PEP GUARDIOLA is not ready to call last orders on Manchester City’s title hopes yet – and drinkers in the Etihad’s new pub will raise a glass to that.
The Ardwick will open its doors for the first time on Saturday as the champions play host to Chelsea in the late kick-off.
The pub’s name is a nod to the club’s original name before it became Manchester City in 1894Credit: Manchester City
So lucky punters will be able to enjoy a pint before finding out if their team suffer any kind of hangover from their defeat to Liverpool.
City have transformed a storage space in the south east corner of the stadium to create the new boozer as part of the club’s 125th anniversary celebrations.
And there is a nod to their heritage in the name as originally it was known as Ardwick AFC before being renamed as Manchester City in 1894.
The club’s rich history is also reflected in the decoration of the pub – with a warm, classic feel but with a modern edge.
A club spokesperson said: “Manchester City is always looking to develop innovative ways for our fans to watch football and is delighted to open a new pub, The Ardwick, at the Etihad Stadium.
SunSport’s Martin Blackburn sunk a swift half in City’s new boozer ahead of its official openingCredit: SunSport
The Ardwick features dishes with Lancastrian roots.. but Yorkshire Angus beef also featuresCredit: Manchester City
“The experience will give fans the opportunity to spend their matchday in the cosy, warm, classic feel of the pub mixed with the modernity of our stadium for the live game.”
The Ardwick can hold 80 fans – with a season ticket costing around £2,000 – but tickets are also available for individual games.
A landlady has already been appointed to take charge of the pub – while a jukebox is due to be installed in the coming weeks.
City believe the Ardwick is a unique idea in the football world and have been delighted with the response from fans so far.
The Ardwick can hold 80 fans – with a season ticket costing around £2,000 – but tickets are also available for individual gamesCredit: Manchester City
And it was given the thumbs up as media were shown round the new venue on the eve of its opening.
The first visitors will be falling over themselves to see what the next instalment of the Premier League title race brings this weekend.
Guardiola’s men currently find themselves nine points behind runaway leaders Liverpool – with just a third of the season gone.
But the manager said: “We don’t have a joker in our pocket, nine points against this team is … but I know from all around the world the Premier League is done.
“If that’s happen we’ll try again next season. And my players will be there.
“But we have two options – give up or don’t give up. It depends on our mind.
“I think the way we played at Anfield especially, we are not going to give up. Maybe we won’t win but we are not going to give up.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
