In 2017, then Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham joined football legend Denis Law to unveil a bronze plaque honoring Jimmy Greaves on The Football Walk of Fame, a tourist attraction situated outside Manchester’s National Football Museum. The Walk of Fame, launched a year earlier to celebrate the sport’s most iconic figures, featured around 40 bronze plaques by 2023, including tributes to football greats such as Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Geoff Hurst, and George Best.

However, in 2023, Manchester City Council made the decision to remove the Walk of Fame to accommodate a temporary ice rink and seasonal event structures. This move sparked criticism from the Walk’s co-founders, who said they sought assistance from Burnham, now Prime Minister, to prevent the removal. David Courtney, a co-founder and close colleague of Paul Trevillion—the artist who co-created the Walk—claimed to have written to Burnham twice requesting intervention, but said these appeals were ignored. Courtney described the situation as frustrating, particularly given Burnham’s public and personal connection to football culture. Burnham is a season ticket-holder at Everton FC and had previously received an original drawing of club legend Dixie Dean from Trevillion.

The co-founders expressed disappointment that Burnham appeared accessible during public appearances but was unresponsive when called upon to support the preservation of the Walk of Fame. Despite several requests for comment, Burnham’s office did not respond.

The Walk of Fame had been established in partnership with the National Football Museum to commemorate the 50th anniversary of England’s 1966 World Cup victory. Those honored on the plaques represented some of the most celebrated figures in English football history. The decision to dismantle the Walk of Fame reflects the city council’s prioritization of seasonal event space over maintaining the permanent tribute. Supporters of the removal highlight the need for flexible public spaces that can support varied cultural activities, while critics view the loss as a setback for local football heritage and tourism.

The differing perspectives underscore ongoing debates about preserving historical landmarks amid urban development and commercial considerations in city centers.