“His commitment, kindness and leadership left a lasting impact on many lives”
11:05, 04 May 2026Updated 12:23, 04 May 2026
Players at Longford Park Juniors FC pay tribute to the late Michael Mullins who died on April 20. (Image: Longford Park FC )
Moving tributes were paid to the late headteacher of Stretford Grammar School at the weekend – at opposite ends of the footballing world.
Michael Mullins died on April 20 after he was hit by a car on Paddock Lane in Altrincham while cycling home from work.
The 56-year-old had taught at the school for 17 years, with his death prompting a flood of tributes from the community, including Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.
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On Saturday (May 2) children at Longford Park FC wore tribute shirts to Mr Mullins with his age on the bck. A minute’s silence was held ahead of the match, which they won on a penalty shoot-out and dedicated to the late teacher.
He was a champion of the youth team, based at Longford Park, close to Stretford Grammar. A club shirt was left among the tributes outside the school following Mr Mullins’ death.
Longford Park Juniors FC pays tribute to Michael Mullins (Image: Longford Park FC )
And ahead of the match between Manchester United and Liverpool on Sunday (May 3), a tribute to Mr Mullins – said to have been a lifelong Liverpool fan – was read out over the PA system at Old Trafford.
A video posted by the school’s Facebook account showed announcer Alan Keegan reading out the tribute, which read: “Michael served the school and the surrounding community with dedication for 17 years.
“He was a hugely popular and much loved figure among students, staff, parents and the wider community. His commitment, kindness and leadership left a lasting impact on many lives.
Michael Mullins(Image: MEN Media)
“The club and its supporters would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and school at this extremely difficult time. Old Trafford, we remember Michael Mullins.”
In the caption, the school wrote: “A great and fitting tribute to Mr Mullins at today’s fixture between Manchester United and Liverpool.
“Whilst he was a born and bred Cumbrian, Michael was a life long Liverpool fan. It was a lovely gesture from the football community. Thank you from the Stretford Grammar School community X.”
GMP confirmed on April 24 that a man had been charged in relation with Mr Mullin’s death. Simon Richardson, 34, of no fixed address, was been charged with murder, manslaughter, dangerous driving, failing to stop, and driving without insurance.