The mum of an "amazing" man who died after a crash is appealing for the fans of the club he supported to help “honour him one last time” this weekend.
Will Place died following a crash on York Street in Heywood on Monday, July 1.
The 23-year-old, who completed a multimedia sports journalism degree this year, “loved football” and had been a Manchester City season ticket holder since the age of seven, attending matches across Europe.
Will managed amateur team Millburn FC and commentated at Ramsbottom United FC games, producing pre and post-match reports.
His mum, Beverley Place, a North Heywood councillor, put out a plea on social media asking for Manchester City fans to applaud in the 23rd minute during the team’s first Premier League home game of the season against Ipswich Town on Saturday, August 24 in Will's memory.
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Beverley said: “This is the first home game since he passed away and it will be an incredibly difficult day for his dad Ged and me.
“Megan [Will’s girlfriend] will be with us sitting in Will's seat and the fan clap will be the last thing we can do to honour our truly amazing son's memory in the place he adored, the Etihad.
“There has been a huge response across various social media platforms, with Alex Kirks, who is the stadium announcer at the Etihad, promoting it and Natalie Pike, who is a presenter at MCFC and BBC Radio Manchester.
“I have received a lot of support from Ipswich fans, who have contacted me to say they will be honouring my son in the 23rd minute, which I am forever grateful to them for.
“Literally thousands of people have responded, but we need to make sure we reach those who will be at the game.”
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Will had been with his “childhood sweetheart” Megan for seven years and they were saving for a home together.
The clap in memory of Will was a suggestion by his many friends who are also season ticket holders.
This is my son, @willplace2000. He was tragically killed in a car crash on 1/7/24, aged 23. He had been @ManCity fan all his life. I am asking fans going to City's 1st home game against Ipswich at the Etihad to hold a minute's applause on the 23rd minute of the game please 🙏💙 pic.twitter.com/LQSSckCP41
— Cllr Bev Place (@bev_place) August 18, 2024
Beverley, a former mayoress of Rochdale, added: “We contacted the club, and they advised that they cannot initiate this, as they would be inundated with requests, but they advised that we could publicise this ourselves to try to make it happen.
“Will was utterly passionate for Manchester City and we attended as a family.
“We would be blessed if our City family can help us to honour Will one last time this Saturday.
“It would mean more than we can ever say.”
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