thedailymirror--2020-06-14--Greyhound racing returns to Towcester for first time since 2018

The return of greyhound racing at Towcester for the first time since 2018 is highly anticipated after the pandemic put a delay to the start of proceedings - and some of the nation 's quickest racing dogs will descend on the Northamptonshire track for the historic day on Sunday .
The opening race of the day at 16.42 is an invitational race including some of the fastest greyhounds in the country - watch out for Tony Tuffin 's Steel City Cup finalist Deadly Expert ( 5/2 ) who has great early pace and it would be a shock if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is despite strong competition in Sharon Thompson 's Romford track record-holder Sparta Master ( 5/2 ) , Mark Wallis ' Coronation Cup champion Antigua Rum ( 6/1 ) and Hayley Keightley-trained Roxholme Dolly ( 7/2 ) .
An excellent evening will be rounded off with an A2 race which is of the highest quality , where Alien Sea ( 7/4 ) who was an expensive purchase into the Wallis kennel and was thriving over 575 at Romford prior to lockdown is a classy performer .
The venue in Northamptonshire , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ English Greyhound Derby until 2018 when it entered administration and closed , alongside the neighbouring horse racing track which remains shut .
But the greyhound stadium has been revived by Kevin Boothby , the promoter at Henlow Stadium in Bedfordshire , who signed a 10-year lease and hoped for racing to restart in March 2020 .
That was postponed due to Covid-19 , but reopened on 22 May for trials - and this Sunday 's opening race evening is a week later than planned to ensure the track is sufficiently prepared , coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first sport to return in the UK following the easing of lockdown .
There will be 10 races every half an hour at Towcester on Sunday to comply with social distancing rules - restriction which is due to be lightened on Monday at most other tracks who will be allowed to run unlimited races within a meeting at gaps of 20 minutes , should they choose to .
This has come after discussions with promoters , trainers and kennel staff , meaning GBGB , the sport 's governing body , are confident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this next step earlier than planned whilst still retaining the highest levels of safety for all .

Greyhound racing returns to Towcester for first time since 2018 with UK's top dogs in action
The return of greyhound racing at Towcester for the first time since 2018 is highly anticipated after the pandemic put a delay to the start of proceedings - and some of the nation's quickest racing dogs will descend on the Northamptonshire track for the historic day on Sunday.
The opening race of the day at 16.42 is an invitational race including some of the fastest greyhounds in the country - watch out for Tony Tuffin's Steel City Cup finalist Deadly Expert (5/2) who has great early pace and it would be a shock if he didn’t lead from the front.
This is despite strong competition in Sharon Thompson's Romford track record-holder Sparta Master (5/2), Mark Wallis' Coronation Cup champion Antigua Rum (6/1) and Hayley Keightley-trained Roxholme Dolly (7/2).
An excellent evening will be rounded off with an A2 race which is of the highest quality, where Alien Sea (7/4) who was an expensive purchase into the Wallis kennel and was thriving over 575 at Romford prior to lockdown is a classy performer.
The venue in Northamptonshire, which was opened in 2014, staged the English Greyhound Derby until 2018 when it entered administration and closed, alongside the neighbouring horse racing track which remains shut.
But the greyhound stadium has been revived by Kevin Boothby, the promoter at Henlow Stadium in Bedfordshire, who signed a 10-year lease and hoped for racing to restart in March 2020.
That was postponed due to Covid-19, but reopened on 22 May for trials - and this Sunday's opening race evening is a week later than planned to ensure the track is sufficiently prepared, coming just a fortnight after greyhound racing became the first sport to return in the UK following the easing of lockdown.
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There will be 10 races every half an hour at Towcester on Sunday to comply with social distancing rules - restriction which is due to be lightened on Monday at most other tracks who will be allowed to run unlimited races within a meeting at gaps of 20 minutes, should they choose to.
This has come after discussions with promoters, trainers and kennel staff, meaning GBGB, the sport's governing body, are confident that the sport is ready to take this next step earlier than planned whilst still retaining the highest levels of safety for all.
16.42 Towcester
T1 Roxholme Butt: 4/1
T2 Saleen Again: 10/1
T3 Sparta Master: 5/2
T4 Deadly Expert: 5/2
T5 Antigua Rum: 6/1
T6 Roxholme Dolly: 7/2
21.12 Towcester
T1 Miss Brentford: 11/4
T2 Tuftys Delboy: 5/1
T3 Ivy Hill Skyhigh: 6/1
T4 Stoneyholmeblitz: 6/1
T5 Alien Sea: 7/4
T6 Masonspeedymac: 4/1


thedailymirror--2020-06-14--WWE's Top 5 Greatest Wrestling Matches Ever

The rivalry between Edge and Randy Orton continues tonight with a clash confidently touted by WWE as 'The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever ' .
Both of the legendary stars , who have a staggering 24 world titles between them , say they are feeling the pressure going into WWE Backlash .
That is understandable , because as talented as both of these grappling icons may be , they 'll need to defeat some pretty fierce competition to make the boast of putting on the 'greatest ' match of all-time .
For a WWE contest to be truly considered great , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pure wrestling .
Legendary WWE confrontations are those that fans remember decades later , influencing the future of the wrestling business and telling the ultimate story , all at the same time .
With this in mind , Mirror Sport 's Scott Felstead takes a look back at his top five unmissable WWE matches so far .
Hulk Hogan was 48 years of age when he entered the Toronto Skydome for his first singles confrontation with The Rock in 2002 .
By this time , 'The Most Electrifying Superstar ' in WWE history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular grappler in the company , and as such support for 'The Great One ' was fully expected to drown out Hulkamania 's flickering flame .
Still , few critics had counted on the incredible chemistry that two of the sport 's biggest stars would find within each other that fateful night as icon faced icon , leading to one of the finest examples of a pro wrestling match that could ever be taught .
Nostalgia turned out to play an important role in shaping the bout and as Hogan made his first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memories of the Hulkster 's previous epic main events came flooding back to the fans , including an historic encounter in the very same Skydome against the Ultimate Warrior , back in 1990 .
So as the match unfolded , the crowd unexpectedly turned on The Rock , who masterfully went with the flow and played up to his heelish characteristics , clearing the way for Hulk to garner the sympathy vote .
The match itself featured incredible storytelling , and while The Rock did finally lay the smackdown on Hogan , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of respect between two of pro wrestling 's Mount Rushmore candidates .
The fact that Hulk Hogan is in the conversation for having two of the top five greatest WWE matches of all-time is a testament to just how good at storytelling the 'Immortal One ' truly is .
Fans were heavily invested in the main event of WrestleMania 3 , which took place before a purported crowd of 93,000 at the Pontiac Silverdome , pitting two good friends that had become seriously bitter enemies over the heavyweight championship .
In a battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be forever remembered for the most famous bodyslam in pro wrestling history , and while Andre was suffering with health issues at the time affecting the quality of the grappling , the giant still gave his body and the all-important 'rub ' to further bolster the insanely popular Hulkamania movement .
The impact that this match continues to have on popular culture can not be overestimated and is still one of WrestleMania 's greatest moments .
some 30 plus years later .
The stakes could not have been higher when 'Mr .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ incomparable WWE career on the line for a second opportunity to beat Undertaker 's winning streak this time in Phoenix , Arizona .
The 2010 rematch began with Michaels taking the quick offence , but much like their war at the previous year 's Mania , it soon became an even battle with many scintillating near falls .
As the war concluded , The Deadman kicked out of three thunderous superkicks , before nailing the coffin door shut on Shawn Michael 's future wrestling schedule with three Tombstone piledrivers of his own .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the edge of their seats throughout and , in addition to the incredible action , this was largely owed to the fact that rumours of Michael 's impending retirement had been fairly well guarded , and many fans felt that the Heartbreak Kid would surely defeat the streak on his second attempt .
As HBK and The Phenom shook hands out of respect , Michaels was able to retire on his own terms while still at the peak of his abilities , and that in itself makes the match all the more special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of good vs. evil ahead of their first intense WrestleMania clash in Houston , Texas , Shawn Michaels entered the ring basked in heavenly light , whereas Undertaker made his way through the hellish flames .
Both men had wrestled each other all over the world by this point , including a stellar casket match at the 1998 Royal Rumble and a wild affair at the Ground Zero : In Your House pay-per-view in 1997 , not to mention that gripping Hell in a Cell confrontation , but their WrestleMania clash in 2009 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great bunch .
In a nail-biting spot , Undertaker dived out of the ring and crashed hard on his head , but was able to get back into the action and , along with Michaels , treat us to a succession of their signature moves leading to some seriously close kickouts .
In the end , HBK attempted to hit The Deadman with a moonsault , but soon found himself on the end of a crushing Tombstone , giving us Taker 's 17th straight victory at WrestleMania , and one of the greatest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WrestleMania 13 came at a time when WCW was beating WWE in the Monday Night Ratings , plundering its biggest stars , and with an uninspiring main event pitting Undertaker vs. Syco Sid for the heavyweight championship in Chicago , the 1997 'Show of Shows ' may not have been fondly remembered at all , if it was n't for the emergence of a match that many critics , this writer included , still feels is the greatest WWE contest of all time .
Quite how these two mat masters constructed such an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a lesson in itself , but 'The Hitman ' and 'Stone Cold ' managed to portray a level of intensity and realism that never seems to get old when re-watching the bout .
While the clashes between Undertaker and Shawn Michaels were able to create tense moments through the use of near-falls , the battle between Hart and the up and coming megastar Austin had no such luxury , because pinfalls were out of the equation .
So , while knowing the result of the Shawn vs. Taker battles seems to remove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wars , the same can not be said for Hart vs. Austin .
Instead of simply being a standard , lumbering submission match like Bret had suffered with Bob Backlund at the 1994 Survivor Series , this was instead built from an intense brawl around the ring , right up into the stands , and the action was so hard-hitting that it was easy to believe that these men genuinely detested each other .
Newly signed UFC legend Ken Shamrock played his part as special referee brilliantly , and that iconic moment where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trademark Sharpshooter while staring at a pool of his own blood was instrumental in helping kickstart WWE 's hugely important Attitude Era .
Other notable entries that narrowly missed out of the top five include Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat at WrestleMania 3 , Tommaso Ciampa vs. Johhny Gargano at NXT TakeOver : New Orleans , and Sasha Banks vs. Bayley at NXT TakeOver : Brooklyn in 2015 .
Of course , favourite matches are like favourite meals in that everyone 's taste is different , and you will no doubt have your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or not Randy Orton and Edge are able to unseat the previous greatest matches of all time at Backlash this Sunday , we ca n't wait to see them try !
Do n't miss 'The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever ' between Randy Orton and Edge live on Sunday , June 14 on WWE Network .

Ahead of 'The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever' between Edge and Randy Orton at Backlash tonight we take a look at the five most epic confrontations in WWE history
The rivalry between Edge and Randy Orton continues tonight with a clash confidently touted by WWE as 'The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever'.
Both of the legendary stars, who have a staggering 24 world titles between them, say they are feeling the pressure going into WWE Backlash.
That is understandable, because as talented as both of these grappling icons may be, they'll need to defeat some pretty fierce competition to make the boast of putting on the 'greatest' match of all-time.
For a WWE contest to be truly considered great, it must go beyond the confines of pure wrestling.
Legendary WWE confrontations are those that fans remember decades later, influencing the future of the wrestling business and telling the ultimate story, all at the same time.
With this in mind, Mirror Sport's Scott Felstead takes a look back at his top five unmissable WWE matches so far.
5) The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan: WrestleMania 18 (2002)
Hulk Hogan was 48 years of age when he entered the Toronto Skydome for his first singles confrontation with The Rock in 2002. By this time, 'The Most Electrifying Superstar' in WWE history was one of if not the most popular grappler in the company, and as such support for 'The Great One' was fully expected to drown out Hulkamania's flickering flame.
Still, few critics had counted on the incredible chemistry that two of the sport's biggest stars would find within each other that fateful night as icon faced icon, leading to one of the finest examples of a pro wrestling match that could ever be taught.
Image: © WWE) © WWE)
Nostalgia turned out to play an important role in shaping the bout and as Hogan made his first WrestleMania appearance in almost 10 years, memories of the Hulkster's previous epic main events came flooding back to the fans, including an historic encounter in the very same Skydome against the Ultimate Warrior, back in 1990.
So as the match unfolded, the crowd unexpectedly turned on The Rock, who masterfully went with the flow and played up to his heelish characteristics, clearing the way for Hulk to garner the sympathy vote. The match itself featured incredible storytelling, and while The Rock did finally lay the smackdown on Hogan, the two shook hands in a storybook display of respect between two of pro wrestling's Mount Rushmore candidates.
4) Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant: WrestleMania 3 (1987)
Image: © WWE) © WWE)
The fact that Hulk Hogan is in the conversation for having two of the top five greatest WWE matches of all-time is a testament to just how good at storytelling the 'Immortal One' truly is.
Fans were heavily invested in the main event of WrestleMania 3, which took place before a purported crowd of 93,000 at the Pontiac Silverdome, pitting two good friends that had become seriously bitter enemies over the heavyweight championship.
In a battle of David vs. Goliath, this match will be forever remembered for the most famous bodyslam in pro wrestling history, and while Andre was suffering with health issues at the time affecting the quality of the grappling, the giant still gave his body and the all-important 'rub' to further bolster the insanely popular Hulkamania movement.
The impact that this match continues to have on popular culture cannot be overestimated and is still one of WrestleMania's greatest moments. some 30 plus years later.
3) Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels: WrestleMania 26 (2010)
Image: © WWE) © WWE)
The stakes could not have been higher when 'Mr. WrestleMania', Shawn Michaels put his incomparable WWE career on the line for a second opportunity to beat Undertaker's winning streak this time in Phoenix, Arizona.
The 2010 rematch began with Michaels taking the quick offence, but much like their war at the previous year's Mania, it soon became an even battle with many scintillating near falls.
As the war concluded, The Deadman kicked out of three thunderous superkicks, before nailing the coffin door shut on Shawn Michael's future wrestling schedule with three Tombstone piledrivers of his own.
The match undoubtedly had the audience on the edge of their seats throughout and, in addition to the incredible action, this was largely owed to the fact that rumours of Michael's impending retirement had been fairly well guarded, and many fans felt that the Heartbreak Kid would surely defeat the streak on his second attempt.
As HBK and The Phenom shook hands out of respect, Michaels was able to retire on his own terms while still at the peak of his abilities, and that in itself makes the match all the more special.
2) Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels: WrestleMania 25 (2009)
Image: © WWE) © WWE)
Keen to paint the symbolic picture of good vs. evil ahead of their first intense WrestleMania clash in Houston, Texas, Shawn Michaels entered the ring basked in heavenly light, whereas Undertaker made his way through the hellish flames.
Both men had wrestled each other all over the world by this point, including a stellar casket match at the 1998 Royal Rumble and a wild affair at the Ground Zero: In Your House pay-per-view in 1997, not to mention that gripping Hell in a Cell confrontation, but their WrestleMania clash in 2009 remains the absolute best of a truly great bunch.
In a nail-biting spot, Undertaker dived out of the ring and crashed hard on his head, but was able to get back into the action and, along with Michaels, treat us to a succession of their signature moves leading to some seriously close kickouts.
In the end, HBK attempted to hit The Deadman with a moonsault, but soon found himself on the end of a crushing Tombstone, giving us Taker's 17th straight victory at WrestleMania, and one of the greatest matches of all time to boot.
1) Bret 'The Hitman' Hart vs. 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin: WrestleMania 13 (1997)
Image: © WWE) © WWE)
WrestleMania 13 came at a time when WCW was beating WWE in the Monday Night Ratings, plundering its biggest stars, and with an uninspiring main event pitting Undertaker vs. Syco Sid for the heavyweight championship in Chicago, the 1997 'Show of Shows' may not have been fondly remembered at all, if it wasn't for the emergence of a match that many critics, this writer included, still feels is the greatest WWE contest of all time.
Quite how these two mat masters constructed such an intense war out of a submission match is a lesson in itself, but 'The Hitman' and 'Stone Cold' managed to portray a level of intensity and realism that never seems to get old when re-watching the bout.
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While the clashes between Undertaker and Shawn Michaels were able to create tense moments through the use of near-falls, the battle between Hart and the up and coming megastar Austin had no such luxury, because pinfalls were out of the equation. So, while knowing the result of the Shawn vs. Taker battles seems to remove a little of the excitement from their wars, the same cannot be said for Hart vs. Austin.
Instead of simply being a standard, lumbering submission match like Bret had suffered with Bob Backlund at the 1994 Survivor Series, this was instead built from an intense brawl around the ring, right up into the stands, and the action was so hard-hitting that it was easy to believe that these men genuinely detested each other.
Newly signed UFC legend Ken Shamrock played his part as special referee brilliantly, and that iconic moment where Austin refuses to quit to Bret's trademark Sharpshooter while staring at a pool of his own blood was instrumental in helping kickstart WWE's hugely important Attitude Era.
Other notable entries that narrowly missed out of the top five include Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat at WrestleMania 3, Tommaso Ciampa vs. Johhny Gargano at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans, and Sasha Banks vs. Bayley at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn in 2015.
Of course, favourite matches are like favourite meals in that everyone's taste is different, and you will no doubt have your own take on this list. Whether or not Randy Orton and Edge are able to unseat the previous greatest matches of all time at Backlash this Sunday, we can't wait to see them try!
Don't miss 'The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever' between Randy Orton and Edge live on Sunday, June 14 on WWE Network.
For more information, visit WWE.com.


thedailymirror--2020-06-14--PSG chief Leonardo provides update on futures of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar

PSG sporting director Leonardo has poured cold water on speculation Neymar and Kylian Mbappe could leave the club this summer .
Both forwards have been at the centre of continued speculation surrounding their futures , with Barcelona keen on re-signing Neymar , while Real Madrid are linked with a move for Mbappe .
Neymar in particular came close to leaving last summer until negotiations between PSG and Barca broke down .
Rumours have also suggested Mbappe sees his future elsewhere , but Leonardo denies the club are planning for their departures .
`` There 's nothing that tells us they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told French outlet Le Journal du Dimanche .
`` They both still have two years left on their contracts and we 're thinking about what we can do next with them .
We want to move forward .
`` Mbappe is the future of PSG .
This is what everyone wants .
The ideal scenario would be for him to extend his contract .
`` He 's already among the best five players in the word .
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are 32 and 35 , Neymar and Mbappe are 28 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There 's no need to overthink it .
We have to take advantage of having them because they 're something huge .
We have to find a solution to continue together . ''
PSG have already been crowned Ligue 1 champions for the seventh time in eight years after the French season was ended prematurely .
The club still have ambitions of winning the Champions League , having failed to mount a serious bid since Neymar arrived in 2017 , and know their best chance of doing so is with the Brazilian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's interest in their former superstar will not go away though , and Neymar admitted previously he was keen for a return to the Nou Camp .
However Leonardo insists there have been no further discussions over a transfer .
`` We 've not talked about it any more , '' he said .
`` He 's [ Neymar 's ] been very happy , he 's had a great season and he 's been very involved with the squad . ''
PSG are preparing for two big-name stars to leave in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cavani and Thiago Silva would be departing the club at the end of their contracts .
Cavani is expected to sign for Atletico Madrid , while Silva has been linked with Arsenal , Wolves and Everton .
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip .

Real Madrid have been continually linked with lodging a mega-money move for Mbappe, while Barcelona are thought to be preparing another bid to re-sign Neymar
PSG chief Leonardo provides update on futures of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar
PSG sporting director Leonardo has poured cold water on speculation Neymar and Kylian Mbappe could leave the club this summer.
Both forwards have been at the centre of continued speculation surrounding their futures, with Barcelona keen on re-signing Neymar, while Real Madrid are linked with a move for Mbappe.
Neymar in particular came close to leaving last summer until negotiations between PSG and Barca broke down.
Rumours have also suggested Mbappe sees his future elsewhere, but Leonardo denies the club are planning for their departures.
"There's nothing that tells us they'll leave this summer,' Leonardo told French outlet Le Journal du Dimanche.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
"They both still have two years left on their contracts and we're thinking about what we can do next with them. We want to move forward.
"Mbappe is the future of PSG. This is what everyone wants. The ideal scenario would be for him to extend his contract.
"He's already among the best five players in the word. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are 32 and 35, Neymar and Mbappe are 28 and 21 and they are with us.
"There's no need to overthink it. We have to take advantage of having them because they're something huge. We have to find a solution to continue together."
PSG have already been crowned Ligue 1 champions for the seventh time in eight years after the French season was ended prematurely.
The club still have ambitions of winning the Champions League, having failed to mount a serious bid since Neymar arrived in 2017, and know their best chance of doing so is with the Brazilian and Mbappe in their ranks.
Barcelona's interest in their former superstar will not go away though, and Neymar admitted previously he was keen for a return to the Nou Camp.
However Leonardo insists there have been no further discussions over a transfer.
"We've not talked about it any more," he said.
"He's [Neymar's] been very happy, he's had a great season and he's been very involved with the squad."
PSG are preparing for two big-name stars to leave in the coming months though, after announcing Edinson Cavani and Thiago Silva would be departing the club at the end of their contracts.
Cavani is expected to sign for Atletico Madrid, while Silva has been linked with Arsenal, Wolves and Everton.
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.


thedailymirror--2020-06-14--Jadon Sancho told he is "too good" to stay at Dortmund amid Premier League links

Former Liverpool star Dietmar Hamann has called on Jadon Sancho not to delay in swapping for the Bundesliga for the Premier League , as he is `` too good to wait another year '' with Borussia Dortmund .
Sancho 's future is the subject of huge speculation ahead of the summer transfer window , with Liverpool , Chelsea and Manchester United linked with moves for the 20-year-old .
He has enjoyed another exceptional season with German giants Dortmund , scoring 19 goals and assisting the same number .
And despite having two years left on his deal at Signal Iduna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave this summer and named the `` most likely '' club he will join .
“ There will continue to be a market for the top players , like Jadon Sancho – he ’ s just too good to wait another year , ” Hamann told Bild .
“ I see him going to the Premier League .
The most likely option there is Manchester United . ''
It is expected to take a bid of at least £100million to prompt Dortmund to part ways with Sancho .
Nonetheless , Hamann would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken with Premier League wages and transfer fees .
“ It would be nice to see some reason there , ” the former Germany midfielder added .
“ Before the Coronavirus crisis , last season , the 20 clubs in the league made a loss of around €670million ( £600million ) .
Perhaps smaller transfer fees and less salary will now be paid to players across the board .
“ Investors can dig into their pockets to make up for a deficit .
Of course there is an absurdly high TV income in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clubs completely new opportunities .
That is why the idea of solidarity in the clubs is also different .
“ In the Bundesliga , players have waived their salary so that no one had to be fired in the offices .
In England , the 20 captains got together and donated some of their salary to the NHS.
” With the Premier League 's return just days away , Hamann believes Liverpool will ease their way to a first league title in 30 years over their remaining games .
“ Their lead in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` They 're playing in their own league this season .
The question is not whether Liverpool will be champion , but when .
`` The only pity is that there will be no celebrations with fans who have been waiting for the title for so long.
” Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip .

Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes Sancho must make the switch to the English top-flight this summer - and he outlined the "most likely" club he will join
Jadon Sancho urged to make Premier League move and told he is "too good" to stay at Dortmund
Former Liverpool star Dietmar Hamann has called on Jadon Sancho not to delay in swapping for the Bundesliga for the Premier League, as he is "too good to wait another year" with Borussia Dortmund.
Sancho's future is the subject of huge speculation ahead of the summer transfer window, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United linked with moves for the 20-year-old.
He has enjoyed another exceptional season with German giants Dortmund, scoring 19 goals and assisting the same number.
And despite having two years left on his deal at Signal Iduna Park, Hamann believes Sancho is destined to leave this summer and named the "most likely" club he will join.
Image: Pixathlon/Shutterstock) Pixathlon/Shutterstock)
“There will continue to be a market for the top players, like Jadon Sancho – he’s just too good to wait another year,” Hamann told Bild .
“I see him going to the Premier League. The most likely option there is Manchester United."
It is expected to take a bid of at least £100million to prompt Dortmund to part ways with Sancho.
Image: EMPICS Sport) EMPICS Sport)
Nonetheless, Hamann would like to see a more considered approach taken with Premier League wages and transfer fees.
“It would be nice to see some reason there,” the former Germany midfielder added.
“Before the Coronavirus crisis, last season, the 20 clubs in the league made a loss of around €670million (£600million). Perhaps smaller transfer fees and less salary will now be paid to players across the board.
Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images) Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“Investors can dig into their pockets to make up for a deficit. Of course there is an absurdly high TV income in England, but the investors give the clubs completely new opportunities. That is why the idea of solidarity in the clubs is also different.
“In the Bundesliga, players have waived their salary so that no one had to be fired in the offices. In England, the 20 captains got together and donated some of their salary to the NHS.”
With the Premier League's return just days away, Hamann believes Liverpool will ease their way to a first league title in 30 years over their remaining games.
“Their lead in the table is too big," he said. "They're playing in their own league this season. The question is not whether Liverpool will be champion, but when.
"The only pity is that there will be no celebrations with fans who have been waiting for the title for so long.”
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.


thedailymirror--2020-06-14--Benidorm reopening beaches tomorrow and is 'ready for Brits' from July 10

Popular tourism hotspot Benidorm finally opens its beaches tomorrow after three months of being closed .
It is one of the last batch of holiday resorts in Spain to kick back into action as the country 's coronvirus pandemic restrictions ease .
The local council says it has drawn up a comprehensive plan with a beach management contractor and Visit Benidorm .
It will include an online booking system , designated spaces for over-70s , and a beach-goer limit of around 26,000 at any one time .
And it could see Brits travelling to Spain allowed back on beaches as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opens its borders to the UK .
As yet , there has been no mention of the UK or when British holidaymakers will be allowed back into Spain .
The country 's Prime Minister announced this morning that travellers from all European countries in the Schengen area will be allowed to enter Spain from June 21 .
Only Portugal is excluded , because its leaders have agreed a ceremonial reopening of the borders with neighbour Spain on July 1 .
The Benidorm plan says it “ guarantees the use of the beaches to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , under certain health security conditions.
” Benidorm 's mayor , Toni Pérez revealed details of the blueprint that outlines how the holiday hotspot plans to deal with demand safely .
Toni Pérez said the reopening of the beaches and the implementation of the plan would take place before June 22 , when Spanish tourists will be allowed back .
Some tourists from abroad would be allowed back on Benidorms beaches from July 1 .
Brits would not be permitted back until at least July 10 , the mayor said .
However travellers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face mandatory two-week quarantine when they return home , making holidays abroad awkward .
The UK lockdown also continues to ban all but 'essential ' travel as authorities urge people to stay off public transport .
The UK government has faced criticism over its introduction of quarantine measures , as some claimed it was too little too late .
Airlines have claimed the quarantine rules will be impossible to enforce , as the government said travellers arriving back into the UK will be 'spot-checked ' to ensure they are complying with the rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work ?
According to Benidorm 's plan , the main Levante and Poniente beaches will be divided into 20 sectors .
Twelve of the sectors would freely accessible with 5,122 4x4 metre plots .
Each plot may be occupied by one to four people , up to a maximum occupancy of 20,488 people .
The spaces would be divided up into two types of open access sectors .
Those over 70 years of age would be in the 'green network ' .
Everyone else would be in the 'blue network ' .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other sector , the plan says .
RA Benidorm , which has a beach management contract , will have eight sectors to look after , according to the plan .
It will install 5,578 hammocks , about 875 fewer than those contemplated in an ordinary situation .
That would bring the maximum number of people officially allowed on the beach at any one time to about 26,066 .
The mayor explained that “ these physical measures of subdivision , sectors and access control will be operational as of this Monday ; while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and staggered , taking into account the influx of users ” .
Officials are creating a beach spot booking platform online , expected to go live in days - and before July 1 .
The website will be able to be accessed from the websites of the City Council and Visit Benidorm .
Until then , access to the beach will be without an appointment and users will be shown to their slot by accommodation staff .
The beach will also have six information points where possible incidents will be resolved .
In-person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not have the technological means to make a beach spot reservation , according to the plan .
The website and signage around beachfront Benidorm would outline the rules .
Beachgoers would be able to report 'incidents ' online in real time .
The mayor said the beach would be open between 9am-9pm daily once all the plans kick in .
In the days where peak demand was expected , morning and afternoon shifts could be established to double beach staff capacity to handle requests , he said .

Benidorm plans to cap beach numbers at just over 26,000 and launch an online booking system for sunbathing spots and special sections for elderly people only
Benidorm reopening beaches tomorrow and is 'ready for Brits' from July 10
Popular tourism hotspot Benidorm finally opens its beaches tomorrow after three months of being closed.
It is one of the last batch of holiday resorts in Spain to kick back into action as the country's coronvirus pandemic restrictions ease.
The local council says it has drawn up a comprehensive plan with a beach management contractor and Visit Benidorm.
It will include an online booking system, designated spaces for over-70s, and a beach-goer limit of around 26,000 at any one time.
And it could see Brits travelling to Spain allowed back on beaches as early as July 10 if the country opens its borders to the UK.
Image: STR/AFP via Getty Images) STR/AFP via Getty Images)
As yet, there has been no mention of the UK or when British holidaymakers will be allowed back into Spain.
The country's Prime Minister announced this morning that travellers from all European countries in the Schengen area will be allowed to enter Spain from June 21.
Only Portugal is excluded, because its leaders have agreed a ceremonial reopening of the borders with neighbour Spain on July 1.
The Benidorm plan says it “guarantees the use of the beaches to the entire population, resident and tourist, under certain health security conditions.”
Image: STR/AFP via Getty Images) STR/AFP via Getty Images)
Benidorm's mayor, Toni Pérez revealed details of the blueprint that outlines how the holiday hotspot plans to deal with demand safely.
Toni Pérez said the reopening of the beaches and the implementation of the plan would take place before June 22, when Spanish tourists will be allowed back.
Some tourists from abroad would be allowed back on Benidorms beaches from July 1.
Brits would not be permitted back until at least July 10, the mayor said.
However travellers from the UK at this stage still face mandatory two-week quarantine when they return home, making holidays abroad awkward.
Image: STR/AFP via Getty Images) STR/AFP via Getty Images)
The UK lockdown also continues to ban all but 'essential' travel as authorities urge people to stay off public transport.
The UK government has faced criticism over its introduction of quarantine measures, as some claimed it was too little too late.
Airlines have claimed the quarantine rules will be impossible to enforce, as the government said travellers arriving back into the UK will be 'spot-checked' to ensure they are complying with the rules.
How will the Benidorm beach plan work?
According to Benidorm's plan, the main Levante and Poniente beaches will be divided into 20 sectors.
Twelve of the sectors would freely accessible with 5,122 4x4 metre plots.
Image: STR/AFP via Getty Images) STR/AFP via Getty Images)
Each plot may be occupied by one to four people, up to a maximum occupancy of 20,488 people.
The spaces would be divided up into two types of open access sectors.
Those over 70 years of age would be in the 'green network'.
Everyone else would be in the 'blue network'.
However over-70s could also choose to join the other sector, the plan says.
RA Benidorm, which has a beach management contract, will have eight sectors to look after, according to the plan.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
It will install 5,578 hammocks, about 875 fewer than those contemplated in an ordinary situation.
That would bring the maximum number of people officially allowed on the beach at any one time to about 26,066.
The mayor explained that “these physical measures of subdivision, sectors and access control will be operational as of this Monday; while the implementation of technological measures will be gradual and staggered, taking into account the influx of users ”.
Officials are creating a beach spot booking platform online, expected to go live in days - and before July 1.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
The website will be able to be accessed from the websites of the City Council and Visit Benidorm.
Until then, access to the beach will be without an appointment and users will be shown to their slot by accommodation staff.
The website will include a virtual queue management system.
The beach will also have six information points where possible incidents will be resolved.
In-person assistance will be provided to people who do not have the technological means to make a beach spot reservation, according to the plan.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
The website and signage around beachfront Benidorm would outline the rules.
Beachgoers would be able to report 'incidents' online in real time.
The mayor said the beach would be open between 9am-9pm daily once all the plans kick in.
In the days where peak demand was expected, morning and afternoon shifts could be established to double beach staff capacity to handle requests, he said.


thedailymirror--2020-06-14--Brazil digging up bodies from graves to make room for coronavirus victims

Brazil has been forced to dig up bodies from graves to make room for coronavirus victims as its death toll continues to rise .
The death toll in Brazil currently stands at 42,791 with 851,000 known cases , surpassing the UK to become the second worst-hit country in the world after the US .
The country is at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak in South America and deaths in Sao Paulo have hit 5480 , making it one of the worst-hit regions on the continent .
Chilling aerial images recently showed huge mass graves being dug to make room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 million people .
Now the municipal funeral service in Sao Paulo said the remains of those who died at least three years ago will be exhumed to make more space for Covid-19 victims .
Grave workers will collect the bones , which will be put in numbered bags and then put in storage before being delivered to cemeteries within in the next 15 days .
In a statement , officials said the bones will be put in public ossuaries .
An ossuary is building , well , or site made to serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skeletal remains .
A grave digger at the Vila Formosa cemetery in Sao Paolo said workers at the site , which is biggest in Latin America , said they are worried as lockdown continues to be eased .
The cemetery has said 1,654 people were buried at the site in April , 500 more than March .
Grave digger Adenilson Costa said : `` With this opening of malls and stores we get even more worried '' We are not in the curve .
We are in the peak and people are n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now is the worrisome moment .
And there are still people out .
`` People say nothing scares gravediggers .
COVID does . ''
Mr Costsa has been so busy at work that one of his relatives was buried close to where he was working and he did n't even know .
The news comes amid concern Brazil has lifted lockdown measures too soon as it still has n't passed the peak .
Dr Michael Ryan , the World Health Organisation 's emergencies chief , said on Friday : `` Overall the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although , having said that , with the sustained number of severe cases that remains to be seen . ''
The president of Brazil , Jair Bolsonaro , has come under fire for his handling of the pandemic after initially dismissing the virus as a `` little flu '' .
Protesters have been seen burying themselves in mock graves on the beach to highlight the country 's death toll .

The death toll from coronavirus in Brazil has surpassed the UK's total to make it the second highest in the world after the United States. As they struggle to cope with the dead, grave diggers have been forced to move bodies to make space for victims of Covid-19.
Brazil digging up bodies from graves to make room for coronavirus victims
Brazil has been forced to dig up bodies from graves to make room for coronavirus victims as its death toll continues to rise.
The death toll in Brazil currently stands at 42,791 with 851,000 known cases, surpassing the UK to become the second worst-hit country in the world after the US.
The country is at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak in South America and deaths in Sao Paulo have hit 5480, making it one of the worst-hit regions on the continent.
Chilling aerial images recently showed huge mass graves being dug to make room for the dead in the city of 12 million people.
Now the municipal funeral service in Sao Paulo said the remains of those who died at least three years ago will be exhumed to make more space for Covid-19 victims.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images) Image: RAPHAEL ALVES/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) RAPHAEL ALVES/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)
Grave workers will collect the bones, which will be put in numbered bags and then put in storage before being delivered to cemeteries within in the next 15 days.
In a statement, officials said the bones will be put in public ossuaries. An ossuary is building, well, or site made to serve as the final resting place of human skeletal remains.
A grave digger at the Vila Formosa cemetery in Sao Paolo said workers at the site, which is biggest in Latin America, said they are worried as lockdown continues to be eased.
The cemetery has said 1,654 people were buried at the site in April, 500 more than March.
Image: Joedson Alves/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) Joedson Alves/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)
Grave digger Adenilson Costa said: "With this opening of malls and stores we get even more worried
"We are not in the curve. We are in the peak and people aren't aware.
"This isn't over. Now is the worrisome moment. And there are still people out.
"People say nothing scares gravediggers. COVID does."
Mr Costsa has been so busy at work that one of his relatives was buried close to where he was working and he didn't even know.
The news comes amid concern Brazil has lifted lockdown measures too soon as it still hasn't passed the peak.
Dr Michael Ryan, the World Health Organisation's emergencies chief, said on Friday: "Overall the health system is still coping in Brazil, although, having said that, with the sustained number of severe cases that remains to be seen."
The president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, has come under fire for his handling of the pandemic after initially dismissing the virus as a "little flu".
Protesters have been seen burying themselves in mock graves on the beach to highlight the country's death toll.


thedailymirror--2020-06-14--Bake Off cast to isolate together for 6 weeks as Prue Leith can't get insurance

Great British Bake Off cast and crew will be forced to quarantine as they film the new series after judge Prue Leith was refused insurance cover , according to reports .
It is believed Prue , 80 , is classed as `` vulnerable '' , and Channel 4 has struggled to obtain the same insurance cover required it obtained for previous series .
To ensure the series can be filmed this year , cast and crew now face having to spend six weeks away from their families , The Mail on Sunday reports .
C4 chiefs and production company Love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the show to stay in the same location until filming is completed , including including judges Paul Hollywood , 54 , and new presenter Matt Lucas , 46 .
As an extra preventative measure , production staff are already in quarantine at their own homes for two weeks .
It is believed bake Off bosses initially tried to hire an entire Center Parcs resort to put up its staff and stars , but talks are believed to have broken down .
An alternative venue has now been found but its location has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the show said : `` There were difficulties getting insurance because of Prue 's age .
She 's 80 and so is of a higher risk .
`` It would have been impossible for the show to have gone on without her , and it would have been hugely unfair to leave her out because of her age .
`` She is absolutely adored and everyone wanted her involved .
So it was decided some major changes would have to be made .
It 's a huge commitment to be away from home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the crew it is very hard because they have families . ''
They added that Bake Off bosses have jumped through hoops to make the show go ahead after filming of many Channel 4 shows was cancelled due to the coronavirus .
Channel 4 's revenues were down by 65 per cent for May and more than ten per cent of staff have been furloughed Bake Off has been contacted by Mirror Online for comment .

It is believed Prue, 80, is classed as "vulnerable category", and Channel 4 has struggled to obtain the same insurance cover required it obtained for previous series
Bake Off cast isolate for 6 weeks to make new series as Prue Leith can't get insurance
Great British Bake Off cast and crew will be forced to quarantine as they film the new series after judge Prue Leith was refused insurance cover, according to reports.
It is believed Prue, 80, is classed as "vulnerable", and Channel 4 has struggled to obtain the same insurance cover required it obtained for previous series.
To ensure the series can be filmed this year, cast and crew now face having to spend six weeks away from their families, The Mail on Sunday reports.
C4 chiefs and production company Love Productions have arranged for those involved in the show to stay in the same location until filming is completed, including including judges Paul Hollywood, 54, and new presenter Matt Lucas, 46.
As an extra preventative measure, production staff are already in quarantine at their own homes for two weeks.
Image: PA) PA)
It is believed bake Off bosses initially tried to hire an entire Center Parcs resort to put up its staff and stars, but talks are believed to have broken down.
An alternative venue has now been found but its location has been kept secret.
A source close to the show said: "There were difficulties getting insurance because of Prue's age. She's 80 and so is of a higher risk.
Image: PA) PA)
"It would have been impossible for the show to have gone on without her, and it would have been hugely unfair to leave her out because of her age.
"She is absolutely adored and everyone wanted her involved. So it was decided some major changes would have to be made. It's a huge commitment to be away from home for so long and for some members of the crew it is very hard because they have families."
Image: PA) PA)
They added that Bake Off bosses have jumped through hoops to make the show go ahead after filming of many Channel 4 shows was cancelled due to the coronavirus.
Channel 4's revenues were down by 65 per cent for May and more than ten per cent of staff have been furloughed
Bake Off has been contacted by Mirror Online for comment.


thedailymirror--2020-06-14--Tranmere Rovers ready to sue EFL following relegation due to points-per-game

Tranmere Rovers chairman Mark Palios has been in talks with his legal team to sue the EFL over the club ’ s relegation .
The former FA Chief Executive has been forced to send out around 20 redundancy notices to some of the Prenton Park staff after last week ’ s announcement that a points-per-game finale to the League One season sealed the Wirral club ’ s fate .
Tranmere believe it ’ s a decision which has cost them £1million in lost revenue .
Revealed Palios whose frustration was further fuelled by Micky Mellon ’ s side winning their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking at a number of options in light of this unjust decision which includes going down the legal route .
“ We ’ ve had continual advice from our lawyers and are up to speed on the situation.
” Palios has also believes Tranmere have been betrayed by the so-called football family after votes from the clubs went with the decision to end the season and finalise promotion and relegation through the points-per-game system .
“ It can ’ t be right that clubs are pitted against clubs when nobody voting including ourselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view .
`` Perhaps it exposes the fable of the football family .
“ A number of chairmen voiced their sympathy for our plight but still voted for it .
I am certain we would have stayed up if we had been allowed to play on .
“ The fact is unless this decision is reversed we are preparing for a loss of income in the region of £1 million.
” That has resulted in around 20 workers throughout the different sections of the club losing their jobs .
“ What is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in League Two are being given a chance to earn promotion through the play-offs but we haven ’ t been given the chance to try and stay up.
” he stressed .
“ Tranmere fans will have a burning sense of injustice .
We need to bottle that up and use it to reclaim our rightful place .
`` We have survived worse in the past and come back stronger.
” Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip .

EFL CONFIRMS POINTS-PER-GAME SYSTEM TO BE USED IF SEASON CURTAILED
EFL CONFIRMS POINTS-PER-GAME SYSTEM TO BE USED IF SEASON CURTAILED
EXCLUSIVE: Chairman Mark Palios, the former FA chief executive, has already sought legal advice after seen his club relegated from League One
Tranmere Rovers chairman Mark Palios has been in talks with his legal team to sue the EFL over the club’s relegation.
The former FA Chief Executive has been forced to send out around 20 redundancy notices to some of the Prenton Park staff after last week’s announcement that a points-per-game finale to the League One season sealed the Wirral club’s fate.
Tranmere believe it’s a decision which has cost them £1million in lost revenue.
Revealed Palios whose frustration was further fuelled by Micky Mellon’s side winning their last three games: “We are looking at a number of options in light of this unjust decision which includes going down the legal route.
“We’ve had continual advice from our lawyers and are up to speed on the situation.”
Image: Clive Brunskill) Clive Brunskill)
Palios has also believes Tranmere have been betrayed by the so-called football family after votes from the clubs went with the decision to end the season and finalise promotion and relegation through the points-per-game system.
“It can’t be right that clubs are pitted against clubs when nobody voting including ourselves is able to take a purely dispassionate view.
"Perhaps it exposes the fable of the football family.
“A number of chairmen voiced their sympathy for our plight but still voted for it. I am certain we would have stayed up if we had been allowed to play on.
“The fact is unless this decision is reversed we are preparing for a loss of income in the region of £1 million.”
That has resulted in around 20 workers throughout the different sections of the club losing their jobs.
“What is also wrong in our view is that clubs in League Two are being given a chance to earn promotion through the play-offs but we haven’t been given the chance to try and stay up.”he stressed.
“Tranmere fans will have a burning sense of injustice. We need to bottle that up and use it to reclaim our rightful place.
"We have survived worse in the past and come back stronger.”
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.


thedailymirror--2020-06-14--Steve Bruce backs Premier League return to lift "mental state" of fans

Steve Bruce is convinced the Premier League restart will help ease the “ mental state ” of football fans .
The Newcastle United boss is convinced the health of supporters will be boosted by having the distraction of their favourite team to support again .
The Geordies kick off against Sheffield United on Sunday .
Research has found that football fans miss the distraction that sport provides , and the social interaction and camaraderie that going to a game provides .
Bruce reckons it is the job of the football industry to get going against and restore some normality with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games on TV .
Bruce , who was at an empty and eerie St James ' Park on Saturday for a friendly against Hull , said : “ We all need it ( to start again ) .
It is strange times for everyone .
“ It is something to look forward to for the supporters and for everyone with their mental state .
“ Let 's hope the world comes back to a good place and we can get fans back at sporting events because it has proved to me how much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ William announced last week that the FA Cup has been renamed the Heads Up , FA Cup saying : “ I think there ’ s going to be , sadly , a lot of repercussions from this in society , not just in football , in terms of people ’ s mental health .
Hopefully the FA Cup can be a bit of a pivot that people can rally around . ''
Bruce has predicted a slow start to the league , but a quick return to full speed in a couple of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit slow to start with and a few weeks on it has started to pick up a bit .
“ It is a crying shame that fans ca n't be here , but it is the second best thing being able to cheer them on on the TV or laptop .
“ When you see an empty St James ' it is hardly recognisable from game day but it is the same for everyone .
“ The supporters make Newcastle United .
There are people who want to work hard all week to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand and shout on their team .
There is no greater place than Newcastle for that.
” Newcastle are missing the Longstaff brothers – seeking new contracts - who have both picked up injuries but could return to training next week .
And skipper Jamaal Lascelles has become a father again to a baby boy and was given the weekend off by Bruce .
Bruce says he might ditch the dug-out for long periods of games and take his pick of the empty seats in St James ' Park .
“ There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you are higher up .
I will think about it .
Of course with no fans in the stadium you can sit up a height and keep quiet .
When this place is full I would n't be sitting where I did for the practice games.
” Star man Allan Saint Maximin said yesterday : “ It is difficult to play with no one in the stadium .
We have to ensure we are ready to play well against Sheffield .
“ I feel good and have tried to improve and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I scored against Sheffield United earlier in the season .
We know they are in a good position , 7th , and we have to do everything to score .
“ Everyone is ready to return .
We are happy to play again.
” Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip .

How will the Premier League look when it restarts?
How will the Premier League look when it restarts?
The Newcastle United manager anticipates the resumption of the top-flight behind closed doors will give a boost to supporters - and he hopes fans can return to stadiums soon
Steve Bruce is convinced the Premier League restart will help ease the “mental state” of football fans.
The Newcastle United boss is convinced the health of supporters will be boosted by having the distraction of their favourite team to support again.
The Geordies kick off against Sheffield United on Sunday.
Research has found that football fans miss the distraction that sport provides, and the social interaction and camaraderie that going to a game provides.
Bruce reckons it is the job of the football industry to get going against and restore some normality with the “second best thing” - games on TV.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Bruce, who was at an empty and eerie St James' Park on Saturday for a friendly against Hull, said: “We all need it (to start again). It is strange times for everyone.
“It is something to look forward to for the supporters and for everyone with their mental state.
“Let's hope the world comes back to a good place and we can get fans back at sporting events because it has proved to me how much we have missed it all.”
Prince William announced last week that the FA Cup has been renamed the Heads Up, FA Cup saying: “I think there’s going to be, sadly, a lot of repercussions from this in society, not just in football, in terms of people’s mental health. Hopefully the FA Cup can be a bit of a pivot that people can rally around."
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Bruce has predicted a slow start to the league, but a quick return to full speed in a couple of weeks.
“The Bundesliga was a bit slow to start with and a few weeks on it has started to pick up a bit.
“It is a crying shame that fans can't be here, but it is the second best thing being able to cheer them on on the TV or laptop.
“When you see an empty St James' it is hardly recognisable from game day but it is the same for everyone.
Image: PA) PA)
“The supporters make Newcastle United. There are people who want to work hard all week to buy their ticket and sit in the stand and shout on their team. There is no greater place than Newcastle for that.”
Newcastle are missing the Longstaff brothers – seeking new contracts - who have both picked up injuries but could return to training next week.
And skipper Jamaal Lascelles has become a father again to a baby boy and was given the weekend off by Bruce.
Bruce says he might ditch the dug-out for long periods of games and take his pick of the empty seats in St James' Park.
“There is no doubt you get a better picture when you are higher up. I will think about it. Of course with no fans in the stadium you can sit up a height and keep quiet. When this place is full I wouldn't be sitting where I did for the practice games.”
Star man Allan Saint Maximin said yesterday: “It is difficult to play with no one in the stadium. We have to ensure we are ready to play well against Sheffield.
“I feel good and have tried to improve and I want to help my team.
“I scored against Sheffield United earlier in the season. We know they are in a good position, 7th, and we have to do everything to score.
“Everyone is ready to return. We are happy to play again.”
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.


thedailymirror--2020-06-14--Prince Andrew 'regrets' Newsnight interview and 'should have expressed sympathy'

Prince Andrew has admitted for the first time that he 'regrets ' his BBC Newsnight interview about his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein .
The Duke of York , 60 , is hoping he will be able to resume his senior royal duties , according to the Sunday Times .
But the Queen 's patience with her embattled son is 'wearing thin ' after he got himself into yet another public scrap over the FBI 's investigation into Epstein , a source told the newspaper .
Buckingham Palace is 'furious ' with the Duke of York after he rowed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who died in jail awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges .
Courtiers are accusing the duke 's statement to investigators who have requested to quiz him of overshadowing his father 's birthday celebrations .
Prince Philip 's 99th birthday was hoped to be a positive moment for the troubled monarchy , but it came in the same week Andrew dominated headlines once again as he slammed US investigators .
A source close to the duke told the newspaper the duke regretted the fallout over his disastrous interview with the BBC 's Emily Maitlis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a 'success ' - but is now said to have expressed regret he failed to apologise to Epstein 's victims .
The Duke has faced humiliation over his response to questions about his links to disgraced Epstein .
The Sunday Times reports today he will refuse to co-operate with the request of US investigators that he travel to the States to help with their inquiries until he gets an 'olive branch ' .
In the Newsnight interview he denied having sex with Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre , now Roberts , on three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court she was flown across the world by Epstein , including once , in March 2001 , to have sex in London with the prince , who has denied her allegation .
The source told the Sunday Times : `` I do n't think he regrets the intention behind the interview , which was to clear the air for his family , the royal family and the institution .
`` But the fact he was unable to appropriately or sufficiently convey his sympathy for the victims of Epstein , is of course a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's handling of the saga was said to have dismayed senior Palace courtiers .
They claimed the duke still intended to resume a public role , and viewed his step back from senior duties as a 'sabbatical ' rather than a permanent move .
They also claimed the duke is conscious of the effect of the scrutiny on him has had on the royal family , also still reeling from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry 's bombshell exit .
But palace officials were said to be fuming anew after he publicly locked horns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DOJ ) in a fresh row last week .
The DOJ has filed a Mutual Legal Assistance request to the British government in a bid to force the prince to supply a statement .
He issued a scathing statement through his lawyers claiming he had offered at least three times to speak to US investigators and that they had used his status to gain publicity for their inquiry .
The source claimed Palace staff were 'furious ' at Andrew , saying he propelled himself back into the public spotlight during the Duke of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's milestone on Wednesday was celebrated relatively quietly by Palace standards during lockdown , as the UK grapples with the coronavirus crisis and ongoing protests .
The palace source told the Sunday newspaper hopes Philip 's birthday would be a positive moment for the monarchy had been dashed .
They added : `` The idea that the Queen will simply indulge Prince Andrew ... is wide of the mark .
Her patience has been wearing thin for a long time .
She had resisted this slimming down of the monarchy but it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standing in the way of that in her lifetime . ''
A Buckingham Palace spokesman declined to comment when approached by Mirror online .

PRINCE ANDREW ACCUSER SAYS "ONLY ONE OF US IS TELLING THE TRUTH" IN INTERVIEW TO BE AIRED ON BBC PANORAMA
PRINCE ANDREW ACCUSER SAYS "ONLY ONE OF US IS TELLING THE TRUTH" IN INTERVIEW TO BE AIRED ON BBC PANORAMA
The Queen is said to be losing patience with the Duke of York who reportedly hopes to resume senior royal duties despite a series of rows over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein
Prince Andrew 'regrets' Newsnight interview and admits he 'should have been sympathetic'
Prince Andrew has admitted for the first time that he 'regrets' his BBC Newsnight interview about his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The Duke of York, 60, is hoping he will be able to resume his senior royal duties, according to the Sunday Times.
But the Queen's patience with her embattled son is 'wearing thin' after he got himself into yet another public scrap over the FBI's investigation into Epstein, a source told the newspaper.
Buckingham Palace is 'furious' with the Duke of York after he rowed with US investigators probing the American billionaire, who died in jail awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Courtiers are accusing the duke's statement to investigators who have requested to quiz him of overshadowing his father's birthday celebrations.
Image: BBC) BBC)
Prince Philip's 99th birthday was hoped to be a positive moment for the troubled monarchy, but it came in the same week Andrew dominated headlines once again as he slammed US investigators.
A source close to the duke told the newspaper the duke regretted the fallout over his disastrous interview with the BBC's Emily Maitlis.
He had described the widely-mocked interview as a 'success' - but is now said to have expressed regret he failed to apologise to Epstein's victims.
The Duke has faced humiliation over his response to questions about his links to disgraced Epstein.
The Sunday Times reports today he will refuse to co-operate with the request of US investigators that he travel to the States to help with their inquiries until he gets an 'olive branch'.
In the Newsnight interview he denied having sex with Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, now Roberts, on three occasions.
Giuffre has claimed in US court she was flown across the world by Epstein, including once, in March 2001, to have sex in London with the prince, who has denied her allegation.
Image: BBC) BBC)
The source told the Sunday Times: "I don't think he regrets the intention behind the interview, which was to clear the air for his family, the royal family and the institution.
"But the fact he was unable to appropriately or sufficiently convey his sympathy for the victims of Epstein, is of course a source of regret."
Prince Andrew's handling of the saga was said to have dismayed senior Palace courtiers.
They claimed the duke still intended to resume a public role, and viewed his step back from senior duties as a 'sabbatical' rather than a permanent move.
They also claimed the duke is conscious of the effect of the scrutiny on him has had on the royal family, also still reeling from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's bombshell exit.
Image: BBC) BBC)
But palace officials were said to be fuming anew after he publicly locked horns with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) in a fresh row last week.
The DOJ has filed a Mutual Legal Assistance request to the British government in a bid to force the prince to supply a statement.
He issued a scathing statement through his lawyers claiming he had offered at least three times to speak to US investigators and that they had used his status to gain publicity for their inquiry.
The source claimed Palace staff were 'furious' at Andrew, saying he propelled himself back into the public spotlight during the Duke of Edinburgh's birthday week.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
Prince Philip's milestone on Wednesday was celebrated relatively quietly by Palace standards during lockdown, as the UK grapples with the coronavirus crisis and ongoing protests.
The palace source told the Sunday newspaper hopes Philip's birthday would be a positive moment for the monarchy had been dashed.
They added: "The idea that the Queen will simply indulge Prince Andrew ... is wide of the mark. Her patience has been wearing thin for a long time. She had resisted this slimming down of the monarchy but it's fair to say she is not now standing in the way of that in her lifetime."
A Buckingham Palace spokesman declined to comment when approached by Mirror online.


thedailymirror--2020-06-14--Jonathan Woodgate opens up on struggles which set him up for management

Jonathan Woodgate spent lockdown being a PE and maths teacher to his kids .
But the former England , Spurs and Real Madrid defender reckons managing relegation-threatened Boro is easier .
Woodgate , 40 , says he was in family-orientated heaven at the start of the Covid-19 crisis – but is now desperate to get the season finished and continue proving himself as a rookie manager .
“ It ’ s a simple thing but during lockdown we all sat down together for breakfast , dinner and tea , ” he said .
“ I was a footballer for 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so I ’ ve not had much down-time to do ordinary stuff every day with the kids ( Carter and Ivana ) .
“ That is the bit I absolutely loved .
It was hard work .
“ It ’ s easier to coach a football team than manage the energy of the kids at home .
“ Every day I teach them little lessons which apply to kids , players or managers : Life is going to be tough .
You get nothing if you don ’ t work hard .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ they will become good people.
” Woodgate is ready to resume his debut season as a boss – he ’ s been in post a year ago today .
It ’ s been a baptism of fire that has Boro two points above the drop zone .
He ’ s endured streaks of 10 and 12 games without a win during a rollercoaster season hit by injuries to key players , such as Daniel Ayala and Patrick Roberts .
And seven of the squad are out of contract this summer .
Woodgate said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job , but I have had some tough spells .
I have kept the squad together morale-wise .
I never blamed the players and always looked at myself , and how to become better and strive .
“ It has helped having a chairman ( Steve Gibson ) behind me when you are struggling .
He rings and says , ‘ Keep going , I believe in you ’ .
That takes the pressure off .
That ’ s true leadership from your chairman , isn ’ t it ?
“ I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He ’ s backed his club from day one .
He has ploughed money into it.
” Woodgate has been hardened to the managerial knocks by a playing career that saw the ups and down of Champions League and courtroom controversy at Leeds , top four challenge at Newcastle but injury hell , a disaster debut , trophies and more injuries at Real Madrid and a league cup win at Spurs .
“ What makes me resilient ?
” Woodgate asked himself last week .
“ Right from the start , my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in papers before .
Some deserved , some not .
“ You just become strong .
You believe in your team and people around you .
You keep on going .
Take the good , and the bad , and learn.
” Despite a perilous league position Boro have always wanted to complete the season .
Woodgate says jobs and livelihoods depend on it .
He added : “ We did not want it called off and an easy way out .
We wanted to do it the right way ... to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are jobs on the line if football doesn ’ t get back on the road .
We also have to bring back some normality.
” Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip .

Woodgate has faced a difficult start to his managerial career and is preparing for a crucial period with Middlesbrough involved in a Championship relegation battle
Middlesbrough's Jonathan Woodgate opens up on struggles which set him up for management
Jonathan Woodgate spent lockdown being a PE and maths teacher to his kids.
But the former England, Spurs and Real Madrid defender reckons managing relegation-threatened Boro is easier.
Woodgate, 40, says he was in family-orientated heaven at the start of the Covid-19 crisis – but is now desperate to get the season finished and continue proving himself as a rookie manager.
“It’s a simple thing but during lockdown we all sat down together for breakfast, dinner and tea,” he said.
“I was a footballer for 20 years, a coach and now management, so I’ve not had much down-time to do ordinary stuff every day with the kids (Carter and Ivana).
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
“That is the bit I absolutely loved. It was hard work.
“It’s easier to coach a football team than manage the energy of the kids at home.
“Every day I teach them little lessons which apply to kids, players or managers: Life is going to be tough. You get nothing if you don’t work hard.
"Teach your kids young enough and they will become good people.”
Woodgate is ready to resume his debut season as a boss – he’s been in post a year ago today. It’s been a baptism of fire that has Boro two points above the drop zone.
He’s endured streaks of 10 and 12 games without a win during a rollercoaster season hit by injuries to key players, such as Daniel Ayala and Patrick Roberts.
Image: EMPICS Sport) EMPICS Sport)
And seven of the squad are out of contract this summer.
Woodgate said: “I felt ready for the job, but I have had some tough spells. I have kept the squad together morale-wise. I never blamed the players and always looked at myself, and how to become better and strive.
“It has helped having a chairman (Steve Gibson) behind me when you are struggling. He rings and says, ‘Keep going, I believe in you’. That takes the pressure off. That’s true leadership from your chairman, isn’t it?
“I know he has suffered too when we lose. He’s backed his club from day one. He has ploughed money into it.”
Woodgate has been hardened to the managerial knocks by a playing career that saw the ups and down of Champions League and courtroom controversy at Leeds, top four challenge at Newcastle but injury hell, a disaster debut, trophies and more injuries at Real Madrid and a league cup win at Spurs.
“What makes me resilient?” Woodgate asked himself last week. “Right from the start, my playing career. I have been butchered in papers before. Some deserved, some not.
“You just become strong. You believe in your team and people around you. You keep on going. Take the good, and the bad, and learn.”
Despite a perilous league position Boro have always wanted to complete the season. Woodgate says jobs and livelihoods depend on it.
He added: “We did not want it called off and an easy way out. We wanted to do it the right way... to play the last nine games.
“There are jobs on the line if football doesn’t get back on the road. We also have to bring back some normality.”
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.


thedailymirror--2020-06-14--Bournemouth star explains he was mistakenly arrested for attempted murder

Bournemouth winger Arnaut Danjuma has opened up on being falsely arrested by the police on suspicion of attempted murder .
The incident occurred just days before the UK went into lockdown in March , after a stabbing occurred on 16 March .
Danjuma - who joined the Cherries in a £13.7million move from Club Brugge last summer - was walking through the town centre when he was suddenly approached by police and put in handcuffs .
However , the Netherlands international was soon released without charge as the officers realised they had arrested the wrong person .
Danjuma describes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` frustrating '' , as he was offered no explanation of why he was apprehended .
“ I was walking through the town and going to the Hilton to eat something , '' the 23-year-old told The Sun .
“ Suddenly there was a police car there and two police officers came out of it .
One said ‘ Put your hands on the fence !
’ .
“ I asked , ‘ What did I do ?
’ They said ‘ Put your hands on the fence , shut up !
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fence and asked again , ‘ What did I do ?
’ They said to wait for the other officers to arrive .
“ They came and I asked again .
It was embarrassing .
People were taking pictures and it got me frustrated so I went mad on the cop .
“ I told him things I shouldn ’ t have said .
But I got frustrated and angry and in the end he said , ‘ You ’ re not the one we ’ re looking for , you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an apology from the police , Danjuma opted against making a formal complaint or releasing a statement .
He says the incident is just one of many times he has been stopped by the police on account of being black .
Danjuma added : “ I ’ ve been through racism a lot and have developed a skin against it .
“ There are loads of things that happen regularly to me .
The police will stop me every now and then just because I drive a huge car .
“ Then they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check-up , but you know it ’ s not a check-up.
” Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip .

How will the Premier League look when it restarts?
How will the Premier League look when it restarts?
Arnaut Danjuma was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder just days before the UK went into lockdown - though the police quickly realised they had apprehended the wrong person
Bournemouth winger Arnaut Danjuma has opened up on being falsely arrested by the police on suspicion of attempted murder.
The incident occurred just days before the UK went into lockdown in March, after a stabbing occurred on 16 March.
Danjuma - who joined the Cherries in a £13.7million move from Club Brugge last summer - was walking through the town centre when he was suddenly approached by police and put in handcuffs.
However, the Netherlands international was soon released without charge as the officers realised they had arrested the wrong person.
Danjuma describes the shocking incident as "embarrassing" and "frustrating", as he was offered no explanation of why he was apprehended.
Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth) Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth)
“I was walking through the town and going to the Hilton to eat something," the 23-year-old told The Sun.
“Suddenly there was a police car there and two police officers came out of it. One said ‘Put your hands on the fence!’.
“I asked, ‘What did I do?’ They said ‘Put your hands on the fence, shut up!’
“So I put my hands on the fence and asked again, ‘What did I do?’ They said to wait for the other officers to arrive.
Image: AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images) AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
“They came and I asked again. It was embarrassing. People were taking pictures and it got me frustrated so I went mad on the cop.
“I told him things I shouldn’t have said. But I got frustrated and angry and in the end he said, ‘You’re not the one we’re looking for, you can go’.”
Despite not receiving an apology from the police, Danjuma opted against making a formal complaint or releasing a statement.
He says the incident is just one of many times he has been stopped by the police on account of being black.
Danjuma added: “I’ve been through racism a lot and have developed a skin against it.
“There are loads of things that happen regularly to me. The police will stop me every now and then just because I drive a huge car.
“Then they will just say it’s a check-up, but you know it’s not a check-up.”
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.


thedailymirror--2020-06-15--Ex-Man Utd coach slams club for failing to prepare for Sir Alex Ferguson exit

Rene Meulensteen has accused Manchester United of failing to prepare properly for the departure of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson .
Meulensteen was a member of Ferguson 's coaching team at United when the club 's most successful manager decided to retire in 2013 .
The Scot left the club at the top of English football , having guided them to a 13th Premier League crown under his tutelage , and a 20th top-flight title overall - more than any other club .
But United have failed to win the league since Ferguson 's departure , and have also found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meulensteen admitted he had no idea Ferguson was about to call it a day , saying the decision came as a shock to him .
Ferguson was replaced by David Moyes , who failed to live up to expectations and was sacked within 10 months of taking charge .
And Meulensteen says United chiefs must take the blame for the club 's gradual decline since Ferguson left .
`` I was n't aware of it , like many others and then obviously the news broke , '' said the 56-year-old Dutchman .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ somebody saying 'it 's true ' - and I still had no idea what he was on about .
`` Then obviously we got pulled in the next day , think it was a Wednesday , and the manager told us that he 'd made the decision to retire at the end of the season .
`` Yeah it did come as a bit of a surprise , because not long before that we 'd sat down with all the staff discussing the new pre-season .
And I was fully focused on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was obviously a shame , but Sir Alex had all the right to announce his retirement when he wanted as he was n't getting any younger .
`` But he was such an instrumental person within the club and what the club had built under his guidance over 26 years .
That is very hard to replace .
It was never going to be the same .
`` And it 's easy to say in hindsight that things could have been done differently , but you would think , for a club the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have thought about it thoroughly to have a really good contingency plan in place .
`` Could it have been done differently with phasing his resignation in over the period of one or two seasons ?
`` There were two ways to manage it from my perspective .
`` One was to do it from within and make Sir Alex very much a part of his own departure and look inside the club that he thought could be brought to the fore over time .
`` That would have meant you kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand the philosophy , and keep the stability and continuity of the club .
That was one track they could have gone for .
`` The other track was bringing someone in from outside , which means change and almost certainly means it will have an effect on the club .
It was obviously up to the powers-that-be at the club , who made that decision . ''
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip .

NOT BAD FOR A 'KEEPER! DEAN HENDERSON SHOWS OFF SKILLS IN HIS GARDEN
NOT BAD FOR A 'KEEPER! DEAN HENDERSON SHOWS OFF SKILLS IN HIS GARDEN
Ferguson left Manchester United at the top of English football when he retired in 2013, but they have not won the Premier League since - and Rene Meulensteen says club chiefs are to blame
Rene Meulensteen has accused Manchester United of failing to prepare properly for the departure of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Meulensteen was a member of Ferguson's coaching team at United when the club's most successful manager decided to retire in 2013.
The Scot left the club at the top of English football, having guided them to a 13th Premier League crown under his tutelage, and a 20th top-flight title overall - more than any other club.
But United have failed to win the league since Ferguson's departure, and have also found themselves out of the Champions League.
Meulensteen admitted he had no idea Ferguson was about to call it a day, saying the decision came as a shock to him.
Image: Matthew Peters) Matthew Peters)
Ferguson was replaced by David Moyes, who failed to live up to expectations and was sacked within 10 months of taking charge.
And Meulensteen says United chiefs must take the blame for the club's gradual decline since Ferguson left.
"I wasn't aware of it, like many others and then obviously the news broke," said the 56-year-old Dutchman.
"I still remember getting text messages from somebody saying 'it's true' - and I still had no idea what he was on about.
"Then obviously we got pulled in the next day, think it was a Wednesday, and the manager told us that he'd made the decision to retire at the end of the season.
"Yeah it did come as a bit of a surprise, because not long before that we'd sat down with all the staff discussing the new pre-season. And I was fully focused on the day-to-day of the job.
"It was obviously a shame, but Sir Alex had all the right to announce his retirement when he wanted as he wasn't getting any younger.
"But he was such an instrumental person within the club and what the club had built under his guidance over 26 years. That is very hard to replace. It was never going to be the same.
Image: PA) PA)
"And it's easy to say in hindsight that things could have been done differently, but you would think, for a club the size of Manchester United, that they would have thought about it thoroughly to have a really good contingency plan in place.
"Could it have been done differently with phasing his resignation in over the period of one or two seasons?
"There were two ways to manage it from my perspective.
"One was to do it from within and make Sir Alex very much a part of his own departure and look inside the club that he thought could be brought to the fore over time.
"That would have meant you kept the same culture and used people who understand the philosophy, and keep the stability and continuity of the club. That was one track they could have gone for.
"The other track was bringing someone in from outside, which means change and almost certainly means it will have an effect on the club. It was obviously up to the powers-that-be at the club, who made that decision."
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.


thedailymirror--2020-06-15--Around 9,000 British troops were prescribed Prozac and Viagra last year

Medics looking after British troops last year prescribed Prozac and Viagra to almost 9,000 stressed-out servicemen .
According to Ministry of Defence figures , 8,801 servicemen with problems such as erectile dysfunction were given a boost with the pills .
Many seeking the medicine had told doctors the anxiety of serving their country left them struggling to perform in the bedroom .
On top of this , the MoD revealed in a Freedom Of Information report that 7,769 troops needed a dose of anti-depressants in 2019 , according to Daily Star .
The study said 4,491 of those needing drugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the RAF and 1,500 from the Navy .
MoD chiefs said it was not possible to breakdown the individual ailments for which the drugs were prescribed .
They added that Viagra and similar brands can be given for other conditions like prostate problems and blood pressure .
The MoD said : `` It is not possible to identify from centrally held coded information the condition for which the drugs were prescribed .
`` Viagra can be prescribed for erectile dysfunction but other similar drugs can be prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia or for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Additionally , some medications used to treat depression are used to treat other conditions.
’ ’ The report also said some anti-depression drugs were also used in the management of neuropathic pain ’ .
Previously the MoD has admitted its stockpile of Viagra had been repeatedly raided .
In 2014 senior officials said £6,000 worth of the pills had been stolen over the previous seven years .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Jerry Lawton, Tanveer Mann)

Ministry of Defence figures showed 230 officers and 803 rank and file personnel took the pills to help them cope with erectile dysfunction and other problems
Almost 9,000 British troops were prescribed Prozac and Viagra last year, figures show
Medics looking after British troops last year prescribed Prozac and Viagra to almost 9,000 stressed-out servicemen.
According to Ministry of Defence figures, 8,801 servicemen with problems such as erectile dysfunction were given a boost with the pills.
Many seeking the medicine had told doctors the anxiety of serving their country left them struggling to perform in the bedroom.
On top of this, the MoD revealed in a Freedom Of Information report that 7,769 troops needed a dose of anti-depressants in 2019, according to Daily Star.
The study said 4,491 of those needing drugs came from the Army, 1,778 from the RAF and 1,500 from the Navy.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
MoD chiefs said it was not possible to breakdown the individual ailments for which the drugs were prescribed.
They added that Viagra and similar brands can be given for other conditions like prostate problems and blood pressure.
The MoD said: "It is not possible to identify from centrally held coded information the condition for which the drugs were prescribed.
"Viagra can be prescribed for erectile dysfunction but other similar drugs can be prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia or for pulmonary hypertension by a specialist.
"Additionally, some medications used to treat depression are used to treat other conditions.’’
The report also said some anti-depression drugs were also used in the management of neuropathic pain’.
Previously the MoD has admitted its stockpile of Viagra had been repeatedly raided.
In 2014 senior officials said £6,000 worth of the pills had been stolen over the previous seven years.


thedailymirror--2020-06-15--Strictly Come Dancing's Aljaz Skorjanec praises BBC response amid coronavirus

Professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec has praised Strictly Come Dancing bosses over the show 's response to the coronavirus pandemic .
The 30-year-old hunk , who is a regular feature on the Strictly Come Dancing cast , said that the series producers had handled the pandemic 'incredibly well ' and was confident the show would return this year .
As with many television shows , the future of Strictly Come Dancing had been plunged into uncertainty as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
Aljaz 's praise comes as the television bosses look to what changes will be required in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hello !
magazine , Aljaz and his dancer wife Janette Manrara , 36 , were hopeful about what the future had in store .
During their interview , Slovenian-born Aljaz explained to the publication that he was eager to get back onto the dance floor .
`` We ca n't wait to get back on the Strictly floor , '' Aljaz told the magazine .
`` We really hope the season is going to move forward because we all love doing it .
`` Everything that has been thrown at the producers so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so I 'm sure that they 're going to find a way that 's best for the show and the individuals doing it . ''
As it stands Strictly Come Dancing could return later this year , but no celebrities have been announced as participants just yet .
In the meantime , Aljaz and his wife Janette have also been adjusting to the lockdown measures just like everyone else .
Speaking about their relationship , Janette told the publication that they had been brought closer by the lockdown .
`` Our normality is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around at million miles an hour , so for us to have the opportunity to spend time at home , cooking and watching movies has been so nice , '' Janette said .
`` We spend a lot of time together anyway , but we are always working .
She added : `` In lockdown we have been able to reconnect again just as Aljaz and Janette - not the dancers but the human beings - and it kind of reminded us why we fell in love in the first place . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to strength since they met while competing on the show .
The couple , who tied the knot in 2017 , have made the most of their kitchen as they settled into the London lockdown .
Aljaz added : `` We have used the kitchen more in the past couple of months than we have in the entire eight years we have lived in London and I have even bought my first barbecue .
`` I 'm really enjoying making burgers outside and Janette has found a new love for cooking . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , out now .
Do you have a story to sell ?
Get in touch with us at webcelebs @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033

The professional dancer said that the bosses had handled the pandemic 'incredibly well' and was hopeful about returning to the dance floor
Professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec has praised Strictly Come Dancing bosses over the show's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The 30-year-old hunk, who is a regular feature on the Strictly Come Dancing cast, said that the series producers had handled the pandemic 'incredibly well' and was confident the show would return this year.
As with many television shows, the future of Strictly Come Dancing had been plunged into uncertainty as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Aljaz's praise comes as the television bosses look to what changes will be required in the post-pandemic entertainment industry.
Speaking to Hello! magazine, Aljaz and his dancer wife Janette Manrara, 36, were hopeful about what the future had in store.
Image: PA) PA)
During their interview, Slovenian-born Aljaz explained to the publication that he was eager to get back onto the dance floor.
"We can't wait to get back on the Strictly floor," Aljaz told the magazine.
"We really hope the season is going to move forward because we all love doing it.
Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston) BBC/Ray Burmiston)
"Everything that has been thrown at the producers so far has been handled so incredibly well so I'm sure that they're going to find a way that's best for the show and the individuals doing it."
As it stands Strictly Come Dancing could return later this year, but no celebrities have been announced as participants just yet.
In the meantime, Aljaz and his wife Janette have also been adjusting to the lockdown measures just like everyone else.
Image: Getty Images Europe) Getty Images Europe)
Speaking about their relationship to Hello!, Janette told the publication that they had been brought closer by the lockdown.
"Our normality is travelling and staying in hotels and moving around at million miles an hour, so for us to have the opportunity to spend time at home, cooking and watching movies has been so nice," Janette said.
"We spend a lot of time together anyway, but we are always working.
She added: "In lockdown we have been able to reconnect again just as Aljaz and Janette - not the dancers but the human beings - and it kind of reminded us why we fell in love in the first place."
Image: PA Wire) PA Wire)
Aljaz and Janette have gone from strength to strength since they met while competing on the show.
The couple, who tied the knot in 2017, have made the most of their kitchen as they settled into the London lockdown.
Aljaz added: "We have used the kitchen more in the past couple of months than we have in the entire eight years we have lived in London and I have even bought my first barbecue.
"I'm really enjoying making burgers outside and Janette has found a new love for cooking."
Read the full interview in Hello!, out now.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033