sporting moment that has stuck with everyone. Explore the emotional and accelerating seconds that remain with our team to this day
‘The shrill from the terraces’: Tracks that define the beautiful game for me

‘The shrill from the terraces’: Tracks that define the beautiful game for me

The intertwining of football and music is inevitable, and with it comes memories too vivid to be forgotten
My favourite fragrance

My favourite fragrance

Looking for a new signature scent? Or just wondering what fragrance your library crush is wearing? Either way, our experts have weighed in on their favourite perfumes and colognes
‘Down the cherry’ – an evening watching greyhound racing

‘Down the cherry’ – an evening watching greyhound racing

Animal rights concerns and declining audiences. We all know the talking points – but what’s watching greyhound racing actually like?
In defence of the television blackout

In defence of the television blackout

A TV law from the 1960s remains central to the health of English football, despite backlash from a vocal number of football fans
A state of manufactured chaos: a day out at Invades races

A state of manufactured chaos: a day out at Invades races

A day out at the races is the new staple of student social lives throughout the country
“There’s only one Bobby Charlton”

“There’s only one Bobby Charlton”

A footballing legend, Bobby Charlton passed away on October 21, 2023, leaving a legacy that most could only dream of
Beyond the Music in Manchester: The embryonic international festival

Beyond the Music in Manchester: The embryonic international festival

Why Beyond the Music had the seeds of something great, but is not quite there just yet
The blurring of the lines: It’s time to bring an end to tragedy chants

The blurring of the lines: It’s time to bring an end to tragedy chants

Tragedy chanting – songs about the Hillsborough Disaster, the Munich Air disaster, and others – needs to go
“A season like no other” – Four things that made the 2022-23 football season great

“A season like no other” – Four things that made the 2022-23 football season great

The 2022/23 English football season has been one of the greatest in living memory, with great narratives from all tiers of the football pyramid.
Harry Kane: Footballing legend or ‘Spursy’ bottle job?

Harry Kane: Footballing legend or ‘Spursy’ bottle job?

Despite becoming Tottenham’s all time top scorer, Harry Kane is still yet to pick up a piece of silverware. Will this impact his legacy?
“You’re avin me on ref” – The abuse of referees in football

“You’re avin me on ref” – The abuse of referees in football

Events at Old Trafford on Sunday must lead us to question whether football has an endemic problem with the abuse of referees.
“Quite possibly the greatest thing on Earth”: The run-down on Non-League football

“Quite possibly the greatest thing on Earth”: The run-down on Non-League football

Despite the non-league element of the English game often being subjected to snobbery and low-level humour, Tom Woodcock uncovers why this part of football is in fact a hidden gem of the beautiful game