After dedicating 15 years to Manchester City, cult hero Brandon Ashton, the beloved kitman of the team, has bid farewell to the club. Ashton, who was a cherished figure in the dressing room, took to social media to announce his departure. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he expressed gratitude for the unforgettable experiences and wonderful friendships he has made during his time at the club. With a mix of nostalgia and excitement, Ashton shared his decision to pursue new career opportunities and embark on a fresh chapter with his family by his side.
After a decade and a half, Brandon Ashton, the beloved kitman for Manchester City, has shared that he will be parting ways with the club.
Ashton, a beloved individual who played a significant role in the workings of Manchester City, has announced his departure from the club.
The kit man, after spending 15 years at the club, built strong bonds with City’s players.
“My time at Manchester City has been transformative, from boyhood to manhood. The memories made here will always have a special place in my heart.
“I am grateful to all the players, management, and staff I have had the pleasure of working with, as well as the fans who have made this journey so memorable.
“Wishing all the lads the best this season and beyond.”
Many of City’s current and former players responded to the news.
Jack Grealish shared: “You’re the best! We’ll miss you, brother.”
Aymeric Laporte, who left City in 2023, expressed: “Thank you, bro! Best of luck.”
Tosin Adarabioyo, who spent 17 years with City before joining Fulham, simply wrote: “The man!”
Cole Palmer paid tribute with a unique message: “Legend!”
Matija Nastasic added: “Best of luck, my friend. All the best.”
A number of former and current players from Manchester City took to Instagram to send their best wishes to Ashton.
Cole Palmer, a former player from Manchester City’s academy, also honored Ashton in his social media post.
During Ashton’s stint at the club, Manchester City clinched every possible trophy under Guardiola’s management.
Ashton’s lighthearted personality was showcased in the ‘All or Nothing’ documentary, where he entertained fans with his playful pranks on City’s star players.
A quirky tradition of his was to celebrate City’s victories by sliding across the dressing room floor in his underwear, a gesture that became synonymous with his jubilant spirit.
Having started at City as a 16-year-old, Ashton eventually became a cherished and valuable member of the team’s support staff.
In the ‘All or Nothing’ documentary, former City captain Vincent Kompany spoke highly of Ashton’s standing within the squad, highlighting his impact and bond with the players.
The ex-City kitman used to socialize with a few of the team’s top players on occasion.
Ashton would mark City’s victories by gleefully sliding on the floor in just his black briefs.
“Brandon truly embodies the spirit of the locker room, he has a special talent for easing the pressure,” commented Kompany.
Kevin De Bruyne chimed in, “I feel a stronger connection with the kitman and physio staff. I have a great bond with him since the beginning. It’s refreshing for me to spend time with someone outside of the football world.”
City aims to bid farewell to Ashton with a triumph as they face Inter Milan at the Etihad for their Champions League opener this Wednesday.
