The touching tribute to Will Place - an avid City fan - is being organised for the 23rd minute. Will's mum, North Heywood councillor Bev Place, is urging supporters to join in to help her pay tribute to the 23-year-old. She's issued appeals on social media posts now being widely shared as momentum grows.
City face Premier League new boys Ipswich at the Etihad Stadium at 3pm, with a capacity crowd expected for what is the club's first home game of the new season.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, councillor Place, a former mayor of Rochdale, shared a picture of Will singing at a City game and said: "A final request to all Blues attending the game today. Please help me to pay tribute to my son by joining the fan clap on the 23rd minute of the game. Thank you."
Will, who had only recently graduated in sports journalism, died after his Dacia Sandero smashed into the White Lion pub on York Street in Heywood, near Rochdale, at around 3:15am on June 1.
The crash, that occurred after police officers in a patrol car had attempted to stop the vehicle on nearby Bolton Road moments before, then sparked a huge blaze, with fire crews racing to the incident.
Will was sadly pronounced dead by emergency services at the scene. An inquest has now been formally opened and adjourned.
Will, who graduated with a BA Honours degree in multimedia sports journalism in January and was also a budding farmer, wrote match reports at Ramsbottom United and worked at Roch Valley radio.
Coun Place said at the time: "Will was adored by all that knew him. He was a special person, with a heart of gold, who lit up every room with his infectious smile and personality.
"We are all left utterly bereft and heartbroken. We are grateful for the outpouring of grief, love and support we have received from his innumerable friends."
Greater Manchester Police said the incident had been referred to police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct in line with normal procedure.
Honoring Will's Memory
Will Place died following a crash on York Street in Heywood on Monday, July 1.
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.
“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.”
A Community United in Grief
The clap in memory of Will was a suggestion by his many friends who are also season ticket holders.
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.”
Remembering Will's Passion for the Game
Will's dedication to sports journalism and Manchester City is a testament to his passion for the game. His love for the sport was evident in his commitment to his work at Ramsbottom United and Roch Valley Radio, and his role as a manager for Millburn FC. His friends and family are rightly asking for fans to come together to honor his memory, and the outpouring of support shows the power of community and the shared love of football.
Though tragically gone too soon, Will's legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him, and the gesture of a stadium-wide clap is a fitting tribute to a man whose passion for life and for Manchester City was truly remarkable. The memory of Will Place will forever be etched in the hearts of his family, friends, and the Manchester City community.
