Gary Aspden: United’s involvement is a ‘huge deal’

Aspden, who grew up in Lancashire, showcased historic football boots worn by the likes of former Reds David Beckham and Paul McGrath at his event, alongside hundreds of iconic adidas trainers and World Cup footballs.

Some of the boots, which also included pairs sported by Robin van Persie, Juan Mata and Edwin van der Sar, were lent to the exhibition by United.

“Well that was a huge deal for us and big thanks to the team at Manchester United Football Club for their support,” said Aspden of United's contribution.

“Seeing David Beckham's boots in the flesh brought back a few good memories as I worked with him a lot back when he was at United and based in Alderley Edge. I only wish now I had asked him for a pair of his boots for my personal archive!"

This isn’t the first time the club have worked with Aspden, and the designer identified a shoe that he collaborated on with United in the past as one of his favourites.

“I love the Pulsebeat SPZL that we collaborated with Peter Saville and Manchester United on,” he said. “I am a massive fan of Peter's work.

“We have worked together before - he is very candid and gave me various iterations of the Pulsebeat artwork but left the actual trainer design to me.

“Once I had the idea of what I wanted to do with them we took the design to him for approval and thankfully he was very positive about it - he liked the fact that we used his artwork in a way that complimented the look and wearability of the shoe.”

Last year, Aspden led another campaign which saw adidas collaborate with C.P. Company for their 50th anniversary, featuring Reds left-back Luke Shaw. Aspden recalls the campaign.

“We filmed it in Manchester, and he [Shaw] was a great lad - really accommodating and modest.

“We sent him the film and he liked it. Kevin Cummins took some stills, and we used one of his images for a giant mural in my home town of Darwen to tie in with the CP Company 50th anniversary exhibition.

“The mural was really well received and is still there - I see it every time I pass through Darwen town centre!”

A neglected former bank building in Darwen town centre has been spruced up with this giant mural of England and Manchester United footballer Luke Shaw. pic.twitter.com/RlTuDYXjBP

— BBC North West (@BBCNWT) September 28, 2021