thedailymirror--2020-03-21--UK towns and villages told to set aside 30 graves each for coronavirus victims

The UK ’ s 9,000 town and parish councils are being told to set aside 30 funeral plots each for virus victims – and earmark a site for a mass grave The Sunday Mirror understands the requests are part of Public Health England ’ s worst-case scenario planning if the death toll tops 250,000 , although PHE did not comment .
The councils have a statutory duty to arrangepublic health burials or cremations – known as pauper ’ s funerals .
They are usually only for people who died alone , in poverty , or whose bodies have gone unclaimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unmarked grave that may be shared with other people .
There are around 3,800 pauper ’ s funerals a year , costing councils £5.4million – £1,400 each .
Meanwhile , the Prison Service said there are no plans to release lags early .
There have been two confirmed Covid-19 cases in prisons , one at HMP Manchester and the other at HMP High Down in Banstead , Surrey .
Now pubs , gyms , leisure centres and cinemas have been shut , the PM hopes he will not have to call a full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open .
The Chinese city of Wuhan , home to 11 million and where the outbreak started , was locked down in January .
The drastic move helped stop the spread and officials last week said there were no new infections in Wuhan or surrounding Hubei province for the first time since the outbreak began .
The death toll in Italy has soared to above the reported total for Italy with more deaths expected in the coming days and weeks .
The crisis has got so bad Europe is now considered the epicentre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France and the UK all grappling with how to handle an unprecedented situation .

Public Health England are putting together contingency plans for the worst case scenario where Covid-19 claims the lives of 250,000 people across the UK.
Coronavirus: UK towns and villages told to set aside 30 graves each for victims
The UK’s 9,000 town and parish councils are being told to set aside 30 funeral plots each for virus victims – and earmark a site for a mass grave
The Sunday Mirror understands the requests are part of Public Health England’s worst-case scenario planning if the death toll tops 250,000, although PHE did not comment.
The councils have a statutory duty to arrangepublic health burials or cremations – known as pauper’s funerals.
They are usually only for people who died alone, in poverty, or whose bodies have gone unclaimed.
Burials may take place in an unmarked grave that may be shared with other people.
There are around 3,800 pauper’s funerals a year, costing councils £5.4million – £1,400 each.
Image: Alamy Stock Photo) Alamy Stock Photo)
Meanwhile, the Prison Service said there are no plans to release lags early.
There have been two confirmed Covid-19 cases in prisons, one at HMP Manchester and the other at HMP High Down in Banstead, Surrey.
Now pubs, gyms, leisure centres and cinemas have been shut, the PM hopes he will not have to call a full lockdown
– but is keeping the option open.
The Chinese city of Wuhan, home to 11 million and where the outbreak started, was locked down in January.
Image: Alamy Stock Photo) Alamy Stock Photo)
The drastic move helped stop the spread and officials last week said there were no new infections in Wuhan or surrounding Hubei province for the first time since the outbreak began.
The death toll in Italy has soared to above the reported total for Italy with more deaths expected in the coming days and weeks.
The crisis has got so bad Europe is now considered the epicentre for the deadly bug with Spain, France and the UK all grappling with how to handle an unprecedented situation.


thedailymirror--2020-03-21--Coronavirus test that can diagnose disease in 45 minutes is approved for use

A test for coronavirus that can detect it within 45 minutes has been approved for use .
The tool is the first rapid coronavirus diagnostic test and can now be used in American hospitals and emergency rooms .
It has been developed by California-based molecular diagnostics company Cepheid .
The company plans to begin shipping it to hospitals next week , it said .
It was given the green light by the US Food and Drug Administration .
Under the current testing regime , samples must be sent to a centralized lab , where results can take days .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 has been designed to operate on any of Cepheid 's more than 23,000 automated GeneXpert Systems .
Around 5,000 of these are in the US .
The systems do not require users to have specialty training to perform testing , and are capable of running around the clock , Cepheid President Warren Kocmond said in the statement .
The company did not say how much the test will cost .
The diagnostic tools will have to be approved by UK authorities if they are to be used in Britain .
Earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has had Covid-19 but has not shown symptoms was made public in No10 's daily press conference .
The Government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said Public Health England 's ( PHE ) work on the antibody test is `` progressing very fast '' , and will provide valuable insight into the pandemic .
Speaking at the Downing Street press conference , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said development of the test was not far away .
Mr Johnson said : `` The great thing about having a test to see whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suddenly a green light goes on above your head and you can go back to work safe and confident in the knowledge that you are most unlikely to get it again .
`` So for an economic point of view , from a social point of view , it really could be a game-changer .
`` You can really see the potential of that advance , which , as I say , is coming down the track . ''

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Kanishka Singh, Milo Boyd)

Boris Johnson says first british patient in trials to find coronavirus vaccine
Boris Johnson says first british patient in trials to find coronavirus vaccine
The US Food and Drug Administration has given the green light for a diagnostics tool developed by California-based Cepheid to be used in American hospitals and emergency rooms
Coronavirus test that can diagnose disease in 45 minutes is approved for use
A test for coronavirus that can detect it within 45 minutes has been approved for use.
The tool is the first rapid coronavirus diagnostic test and can now be used in American hospitals and emergency rooms.
It has been developed by California-based molecular diagnostics company Cepheid.
The company plans to begin shipping it to hospitals next week, it said.
It was given the green light by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Under the current testing regime, samples must be sent to a centralized lab, where results can take days.
Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The diagnostic test for the virus that causes Covid-19 has been designed to operate on any of Cepheid's more than 23,000 automated GeneXpert Systems.
Around 5,000 of these are in the US.
The systems do not require users to have specialty training to perform testing, and are capable of running around the clock, Cepheid President Warren Kocmond said in the statement.
The company did not say how much the test will cost.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
The diagnostic tools will have to be approved by UK authorities if they are to be used in Britain.
Earlier this week a coronavirus test that reveals who has had Covid-19 but has not shown symptoms was made public in No10's daily press conference.
The Government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said Public Health England's (PHE) work on the antibody test is "progressing very fast", and will provide valuable insight into the pandemic.
Image: PA) PA)
Speaking at the Downing Street press conference, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said development of the test was not far away.
Mr Johnson said: "The great thing about having a test to see whether you've had it enough, is suddenly a green light goes on above your head and you can go back to work safe and confident in the knowledge that you are most unlikely to get it again.
"So for an economic point of view, from a social point of view, it really could be a game-changer.
"You can really see the potential of that advance, which, as I say, is coming down the track."


thedailymirror--2020-03-21--Premier League clubs transfer fears over backlash following coronavirus

Manchester United , Liverpool and Chelsea are among a number of top Premier League clubs who could scale back their transfer window spending in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak .
Top officials at some of major English football clubs believe there could be a public backlash at spending what may be viewed as obscene amounts on new players when the next transfer window eventually opens .
And that could scupper United ’ s pursuit of £120million-rated Borussia Dortmund and England winger Jadon Sancho who is high on their list of targets with Chelsea and Liverpool also chasing the teenager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer identified Sancho as having the right DNA for United months ago and the club have been working on plans to try to make a deal happen .
Kop boss Jurgen Klopp , former manager at Dortmund , and Chelsea manager Frank Lampard also have Sancho on their radar but the Coronavirus pandemic is forcing clubs to look at the bigger picture .
With world economies devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic , thousands of deaths from the disease and ordinary football fans facing huge financial problems caused by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intense scrutiny when the sport resumes .
United , Liverpool and Chelsea are among a host of clubs sensitive to the hardships of their staff and supporters .
And conversations are believed to have already started as to how it will be perceived if clubs emerge from the the crisis and immediately begin paying enormous transfer fees with the country brought to its knees by Coronavirus .
One club administrator told MirrorSport : “ It won ’ t be a good look if after all that ’ s happening clubs immediately start paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I would imagine that conversation is already being had at many clubs who were planning on substantial investments in the market during the summer window .
“ Paying over £100million for a player when the world emerges from the Covid-19 crisis would seem to be inviting trouble .
“ What the transfer window will look like when it does operate again is anyone ’ s guess but you can be certain club ’ s will be treading cautiously .
“ We could even see this being the moment that the transfer market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s lost all sense of reality in the last few years .
“ Players salaries in the future may also come under review by some clubs as football counts the cost of an unprecedented shutdown of the sport.
” Solskjaer had hoped to sign three players costing up to £200 million as he continues to rebuild United .
Rivals Manchester City were also planning a £150million overhaul with boss Pep Guardiola keen to freshen his squad after falling 25 points behind runaway leaders Liverpool .
Klopp has already held talks with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a transfer war-chest as he attempts to make sure Liverpool ’ s Premier League dominance is no one-season wonder .
As well as Sancho , Klopp has been tracking RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner who has a £50 million release clause as well as Bayer Leverkusen ’ s £90million-rated play-making midfielder Kai Havertz .
But those kind of figures could lead to trouble for top clubs – with the football world predicted to be a different place after Coronavirus .

EXCLUSIVE: Football clubs all across the nation are expected to struggle financially as a result of the domestic season being suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak
Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are among a number of top Premier League clubs who could scale back their transfer window spending in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak.
Top officials at some of major English football clubs believe there could be a public backlash at spending what may be viewed as obscene amounts on new players when the next transfer window eventually opens.
And that could scupper United’s pursuit of £120million-rated Borussia Dortmund and England winger Jadon Sancho who is high on their list of targets with Chelsea and Liverpool also chasing the teenager who turns 20 on Wednesday.
Image: Bongarts/Getty Images) Bongarts/Getty Images)
Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer identified Sancho as having the right DNA for United months ago and the club have been working on plans to try to make a deal happen.
Kop boss Jurgen Klopp, former manager at Dortmund, and Chelsea manager Frank Lampard also have Sancho on their radar but the Coronavirus pandemic is forcing clubs to look at the bigger picture.
With world economies devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic, thousands of deaths from the disease and ordinary football fans facing huge financial problems caused by the health crisis, football will be under intense scrutiny when the sport resumes.
United, Liverpool and Chelsea are among a host of clubs sensitive to the hardships of their staff and supporters.
Image: Action Images via Reuters) Action Images via Reuters)
And conversations are believed to have already started as to how it will be perceived if clubs emerge from the the crisis and immediately begin paying enormous transfer fees with the country brought to its knees by Coronavirus.
One club administrator told MirrorSport : “It won’t be a good look if after all that’s happening clubs immediately start paying huge transfer fees for new players.
“I would imagine that conversation is already being had at many clubs who were planning on substantial investments in the market during the summer window.
“Paying over £100million for a player when the world emerges from the Covid-19 crisis would seem to be inviting trouble.
Image: PA) PA)
“What the transfer window will look like when it does operate again is anyone’s guess but you can be certain club’s will be treading cautiously.
“We could even see this being the moment that the transfer market is recalibrated with many in football believing it’s lost all sense of reality in the last few years.
“Players salaries in the future may also come under review by some clubs as football counts the cost of an unprecedented shutdown of the sport.”
Solskjaer had hoped to sign three players costing up to £200 million as he continues to rebuild United.
Rivals Manchester City were also planning a £150million overhaul with boss Pep Guardiola keen to freshen his squad after falling 25 points behind runaway leaders Liverpool.
Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)
Klopp has already held talks with his Fenway Sports Group bosses in Boston on a transfer war-chest as he attempts to make sure Liverpool’s Premier League dominance is no one-season wonder.
As well as Sancho, Klopp has been tracking RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner who has a £50 million release clause as well as Bayer Leverkusen’s £90million-rated play-making midfielder Kai Havertz.
But those kind of figures could lead to trouble for top clubs – with the football world predicted to be a different place after Coronavirus.


thedailymirror--2020-03-21--Liverpool plot Malick Thiaw transfer as teenager likened to current Kop star

Liverpool are planning a move for teenage , 6ft 3in Schalke central defender Malick Thiaw – after he was described him as the “ new Joel Matip ” .
Thiaw is just 18 and has played only once in the Bundesliga , but is already highly-rated , just as Matip was when he began career at Schalke back in 2009 .
Like Matip , Thiaw is described as a powerful , tall , ball-playing defender , who can also play as a defensive midfielder .
Liverpool scouts have been watching his progress closely , especially as his contract with Schalke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s release clause stands at £7million , but Liverpool must act quickly because the German club are already trying to negotiate a new deal with a bigger release fee .
Those negotiations are currently on hold , however , giving the Anfield giants a chance to move in , just as they did for Matip .
Matip , who made his Schalke debut in 2009 before joining Liverpool on a free transfer in July 2016 , has proved to be one of the biggest transfer bargains of recent times .
Despite being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play for Cameroon and has now won 27 caps .
There are similarities with Thiaw , there , too .
The defender , who began his career at Fortuna Dusseldorf , has yet to make his full international debut and has choices to make .
His mother is Finnish – he holds a Finnish passport and has been part of the Finland youth squad – but his father is Senegalese and he qualifies for Germany through birth .

Schalke centre-back Malick Thiaw is just 18 and has played just once in the Bundesliga, but has a burgeoning reputation and has impressed Liverpool scouts
Liverpool are planning a move for teenage, 6ft 3in Schalke central defender Malick Thiaw – after he was described him as the “new Joel Matip”.
Thiaw is just 18 and has played only once in the Bundesliga, but is already highly-rated, just as Matip was when he began career at Schalke back in 2009.
Like Matip, Thiaw is described as a powerful, tall, ball-playing defender, who can also play as a defensive midfielder.
Liverpool scouts have been watching his progress closely, especially as his contract with Schalke runs out in June 2021.
Thiaw’s release clause stands at £7million, but Liverpool must act quickly because the German club are already trying to negotiate a new deal with a bigger release fee.
Those negotiations are currently on hold, however, giving the Anfield giants a chance to move in, just as they did for Matip.
Image: GETTY) GETTY)
Matip, who made his Schalke debut in 2009 before joining Liverpool on a free transfer in July 2016, has proved to be one of the biggest transfer bargains of recent times.
Despite being born in Germany, he opted to play for Cameroon and has now won 27 caps.
Image: GETTY) GETTY)
There are similarities with Thiaw, there, too.
The defender, who began his career at Fortuna Dusseldorf, has yet to make his full international debut and has choices to make.
His mother is Finnish – he holds a Finnish passport and has been part of the Finland youth squad – but his father is Senegalese and he qualifies for Germany through birth.


thedailymirror--2020-03-21--Premier League quartet make approach for ex-Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho ’ s desperation to return to England has sparked interest from FOUR top Premier League sides .
Chelsea , Manchester United , Arsenal and Spurs have all enquired about the Brazilian midfielder ’ s availability at the end of this season .
The 27-year-old samba star admits that he should never have left Liverpool and that his career has stalled since making the ‘ dream ’ £142 million transfer to Barcelona in January 2018 .
He endured a nightmare at the Nou Camp , his failure to make an impact seeing the Barca fans turn on him and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last summer he joined Bayern Munich on loan but the German giants have indicated they aren ’ t prepared to make it a permanent deal .
They handed over a £7 million loan fee and agreed to pay Coutinho ’ s £240,000 a week wages but won ’ t now commit to the asking price of £100 million for his stay in Bavaria to be extended .
And neither will any of the Premier League clubs chasing the Brazilian international .
They all want him on loan .
Although Anfield boss Jurgen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become a firm Kop favourite to leave , he isn ’ t interested in bringing him back to Merseyside .
But a return to the Premier League is Coutinho ’ s prime objective after admitting to friends that he should never have left .
His stay at Liverpool was easily the happiest of his career and he and fellow Brazilian Roberto Firmino became big buddies .
But Klopp ’ s priority is to keep hold of his current stars including Sadio Mane and Mo Salah who have been coveted by Barcelona and Real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form in Germany before the Bundesliga season was suspended , and had scored just two goals and created only one assist in his previous 12 games in all competitions .

EXCLUSIVE: The Barcelona attacking midfielder is currently on loan at Bayern Munich after struggling to make an impression at the Nou Camp and has failed to find his best form
Philippe Coutinho’s desperation to return to England has sparked interest from FOUR top Premier League sides.
Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Spurs have all enquired about the Brazilian midfielder’s availability at the end of this season.
The 27-year-old samba star admits that he should never have left Liverpool and that his career has stalled since making the ‘dream’ £142 million transfer to Barcelona in January 2018.
He endured a nightmare at the Nou Camp, his failure to make an impact seeing the Barca fans turn on him and often booing and jeering his underwhelming displays.
Last summer he joined Bayern Munich on loan but the German giants have indicated they aren’t prepared to make it a permanent deal.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
They handed over a £7 million loan fee and agreed to pay Coutinho’s £240,000 a week wages but won’t now commit to the asking price of £100 million for his stay in Bavaria to be extended.
And neither will any of the Premier League clubs chasing the Brazilian international. They all want him on loan.
Although Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp reluctantly allowed Coutinho, who had become a firm Kop favourite to leave, he isn’t interested in bringing him back to Merseyside.
But a return to the Premier League is Coutinho’s prime objective after admitting to friends that he should never have left.
Image: Liverpool Echo/Colin Lane) Liverpool Echo/Colin Lane)
His stay at Liverpool was easily the happiest of his career and he and fellow Brazilian Roberto Firmino became big buddies.
But Klopp’s priority is to keep hold of his current stars including Sadio Mane and Mo Salah who have been coveted by Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Coutinho was struggling to find form in Germany before the Bundesliga season was suspended, and had scored just two goals and created only one assist in his previous 12 games in all competitions.


thedailymirror--2020-03-21--Arsenal eye Odsonne Edouard swoop from Celtic as Mikel Arteta bids to strengthen

Arsenal are considering a summer move for Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard as they aim to build ahead of next season .
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta wants to add to his frontline regardless of what the future holds for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang .
And Hoops hitman Edouard is in his sights , having scored 61 goals in 125 appearances since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in 2018 .
The 22-year-old — capped six times by France at Under-21 level — has scored 27 times this season , and helped Celtic to move 13 points clear ahead of closest rivals Celtic at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was suspended due to the coronavirus crisis .
Leicester and Everton have also run checks on the £30million-rated youngster , and the Gunners could be set to take part in a transfer tug-of-war .
In a recent interview with Virgin Media Sport , however , Edouard did not appear to be in any hurry to move on from Celtic , and spoke of how much he was enjoying his time in Scotland .
When asked how he felt to play at Celtic Park , he said : `` It 's something incredible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been an unforgettable night and when we play at Celtic Park on a European night , I really enjoy the atmosphere .
`` I really appreciate what the fans do and I hope it continues that way . ''
Aubameyang , 30 , will have just a year to run on his Arsenal contract from June and his position leaves bosses at the Emirates with a decision to make .
They can either cash in this summer , with Manchester United and Barcelona among the clubs widely expected to make a move for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around £50m .
Or they could risk losing him for nothing the following summer if he refuses to sign an extension in north London .

The 22-year-old has caught the eye in the SPL this season and the Gunners look set to test Celtic's resolve with a bid for the player in the summer
Arsenal are considering a summer move for Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard as they aim to build ahead of next season.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta wants to add to his frontline regardless of what the future holds for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
And Hoops hitman Edouard is in his sights, having scored 61 goals in 125 appearances since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in 2018.
The 22-year-old — capped six times by France at Under-21 level — has scored 27 times this season, and helped Celtic to move 13 points clear ahead of closest rivals Celtic at the top of the table before the season was suspended due to the coronavirus crisis.
Image: Action Images via Reuters) Action Images via Reuters)
Leicester and Everton have also run checks on the £30million-rated youngster, and the Gunners could be set to take part in a transfer tug-of-war.
In a recent interview with Virgin Media Sport , however, Edouard did not appear to be in any hurry to move on from Celtic, and spoke of how much he was enjoying his time in Scotland.
When asked how he felt to play at Celtic Park, he said: "It's something incredible. When we go home after it's been an unforgettable night and when we play at Celtic Park on a European night, I really enjoy the atmosphere.
"I really appreciate what the fans do and I hope it continues that way."
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
Aubameyang, 30, will have just a year to run on his Arsenal contract from June and his position leaves bosses at the Emirates with a decision to make.
They can either cash in this summer, with Manchester United and Barcelona among the clubs widely expected to make a move for the Gabonese star, who would cost around £50m.
Or they could risk losing him for nothing the following summer if he refuses to sign an extension in north London.


thedailymirror--2020-03-21--Man Utd chief Ed Woodward re-opens Mino Raiola talks to find Paul Pogba solution

Paul Pogba 's controversial agent Mino Raiola and Manchester United chief Ed Woodward are talking again .
Woodward , Old Trafford ’ s Executive Vice-Chairman , and super-agent Raiola severed contact after Pogba ’ s aggressive Italian-born advisor made repeated attacks on United at the turn of the year .
But the pair are in dialogue again after a strained few weeks triggered by regular criticism of United and it ’ s policies by Raiola .
It ’ s thought a peace-pact has been struck with Woodward now hoping Pogba ’ s agent stops his public attacks on United .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ winner Pogba also played a role , asking his controversial agent to be less confrontational as both parties try to find a way forward over his future – but it ’ s an uneasy truce .
Raiola has once again been talking to media outlets abroad about his own plans for Pogba and hinted at a potential move to Real Madrid .
But United are known to be pleased he stepped back from the kind of harsh criticism he directed their way at the turn of the year .
That ’ s due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Woodward with the two men talking again about Pogba ’ s future .
It ’ s unclear who made the first move to end the freeze but a highly-placed Old Trafford source has confirmed the pair are once more on speaking terms - with Pogba ’ s future on the agenda .
Contact between the pair was broken for a while at the start of the year after Raiola claimed United were “ out of touch with reality and without a sporting project ” .
He then went on to blast : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – they would even ruin Maradona , Pele and Maldini.
” And just moments before United kicked-off their 2-0 victory at Chelsea last month , Raiola launched a Twitter attack after Solskjaer insisted the club would decide Pogba ’ s future not his agent .
“ Paul is not mine and for sure not Solskjaer ’ s property .
Paul is Paul Pogba ’ s ” blasted Raiola .
“ You can not own a human being already for a long time in the UK or anywhere else .
I hope Solskjaer does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his prisoner.
” The constant public antagonism from Raiola forced Woodward to back away – but the duo aren ’ t complete enemies .
Woodward appreciated Raiola ’ s support when his house was attacked by so-called United supporters wearing balaclava ’ s and carrying flares .
Raiola insists United agreed to consider selling the Frenchman LAST summer .
And he now wants them to agree to sell Pogba to Real Madrid with Benabeu boss Zinedine Zidane desperate to sign the 27-year-old midfield star .
United privately insist they won ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raiola and will do what is in the best interests of the team and the club .
Pogba is contracted to United until June 2021 with United having the additional safety net of another year ’ s option on top of that which is expected to be triggered .
The star is now thought to have fully recovered from the ankle injury which needed surgery at the start of the year .
And before the Coronvirus pandemic shut down football he was on the brink of a return to training with the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fully-fit Pogba in his team next season and is excited at the prospect of new signing Bruno Fernandes teaming up with the Frenchman .
But that ’ s at odds with Raiola ’ s plans for Pogba .
And that could bring a swift end to the truce between Raiola and Woodward if , when football returns , United – who value Pogba at £100 million - demand that the midfielder stays next season .

MAN UTD BOSS OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER EXCITED BY PROSPECT OF PLAYING BRUNO FERNANDES AND PAUL POGBA TOGETHER
MAN UTD BOSS OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER EXCITED BY PROSPECT OF PLAYING BRUNO FERNANDES AND PAUL POGBA TOGETHER
EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd chief Ed Woodward is in talks with Mino Raiola as they look to iron out what to do with Paul Pogba moving forward as transfer rumours continue
Paul Pogba's controversial agent Mino Raiola and Manchester United chief Ed Woodward are talking again.
Woodward, Old Trafford’s Executive Vice-Chairman, and super-agent Raiola severed contact after Pogba’s aggressive Italian-born advisor made repeated attacks on United at the turn of the year.
But the pair are in dialogue again after a strained few weeks triggered by regular criticism of United and it’s policies by Raiola.
It’s thought a peace-pact has been struck with Woodward now hoping Pogba’s agent stops his public attacks on United.
It’s believed French World Cup winner Pogba also played a role, asking his controversial agent to be less confrontational as both parties try to find a way forward over his future – but it’s an uneasy truce.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
Raiola has once again been talking to media outlets abroad about his own plans for Pogba and hinted at a potential move to Real Madrid.
But United are known to be pleased he stepped back from the kind of harsh criticism he directed their way at the turn of the year.
That’s due to a new line of communication with Woodward with the two men talking again about Pogba’s future.
It’s unclear who made the first move to end the freeze but a highly-placed Old Trafford source has confirmed the pair are once more on speaking terms - with Pogba’s future on the agenda.
Image: PA) PA)
Contact between the pair was broken for a while at the start of the year after Raiola claimed United were “out of touch with reality and without a sporting project”.
He then went on to blast: “ I wouldn’t take anyone there – they would even ruin Maradona, Pele and Maldini.”
And just moments before United kicked-off their 2-0 victory at Chelsea last month, Raiola launched a Twitter attack after Solskjaer insisted the club would decide Pogba’s future not his agent.
Ranting Raiola questioned United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over keeping Pogba “a prisoner”.
“Paul is not mine and for sure not Solskjaer’s property. Paul is Paul Pogba’s” blasted Raiola.
“You cannot own a human being already for a long time in the UK or anywhere else. I hope Solskjaer does not want to suggest that Paul is his prisoner.”
Image: Sunday Mirror) Sunday Mirror)
The constant public antagonism from Raiola forced Woodward to back away – but the duo aren’t complete enemies.
Woodward appreciated Raiola’s support when his house was attacked by so-called United supporters wearing balaclava’s and carrying flares.
Raiola insists United agreed to consider selling the Frenchman LAST summer.
And he now wants them to agree to sell Pogba to Real Madrid with Benabeu boss Zinedine Zidane desperate to sign the 27-year-old midfield star.
United privately insist they won’t have a gun held to their head by Raiola and will do what is in the best interests of the team and the club.
Pogba is contracted to United until June 2021 with United having the additional safety net of another year’s option on top of that which is expected to be triggered.
The star is now thought to have fully recovered from the ankle injury which needed surgery at the start of the year.
And before the Coronvirus pandemic shut down football he was on the brink of a return to training with the first team.
Solskjaer still insists he wants a fully-fit Pogba in his team next season and is excited at the prospect of new signing Bruno Fernandes teaming up with the Frenchman.
But that’s at odds with Raiola’s plans for Pogba.
And that could bring a swift end to the truce between Raiola and Woodward if, when football returns, United – who value Pogba at £100 million - demand that the midfielder stays next season.


thedailymirror--2020-03-21--Man City confident of avoiding transfer exodus after actions since UCL ban

Manchester City are confident that the threat of a Champions League ban will not spark a mass Etihad exodus .
In the five weeks since UEFA came down hard on the Premier League champions by hitting them with a two-year Euro suspension for breaking FFP regulations , not one member of Pep Guardiola ’ s squad has spoken to the club about their future .
Sergio Aguero , Kevin De Bruyne , Raheem Sterling , Aymeric Laporte , Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez have all been linked with rival clubs since the Blues were hit by UEFA bosses .
City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Arbitration for Sport in a bid to have the verdict overturned .
Guardiola ’ s squad have been informed that the club believe they will prove their innocence .
And the Premier League champions have been encouraged by the reaction of their star players to their stance .
Guardiola has already to serve the final year of his contract – and City chances of persuading the Catalan to sign a new contract will be boosted if they win their appeal .
City will fight any attempt by UEFA to force through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis means they are unable to take their case to CAS this summer .
The Blues have been preparing their case for almost a year after allegations were made against them in a German magazine based on emails obtained through an illegal hack of the club ’ s computer systems .
They were hoping to present their evidence to CAS by the end of May .
But the COVID-19 pandemic means their appeal will probably not now be heard until August .
UEFA will be hoping that qualification for the Champions League and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then .
But if they try to enforce their ban on City before CAS can make a ruling then they will ask CAS to force the suspension to be put on hold until their case has been heard .

EXCLUSIVE: City chiefs believe that the silence of their stars amid speculation over the future of the club is a sign that key men will stay put this summer
Manchester City are confident that the threat of a Champions League ban will not spark a mass Etihad exodus.
In the five weeks since UEFA came down hard on the Premier League champions by hitting them with a two-year Euro suspension for breaking FFP regulations, not one member of Pep Guardiola’s squad has spoken to the club about their future.
Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Aymeric Laporte, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez have all been linked with rival clubs since the Blues were hit by UEFA bosses.
The punishment also included a £25million fine.
City have launched an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in a bid to have the verdict overturned.
Guardiola’s squad have been informed that the club believe they will prove their innocence.
Image: Action Images via Reuters) Action Images via Reuters)
And the Premier League champions have been encouraged by the reaction of their star players to their stance.
Guardiola has already to serve the final year of his contract – and City chances of persuading the Catalan to sign a new contract will be boosted if they win their appeal.
City will fight any attempt by UEFA to force through the ban next season if the current coronavirus crisis means they are unable to take their case to CAS this summer.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
The Blues have been preparing their case for almost a year after allegations were made against them in a German magazine based on emails obtained through an illegal hack of the club’s computer systems.
They were hoping to present their evidence to CAS by the end of May.
But the COVID-19 pandemic means their appeal will probably not now be heard until August.
UEFA will be hoping that qualification for the Champions League and Europa League will already be decided by then.
But if they try to enforce their ban on City before CAS can make a ruling then they will ask CAS to force the suspension to be put on hold until their case has been heard.


thedailymirror--2020-03-21--Man Utd's Jude Bellingham contract offer worth less than Borussia Dortmund's bid

Jude Bellingham will sign for Manchester United for the love – not the money .
Birmingham City 's teenage starlet is being courted by the Old Trafford giants but he has a better offer on the table from Borussia Dortmund .
The Bundesliga giants are determined to win the battle for Bellingham 's signature and are pulling out all the stops .
It is understood that Dortmund have taken such a aggressive stance as they are resigned to losing Jadon Sancho at the season 's end .
And , should Bellingham agree to join too , it could add up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Solskjaer whenever the new campaign gets underway .
As revealed last week , Bellingham is weighing up his options following talks with a number of clubs over his future .
But the package put together at Manchester United is less valuable to him than the cash on the table from the Bundesliga outfit .
Despite reports to the contrary , the deal is not as lucrative as that being offered for him to link up with the Germans .
Bellingham has been tracked by almost ever major club in Europe during the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beating a path to St Andrew 's .
But the two who are making the strong running remain long-time admirers Manchester United and Dortmund – with Bayern Munich and Chelsea both on the fringes .
Dortmund – who gazumped Old Trafford bigwig Ed Woodward in the race for Erling Braut Haland – are bursting a gut to land Bellingham amid rumours that a nine-figure deal for Jadon Sancho is already done .
That will represent a stonking profit for the former European Champions but leaves them light of a playmaker .
Given their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it licence to perform at the highest level , they are pulling out all the stops to ensure Bellingham 's next port of call is in the Ruhr Valley .
It is , however , good news for the Red Devils who have made Sancho their long-time target and is the largest hint to date that that the Old Trafford power-brokers have landed their man .

MAN UTD BOSS OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER EXCITED BY PROSPECT OF PLAYING BRUNO FERNANDES AND PAUL POGBA TOGETHER
MAN UTD BOSS OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER EXCITED BY PROSPECT OF PLAYING BRUNO FERNANDES AND PAUL POGBA TOGETHER
EXCLUSIVE: Birmingham City starlet has a choice to make over his next move, and after four clubs saw bids accepted, it is United and Dortmund pushing hardest
Jude Bellingham will sign for Manchester United for the love – not the money.
Birmingham City's teenage starlet is being courted by the Old Trafford giants but he has a better offer on the table from Borussia Dortmund.
The Bundesliga giants are determined to win the battle for Bellingham's signature and are pulling out all the stops.
It is understood that Dortmund have taken such a aggressive stance as they are resigned to losing Jadon Sancho at the season's end.
And, should Bellingham agree to join too, it could add up to a mouth-watering double-whammy for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer whenever the new campaign gets underway.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
As revealed last week, Bellingham is weighing up his options following talks with a number of clubs over his future.
But the package put together at Manchester United is less valuable to him than the cash on the table from the Bundesliga outfit.
Despite reports to the contrary, the deal is not as lucrative as that being offered for him to link up with the Germans.
Image: Jörg Schüler) Jörg Schüler)
Bellingham has been tracked by almost ever major club in Europe during the past 12 months with a succession of them beating a path to St Andrew's.
But the two who are making the strong running remain long-time admirers Manchester United and Dortmund – with Bayern Munich and Chelsea both on the fringes.
Dortmund – who gazumped Old Trafford bigwig Ed Woodward in the race for Erling Braut Haland – are bursting a gut to land Bellingham amid rumours that a nine-figure deal for Jadon Sancho is already done.
That will represent a stonking profit for the former European Champions but leaves them light of a playmaker.
Given their previous experience of taking talent and giving it licence to perform at the highest level, they are pulling out all the stops to ensure Bellingham's next port of call is in the Ruhr Valley.
It is, however, good news for the Red Devils who have made Sancho their long-time target and is the largest hint to date that that the Old Trafford power-brokers have landed their man.


thedailymirror--2020-03-21--Man Utd pencil in date for stars' return to full training after coronavirus

Manchester United stars will return to training on April 10 in readiness for a return to action in May .
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sent his players home last week with individual fitness programmes as their AON training centre at Carrington was closed due to the escalating Coronavirus crisis .
And stars like Bruno Fernandes , Harry Maguire , David De Gea and Paul Pogba have been told they won ’ t be returning to normal training until April 10 at the earliest with the situation be constantly monitored .
Solskjaer met with coaches Michael Carrick , Mike Phelan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work through plans for the coming weeks .
And they decided to give the players another three weeks in effective self-isolation managing their own fitness and training before bringing them back to Carrington on April 10 .
United ’ s fitness team believe that would give them the required time to prepare players for the resumption of the Premier League – probably behind closed doors – in early May .
A spokesperson confirmed : “ It ’ s being reviewed weekly but April 10 is the plan for now.
” While it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported Covid-19 cases within the club , I understand there are plans to ‘ deep clean ’ the Carrington complex while it ’ s effectively empty with just a skeleton staff thought to be operating at the base .
The fitness regimes of players is constantly being updated by United ’ s conditioning coaches via ipads and video links .
United ’ s back-room team are treating the enforced lay-off like a normal summer break .
And they believe the players will return next month with good fitness levels , although they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s next scheduled League game when football resumes is at Old Trafford against Sheffield United who sit just two points behind Solskjaer ’ s men in the table .

Man Utd's players, along with all their Premier League rivals, have been in self-isolation as the coronavirus pandemic hits sport but are set to return to training next month
Coronavirus: Man Utd pencil in date for stars' return to full training after pandemic
Manchester United stars will return to training on April 10 in readiness for a return to action in May.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sent his players home last week with individual fitness programmes as their AON training centre at Carrington was closed due to the escalating Coronavirus crisis.
And stars like Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, David De Gea and Paul Pogba have been told they won’t be returning to normal training until April 10 at the earliest with the situation be constantly monitored.
Solskjaer met with coaches Michael Carrick, Mike Phelan and Kieran McKenna a few days ago to work through plans for the coming weeks.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
And they decided to give the players another three weeks in effective self-isolation managing their own fitness and training before bringing them back to Carrington on April 10.
United’s fitness team believe that would give them the required time to prepare players for the resumption of the Premier League – probably behind closed doors – in early May.
A spokesperson confirmed: “It’s being reviewed weekly but April 10 is the plan for now.”
Image: AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images)
While it’s not thought there have been any reported Covid-19 cases within the club, I understand there are plans to ‘deep clean’ the Carrington complex while it’s effectively empty with just a skeleton staff thought to be operating at the base.
The fitness regimes of players is constantly being updated by United’s conditioning coaches via ipads and video links.
United’s back-room team are treating the enforced lay-off like a normal summer break.
And they believe the players will return next month with good fitness levels, although they will clearly lack match sharpness.
Fifth-placed United’s next scheduled League game when football resumes is at Old Trafford against Sheffield United who sit just two points behind Solskjaer’s men in the table.


thedailymirror--2020-03-21--Furious nurse slams tourist drinkers outside shut pub after coronavirus closure

A nurse has vented her anger online at a group of drinkers who flouted new coronavirus guidance by gathering outside a closed pub .
Nurse Natalie Garrod was fuming when she saw people sitting outside the Vaynol pub in Abersoch which is on the Llyn peninsula in north Wales , today , the Daily Post reports .
It comes after a coronavirus death was confirmed in Gwynedd , with the UK total rising to 233 today - with that number expected to increase in the coming days and weeks .
The Government has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak .
The Vaynol is following that advice and has urged people not to use their outside furniture `` and keep an appropriate distance from others . ''
Ms Garrod , who took the photo , said she works in a local community hospital and is shocked holidaymakers are ignoring Government advice and travelling to Abersoch .
She said : `` I was shocked when I saw this .
They had bought beer and were sitting outside the pub which has shut .
`` It appears holidaymakers are not following Government advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a social distance .
`` I took the dogs for a walk after I self isolated as a precaution for three weeks after coming back into the country - and I met a woman who had brought her mother who has dementia , from Cheshire and she told me she had come here 'to self isolate ' .
`` I work on the frontline and this is dangerous behaviour .
London and Birmingham are hotspots .
People are travelling here and there is a real concern that Gwynedd could become a hotspot .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ step in and lock this down . ''
Her feelings were echoed by other locals who expressed their anger at today 's development on social media with another saying `` why do these people think it 's ok to be so selfish ? ''
It comes amid tensions between locals and tourists and second home owners , with calls for them to stay away while the coronavirus outbreak continues .
A statement by Ben and Julia Holland who run the Vaynol , said : `` To clarify the situation with the patio at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – The pub was closed last night as instructed and will of course remain closed until further notice .
`` Unfortunately the patio umbrellas were not closed at the end of the night .
`` On a normal day this would have been rectified the next morning before opening , but today we have been spending time together as a family with our young children and have not followed our ‘ normal ’ procedures .
`` As soon as we realised that there were people using the patio we asked them to leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tables across the steps onto the patio .
`` We have been told that we were not the only pub in the village with this problem so hopefully people using the local takeaways will actually take the food away and keep an appropriate distance from others .
`` The more strictly that people follow the social distancing rules , the shorter the amount of time we will have to do it for so we would ask everyone to please keep off the patio until we are able to re-open .
`` We hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will come back to enjoy not only our patio but our courtyard and also the beer garden to the rear of the pub . ''

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Steve Bagnall, Matthew Dresch)

Nurse Natalie Garrod was furious when she saw a group of drinkers outside a pub in Abersoch, Gwynedd, Wales, flouting Government guidance on 'social distancing' to stop the Covid-19 outbreak
A nurse has vented her anger online at a group of drinkers who flouted new coronavirus guidance by gathering outside a closed pub.
Nurse Natalie Garrod was fuming when she saw people sitting outside the Vaynol pub in Abersoch which is on the Llyn peninsula in north Wales, today, the Daily Post reports.
It comes after a coronavirus death was confirmed in Gwynedd, with the UK total rising to 233 today - with that number expected to increase in the coming days and weeks.
The Government has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and social gatherings in a bid to stem the outbreak.
The Vaynol is following that advice and has urged people not to use their outside furniture "and keep an appropriate distance from others."
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Ms Garrod, who took the photo, said she works in a local community hospital and is shocked holidaymakers are ignoring Government advice and travelling to Abersoch.
She said: "I was shocked when I saw this. They had bought beer and were sitting outside the pub which has shut.
"It appears holidaymakers are not following Government advice and are travelling unnecessarily and not keeping a social distance.
"I took the dogs for a walk after I self isolated as a precaution for three weeks after coming back into the country - and I met a woman who had brought her mother who has dementia, from Cheshire and she told me she had come here 'to self isolate'.
"I work on the frontline and this is dangerous behaviour. London and Birmingham are hotspots. People are travelling here and there is a real concern that Gwynedd could become a hotspot.
"I think the police needs to step in and lock this down."
Her feelings were echoed by other locals who expressed their anger at today's development on social media with another saying "why do these people think it's ok to be so selfish?"
Image: Daily Post Wales) Daily Post Wales) Image: Daily Post Wales) Daily Post Wales)
It comes amid tensions between locals and tourists and second home owners, with calls for them to stay away while the coronavirus outbreak continues.
A statement by Ben and Julia Holland who run the Vaynol, said: "To clarify the situation with the patio at the front of The Vaynol, Abersoch – The pub was closed last night as instructed and will of course remain closed until further notice.
"Unfortunately the patio umbrellas were not closed at the end of the night.
"On a normal day this would have been rectified the next morning before opening, but today we have been spending time together as a family with our young children and have not followed our ‘normal’ procedures.
"As soon as we realised that there were people using the patio we asked them to leave, closed the umbrellas and have put tables across the steps onto the patio.
"We have been told that we were not the only pub in the village with this problem so hopefully people using the local takeaways will actually take the food away and keep an appropriate distance from others.
"The more strictly that people follow the social distancing rules, the shorter the amount of time we will have to do it for so we would ask everyone to please keep off the patio until we are able to re-open.
"We hope that whenever that will be, everyone will come back to enjoy not only our patio but our courtyard and also the beer garden to the rear of the pub."


thedailymirror--2020-03-21--Coronavirus: Younger and Entourage star Debi Mazar, 55, tests positive for bug

Younger and Entourage star Debi Mazar was the latest celeb to contract coronavirus .
The actress , 55 , confided in her 402K fans on Instagram on Saturday she had got the killer bug which has been sweeping the globe in a worldwide pandemic .
Debi shared her agony as she suffered from a fever , headaches , sore throat , body aches , ear ringing and a dry cough .
Also , the Goodfellas star shared her husband Gabriele Corcos as well as their two daughters Evelina , 17 , and Giulia , 14 , had been suffering from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I AM OK !
About a month ago my entire home ( husband and two teen daughters ) got an odd bug- Low grade fever , headaches , sore throat , body aches , ears ringing and a dry cough .
“ It cleared up quickly .
Seasonal I thought ?
but it felt unusual/different ... Two weeks later , March 15th , I woke up with all those same symptoms but super intense body aches , and 102.4 fever .
“ I figured maybe I got the flu or..Corona ?
I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smoked a few cigarettes .
I figured I had jacked my immune system from having a fun night with friends . ''
In as much detail as possible , the American divulged a doctor said she did n't meet the criteria for the bug .
However , a month on the actress has tested positive for coronavirus amid the outbreak .
She added : “ I called a doctor/friend to ask if I could get the Covid-19 test on 3/16 .
He said NO , I didn ’ t meet the criteria .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the country & I hadnt been with someone who had actually tested positive .
“ I found this kind of a CRAZY criteria for a NY ’ er as I had taken the subway , gone to the theater , the grocery store , the pharmacy , hair salon , etc .
“ I was the Mom who was trying to prepare the home and get supplies & bleach wipes , dry goods , extra food etc.
” Debi was the latest celeb to contract coronavirus .
Tom Hanks and his wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first celebrities to go public with their positive COVID-19 diagnosis on social media .
Idris Elba and Bond girl actress Olga Kurylenko have also been tested positive for the bug .

Younger and Entourage star Debi Mazar was the latest celeb to contract coronavirus following Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson and Idris Elba
Younger and Entourage star Debi Mazar was the latest celeb to contract coronavirus.
The actress, 55, confided in her 402K fans on Instagram on Saturday she had got the killer bug which has been sweeping the globe in a worldwide pandemic.
Debi shared her agony as she suffered from a fever, headaches, sore throat, body aches, ear ringing and a dry cough.
Also, the Goodfellas star shared her husband Gabriele Corcos as well as their two daughters Evelina, 17, and Giulia, 14, had been suffering from a bug.
She wrote: “I AM OK! About a month ago my entire home (husband and two teen daughters) got an odd bug- Low grade fever, headaches, sore throat, body aches, ears ringing and a dry cough.
“It cleared up quickly. Seasonal I thought? but it felt unusual/different... Two weeks later, March 15th, I woke up with all those same symptoms but super intense body aches, and 102.4 fever.
“I figured maybe I got the flu or..Corona? I had had cocktails the evening prior, and smoked a few cigarettes. I figured I had jacked my immune system from having a fun night with friends."
In as much detail as possible, the American divulged a doctor said she didn't meet the criteria for the bug.
Image: DebiMazar/Instagram) DebiMazar/Instagram)
However, a month on the actress has tested positive for coronavirus amid the outbreak.
She added: “I called a doctor/friend to ask if I could get the Covid-19 test on 3/16. He said NO, I didn’t meet the criteria. I hadn’t recently traveled out of the country& I hadnt been with someone who had actually tested positive.
“I found this kind of a CRAZY criteria for a NY’er as I had taken the subway, gone to the theater, the grocery store, the pharmacy, hair salon, etc.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
“I was the Mom who was trying to prepare the home and get supplies & bleach wipes, dry goods, extra food etc.”
Debi was the latest celeb to contract coronavirus.
Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson, both 63, were the first celebrities to go public with their positive COVID-19 diagnosis on social media.
Idris Elba and Bond girl actress Olga Kurylenko have also been tested positive for the bug.


thedailymirror--2020-03-21--Phil Schofield and Holly Willoughby 'worried' as This Morning boss self-isolates

Staff at This Morning are 'worried ' about coronavirus after their boss went into self-isolation for 14 days .
There are fears of the deadly virus , which has claimed over 200 lives in the UK , spreading round the team .
Editor Martin Frizell told staff he was self-isolating after wife Fiona Phillips tested positive - with the presenter announcing the news on Friday .
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield 's editor emailed This Morning staff to reveal he would be staying at home and would not be coming in for 14 days .
There are now growing concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` hanging on by it 's teeth '' this week , may have to be pulled from air .
A source told The Sun : `` Martin 's been on set and in meetings all week with everyone - there 's no-one he has n't been in contact with .
`` There 's a real worry that it could spread through everyone and the show wo n't be able to go on . ''
An ITV spokeswoman : `` In line with the Public Health England and World Health Organisation guidelines Martin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member of his family has displayed mild symptoms which are unconfirmed .
`` This is a precautionary measure and Martin has no symptoms himself . ''
Martin 's wife Fiona revealed she has coronavirus on social media on Friday but told her followers not to panic .
She tweeted : `` I am in bed with # coronvirusuk It ’ s not a very pleasant bedfellow , but nothing more than sore throat , dry cough , headache & tiredness .
As long as it stays that way ... .DON ’ T panic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wishes and told her followers that she is `` not suffering '' .
Earlier this week , Phillip admitted that everyone at This Morning was hanging on by `` the skin of their teeth '' to keep the show going .
Matthew Wright , who joined the presenters for a discussion on the news headlines , admitted there were huge measures in place to allow everyone to isolate .
Confessing he could n't imagine the show going off air , Matthew said : `` Staffing has been scaled right back , we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changing . ''
*This Morning airs weekdays on ITV at 10am

This Morning's host says they're holding on by skin of their teeth
This Morning's host says they're holding on by skin of their teeth
There are coronavirus fears on This Morning after editor Martin Frizell told staff he was self-isolating after wife Fiona Phillips tested positive
Staff at This Morning are 'worried' about coronavirus after their boss went into self-isolation for 14 days.
There are fears of the deadly virus, which has claimed over 200 lives in the UK, spreading round the team.
Editor Martin Frizell told staff he was self-isolating after wife Fiona Phillips tested positive - with the presenter announcing the news on Friday.
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield's editor emailed This Morning staff to reveal he would be staying at home and would not be coming in for 14 days.
There are now growing concerns that the show, which Phillip admitted was "hanging on by it's teeth" this week, may have to be pulled from air.
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
Image: Shutterstock) Shutterstock)
A source told The Sun : "Martin's been on set and in meetings all week with everyone - there's no-one he hasn't been in contact with.
"There's a real worry that it could spread through everyone and the show won't be able to go on."
An ITV spokeswoman: "In line with the Public Health England and World Health Organisation guidelines Martin is isolating for 14 days as a member of his family has displayed mild symptoms which are unconfirmed.
"This is a precautionary measure and Martin has no symptoms himself."
Martin's wife Fiona revealed she has coronavirus on social media on Friday but told her followers not to panic.
She tweeted: "I am in bed with #coronvirusuk It’s not a very pleasant bedfellow, but nothing more than sore throat, dry cough, headache & tiredness. As long as it stays that way....DON’T panic!"
Fiona was inundated with well wishes and told her followers that she is "not suffering".
Image: ITV) ITV)
Earlier this week, Phillip admitted that everyone at This Morning was hanging on by "the skin of their teeth" to keep the show going.
Matthew Wright, who joined the presenters for a discussion on the news headlines, admitted there were huge measures in place to allow everyone to isolate.
Confessing he couldn't imagine the show going off air, Matthew said: "Staffing has been scaled right back, we do our own make up... things are changing."
*This Morning airs weekdays on ITV at 10am


thedailymirror--2020-03-21--Nursing chief's plea for 50,000 retired nurses to join coronavirus battle

A nursing chief has issued an impassioned call to arms to former staff as the battle against coronavirus hots up .
The head of the Nursing and Midwifery Council has written to more than 50,000 who have retired or quit the profession telling them : “ Your country needs you.
” They have been urged to join an emergency register of ex-staffers willing to help ease the growing pressure on the NHS .
In the first 24 hours after the historic NMC letter went out , a total of 3,986 had submitted applications .
And today nursing chief Andrea Sutcliffe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nursing in the last three years to rally alongside their former colleagues .
The NMC ’ s appeal comes against an alarming backdrop of more than 40,000 unfilled nursing vacancies across the NHS .
With an alarming 12 per cent of the workforce missing , the health service was already facing difficulties before Covid-19 struck .
Last November , the independent Health Foundation charity warned the number of lost nurses could hit 100,000 by the end of the decade without drastic action .
The charity – which crusades to improve healthcare services – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in to plug gaps while Brexit had triggered a drop in EU nurses .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock says medics who join the emergency register could come back “ straight away ” if their registration had only recently lapsed .
Others will be given refresher training “ over the next couple of weeks ” .
No ex-professionals in “ at risk ” groups , including the over 70s or those with underlying health issues , are being asked to re-register .
Nurses who have returned to the front line told yesterday why they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the risks .
Former intensive care staffer Christie Watson , 43 , is set to return on a temporary basis as early as next week after a refresher course .
She left the register 18 months ago to pursue a writing career but this week decided to lend her expertise to London ’ s Guy ’ s and St Thomas where staff are working round the clock to tackle Covid-19 .
Mum-of-two Christie said : “ My background is in critical care , resuscitating and with ventilators – all the skills that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I used to think nursing was something you learned rather than something you ’ re born to – but these times are challenging that .
“ This feels right and everybody who can return should do so.
” Christie ’ s 25-year nursing career began at 17 at Luton and Bedford Hospital and she went on to work in paediatrics at St Ormond Street and St Mary ’ s Hospitals in London .
She said : “ There are risks involved , and these are conversations I had with my family who understood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Having any sort of platform in nursing or health feels like a responsibility in times like this .
“ It ’ s a privilege to stand once more beside nurses , helping wherever and however I can.
” Another former nurse , Elaine Maxwell , told how she was inspired to return to nursing by the tireless work of younger NHS medics tackling the pandemic .
Elaine , 61 , left the profession after a 40-year career last year to go into the research sector , but is putting a new job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ My son and daughter-in-law are NHS nurses .
The thought of what they are doing when both have been qualified less than two years made me think , why am I letting them take all the burden for this ?
`` The work they are putting in is incredible .
I know I could help .
“ When I thought about the sheer volume of front line NHS staff that will be needed , I realised what we have now wouldn ’ t be enough .
Staff are exhausted and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Elaine , of Abingdon , Oxfordshire , will work at Oxford ’ s John Radcliffe Hospital doing “ as many shifts as possible ” .
She added : “ I had to think long and hard as everybody over 60 is at risk , but I have no long-term conditions and I ’ ve never been seriously ill. '' I ’ ll be there to relieve staff so they can do the more important work .
We will all be pulling together.
” The NHS is under intense pressure and could quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of patients .
One forecast published this week showed up to 510,000 could die in a “ worst case scenario ” if nothing was done to stem the virus .
Scientists at Imperial College London said coronavirus was the most serious public health threat seen since the 1918 flu pandemic - known as the Spanish flu .
They predict that unless extreme measures are taken to break the virus ’ progression , up to 250,000 could die as NHS intensive care was overwhelmed .
This advice triggered the Government ’ s latest steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told to close on Friday .
Tory-led cuts since 2010 has left the NHS crippled with more than 200,000 nurses quitting in the last 10 years .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Alan Selby, Amy Sharpe)

EXCLUSIVE: The ex-staffers have been asked to step in to help ease the growing pressure on the NHS, for the sake of their country's future
A nursing chief has issued an impassioned call to arms to former staff as the battle against coronavirus hots up.
The head of the Nursing and Midwifery Council has written to more than 50,000 who have retired or quit the profession telling them: “Your country needs you.”
They have been urged to join an emergency register of ex-staffers willing to help ease the growing pressure on the NHS.
In the first 24 hours after the historic NMC letter went out, a total of 3,986 had submitted applications.
And today nursing chief Andrea Sutcliffe asks Sunday Mirror readers who have left nursing in the last three years to rally alongside their former colleagues.
The NMC’s appeal comes against an alarming backdrop of more than 40,000 unfilled nursing vacancies across the NHS.
With an alarming 12 per cent of the workforce missing, the health service was already facing difficulties before Covid-19 struck.
Image: Getty) Getty)
Last November, the independent Health Foundation charity warned the number of lost nurses could hit 100,000 by the end of the decade without drastic action.
The charity – which crusades to improve healthcare services – claimed less qualified staff were being drafted in to plug
gaps while Brexit had triggered a drop in EU nurses.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock says medics who join the emergency register could come back “straight away” if their registration had only recently lapsed. Others will be given refresher training “over the next couple of weeks”.
Image: Getty) Getty)
No ex-professionals in “at risk” groups, including the over 70s or those with underlying health issues, are being asked to re-register. Nurses who have returned to the front line told yesterday why they wanted to help fight coronavirus, despite the risks.
Former intensive care staffer Christie Watson, 43, is set to return on a temporary basis as early as next week after a refresher course.
She left the register 18 months ago to pursue a writing career but this week decided to lend her expertise to London’s Guy’s and St Thomas where staff are working round the clock to tackle Covid-19.
Mum-of-two Christie said: “My background is in critical care, resuscitating and with ventilators – all the skills that are in demand with the pandemic.
“I used to think nursing was something you learned rather than something you’re born to – but these times are challenging that.
“This feels right and everybody who can return should do so.”
Image: Getty) Getty)
Christie’s 25-year nursing career began at 17 at Luton and Bedford Hospital and she went on to work in paediatrics at St Ormond Street and St Mary’s Hospitals in London.
She said: “There are risks involved, and these are conversations I had with my family who understood completely why I wanted to do this. Having any sort of platform in nursing or health feels like a responsibility in times like this.
“It’s a privilege to stand once more beside nurses, helping wherever and however I can.”
Another former nurse, Elaine Maxwell, told how she was inspired to return to nursing by the tireless work of younger NHS medics tackling the pandemic.
Image: Getty) Getty)
Elaine, 61, left the profession after a 40-year career last year to go into the research sector, but is putting a new job on hold to help.
She said: “My son and daughter-in-law are NHS nurses. The thought of what they are doing when both have been qualified less
than two years made me think, why am I letting them take all the burden for this?
"The work they are putting in is incredible. I know I could help.
“When I thought about the sheer volume of front line NHS staff that will be needed, I realised what we have now wouldn’t be enough. Staff are exhausted and we haven’t even hit the peak.”
Elaine, of Abingdon, Oxfordshire, will work at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital doing “as many shifts as possible”.
She added: “I had to think long and hard as everybody over 60 is at risk, but I have no long-term conditions and I’ve never been seriously ill.
Image: Getty) Getty)
"I’ll be there to relieve staff so they can do the more important work. We will all be pulling together.”
The NHS is under intense pressure and could quickly be overwhelmed by the rapidly rising number of patients.
One forecast published this week showed up to 510,000 could die in a “worst case scenario” if nothing was done to stem the virus.
Scientists at Imperial College London said coronavirus was the most serious public health threat seen since the 1918 flu pandemic - known as the Spanish flu.
They predict that unless extreme measures are taken to break the virus’ progression, up to 250,000 could die as NHS intensive care was overwhelmed.
This advice triggered the Government’s latest steps which saw pubs, restaurants and cafes told to close on Friday.
Tory-led cuts since 2010 has left the NHS crippled with more than 200,000 nurses quitting in the last 10 years.
Image: Nathan Clarke nathan@nathanclarkephotography.co.uk www.nathanclarkephotography.co.uk www.nathanclarkephotography.co.uk/blog +447877452802) Nathan Clarke nathan@nathanclarkephotography.co.uk www.nathanclarkephotography.co.uk www.nathanclarkephotography.co.uk/blog +447877452802)
Andrea Sutcliffe CBE, Chief Executive and Registrar at the Nursing and Midwifery Council
At a time when the health and care system across the UK is facing its toughest challenge in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, the need for our most trusted professions has never been greater.
Readers of the Sunday Mirror who have worked as dedicated, skilled and expert registered nurses and midwives have made a difference to thousands of people's lives.
Those still in the profession are making a difference to thousands more in these dark times. Thank you.
But Covid-19 isn’t going away soon.
We only have to look at the heart of the outbreak in Italy and other countries to see how the pressure in hospitals is so huge that life-saving care is being limited to those most likely to survive.
It’s already putting tremendous pressure on our own health and care services with the science telling us the worst is yet to come.
This startling news shows why the NMC has been working with the Chief Nurses, Royal Colleges and Unions to play our part in ensuring as many former nurses and midwives can help.
To make sure as many people as possible can help to provide care in hospitals, in community services and in nursing homes, we’re in the process of setting up a temporary emergency register.
This is specifically for nurses and midwives who have voluntarily left their professions within the last three years and who may wish to return to practice.
At the time of writing this message to you, I’m proud to say that we’ve received hundreds of applications in the space of a few hours after writing out to more than 50,000 former professionals on Friday.
Maybe if you left nursing or midwifery voluntarily in the last three years you could join too?
I understand this is a difficult and personal decision and depends on your circumstances. No-one should be made to feel guilty if it’s not for them.
But if this is for you. Then we, the NMC, and your country needs you. We welcome you. We support you. We stand together with you.


thedailymirror--2020-03-21--'We must do whatever we can to hep each other through pandemic'

The Three Musketeers were gallivanting around France nearly 400 years before Covid-19 threatened to overwhelm it .
But their legendary motto is even more relevant today as coronavirus also threatens to overwhelm the UK : “ One for all , all for one.
” Each one of us must be for all .
By isolating as we are told , so this awful disease can not be passed on .
And all of us must be for one .
Looking out for that one person who might be forgotten in his or her isolation .
They are likely to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and vulnerable .
And either way , they will need the support of all of us .
It might just be a kind word over the phone or Skype .
It might be fetching and carrying food or medicine .
But whatever it is , we must step up to the plate .
There are already help groups forming all over the country .
An army of three million volunteers is about to be mobilised – just as the real Army has been mobilised to come to our aid in the worst crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the land , acts of kindness big and small are being performed .
Most people appreciate that this time , we really are all in it together .
Our lives are changing so fast our heads are spinning .
We must recognise our lives will never be the same again .
Today , Boris Johnson tells sons and daughters that the best present they can give on Mother ’ s Day is to stay away from Mum .
The PM is right .
It would be foolhardy to put Mum at risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are always the selfish fools .
The idiots who went out on Friday night to drink the pubs dry , the shelf-stripping panic buyers who bought £1billion more groceries than they needed over the last three weeks .
They should examine their consciences and ask themselves if they are proud of what they have done .
Proud of reducing a nurse to tears because they took the last scraps of supermarket food they did not need – but she did , after a long and exhausting shift .
Proud of depriving an old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they have stockpiled all that was left , knowing – yes , knowing – that pensioners can not afford to hoard .
But empty streets and shopping centres , and trains and buses with few passengers , show most people are following the advice given .
These are frightening times .
And they are likely to get even scarier as this invisible killer moves unseen among us .
We will get through it by pulling together , displaying the same indomitable British spirit that saw off a more tangible killer 75 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our PM at the time said , blood , sweat , toil and tears .
And some of us will not be here when it ’ s over .
But we must all resolve to emerge better people for it .
A people truly all for one , and one for all.he

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Voice of the Mirror)

Up and down the land, acts of kindness big and small are being performed. Most people appreciate that this time, we really are all in it together
Voice of the Mirror: We must do whatever we can to hep each other through pandemic
The Three Musketeers were gallivanting around France nearly 400 years before Covid-19 threatened to overwhelm it.
But their legendary motto is even more relevant today as coronavirus also threatens to overwhelm the UK: “One for all, all for one.”
Each one of us must be for all. By isolating as we are told, so this awful disease cannot be passed on.
And all of us must be for one. Looking out for that one person who might be forgotten in his or her isolation.
They are likely to be old, but they may be young and vulnerable. And either way, they will need the support of all of us.
It might just be a kind word over the phone or Skype. It might be fetching and carrying food or medicine. But whatever it is, we must step up to the plate.
There are already help groups forming all over the country.
An army of three million volunteers is about to be mobilised – just as the real Army has been mobilised to come to our aid in the worst crisis since World War Two.
Image: AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images)
Up and down the land, acts of kindness big and small are being performed. Most people appreciate that this time, we really are all
in it together.
Our lives are changing so fast our heads are spinning. We must recognise our lives will never be the same again.
Today, Boris Johnson tells sons and daughters that the best present they can give on Mother’s Day is to stay away from Mum.
The PM is right. It would be foolhardy to put Mum at risk, today of all days.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
There are always the selfish fools. The idiots who went out on Friday night to drink the pubs dry, the shelf-stripping panic buyers who bought £1billion more groceries than they needed over the last three weeks.
They should examine their consciences and ask themselves if they are proud of what they have done.
Proud of reducing a nurse to tears because they took the last scraps of supermarket food they did not need – but she did, after a long and exhausting shift.
Proud of depriving an old lady of a roll of toilet paper because they have stockpiled all that was left, knowing – yes, knowing – that pensioners cannot afford to hoard.
But empty streets and shopping centres, and trains and buses with few passengers, show most people are following the advice given.
These are frightening times. And they are likely to get even scarier as this invisible killer moves unseen among us.
We will get through it by pulling together, displaying the same indomitable British spirit that saw off a more tangible killer 75 years ago.
It will take, as our PM at the time said, blood, sweat, toil and tears. And some of us will not be here when it’s over.
But we must all resolve to emerge better people for it.
A people truly all for one, and one for all.he


thedailymirror--2020-03-21--'Coronavirus made me cancel my 7th birthday party - so I wrote to Boris Johnson'

A girl aged seven wrote to Boris Johnson , politely reminding him to wash his hands – and got a reply from the PM himself .
Josephine Booth put pen to paper after her seventh birthday party was cancelled because of coronavirus .
She told Mr Johnson she was staying home “ because you asked us to ” and that the party was off “ because I want everyone to be OK ” – then reminded him to wash his mitts .
Last night Josephine ’ s stunned parents spoke of their pride after the PM shared their daughter ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson posted his handwritten response online 24 hours later , telling Britons to “ # BeLikeJosephine ” .
Mum Philippa , 34 , said : “ We are thrilled – I have even been a bit teary .
When we told Josephine her jaw dropped , it was amazing .
“ We weren ’ t expecting anything so to have a response so quickly at a time like this really brightens things up and makes it a bit less overwhelming .
“ It was hard having to break the news in a child-friendly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to school or seeing her friends for a while because of the virus .
But she took it all on board .
“ People Josie ’ s age have responded so well to the changes.
” Philippa and husband Andrew , 35 , gently broke the news that Josephine ’ s day out with eight pals to Go Ape adventure park in Southampton had to be called off .
Full-time mum Philippa said : “ It ’ s the kind of thing that is quite upsetting for a seven-year-old .
“ But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a look of disappointment which actually turned into an understanding sense of , ‘ Yes , we have to do this for our world ’ .
`` We had been telling her about Boris Johnson ’ s advice to sing happy birthday twice while washing hands and singing it to her ahead of her special day – so she knows all about him .
“ On her birthday , we did an indoor treasure hunt and she had pancakes and fruit and opened presents , which included a writing set .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Boris Johnson ?
’ and Andrew said , ‘ Why not ?
That ’ s a great idea !
’ ” Josephine told the PM : “ I want to let you know it is my birthday today but I am staying at home because you asked us to .
`` I think Mummy and Daddy might have to cancel my party but I don ’ t mind because I want everybody to be OK .
Please keep working hard to keep us all well .
“ Are you remembering to wash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a heart and another note saying “ wash hands x ” The PM posted his handwritten response online a day later , telling his 1.6 million Twitter followers to wish Josephine a happy birthday “ ( twice ) , while washing our hands ” .
He told the youngster : “ You are setting a great example .
`` We are working round the clock to keep people safe , and if we work together we can send coronavirus packing .
`` And once we have done that you can DEFINITELY have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mum-of-three Philippa , from Stubbington , Hants , added : “ It ’ s just amazing that he took the time to respond while dealing with this crisis .
“ Seeing all the positivity online and people sharing it talking about Josephine makes us all so proud and says great things about our country and how we are pulling together .
”

Josephine Booth told Boris Johnson she was staying home “because you asked us to” and that the party was off “because I want everyone to be OK” – then reminded him to wash his mitts
'Coronavirus made me cancel my 7th birthday party - so I wrote to Boris Johnson'
A girl aged seven wrote to Boris Johnson, politely reminding him to wash his hands – and got a reply from the PM himself.
Josephine Booth put pen to paper after her seventh birthday party was cancelled because of coronavirus.
She told Mr Johnson she was staying home “because you asked us to” and that the party was off “because I want everyone to be OK” – then reminded him to wash his mitts.
Last night Josephine’s stunned parents spoke of their pride after the PM shared their daughter’s note and his reply.
Mr Johnson posted his handwritten response online 24 hours later, telling Britons to “#BeLikeJosephine”.
Image: Josephine Booth) Josephine Booth)
Mum Philippa, 34, said: “We are thrilled – I have even been a bit teary. When we told Josephine her jaw dropped, it was amazing.
“We weren’t expecting anything so to have a response so quickly at a time like this really brightens things up and makes it a bit less overwhelming.
“It was hard having to break the news in a child-friendly way that she wouldn’t be going to school or seeing her friends for a while because of the virus. But she took it all on board.
“People Josie’s age have responded so well to the changes.”
Image: NurPhoto/PA Images) NurPhoto/PA Images)
Philippa and husband Andrew, 35, gently broke the news that Josephine’s day out with eight pals to Go Ape adventure park in Southampton had to be called off.
Full-time mum Philippa said: “It’s the kind of thing that is quite upsetting for a seven-year-old.
“But there were no tears at all, just a look of disappointment which actually turned into an understanding sense of, ‘Yes, we have to do this for our world’.
"We had been telling her about Boris Johnson’s advice to sing happy birthday twice while washing hands and singing it to her ahead of her special day – so she knows all about him.
“On her birthday, we did an indoor treasure hunt and she had pancakes and fruit and opened presents, which included a writing set.
Image: @LocksHeathCC/Twitter) @LocksHeathCC/Twitter)
“She asked, ‘Can I write to Boris Johnson?’ and Andrew said, ‘Why not? That’s a great idea!’”
Josephine told the PM: “I want to let you know it is my birthday today but I am staying at home because you asked us to.
"I think Mummy and Daddy might have to cancel my party but I don’t mind because I want everybody to be OK. Please keep working hard to keep us all well.
“Are you remembering to wash your hands?
“Lots of love, Josephine, aged 7 (today).”
She signed it off with a heart and another note saying “wash hands x”
The PM posted his handwritten response online a day later, telling his 1.6 million Twitter followers to wish Josephine a happy birthday “(twice), while washing our hands”.
He told the youngster: “You are setting a great example.
"We are working round the clock to keep people safe, and if we work together we can send coronavirus packing.
"And once we have done that you can DEFINITELY have a party with your friends!”
Mum-of-three Philippa, from Stubbington, Hants, added: “It’s just amazing that he took the time to respond while dealing with this crisis.
“Seeing all the positivity online and people sharing it talking about Josephine makes us all so proud and says great things about our country and how we are pulling together.”


thedailymirror--2020-03-21--Royal Marine to Invictus Games gold medallist - Andy Grant's inspirational story

Andy Grant joined the Royal Marines at the age of 17 and was stationed in Afghanistan for the fight against the Taliban in Helmand Province .
In February 2009 he suffered 27 serious injuries after a foot patrol he was part of was blown up in Sangin by an improvised explosive device .
Doctors were able to save Grant ’ s life – as well as his badly damaged left leg .
But after becoming frustrated by the constant pain and lack of mobility , he opted to have the leg amputated .
With his competitive spirit reignited , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a double gold medal winner at the Invictus Games in London in 2013 .
This is his amazing journey ...
If you ’ re looking for a hero , then Andy Grant is your man .
The world ’ s fastest single-leg amputee over 10 kilometres is too modest to boast he ’ s anything more than an ordinary lad from the same Bootle streets that produced Jamie Carragher .
But Grant ’ s incredible story of how he lost his left leg at the age of 22 after being blown up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Royal Marines and was still able to win gold medals and break world records has become a source of inspiration for many – including the England football team .
Grant , a fanatical Liverpool supporter , believes it ’ s impossible to quantify the role sport will play to heal the world once the Covid-19 crisis is over .
His own experiences tell a powerful tale .
Grant said : “ My mates in the Marines were all working-class lads from the big cities , Scousers , Mancs , Geordies and Glaswegians – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part in building the kind of friendships that save lives .
“ I was on patrol in Helmand Province in 2009 when one of those mates triggered the trip wire of an IED and my life was changed forever .
“ One of my injuries was a ruptured femoral artery and the quick work of my pals out in the field probably saved my life .
“ Three months later , I was sat at home in my boxer shorts contemplating the fact that I could lose my leg and that the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was two years of hospital appointments and rehab .
“ Then Jamie Carragher walked through my front door .
My favourite Liverpool player had taken time to visit me to see how I was when he was smack in the middle of a title race with Man United .
“ I can ’ t tell you what a lift that half-an-hour talking to Jamie gave me .
That ’ s why , when I hear people saying now football and sport shouldn ’ t matter while the world is going through this health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these things are still important .
“ When I was blown up in Afghanistan , I felt there was absolutely no hope for me .
All it took was a visit from Jamie to give me so much hope and joy and a belief my life could get better.
” Grant and Carragher became such good friends that they are now training partners at the gym .
But little did either know the former Marine would become an elite sportsman after being invited to talk to a group of Liverpool academy players by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer Clive Cook .
Grant had opted to have his leg amputated after becoming frustrated by his lack of mobility and had turned to booze and gambling as a crutch .
When he lost his leg at his knee , the tattoo on his calf of Liverpool ’ s world-famous anthem became You ’ ll Never Walk .
Yet when Cook challenged him to pull on a blade and take up running , it reignited the competitive edge that enabled Grant to earn a green beret and be part of one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 2014 , he was a double gold-medal winner at the Invictus Games .
And two years later , he smashed the 10km world record for a single-leg amputee by an incredible 36 seconds .
“ I am 100 per cent sure running saved my life , ” said Grant .
“ I was living this myth I was still a Marine when , in reality , I was a disabled fella in a pretty bad place .
“ If it wasn ’ t for Clive holding me accountable to myself and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then I dread to think where I would be now .
“ It was almost like a rebirth .
I rediscovered the old me through running and through sport .
And it also sent me on a trajectory where I am now a motivational speaker and I actually get paid for telling people my story .
A big part of that story is how sport can save people.
” Grant shared his experiences with Gareth Southgate ’ s England squad before the 2018 World Cup and the challenges still come thick and fast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liverpool Marathon .
Now he wants to row the Atlantic .
“ The plan is for Iain Syme , the lad blown up with me in Afghanistan , to do it with me , ” he said .
“ I think there would be a certain symmetry to it .
”

EXCLUSIVE: After Grant suffered serious injuries in Afghanistan he decided to have his leg amputated but has since gone on to achieve extraordinary things
Andy Grant joined the Royal Marines at the age of 17 and was stationed in Afghanistan for the fight against the Taliban in Helmand Province.
In February 2009 he suffered 27 serious injuries after a foot patrol he was part of was blown up in Sangin by an improvised explosive device.
Doctors were able to save Grant’s life – as well as his badly damaged left leg. But after becoming frustrated by the constant pain and lack of mobility, he opted to have the leg amputated.
With his competitive spirit reignited, the Liverpudlian began to run competitively and was a double gold medal winner at the Invictus Games in London in 2013. This is his amazing journey...
Image: Trinity Mirror) Trinity Mirror)
*********
If you’re looking for a hero, then Andy Grant is your man.
The world’s fastest single-leg amputee over 10 kilometres is too modest to boast he’s anything more than an ordinary lad from the same Bootle streets that produced Jamie Carragher.
But Grant’s incredible story of how he lost his left leg at the age of 22 after being blown up in Afghanistan while fighting the Taliban with the Royal Marines and was still able to win gold medals and break world records has become a source of inspiration for many – including the England football team.
Grant, a fanatical Liverpool supporter, believes it’s impossible to quantify the role sport will play to heal the world once the Covid-19 crisis is over.
His own experiences tell a powerful tale.
Image: Nikki Dyer) Nikki Dyer)
Grant said: “My mates in the Marines were all working-class lads from the big cities, Scousers, Mancs, Geordies and Glaswegians – and the football banter played a big part in building the kind of friendships that save lives.
“I was on patrol in Helmand Province in 2009 when one of those mates triggered the trip wire of an IED and my life was changed forever.
“One of my injuries was a ruptured femoral artery and the quick work of my pals out in the field probably saved my life.
“Three months later, I was sat at home in my boxer shorts contemplating the fact that I could lose my leg and that the only thing I had to look forward to was two years of hospital appointments and rehab.
“Then Jamie Carragher walked through my front door. My favourite Liverpool player had taken time to visit me to see how I was when he was smack in the middle of a title race with Man United.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
“I can’t tell you what a lift that half-an-hour talking to Jamie gave me. That’s why, when I hear people saying now football and sport shouldn’t matter while the world is going through this health crisis, I try to tell them these things are still important.
“When I was blown up in Afghanistan, I felt there was absolutely no hope for me. All it took was a visit from Jamie to give me so much hope and joy and a belief my life could get better.”
Grant and Carragher became such good friends that they are now training partners at the gym. But little did either know the former Marine would become an elite sportsman after being invited to talk to a group of Liverpool academy players by the club’s education and welfare officer Clive Cook.
Grant had opted to have his leg amputated after becoming frustrated by his lack of mobility and had turned to booze and gambling as a crutch.
Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO) LIVERPOOL ECHO)
When he lost his leg at his knee, the tattoo on his calf of Liverpool’s world-famous anthem became You’ll Never Walk.
Yet when Cook challenged him to pull on a blade and take up running, it reignited the competitive edge that enabled Grant to earn a green beret and be part of one of the world’s most fearsome fighting force.
In 2014, he was a double gold-medal winner at the Invictus Games. And two years later, he smashed the 10km world record for a single-leg amputee by an incredible 36 seconds.
“I am 100 per cent sure running saved my life,” said Grant. “I was living this myth I was still a Marine when, in reality, I was a disabled fella in a pretty bad place.
“If it wasn’t for Clive holding me accountable to myself and making me take that first step, then I dread to think where I would be now.
Image: Liverpool Echo) Liverpool Echo)
“It was almost like a rebirth. I rediscovered the old me through running and through sport. And it also sent me on a trajectory where I am now a motivational speaker and I actually get paid for telling people my story. A big part of that story is how sport can save people.”
Grant shared his experiences with Gareth Southgate’s England squad before the 2018 World Cup and the challenges still come thick and fast.
Last year, Grant completed the Liverpool Marathon. Now he wants to row the Atlantic.
“The plan is for Iain Syme, the lad blown up with me in Afghanistan, to do it with me,” he said. “I think there would be a certain symmetry to it.”