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Getting Hook-ed on Salford, Peter

Tony Howard
28/ 6/2005

A MUSIC legend and famous son of Salford added his support to the 'Ave It! campaign for the new Reds' stadium during a visit to the Willows.

As a nine-year-old New Order's Peter Hook would try and sneak into the ground to catch a glimpse of the Reds in action, but this week during a visit to his home town he was a welcome guest as he cast his eyes over the plans for the City of Salford Stadium.

'Hooky' spoke of his pride at his home city's transformation in recent years and said he was looking forward to visiting the new facilities when they are finally built at Barton in 2007.

While back in Salford visiting friends and relatives, Hooky, originally from Ordsall, dropped in on the Reds' and was presented with his own rugby shirt.

The 49-year-old bass guitarist and former co-owner of the world famous Hacienda nightclub said: "I've seen the plans and they are very exciting. I'll be sad to see the Willows ground go because I can remember trying to sneak in and watch the games when I was about nine years old. I never managed it but I have been since and a lot of my mates still go down there.

"I always went to the discos at the Willows club as well from the age of 14 until I was 19 so it is in my blood. However, anything that improves Salford I am in favour of.

"I see this as a chance to transform the area. The new stadium could have an effect similar to that which has happened in east Manchester where the City of Manchester Stadium has become the centre of a real community hub and regenerated that area."