Hundreds of people braved grey skies and misting rain to attend a charity football match at Manchester City's academy stadium on November 15, honouring the late boxer Ricky Hatton. Ticket proceeds from the match between Team Hitman and Team Hatton will go to mental health and suicide prevention charities, fitting beneficiaries for an event commemorating a boxer who was open about his struggles with depression.
City legends and family take part
Sky blue City shirts and inflatable bananas dotted the crowd at the Joie stadium, just a few hundred yards from the Etihad, where Hatton's funeral procession concluded on October 10 last year after a service at Manchester Cathedral. Former City players Shaun Goater, Paul Dickov and Colin Hendry, whom Hatton watched play, took part in the match.
Argentinian right-back Pablo Zabaleta, who won multiple trophies during his near-decade at City, said he came because of Hatton. "He was somebody that could really inspire people, and he had a legacy not just in this club but in Manchester. I'm so happy to be here."
Poignant tributes on the pitch
Singer Russel Watson performed Puccini's Nessun Dorma before kick-off as a montage of black-and-white clips of Hatton played on screen. Fan anthems Blue Moon and Oasis' Don't Look Back in Anger rang around the stadium as players took to the pitch.
Despite being decades past retirement, the former players remained formidable on the ball. City legend Shaun Goater, who scored over 100 goals for the club and was top scorer for four consecutive seasons, said: "To all the players who are retiring, this is a reminder to stay fit. You want to be able to take part in things like this."
Family and friends celebrate legacy
Hatton's oldest son Campbell put in an impressive shift, as did his younger brother Matthew. Comedian Jason Manford, who joked his legs were 'aching', said: "One of the reasons so many turned up is their love for Ricky. He was a massive fan of Man City and of Manchester itself. Any time you needed him you could depend on him to be there."
Actor Ralph Little praised Hatton's openness about mental health, saying: "The way he was so open about mental health issues among men. That was an important part of his legacy - and I love him for that."
Victory and a message of awareness
After leading Team Hitman to a 3-2 victory, Campbell said he 'really enjoyed' the day and described playing with former professionals as 'eye opening'. "You play with your mates, or at local level, then you play with players like we've had today, it's just eye opening. It's next level but it was great fun."
He added: "I'm grateful for everyone who took part, organised and came out to support because my dad would have been over the moon with it. We're raising awareness for mental health, getting people talking, and this is the way to do it, in a light-hearted way but on serious issues." Asked how he was, he said: "Boxing's sorted me out, I'm enjoying life again. I've got routine and structure. Purpose is the key thing, if you're not looking after yourself physically it will impact you mentally. Talking is the main thing, though."
