themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-07--Kate Middleton makes surprise TV appearance on This Morning

Kate Middleton has made an extremely rare television appearance as she chatted on This Morning .
The Duchess of Cambridge joined Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield on Thursday 's show for a very special reason .
Kate appeared on the programme , without husband Prince William , to launch a lockdown photography project that she hopes will help to capture `` the spirit of the nation '' during the coronavirus pandemic .
The Duchess is a keen amateur photographer and is more often than not the person behind the lens when Kensington Palace releases new photographs of the Cambridge family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ages to submit photographs , which best capture the mood , hopes and fears during the outbreak .
But the presenters did get to quiz Kate a little further on family life , particularly on the photo 's she released of Prince Louis recently .
Kate broke the usual royal tradition by relating to parents and to to the Instagram generation when she shared photos of the two-year-old showing off his rainbow-painted palms alongside a second photo where the Prince has rubbed the paint all over his face , with the caption : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I should have taken a photograph of what I looked like after as well , '' the Duchess said on This Morning .
`` Luckily , that wasn ’ t documented , but I pretty much , I looked like Louis at the end of it . ''
She was also asked about home schooling to which the Duchess said : `` George gets very upset because he just wants to do all of Charlotte ’ s projects .
Making spider sandwiches is far cooler than doing literacy work . ''
Kate also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George , Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis , were all coping with not seeing friends and family members .
The Duchess said : `` It 's really hard .
We had n't done a huge amount of FaceTime and face calls and things like that , but obviously we 're doing that a lot more now , and actually it ’ s been really great .
`` We try and check in daily with family members and speak to them about news and things like that , and in some ways I suppose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time than perhaps we would have done before but it is difficult .
It 's hard to explain to a five and a six , nearly seven year old what 's going on . ''
And This Morning viewers were seriously impressed and praised the show for bagging such a 'huge signing ' .
`` As if they 've managed to get The Duchess of Cambridge to talk to them live on # thismorning , '' said one surprised fan .
Another added : `` I adore The Duchess of Cambridge she is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Great interview I have tears in my eyes watching this but happy tears . ''
`` Now that 's a big signing for # thismorning Kate Middleton , '' commented a third .
While a fourth added : `` I 'm not one to fawn over someone but dear me , the Duchess of Cambridge is quite delightful is n't she # ThisMorning . ''
To get involved in the Hold Still project , a dedicated page has been set up on the National Portrait Gallery website .
The gallery explains that participants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall into one of three categories : The deadline for submissions is Thursday June 18 .
The chosen portraits will then be featured in a virtual exhibition for the National Portrait Gallery and a selection of chosen photographs will also be displayed across the UK later in the year .

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Kate Middleton has made an extremely rare television appearance as she chatted on This Morning.
The Duchess of Cambridge joined Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield on Thursday's show for a very special reason.
Kate appeared on the programme, without husband Prince William, to launch a lockdown photography project that she hopes will help to capture "the spirit of the nation" during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Duchess is a keen amateur photographer and is more often than not the person behind the lens when Kensington Palace releases new photographs of the Cambridge family.
Kate is asking people of all ages to submit photographs, which best capture the mood, hopes and fears during the outbreak.
(Image: Kensington Palace via Getty Imag)
But the presenters did get to quiz Kate a little further on family life, particularly on the photos she released of Prince Louis recently.
Kate broke the usual royal tradition by relating to parents and to the Instagram generation when she shared photos of the two-year-old showing off his rainbow-painted palms alongside a second photo where the Prince has rubbed the paint all over his face, with the caption: "Instagram vs Reality".
"I should have taken a photograph of what I looked like after as well," the Duchess said on This Morning. "Luckily, that wasn’t documented, but I pretty much, I looked like Louis at the end of it."
She was also asked about home schooling to which the Duchess said: "George gets very upset because he just wants to do all of Charlotte’s projects. Making spider sandwiches is far cooler than doing literacy work."
Kate also revealed how her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, were all coping with not seeing friends and family members.
The Duchess said: "It's really hard. We hadn't done a huge amount of FaceTime and face calls and things like that, but obviously we're doing that a lot more now, and actually it’s been really great.
"We try and check in daily with family members and speak to them about news and things like that, and in some ways I suppose we've got a lot more face time than perhaps we would have done before but it is difficult. It's hard to explain to a five and a six, nearly seven year old what's going on."
And This Morning viewers were seriously impressed and praised the show for bagging such a 'huge signing'.
"As if they've managed to get The Duchess of Cambridge to talk to them live on #thismorning," said one surprised fan.
Another added: "I adore The Duchess of Cambridge she is soo lovely but also funny too. Great interview I have tears in my eyes watching this but happy tears."
(Image: ITV)
"Now that's a big signing for #thismorning Kate Middleton," commented a third.
While a fourth added: "I'm not one to fawn over someone but dear me, the Duchess of Cambridge is quite delightful isn't she #ThisMorning."
To get involved in the Hold Still project, a dedicated page has been set up on the National Portrait Gallery website.
The gallery explains that participants are asked to submit photographic portraits that fall into one of three categories:
Helpers and Heroes
Your New Normal
Acts of Kindness
The deadline for submissions is Thursday June 18.
The chosen portraits will then be featured in a virtual exhibition for the National Portrait Gallery and a selection of chosen photographs will also be displayed across the UK later in the year.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-07--The change Solskjaer must make to take Man United to the next level

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has struck upon a couple of systems that have served Manchester United well this season , but there may well be another change required to take this side to the next level .
United have thrived recently in the bigger games with a back three , but the most used system this season has been a 4-3-3 with two defensive midfielders , often Scott McTominay and Fred , with some valuable contributions from Nemanja Matic .
Until the end of January United 's midfield desperately lacked creativity , but the £47million acquisition of Bruno Fernandes has fixed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the back four has helped United build solid foundations under Solskjaer .
In the run of 11 unbeaten games before the season was suspended amid the coronavirus pandemic , nine of them were built on clean sheets and only one goal was conceded in both of the other two games .
Goals have been flowing as well during that run , especially against lesser opposition , and that is without the contribution of top scorer Marcus Rashford .
But if Solskjaer wants to take United to the next level - which has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it might require another shake-up of his midfield .
Few sides in recent memory have won the title with two defensive midfielders and those who have had success with two holding players have had one who can make a difference , usually a dribbler who can take players out of the game from deep positions , helping to beat the press of the opposition .
For all the qualities of McTominay , Fred and Matic , they do n't really offer that kind of attacking threat from holding midfield positions at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an example at the moment , and those are the standards United have to meet , both have had their success in playing one holding midfielder , in Rodri and Fabinho when both are fit .
In City 's case that allows them to play two attacking midfielders , while Liverpool utilise two energetic players slightly advanced of Fabinho , with the full-backs taking on the creative burden .
The lesson here is that when teams are looking to take the next step , having built a system that allows for solidity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ options further forward .
City and Liverpool control games to such an extent that they only need one defensive midfielder , the other two can scheme further up the pitch and attempt to win the ball back in high areas .
That should be United 's next step under Solskjaer and on the evidence of performances from the end of January until the season was suspended , it 's a change that could be coming soon .
There 's a variety of ways Solskjaer could alter United 's midfield , thanks to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be an ideal holding midfielder in terms of his discipline and his energy , he played as a striker coming through in the academy and has an eye for goal too .
Fred can set the tempo in a deeper role , which may be an ideal attribute if United develop into a side who become more dominant territorially and in terms of possession , but he 's also got a good enough range of passing to play further forward , although his poor record in terms of goals and assists would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an obvious candidate to play a more advanced midfield role , he could be joined by Paul Pogba , if he stays at the club , or a new signing such as Jack Grealish .
With one of Fred or McTominay sitting deeper , Fernandes playing further forward with Pogba or Grealish would give a new dimension to United 's midfield .
In 18 months this side has shown signs of development under Solskjaer and the next stage might be to unleash a more ambitious midfield .

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has struck upon a couple of systems that have served Manchester United well this season, but there may well be another change required to take this side to the next level.
United have thrived recently in the bigger games with a back three, but the most used system this season has been a 4-3-3 with two defensive midfielders, often Scott McTominay and Fred, with some valuable contributions from Nemanja Matic.
Until the end of January United's midfield desperately lacked creativity, but the £47million acquisition of Bruno Fernandes has fixed that.
The double-pivot in front of the back four has helped United build solid foundations under Solskjaer. In the run of 11 unbeaten games before the season was suspended amid the coronavirus pandemic, nine of them were built on clean sheets and only one goal was conceded in both of the other two games.
Goals have been flowing as well during that run, especially against lesser opposition, and that is without the contribution of top scorer Marcus Rashford.
But if Solskjaer wants to take United to the next level - which has to be a Premier League challenge - then it might require another shake-up of his midfield. Few sides in recent memory have won the title with two defensive midfielders and those who have had success with two holding players have had one who can make a difference, usually a dribbler who can take players out of the game from deep positions, helping to beat the press of the opposition.
For all the qualities of McTominay, Fred and Matic, they don't really offer that kind of attacking threat from holding midfield positions at the moment.
To take Manchester City and Liverpool as an example at the moment, and those are the standards United have to meet, both have had their success in playing one holding midfielder, in Rodri and Fabinho when both are fit. In City's case that allows them to play two attacking midfielders, while Liverpool utilise two energetic players slightly advanced of Fabinho, with the full-backs taking on the creative burden.
The lesson here is that when teams are looking to take the next step, having built a system that allows for solidity, they need to unleash more midfield options further forward. City and Liverpool control games to such an extent that they only need one defensive midfielder, the other two can scheme further up the pitch and attempt to win the ball back in high areas. That should be United's next step under Solskjaer and on the evidence of performances from the end of January until the season was suspended, it's a change that could be coming soon.
There's a variety of ways Solskjaer could alter United's midfield, thanks to the versatility of those involved. While McTominay might be an ideal holding midfielder in terms of his discipline and his energy, he played as a striker coming through in the academy and has an eye for goal too.
Fred can set the tempo in a deeper role, which may be an ideal attribute if United develop into a side who become more dominant territorially and in terms of possession, but he's also got a good enough range of passing to play further forward, although his poor record in terms of goals and assists would count against that.
While Fernandes is an obvious candidate to play a more advanced midfield role, he could be joined by Paul Pogba, if he stays at the club, or a new signing such as Jack Grealish. With one of Fred or McTominay sitting deeper, Fernandes playing further forward with Pogba or Grealish would give a new dimension to United's midfield.
In 18 months this side has shown signs of development under Solskjaer and the next stage might be to unleash a more ambitious midfield.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-07--Police carry out drugs raid at house in Bolton - a man is in custody

A man has been arrested following a drugs raid in Great Lever .
Police executed a drugs warrant at a @ @ @ @ @ in the early hours of this morning ( May 7 ) .
One officer was @ @ @ @ @ , while another was seen carrying brown bags back to a police car .
A @ @ @ @ @ on suspicion of the production of cannabis .
Sgt Peter Crowe said : `` Officers @ @ @ @ @ address in Green Lane .
`` A man is currently in police custody .
`` @ @ @ @ @ drugs offences . ''
Police confirmed that the incident was completely unrelated to the crash @ @ @ @ @ night , which killed father-of-four Tariq Khan .

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A man has been arrested following a drugs raid in Great Lever.
Police executed a drugs warrant at a house in Green Lane, in the early hours of this morning (May 7).
Several police vehicles attended.
One officer was seen with a battering ram, while another was seen carrying brown bags back to a police car.
A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the production of cannabis.
Officers seized a quantity of plants and suspected Class B drugs.
Sgt Peter Crowe said: "Officers executed a warrant at an address in Green Lane.
"A man is currently in police custody.
"It is an investigation into drugs offences."
Police confirmed that the incident was completely unrelated to the crash in the same road last night, which killed father-of-four Tariq Khan.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-07--Pret to reopen more than 100 stores - the full list

It feels like a very long time since we were last able to pop in to a café for a dose of caffeine or sweet treat .
But Pret A Manger has announced it plans to reopen more stores for delivery and takeaway .
The chain has already been able to reopen 30 stores after being forced to close at the start of lockdown in March .
But a further 71 shops will follow from Monday , May 11 , including cafés in Manchester , Birmingham , Bristol , Edinburgh , Glasgow and Leeds .
In a blog post addressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christou said : `` It 's been fantastic to see so many of you respecting the changes we 've made , and we ’ re extremely grateful for your ongoing support . ''
As part of its phased reopenings , Pret has introduced a range of safety measures for both customers and staff .
Each shop will be fitted with Perspex screens at the tills , while restrictions will be in place on the number of customers allowed in the stores .
Mr Christou said customers will be provided with hand sanitiser , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face coverings .
Stores will also run at reduced hours while customers will be made to queue two metres apart .
The high street chain said it is also widening its distribution of unsold food to homeless charities .
It comes after KFC announced it is reopening of restaurants for deliveries across the UK this week with McDonald 's also planning to open to doors to 15 of its restaurants .

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It feels like a very long time since we were last able to pop in to a café for a dose of caffeine or sweet treat.
But Pret A Manger has announced it plans to reopen more stores for delivery and takeaway.
The chain has already been able to reopen 30 stores after being forced to close at the start of lockdown in March.
But a further 71 shops will follow from Monday, May 11, including cafés in Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Leeds.
In a blog post addressed to customers, Pret chief executive Pano Christou said: "It's been fantastic to see so many of you respecting the changes we've made, and we’re extremely grateful for your ongoing support."
As part of its phased reopenings, Pret has introduced a range of safety measures for both customers and staff.
Each shop will be fitted with Perspex screens at the tills, while restrictions will be in place on the number of customers allowed in the stores.
Mr Christou said customers will be provided with hand sanitiser, while members of staff will be offered face coverings.
Stores will also run at reduced hours while customers will be made to queue two metres apart.
The high street chain said it is also widening its distribution of unsold food to homeless charities.
It comes after KFC announced it is reopening of restaurants for deliveries across the UK this week with McDonald's also planning to open to doors to 15 of its restaurants.
Open today
BATTERSEA
80-82, St John's Road
BOROUGH HIGH STREET
11-13, Borough High Street
BRIXTON
417, Brixton Road
CITY ROAD
161, Eagle House
EALING
45, High Street
ELEPHANT & CASTLE
UNIT 4, 22 Elephant & Castle
FULHAM BROADWAY
Unit 5 Fulham Broadway Retail Centre
FULHAM PALACE ROAD
168-188, Fulham Palace Road
FULHAM ROAD
367B, Fulham Road
GREAT PORTLAND STREET
136, Great Portland Street
HAMMERSMITH
Unit 30 Broadway Shopping Centre
HARBOUR ISLAND
Millwall Dock, Docklands
HIGHBURY CORNER
257-258, Upper Street
ISLINGTON
Angel Central Shopping Centre 12 Parkfield Street
KING'S CROSS
54-60, York Way
KING'S ROAD
35-37, King's Road
KINGSTON
85-87, Clarence Street
LADBROKE GROVE
140, Ladbroke Grove
NOTTING HILL GATE
65, Notting Hill Gate
PADDINGTON
3-5, Praed Street
PUTNEY HIGH STREET
121, Putney High Street
RICHMOND
37, Lower George Street
SHOREDITCH HIGH STREET
192, Shoreditch High Street
SOUTH KENSINGTON
15, Old Brompton Road
ST GEORGE'S UNIVERSITY
Ground Floor, Jenner Wing
ST JOHN'S WOOD
2-4, Circus Road
TOOTING BROADWAY
3, MITCHAM ROAD
VAUXHALL
Unit 21, St George's Wharf
WARREN STREET
14, Warren Street
WIMBLEDON
4, Wimbledon Hill Road
Open From Monday 11th May
ALDERSGATE
Unit 1, 200 Aldersgate
ALDGATE
85, Aldgate High Street
BAKER STREET
20, Baker Street
BAKER STREET
211-213, Baker Street
BARBICAN
Unit 2, 5 Aldermanbury Square
BERKELEY SQUARE
7, Berkeley Square
BIRMINGHAM
22-24, Colmore Row
BISHOPSGATE
192, Bishopsgate
BISHOPSGATE
201, Bishopsgate
BRIGHTON
42, East Street
BRIGHTON
77, North Street
BRISTOL
93-95, Broadmead
BRISTOL
32, Victoria Street
BROMPTON ROAD
106-108, Brompton Road
CAMBRIDGE
Unit 4, 1 Station Square
CANARY WHARF
Unit 320, Cabot Place
CANARY WHARF
Unit 13, Jubilee Place
CANARY WHARF
Unit 10, Canada Place Mall
CANNON STREET
The Walbrook Building, 95 Cannon Street
CAVENDISH SQUARE
31, Cavendish Square
CHEAPSIDE
141, Cheapside
CITY ROAD
Oliver's Yard, City Road
COLEMAN STREET
67, Coleman Street
CROYDON
93a, George Street
DALSTON
Western Curve, Kingsland High Street, Dalston
EASTCASTLE STREET
49, Eastcastle Street
EDGWARE ROAD
26, Edgware Road
EDINBURGH
30 North Bridge
ELDON STREET
17, Eldon Street
EUSTON TOWER
Unit 1, Euston Tower Podium
FARRINGDON STATION
36-38, Cowcross Street
FINSBURY SQUARE
1, Finsbury Square
GLASGOW
65-69 Bothwell Street
GLASGOW
144-146, Queen Street
GLOUCESTER ROAD
99, Gloucester Road
GRACECHURCH STREET
77-80, Gracechurch Street
GREAT PORTLAND STREET
244, Great Portland Street
HAMMERSMITH
8-10, King Street
HIGH HOLBORN
240-241, High Holborn
HORSEFERRY ROAD
Unit 12, Great Minster
ISLINGTON HIGH STREET
27, Islington High Street
KENSINGTON ARCADE
Unit 14, Kensington Arcade
KING WILLIAM STREET
43, King William Street
LEEDS
6, Lands Lane
LIVERPOOL STREET
19 - 20 Liverpool Street
LOMBARD STREET
14-16, Lombard Street
MANCHESTER
27, Cross Street
MARBLE ARCH
556, Oxford Street
MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET
7, Marylebone High Street
MOORGATE
Unit 3, Moorgate Halls
OLD BROAD STREET
125, Old Broad Street
OXFORD JOHN RADCLIFFE HOSPITAL
Units 2 & 3, West Wing
OXFORD STREET
West One Shopping Centre
PATERNOSTER SQUARE
10, Paternoster Square
PENTONVILLE ROAD
296 Pentonville Road
QUEENSWAY STATION
7-9, Queensway
READING
Thames Tower, Station Approach
REGENT STREET
298, Regent Street
RUSSELL SQUARE
40, Bernard Street
ST ALBANS
25-27, St Peter's Street
ST MARTIN'S LANE
77-78, St Martin's Lane
ST PANCRAS INTERNATIONAL
The Circle, St Pancras International
STRATFORD STATION
21, Station Street
STRATFORD STATION
Petit Pret, Southern Ticket Hall
TOOLEY STREET
47-49, Tooley Street
TOTHILL STREET
49, Tothill Street
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
121-123, Mount Pleasant Road
TURNMILL STREET
101, Turnmill Street
WANDSWORTH
Southside Shopping Centre
WATERLOO ROAD
152, Waterloo Road
WIGMORE STREET
24, Wigmore Street


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-07--Man City's promotion party at Blackburn 20 years on

Manchester City fans must have thought it was happening all over again .
After two seasons of hard work and graft following relegation to the third tier , all they needed to do was draw at Blackburn to seal their return to the Premier League for the 2000/01 season .
City had done the hard work the week before , with a tense win over Birmingham .
That victory prompted a pitch invasion at Maine Road , and fans duly packed out Ewood Park on the final day - in all sections of the ground - as well as those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support the team by watching from a hill overlooking Blackburn 's ground .
So when City fell behind at the break , all those thousands of Blues fans in Blackburn and back in Manchester must have felt like 'Typical City ' was going to be taken to a whole new level .
They had escaped from 2-0 down with three minutes to play in the Play-Off Final the previous year , and now they were 30 minutes from another play-off campaign .
Knowing what was riding on the game , then-Chairman David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City dressing room before kick-off .
“ I told the players they had an opportunity to make history – genuine sporting history , '' he said .
`` We had fallen so far .
I said if we could get back quickly , they would have a permanent place in the affections of our supporters .
“ I must admit I was sure we would win that day .
We had been on such a long and exciting journey and I knew we wouldn ’ t fall at the final hurdle .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a good feeling which had got through to the fans .
It was marvellous to see them celebrate in the last 10 minutes .
It was magic .
That was payback for the suffering they ’ d endured.
” Bernstein is , of course , referring to the brilliant second-half turnaround at Ewood Park that saw City get the all-important equaliser through top-scorer Shaun Goater on 60 minutes , before running riot through Mark Kennedy , Paul Dickov and a Christian Dailly own goal .
The result arguably flattered City , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the disastrous relegation to the third division , they had recorded back-to-back promotions to return to the top flight .
As Bernstein put it , they had made history , and defied the 'Typical City ' ending that had threatened to ruin the day .
One of the enduring memories of that day at Blackburn was the sheer number of City fans at Ewood Park .
“ There were more City fans than Blackburn ! ''
Goater told ManCity.com .
`` That ’ s typical of City , you know – die-hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these occasions , they go to these games and they get the seats of the opposition if they ’ re not taking them .
There were so many City fans !
” Manager Joe Royle - who masterminded the journey from Division Two to Premier League - remembers the game slightly differently , though .
“ We went in 1-0 behind at half-time and we sat down .
We didn ’ t have a big row – I just sat down with the players and said : ‘ Listen , this isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : no matter how bad we play at times , we always score.
’ “ I think they hit the post again and it bounced back into Nicky Weaver ’ s arms and I turned around to our coach Asa Hartford and said : ‘ There ’ s something strange going on here .
It ’ s like someone decided these fans and the Club has had enough.
’ ” Twenty years on , fans can afford to remember the celebrations rather than the rollercoaster of emotions for the 90 minutes previously .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Twitter to remember those post-match scenes , writing : `` The most amazing game , the most amazing fans for the most amazing club . ''
Fans also marked the occasion on social media , remembering a crucial day in the club 's history - and the post-match pitch invasion that even saw Blackburn allow those fans watching from the hill inside the ground to celebrate .
'Blackburn 2000 ' may not have the same iconic moment as 'Gillingham 1999 ' or QPR 2012 ' , but it played as important a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any other game .
It set the foundations for the City we know today .
City were back in the big time , and those thousands of fans on the Ewood Park pitch dared to dream again .
Even then , surely they could n't have imagined of what was to come in the following twenty years .

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Manchester City fans must have thought it was happening all over again.
After two seasons of hard work and graft following relegation to the third tier, all they needed to do was draw at Blackburn to seal their return to the Premier League for the 2000/01 season.
City had done the hard work the week before, with a tense win over Birmingham. That victory prompted a pitch invasion at Maine Road, and fans duly packed out Ewood Park on the final day - in all sections of the ground - as well as those fans without tickets finding any means necessary to support the team by watching from a hill overlooking Blackburn's ground.
So when City fell behind at the break, all those thousands of Blues fans in Blackburn and back in Manchester must have felt like 'Typical City' was going to be taken to a whole new level. They had escaped from 2-0 down with three minutes to play in the Play-Off Final the previous year, and now they were 30 minutes from another play-off campaign.
Knowing what was riding on the game, then-Chairman David Bernstein made a rare intervention in the City dressing room before kick-off.
“I told the players they had an opportunity to make history – genuine sporting history," he said.
"We had fallen so far. I said if we could get back quickly, they would have a permanent place in the affections of our supporters.
“I must admit I was sure we would win that day. We had been on such a long and exciting journey and I knew we wouldn’t fall at the final hurdle. There was a new confidence about the club, a good feeling which had got through to the fans. It was marvellous to see them celebrate in the last 10 minutes. It was magic. That was payback for the suffering they’d endured.”
Bernstein is, of course, referring to the brilliant second-half turnaround at Ewood Park that saw City get the all-important equaliser through top-scorer Shaun Goater on 60 minutes, before running riot through Mark Kennedy, Paul Dickov and a Christian Dailly own goal.
The result arguably flattered City, but they had done it. Two years after the disastrous relegation to the third division, they had recorded back-to-back promotions to return to the top flight. As Bernstein put it, they had made history, and defied the 'Typical City' ending that had threatened to ruin the day.
One of the enduring memories of that day at Blackburn was the sheer number of City fans at Ewood Park.
“There were more City fans than Blackburn!" Goater told ManCity.com.
"That’s typical of City, you know – die-hard Man City fans. When you have these occasions, they go to these games and they get the seats of the opposition if they’re not taking them. There were so many City fans!”
Manager Joe Royle - who masterminded the journey from Division Two to Premier League - remembers the game slightly differently, though.
“We went in 1-0 behind at half-time and we sat down. We didn’t have a big row – I just sat down with the players and said: ‘Listen, this isn’t us and the golden rule is: no matter how bad we play at times, we always score.’
“I think they hit the post again and it bounced back into Nicky Weaver’s arms and I turned around to our coach Asa Hartford and said: ‘There’s something strange going on here. It’s like someone decided these fans and the Club has had enough.’”
Twenty years on, fans can afford to remember the celebrations rather than the rollercoaster of emotions for the 90 minutes previously. Taking to Twitter, goalscorer Dickov took to Twitter to remember those post-match scenes, writing: "The most amazing game, the most amazing fans for the most amazing club."
Fans also marked the occasion on social media, remembering a crucial day in the club's history - and the post-match pitch invasion that even saw Blackburn allow those fans watching from the hill inside the ground to celebrate.
'Blackburn 2000' may not have the same iconic moment as 'Gillingham 1999' or QPR 2012', but it played as important a role in City's modern history as any other game. It set the foundations for the City we know today.
City were back in the big time, and those thousands of fans on the Ewood Park pitch dared to dream again. Even then, surely they couldn't have imagined of what was to come in the following twenty years.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-07--Black people are 'more than four times' likely to die from coronavirus

Black men are 4.2 times more likely to die from a coronavirus -related condition than white men , and black women 4.3 times more likely than white women , new analysis suggests .
The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) has used data extrapolated from death certificates up to April 17 , combined with 2011 Census records , to model the impact Covid-19 is having on different ethnic groups .
The figures , which have been adjusted for age , suggest that men and women from all ethnic minority groups – except women with Chinese ethnicity – are at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with those of white ethnicity .
The ONS analysis also suggests that , accounting for age , men of Bangladeshi/Pakistani ethnicity are 3.6 times more likely to die from a Covid-19-related death than white men , while the equivalent figure for Bangladeshi/Pakistani women is 3.4 .
Men of Indian ethnicity are 2.4 times more likely to die from Covid-19 than white men .
The figure for women of Indian ethnicity is slightly higher , at 2.7 .
For the Chinese ethnic group , the ONS found a raised risk among men , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more likely to die from Covid-19 , while the figure for women is 1.2 .
The analysis looked at how coronavirus has affected different ethnic groups from March 2 to April 10 , in deaths registered by 17 April .
As ethnicity is not recorded on death certificates , the ONS linked these to the 2011 Census which includes self-reported ethnicity .
The ONS said the results suggest that the difference is partly due to socio-economic disadvantage and other circumstances , but some of the reasons remain unexplained .
After taking account of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disability , black men and women were found to be 1.9 times more likely to die with Covid-19 than those of white ethnicity .
Those factors – including household composition , area deprivation , and any health or disability factors indicated on the 2011 Census – as the ONS found that the odds of a death involving Covid-19 were “ substantially reduced ” for all ethnic groups relative to those of white ethnicity .
For men of Bangladeshi and Pakistani ethnicity they are 1.8 times more likely to die , while for women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.6 times more likely .
The ONS said those results , which give lower odds than those adjusted only for age , help to show differences in risk between ethnic groups that are specific to those particular groups , and which are not being caused by factors on which the members of those groups might differ .
Nick Stripe , head of health analysis at the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) , told the BBC : “ Your probability of dying with Covid is made up of two things , firstly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first place and then secondly , your probability of dying once you have been infected .
“ Now those two things are influenced by your personal circumstances to a large degree , so the first thing we did is , we looked at adjusting for age , what the difference was of dying to these ethnic groups and that brought out some quite stark differences .
“ So just adjusting for age , we saw that the black ethnic grouping was just over four times more likely to die of Covid-related issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Pakistani grouping was about 3.5 times more likely and the Indian grouping about 2.5 times more likely.
” The Shadow Justice Secretary David Lammy said the figures showing black people were at greater risk of death from Covid were “ appalling ” .
He tweeted : “ It is urgent the causes of this disproportionality are investigated .
`` Action must be taken to protect black men and women – as well as people from all backgrounds – from the virus.
” The figures were revealed as separate research from University College @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) communities are two to three times more likely to die from Covid-19 .

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Black men are 4.2 times more likely to die from a coronavirus -related condition than white men, and black women 4.3 times more likely than white women, new analysis suggests.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has used data extrapolated from death certificates up to April 17, combined with 2011 Census records, to model the impact Covid-19 is having on different ethnic groups.
The figures, which have been adjusted for age, suggest that men and women from all ethnic minority groups – except women with Chinese ethnicity – are at greater risk of dying from Covid-19 compared with those of white ethnicity.
The ONS analysis also suggests that, accounting for age, men of Bangladeshi/Pakistani ethnicity are 3.6 times more likely to die from a Covid-19-related death than white men, while the equivalent figure for Bangladeshi/Pakistani women is 3.4.
Men of Indian ethnicity are 2.4 times more likely to die from Covid-19 than white men. The figure for women of Indian ethnicity is slightly higher, at 2.7.
For the Chinese ethnic group, the ONS found a raised risk among men, but not women. Men are 1.9 times more likely to die from Covid-19, while the figure for women is 1.2.
The analysis looked at how coronavirus has affected different ethnic groups from March 2 to April 10, in deaths registered by 17 April.
As ethnicity is not recorded on death certificates, the ONS linked these to the 2011 Census which includes self-reported ethnicity.
The ONS said the results suggest that the difference is partly due to socio-economic disadvantage and other circumstances, but some of the reasons remain unexplained.
After taking account of other factors, such as health and disability, black men and women were found to be 1.9 times more likely to die with Covid-19 than those of white ethnicity.
Those factors – including household composition, area deprivation, and any health or disability factors indicated on the 2011 Census – as the ONS found that the odds of a death involving Covid-19 were “substantially reduced” for all ethnic groups relative to those of white ethnicity.
For men of Bangladeshi and Pakistani ethnicity they are 1.8 times more likely to die, while for women, odds of death are reduced to 1.6 times more likely.
The ONS said those results, which give lower odds than those adjusted only for age, help to show differences in risk between ethnic groups that are specific to those particular groups, and which are not being caused by factors on which the members of those groups might differ.
Nick Stripe, head of health analysis at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), told the BBC: “Your probability of dying with Covid is made up of two things, firstly your probability of actually being infected in the first place and then secondly, your probability of dying once you have been infected.
“Now those two things are influenced by your personal circumstances to a large degree, so the first thing we did is, we looked at adjusting for age, what the difference was of dying to these ethnic groups and that brought out some quite stark differences.
“So just adjusting for age, we saw that the black ethnic grouping was just over four times more likely to die of Covid-related issues than the white group, the Bangladeshi and Pakistani grouping was about 3.5 times more likely and the Indian grouping about 2.5 times more likely.”
The Shadow Justice Secretary David Lammy said the figures showing black people were at greater risk of death from Covid were “appalling”.
He tweeted: “It is urgent the causes of this disproportionality are investigated.
"Action must be taken to protect black men and women – as well as people from all backgrounds – from the virus.”
The figures were revealed as separate research from University College London (UCL) suggested people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities are two to three times more likely to die from Covid-19.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-07--Leading housing official to take over from stalwart behind city's regeneration

Manchester council has announced who will be replacing one of its most powerful officials who is standing down after 20 years .
Louise Wyman will become the town hall ’ s new strategic director , taking up the mantle from Eddie Smith , who has been a key figure behind the city ’ s regeneration .
Mr Smith , who was due to leave last month , has put off his retirement until the end of May while he supports the council during the coronavirus crisis .
During his time at the council he oversaw the transformation of east Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while also building a relationship between the council and Manchester City .
Upon his departure Ms Wyman will guide the council on a road to recovery and regeneration post-pandemic , while also overseeing planning , housing and other key developments .
“ In the moment of a global health crisis , civic leadership matters more than ever , ” she said .
“ The health and wellbeing of Manchester ’ s communities will be at the heart of our development plans .
“ There ’ s so much talent in Manchester ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and creative industries .
“ I ’ m really looking forward to engaging these organisations , Manchester ’ s diverse communities and the construction sector in shaping Manchester ’ s growth.
” Ms Wyman , who starts in the role on June 22 , joins the council after serving in senior roles at the West Midlands Combined Authority and the government housing agency Homes England .
She has also been involved in major projects in the UK and the United States , contributing to regeneration projects in San Francisco following the 1989 earthquake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London ’ s 2012 Olympic Park .
Sir Richard Leese , leader of Manchester council , said : “ It goes without saying that this is one of the most demanding roles in local government , in one of the fastest growing and exciting cities in Europe .
“ But Louise ’ s previous experience working with both Homes England and the West Midlands Combined Authority puts her in the upper echelons of strategic development in the UK .
“ I look forward to working with her and seeing what she brings to @ @ @

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Manchester council has announced who will be replacing one of its most powerful officials who is standing down after 20 years.
Louise Wyman will become the town hall’s new strategic director, taking up the mantle from Eddie Smith, who has been a key figure behind the city’s regeneration.
Mr Smith, who was due to leave last month, has put off his retirement until the end of May while he supports the council during the coronavirus crisis.
During his time at the council he oversaw the transformation of east Manchester and the expansion of the city centre, while also building a relationship between the council and Manchester City.
(Image: Manchester council)
Upon his departure Ms Wyman will guide the council on a road to recovery and regeneration post-pandemic, while also overseeing planning, housing and other key developments.
“In the moment of a global health crisis, civic leadership matters more than ever,” she said.
“The health and wellbeing of Manchester’s communities will be at the heart of our development plans.
“There’s so much talent in Manchester’s universities, research institutions, businesses and creative industries.
“I’m really looking forward to engaging these organisations, Manchester’s diverse communities and the construction sector in shaping Manchester’s growth.”
Ms Wyman, who starts in the role on June 22, joins the council after serving in senior roles at the West Midlands Combined Authority and the government housing agency Homes England.
She has also been involved in major projects in the UK and the United States, contributing to regeneration projects in San Francisco following the 1989 earthquake and playing a central role in developing London’s 2012 Olympic Park.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester council, said: “It goes without saying that this is one of the most demanding roles in local government, in one of the fastest growing and exciting cities in Europe.
“But Louise’s previous experience working with both Homes England and the West Midlands Combined Authority puts her in the upper echelons of strategic development in the UK.
“I look forward to working with her and seeing what she brings to Manchester.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-07--Every Just Eat, Deliveroo and Dominos discount code and freebie

The long bank holiday weekend means one thing - time to book a food delivery .
Whether it 's a Chinese or Indian meal from Just Eat , pizza from Pizza Hut or Domino 's , or a cook at home meal from a major supermarket there are plenty of ways to get food delivered to your door .
There are also plenty of ways to get a discount when you order .
We have trawled through the major delivery services to find the best ways to get cheap or even free food over the bank holiday weekend .
Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesdays .
The delivery service offers 20 % off selected restaurants as part of its Cheeky Tuesday deal .
If you are a member of the NHS you can get 25 % off anytime by filling in your details on the NHS section of the Just Eat website .
Everybody else can get £15 off their Just Eat order using an online deal .
Topcashback is offering the deal to any new member of the site who signs up today here .
Signing up is free and once you order a Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to £15 in cashback within 14 days .
You can get the Just Eat deal here .
The deal is available to new customers only .
Deliveroo is not just delivering takeaways .
You can also get Morrisons , Co-Op , Nisa , Shell , and BP M & S shops using the delivery service .
There are no discounts for orders but you can get free delivery by signing up to Deliveroo Plus for a free seven day trial .
Signing up gets you free delivery with a £10 minimum spend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £4.50 + 49p service charge so taking out the trial will save £4.50 .
Domino 's is still offering delivery from its restaurants .
The pizza brand says all deliveries are contact free and they are not accepting cash or collection .
It says deliveries are safe .
A statement says : `` In light of the current situation we ’ re carefully following the advice from health authorities .
We ’ ve implemented a number of additional precautions such as increased hand washing , sanitisation , reduced colleague numbers in store and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still offering deals and discounts on its website .
Domino 's is also delivering 100,000 pizzas to front line staff during the coronavirus outbreak .
Pizza Hut stores are open for takeaway only and drivers are able to leave deliveries on doorsteps to prevent contact .
The pizza chain is currently offering a meal for two deal that includes two medium pizzas and a side for £20 - but an online deal can bring that price down to just £5 to feed two people .
You can get £15 in cash just for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an online deal website .
New members of Topcashback can order the meal deal on Pizza Hut and the deals website will pay back £15 of the cost straight into your bank .
The only catch is that it only works for new members and that is based on your address - so if somebody in your house is already a member you can not get the deal .

The long bank holiday weekend means one thing - time to book a food delivery.
Whether it's a Chinese or Indian meal from Just Eat, pizza from Pizza Hut or Domino's, or a cook at home meal from a major supermarket there are plenty of ways to get food delivered to your door.
There are also plenty of ways to get a discount when you order. We have trawled through the major delivery services to find the best ways to get cheap or even free food over the bank holiday weekend.
Just Eat
Just Eat's only official deal takes place on Tuesdays. The delivery service offers 20% off selected restaurants as part of its Cheeky Tuesday deal.
If you are a member of the NHS you can get 25% off anytime by filling in your details on the NHS section of the Just Eat website.
Everybody else can get £15 off their Just Eat order using an online deal.
Topcashback is offering the deal to any new member of the site who signs up today here. Signing up is free and once you order a Just Eat through the site they will return up to £15 in cashback within 14 days.
You can get the Just Eat deal here. The deal is available to new customers only.
Deliveroo
Deliveroo is not just delivering takeaways. You can also get Morrisons, Co-Op, Nisa, Shell, and BP M&S shops using the delivery service. There are no discounts for orders but you can get free delivery by signing up to Deliveroo Plus for a free seven day trial.
Signing up gets you free delivery with a £10 minimum spend. For example, Morrisons delivery costs £4.50 + 49p service charge so taking out the trial will save £4.50.
Domino's
Domino's is still offering delivery from its restaurants. The pizza brand says all deliveries are contact free and they are not accepting cash or collection.
It says deliveries are safe. A statement says: "In light of the current situation we’re carefully following the advice from health authorities. We’ve implemented a number of additional precautions such as increased hand washing, sanitisation, reduced colleague numbers in store and safe practices."
Domino's is still offering deals and discounts on its website. Domino's is also delivering 100,000 pizzas to front line staff during the coronavirus outbreak.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut stores are open for takeaway only and drivers are able to leave deliveries on doorsteps to prevent contact.
The pizza chain is currently offering a meal for two deal that includes two medium pizzas and a side for £20 - but an online deal can bring that price down to just £5 to feed two people.
You can get £15 in cash just for ordering the £20 deal through the use of an online deal website.
New members of Topcashback can order the meal deal on Pizza Hut and the deals website will pay back £15 of the cost straight into your bank. The only catch is that it only works for new members and that is based on your address - so if somebody in your house is already a member you cannot get the deal.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-07--Universal Basic Income could help during coronavirus crisis, says Andy Burnham

Universal Basic Income should be ‘ seriously considered ’ as a way of helping the economy recover once the coronavirus lockdown has lifted , according to Andy Burnham .
The Greater Manchester mayor said it was wrong that people in higher-paid jobs can work from home while essential workers on ‘ insecure contracts ’ are putting themselves at risk .
This includes the social care sector where more than half of frontline staff - mainly women - are not being paid a real living wage .
Another period of austerity would be ‘ devastating ’ according to Mr Burnham , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the working day as the number of people working from home increases .
Hundreds of academics have already called on the government to introduce UBI during the COVID-19 crisis by giving everyone £1,000 a month .
The final results of a UBI trial carried out in Finland found that people were more satisfied with their lives , but the jobs market did not receive the boost that some had hoped for .
But speaking at his weekly coronavirus press conference , Mr Burnham said : “ Universal Basic Income is an idea that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All people should be paid enough at work so they have a decent amount to live on .
If that is true anywhere then it ’ s got to be true of the care system .
“ Fifty-eight percent of care workers are not paid a real living wage , that can not be right .
“ If you ’ re in an essential role like that you need to be paid enough so that you can manage things at home and be there everyday to support people who need your care.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the regional chamber of commerce about how the economy will be affected by home working , particularly with firms in city centres .
A staggered start and end to the working day has been suggested to give people more flexible working arrangements .
Greater investment in digital infrastructure would also be needed to support those working from home , said Mr Burnham .
But he said that a ‘ serious debate ’ about improving living standards would be needed soon as Greater Manchester launches its campaign to ‘ Build Back Better ’ and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been lifted .
“ We have made the call about Build Back Better and it relates to living standards , especially for essential workers , ” said Mr Burnham .
“ I can ’ t be the only person who feels that it ’ s wrong that people in higher-paid positions are at home video conferencing when the most low paid people in society , often on very insecure contracts , are out there keeping things running “ In recent times we have overvalued the work at the top and undervalued work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there will be a reassessment of all of this moving forward .
”

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Universal Basic Income should be ‘seriously considered’ as a way of helping the economy recover once the coronavirus lockdown has lifted, according to Andy Burnham.
The Greater Manchester mayor said it was wrong that people in higher-paid jobs can work from home while essential workers on ‘insecure contracts’ are putting themselves at risk.
This includes the social care sector where more than half of frontline staff - mainly women - are not being paid a real living wage.
Another period of austerity would be ‘devastating’ according to Mr Burnham, who has also called for changes to the working day as the number of people working from home increases.
Hundreds of academics have already called on the government to introduce UBI during the COVID-19 crisis by giving everyone £1,000 a month.
The final results of a UBI trial carried out in Finland found that people were more satisfied with their lives, but the jobs market did not receive the boost that some had hoped for.
But speaking at his weekly coronavirus press conference, Mr Burnham said: “Universal Basic Income is an idea that needs to be seriously considered.
“All people should be paid enough at work so they have a decent amount to live on. If that is true anywhere then it’s got to be true of the care system.
“Fifty-eight percent of care workers are not paid a real living wage, that cannot be right.
“If you’re in an essential role like that you need to be paid enough so that you can manage things at home and be there everyday to support people who need your care.”
Mr Burnham revealed that he has approached the regional chamber of commerce about how the economy will be affected by home working, particularly with firms in city centres.
A staggered start and end to the working day has been suggested to give people more flexible working arrangements.
Greater investment in digital infrastructure would also be needed to support those working from home, said Mr Burnham.
But he said that a ‘serious debate’ about improving living standards would be needed soon as Greater Manchester launches its campaign to ‘Build Back Better’ and ‘reset’ the region once lockdown has been lifted.
“We have made the call about Build Back Better and it relates to living standards, especially for essential workers,” said Mr Burnham.
“I can’t be the only person who feels that it’s wrong that people in higher-paid positions are at home video conferencing when the most low paid people in society, often on very insecure contracts, are out there keeping things running
“In recent times we have overvalued the work at the top and undervalued work at the bottom, and I hope there will be a reassessment of all of this moving forward.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-07--Rochdale council could be left with £26m bill for coronavirus response

Rochdale is the latest council to warn it faces a huge shortfall should the government go back on its promise to fully reimburse councils for the cost of COVID-19 .
The authority says it would be left with a £26m hole in its finances should no further help be forthcoming from the government .
It comes after Stockport council recently sounded the alarm over a possible £25m bill for its coronavirus response , while Salford council leader Paul Dennett wrote to the Prime Minister over fears his authority would be left £33m out of pocket .
The government has so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities - of which Rochdale council has been allocated £13.6m towards its estimated £40m bill .
In March , town halls were reassured by Chancellor Rishi Sunak ’ s promise to do ‘ whatever it takes to get the nation through ’ while communities secretary Robert Jenrick told councils the government would be ‘ ensuring money flows to you ’ .
But there has been alarm in local government after ministers ’ language shifted from ‘ whatever it takes ’ to ‘ sharing the burden ’ - with a conference call Mr Jenrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He also recently warned that the government would not pick up the bill for every coronavirus-related cost incurred by councils .
And the communities secretary sparked fury in some quarters yesterday ( Wednesday ) after claiming councils were receiving more money than they said they needed to cover ‘ the covid-related costs they are bearing ’ .
His statement was clearly at odds with Rochdale ’ s experience - with the town hall so far receiving £13.6m towards the projected £40m cost of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic .
Rochdale council leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing what it takes to support our residents and businesses , but there is no doubt we are taking a severe financial hit , due to lost savings , additional costs to services and loss of income .
“ Clearly local government is facing unprecedented challenges and although we have been promised government money to help , this still leaves a huge gap .
“ I am pleased to see how magnificently our staff are stepping up and we have so many people doing a wonderful job , but the reality is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left a huge hole in council finances and we could face more problems if there are future spikes.
” Councils may take some comfort from the fact Mr Jenrick acknowledged their drop in income from car parks , leisure centres and other sources was a ‘ particular challenge ’ the government was ‘ focused on ’ .
But Coun Brett said : “ We can not overlook the increased risk and financial pressures this places on our authority .
The government need to provide us with the resources we need to continue this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Without a commitment that all costs of dealing with the pandemic are met , the funding problems that have blighted core services will be compounded – not least by the further reductions in spending we will be forced to make to cover the gap between the funding received to date and the actual cost to our authority .
`` Going forward , more sustainable funding for councils is crucial . ''
Greater Manchester councils are expecting costs - and particularly loss of income - to come in at around £541m next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the £3.2bn of support announced so far .

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Rochdale is the latest council to warn it faces a huge shortfall should the government go back on its promise to fully reimburse councils for the cost of COVID-19.
The authority says it would be left with a £26m hole in its finances should no further help be forthcoming from the government.
It comes after Stockport council recently sounded the alarm over a possible £25m bill for its coronavirus response, while Salford council leader Paul Dennett wrote to the Prime Minister over fears his authority would be left £33m out of pocket.
The government has so far confirmed £3.2bn of support for local authorities - of which Rochdale council has been allocated £13.6m towards its estimated £40m bill.
In March, town halls were reassured by Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s promise to do ‘whatever it takes to get the nation through’ while communities secretary Robert Jenrick told councils the government would be ‘ensuring money flows to you’.
But there has been alarm in local government after ministers’ language shifted from ‘whatever it takes’ to ‘sharing the burden’ - with a conference call Mr Jenrick held with local leaders sparking particular concern.
He also recently warned that the government would not pick up the bill for every coronavirus-related cost incurred by councils.
And the communities secretary sparked fury in some quarters yesterday (Wednesday) after claiming councils were receiving more money than they said they needed to cover ‘the covid-related costs they are bearing’.
His statement was clearly at odds with Rochdale’s experience - with the town hall so far receiving £13.6m towards the projected £40m cost of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
(Image: Rochdale Observer)
Rochdale council leader Allen Brett said: “We're doing what it takes to support our residents and businesses, but there is no doubt we are taking a severe financial hit, due to lost savings, additional costs to services and loss of income.
“Clearly local government is facing unprecedented challenges and although we have been promised government money to help, this still leaves a huge gap.
“I am pleased to see how magnificently our staff are stepping up and we have so many people doing a wonderful job, but the reality is that a decade of public spending cuts have left a huge hole in council finances and we could face more problems if there are future spikes.”
(Image: PA)
Councils may take some comfort from the fact Mr Jenrick acknowledged their drop in income from car parks, leisure centres and other sources was a ‘particular challenge’ the government was ‘focused on’.
But Coun Brett said: “We cannot overlook the increased risk and financial pressures this places on our authority. The government need to provide us with the resources we need to continue this fight and assist in our national recovery.”
“Without a commitment that all costs of dealing with the pandemic are met, the funding problems that have blighted core services will be compounded – not least by the further reductions in spending we will be forced to make to cover the gap between the funding received to date and the actual cost to our authority.
"Going forward, more sustainable funding for councils is crucial."
Greater Manchester councils are expecting costs - and particularly loss of income - to come in at around £541m next April - far exceeding their share of the £3.2bn of support announced so far.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-07--The freebies you can get from B&Q including paint, plants and seeds

B & Q recently confirmed that all of its stores across the UK would be re-open while following strict social distancing measures .
The re-opening of stores is good news for the British public as DIY jobs have been a popular activity during lockdown , and there 's a way to save £15 on your DIY purchases this month .
To get the discount sign up to TopCashback here and then head to B & Q to make your purchase and you 'll receive £15 back into your account .
For the full T & Cs go to the TopCashback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much as you like at B & Q and still get £15 off your purchase , or you could get something for free if you spend £15 or less .
If you 're looking to spruce up a room in your house , or the garden then you could get some paint from B & Q and pay nothing with the deal .
Most spray paint - ideal for DIY and crafty jobs - are under £15 , and a number of tins under metal paint , renovation paint and shed & fence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you wo n't have to pay a penny for a quick revamp .
Or if you 've already got your paint ready then you can get a pack of brushes , with plenty at less than £15 on the B & Q website .
Another popular lockdown activity is gardening , with the public buying seeds and bulbs to brighten up their gardens .
With packs ranging from £1.50 to £6 at B & Q you could mix and match up to £15 and not have to pay a penny .
You can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the website here .
The DIY store also confirmed it is running home delivery services while click and collect is currently limited to selected stores .
To find out more including opening times and delivery information go to the B & Q website here .

B&Q recently confirmed that all of its stores across the UK would be re-open while following strict social distancing measures.
The re-opening of stores is good news for the British public as DIY jobs have been a popular activity during lockdown, and there's a way to save £15 on your DIY purchases this month.
To get the discount sign up to TopCashback here and then head to B&Q to make your purchase and you'll receive £15 back into your account. For the full T&Cs go to the TopCashback website here.
You can spend as much as you like at B&Q and still get £15 off your purchase, or you could get something for free if you spend £15 or less.
If you're looking to spruce up a room in your house, or the garden then you could get some paint from B&Q and pay nothing with the deal.
Most spray paint - ideal for DIY and crafty jobs - are under £15, and a number of tins under metal paint, renovation paint and shed & fence paint sections are under £15, so you won't have to pay a penny for a quick revamp.
Or if you've already got your paint ready then you can get a pack of brushes, with plenty at less than £15 on the B&Q website.
Another popular lockdown activity is gardening, with the public buying seeds and bulbs to brighten up their gardens.
With packs ranging from £1.50 to £6 at B&Q you could mix and match up to £15 and not have to pay a penny. You can see all of the available packs on the website here.
The DIY store also confirmed it is running home delivery services while click and collect is currently limited to selected stores.
To find out more including opening times and delivery information go to the B&Q website here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-07--UK weather to hit 25C over bank holiday due to 'Spanish Plume'

The UK has n't done too badly on the weather front for a while , which is pretty typical when we all have to stay in doors .
But there 's always the opportunity to bask in the spring sun out in your garden or during you 're daily exercise jaunt .
The temperature is set to his 25C over the upcoming bank holiday weekend which was moved due to the 75th anniversary of VE Day .
However , it may not be as great as first though as a 'Spanish Plume ' could bring thunderstorms to the UK .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in parts of Wales and Northern Ireland as well as western and central England - and the possibility of thunder - are expected meaning the scorching weather could be shortlived as temperatures plummet .
Met Office spokesperson Grahame Madge told Express.co.uk : `` In terms of the set up for Friday , we are watching a plume of air which will be coming up from Iberia , and that will be bringing the potential for quite heavy rain on Friday for the south parts of Britain , Wales and the West Midlands .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ thunderstorm warnings being issued for that particular feature , but they have not been issued yet… we are monitoring that .
`` Within that , there would be reasonably heavy rainfall and sharp showers , possibly with a rumble of thunder here and there . ''
Mr Madge added : `` In terms of the weekend , that system as it comes up on Friday will gradually move further north .
`` By midnight on Friday into Saturday , we ’ ll probably see that system extending more across north Wales , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then during Saturday showers will remain - not as intense as during Friday but there will be some isolated showers .
`` More cloud around , but it will get more cloudy towards the weekend and we could see further showery outbreaks occurring in the south west on Monday . ''

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The UK hasn't done too badly on the weather front for a while, which is pretty typical when we all have to stay in doors.
But there's always the opportunity to bask in the spring sun out in your garden or during you're daily exercise jaunt.
The temperature is set to his 25C over the upcoming bank holiday weekend which was moved due to the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
However, it may not be as great as first though as a 'Spanish Plume' could bring thunderstorms to the UK.
The Met Office says that heavy showers in parts of Wales and Northern Ireland as well as western and central England - and the possibility of thunder - are expected meaning the scorching weather could be shortlived as temperatures plummet.
Met Office spokesperson Grahame Madge told Express.co.uk: "In terms of the set up for Friday, we are watching a plume of air which will be coming up from Iberia, and that will be bringing the potential for quite heavy rain on Friday for the south parts of Britain, Wales and the West Midlands.
"I know we are looking at thunderstorm warnings being issued for that particular feature, but they have not been issued yet… we are monitoring that.
"Within that, there would be reasonably heavy rainfall and sharp showers, possibly with a rumble of thunder here and there."
Mr Madge added: "In terms of the weekend, that system as it comes up on Friday will gradually move further north.
"By midnight on Friday into Saturday, we’ll probably see that system extending more across north Wales, the north west and the Midlands, and then during Saturday showers will remain - not as intense as during Friday but there will be some isolated showers.
"More cloud around, but it will get more cloudy towards the weekend and we could see further showery outbreaks occurring in the south west on Monday."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-07--Gary Neville gives Man City examples Di Maria should have followed

Gary Neville says that Angel Di Maria should have followed the lead of Sergio Aguero and Pablo Zabaleta when arriving in Manchester in 2014 .
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder spent just one year at Old Trafford after arriving from Real Madrid in 2014 .
After a decent start in the Premier League , the Argentine star 's form plummeted - while there was also turmoil off the pitch .
Di Maria suffered an attempted burglary at his house in February 2015 , and stayed just five more months before his move to Ligue 1 .
Di Maria 's wife Jorgelina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , and admitted that they only made the move to England for money .
Neville hit back at the criticism , stating that Manchester City 's South American stars gave the midfielder a roadmap of how to adapt to life in England .
`` All I would say is , we hear these stories from time to time where a player has played like a drain , like Di Maria did at Manchester United , '' Neville told Sky Sports ' The Football Show .
`` He was awful and I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the club thinking we were signing a top player .
He was never interested from day one .
`` What he needs to do is look across the road at Sergio Aguero , his Argentinian compatriot or Pablo Zabaleta who have done alright in Manchester and have n't been in a rush to leave .
`` I will defend my city to the hill and she did have an unfortunate experience where there was a robbery , which would hamper you mentally and would cloud your judgement of the city . ''

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Gary Neville says that Angel Di Maria should have followed the lead of Sergio Aguero and Pablo Zabaleta when arriving in Manchester in 2014.
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder spent just one year at Old Trafford after arriving from Real Madrid in 2014. After a decent start in the Premier League, the Argentine star's form plummeted - while there was also turmoil off the pitch.
Di Maria suffered an attempted burglary at his house in February 2015, and stayed just five more months before his move to Ligue 1.
Di Maria's wife Jorgelina Cardoso recently described Manchester as "horrible", and admitted that they only made the move to England for money.
Neville hit back at the criticism, stating that Manchester City 's South American stars gave the midfielder a roadmap of how to adapt to life in England.
"All I would say is, we hear these stories from time to time where a player has played like a drain, like Di Maria did at Manchester United," Neville told Sky Sports' The Football Show.
"He was awful and I had high expectations and excitement when he came to the club thinking we were signing a top player. He was never interested from day one.
"What he needs to do is look across the road at Sergio Aguero, his Argentinian compatriot or Pablo Zabaleta who have done alright in Manchester and haven't been in a rush to leave.
"I will defend my city to the hill and she did have an unfortunate experience where there was a robbery, which would hamper you mentally and would cloud your judgement of the city."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-07--The best BBQ deals at Homebase and B&Q

The best BBQ deals at Homebase and B&Q

With the upcoming May bank holiday weekend set to have decent weather , plenty of Brits will be making the most of it in the garden .
Many people will be flocking to the supermarket or DIY store including Homebase and B & Q to pick up a barbecue whether it 's disposable or permanent , but now might be the time to invest in one for keeps for the garden .
Homebase has confirmed all of its stores across the UK have reopened but there are strict controls in place to ensure shopping is safe .
While home deliveries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the high demand from customers .
Meanwhile B & Q has also confirmed that stores are open with strict social distancing measures in force .
The store is also running home delivery services but click and collect is currently limited with only select stores taking part .
The only catch is that delivery or click and collect services are not available for every item or store .
To check if you 're eligible for either you should enter your postcode on either the Homebase or B & Q website .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place in both stores on BBQs as the weather picks up ahead of May bank holiday weekend .
This Texas Oil Drum Charcoal BBQ is on offer for £48 at Homebase .
It 's currently not available for delivery and can only be bought in store , so you would need to check your local Homebase to purchase this BBQ .
An Outback Excel 2 Burner Gas BBQ is also on offer but it 's in a little higher price range at £128 .
This one is available to purchase in store as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost at £6 .
This Blooma Rockwell Black Charcoal Barbecue from B & Q is one of the cheapest and highest rated BBQs from the store .
It 's priced at £90 and is available for click and collect at selected stores as well as home delivery .

With the upcoming May bank holiday weekend set to have decent weather, plenty of Brits will be making the most of it in the garden.
Many people will be flocking to the supermarket or DIY store including Homebase and B&Q to pick up a barbecue whether it's disposable or permanent, but now might be the time to invest in one for keeps for the garden.
Homebase has confirmed all of its stores across the UK have reopened but there are strict controls in place to ensure shopping is safe. While home deliveries are still happening but are taking longer due to the high demand from customers.
Meanwhile B&Q has also confirmed that stores are open with strict social distancing measures in force. The store is also running home delivery services but click and collect is currently limited with only select stores taking part.
The only catch is that delivery or click and collect services are not available for every item or store. To check if you're eligible for either you should enter your postcode on either the Homebase or B&Q website.
We've rounded up some offers currently taking place in both stores on BBQs as the weather picks up ahead of May bank holiday weekend.
(Image: Homebase)
This Texas Oil Drum Charcoal BBQ is on offer for £48 at Homebase. It's currently not available for delivery and can only be bought in store, so you would need to check your local Homebase to purchase this BBQ.
(Image: Homebase)
An Outback Excel 2 Burner Gas BBQ is also on offer but it's in a little higher price range at £128. This one is available to purchase in store as well as delivery, with the delivery cost at £6.
(Image: B&Q)
This Blooma Rockwell Black Charcoal Barbecue from B&Q is one of the cheapest and highest rated BBQs from the store. It's priced at £90 and is available for click and collect at selected stores as well as home delivery.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-07--Swansea's Joe Rodon stance on Man United and Man City interest

Swansea City and Joe Rodon are bracing themselves for transfer approaches this summer , with Manchester United and Man City among the clubs expected to register an interest .
MEN Sport understands Swansea could be willing to sell the centre-back for around £20million this summer .
Rodon is open to a move .
The 22-year-old has been a sensation at the Liberty Stadium since breaking into the first team at the start of the 2018/19 season , coming through the same youth team as Daniel James , who signed for United last summer .
In that time Rodon has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales team and sources have told the MEN that the Swans expect major Premier League interest in his services in the upcoming transfer window .
United are not prioritising a move for a centre-back this summer amid spurious links with players like Napoli 's Kalidou Koulibaly and Mohamed Salisu of Real Valladolid .
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could sanction the sales of three defenders in Marcos Rojo , Phil Jones and Chris Smalling .
A swoop for Rodon from the Old Trafford club can not be ruled out , therefore , with senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be among the bidders .
Pep Guardiola 's side did n't sign a centre-back last summer after the departure of club legend and former captain Vincent Kompany .
That and injuries to John Stones and Aymeric Laporte left midfielder Fernandinho playing in the back four .
City are expected to go after a centre-back and were first linked with Rodon more than a year ago .
The Welshman is thought to be excited at the prospect of joining a big Premier League club , with the division suiting his composed and aesthetic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the eye in south Wales .
Rodon is close friends with United winger James - with whom he still plays alongside at international level - and wants to test himself in the English top flight .
Whether the ongoing coronavirus situation plays a part in limiting United and City 's transfer plans this summer remains to be seen , though the financial impact could stop them paying huge fees .
Rodon at £20million or slightly less would be seen as a more doable deal .

Swansea City and Joe Rodon are bracing themselves for transfer approaches this summer, with Manchester United and Manchester City among the clubs expected to register an interest.
MEN Sport understands Swansea could be willing to sell the centre-back for around £20million this summer. Rodon is open to a move.
The 22-year-old has been a sensation at the Liberty Stadium since breaking into the first team at the start of the 2018/19 season, coming through the same youth team as Daniel James, who signed for United last summer. In that time Rodon has also become a regular in Ryan Giggs' Wales team and sources have told the MEN that the Swans expect major Premier League interest in his services in the upcoming transfer window.
United are not prioritising a move for a centre-back this summer amid spurious links with players like Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly and Mohamed Salisu of Real Valladolid. But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could sanction the sales of three defenders in Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. A swoop for Rodon from the Old Trafford club cannot be ruled out, therefore, with senior Swansea sources expecting both United and City to be among the bidders.
Pep Guardiola's side didn't sign a centre-back last summer after the departure of club legend and former captain Vincent Kompany. That and injuries to John Stones and Aymeric Laporte left midfielder Fernandinho playing in the back four. City are expected to go after a centre-back and were first linked with Rodon more than a year ago.
The Welshman is thought to be excited at the prospect of joining a big Premier League club, with the division suiting his composed and aesthetic brand of defending, which has caught the eye in south Wales.
Rodon is close friends with United winger James - with whom he still plays alongside at international level - and wants to test himself in the English top flight.
Whether the ongoing coronavirus situation plays a part in limiting United and City's transfer plans this summer remains to be seen, though the financial impact could stop them paying huge fees. Rodon at £20million or slightly less would be seen as a more doable deal.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-07--Man City striker Sergio Aguero's unlikely new role as an F1 driver

These are truly confusing times we live in , with the UK still currently under lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
With Premier League clubs not yet cleared to return to full training , the players have to do something with their free time , and Sergio Aguero looks to have done just that .
The Manchester City striker will be taking part in the Formula 1 Esports Virtual Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon .
The Argentine attacker will be representing Aston Martin Red Bull Racing , with his teammate being actual Red Bull F1 driver Alex Albon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Esports Virtual Grand Prix in Brazil .
Aguero is one of three professional footballers who are due to take part in the virtual race on Sunday , with Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo driving for the Haas F1 Team and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois driving for Alfa Romeo , in what is the Belgian 's second appearance in the F1 Esports Virtual GP series .
Professional golfer Ian Poulter is also taking part , driving for Renault F1 .
Albon is n't the only current F1 driver to be taking part this weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Alfa Romeo 's Antonio Giovinazzi , Williams pair George Russell and Nicholas Latifi , McLaren driver Lando Norris and Ferrari 's Charles Leclerc .
Norris ' McLaren teammate is also yet to be confirmed , so we could see another big name joining the roster ahead of this weekend .
Red Bull posted on Twitter : `` We 've netted another huge name for this Sunday 's Virtual GP thanks to Puma ... Manchester City goal scoring machine Sergio Aguero is ready to race ! ''
Speaking to the Red Bull Racing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't wait to take part as he 's a massive fan of Formula 1 .
`` Motorsport is a great passion of mine so to be given the opportunity to take part in the Virtual Spanish GP is very exciting for me , '' said Aguero .
`` With PUMA I have travelled to watch F1 races and test myself at track days , which have been exhilarating experiences .
But this takes it to the next level and gives me the opportunity to race and compete against real F1 drivers – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The City striker is no stranger to online gaming and has been streaming himself playing FIFA 20 in recent weeks , he was even given a maximum 99-rated Pro Player version of himself on FIFA 20 Ultimate Team by EA SPORTS , which you only get if you 're a regular player of the game .
You can watch Aguero driving in the Formula 1 Esports Virtual Spanish Grand Prix live from 6pm on Sunday May 10 , live on Sky Sports F1 .
Football fans will be hoping that Aguero is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the return of the Premier League looking likely within the next month or so .
The German Bundesliga has already been given the green light to return in the second half of May , with fixtures looking likely towards the end of the month .
There are still a number of hurdles for the English league to clear before play can be resumed , however , with key issues such as neutral venues , testing and protocols to be decided upon .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Joe Doyle, Nathan Bliss)

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These are truly confusing times we live in, with the UK still currently under lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With Premier League clubs not yet cleared to return to full training, the players have to do something with their free time, and Sergio Aguero looks to have done just that.
The Manchester City striker will be taking part in the Formula 1 Esports Virtual Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon.
The Argentine attacker will be representing Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, with his teammate being actual Red Bull F1 driver Alex Albon, who won last week's F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix in Brazil.
Aguero is one of three professional footballers who are due to take part in the virtual race on Sunday, with Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo driving for the Haas F1 Team and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois driving for Alfa Romeo, in what is the Belgian's second appearance in the F1 Esports Virtual GP series. Professional golfer Ian Poulter is also taking part, driving for Renault F1.
Albon isn't the only current F1 driver to be taking part this weekend though, with the Thai driver joined by Alfa Romeo's Antonio Giovinazzi, Williams pair George Russell and Nicholas Latifi, McLaren driver Lando Norris and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Norris' McLaren teammate is also yet to be confirmed, so we could see another big name joining the roster ahead of this weekend.
Red Bull posted on Twitter: "We've netted another huge name for this Sunday's Virtual GP thanks to Puma... Manchester City goal scoring machine Sergio Aguero is ready to race!"
Speaking to the Red Bull Racing official website, Aguero revealed that he can't wait to take part as he's a massive fan of Formula 1.
"Motorsport is a great passion of mine so to be given the opportunity to take part in the Virtual Spanish GP is very exciting for me," said Aguero.
"With PUMA I have travelled to watch F1 races and test myself at track days, which have been exhilarating experiences. But this takes it to the next level and gives me the opportunity to race and compete against real F1 drivers – I can’t wait!”
The City striker is no stranger to online gaming and has been streaming himself playing FIFA 20 in recent weeks, he was even given a maximum 99-rated Pro Player version of himself on FIFA 20 Ultimate Team by EA SPORTS, which you only get if you're a regular player of the game.
You can watch Aguero driving in the Formula 1 Esports Virtual Spanish Grand Prix live from 6pm on Sunday May 10, live on Sky Sports F1.
Football fans will be hoping that Aguero is not loaned to Formula 1 for too long, with the return of the Premier League looking likely within the next month or so.
The German Bundesliga has already been given the green light to return in the second half of May, with fixtures looking likely towards the end of the month.
There are still a number of hurdles for the English league to clear before play can be resumed, however, with key issues such as neutral venues, testing and protocols to be decided upon.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-07--Boris Johnson's 'five-stage plan to lift UK lockdown starting on Monday'

The UK is eagerly anticipating the news of Boris Johnson 's plan on the current lockdown restrictions .
The country is nearing the end of its sixth week under the strict measures which were announced by the Prime Minister on March 23 .
Initially lasting three weeks , the lockdown was extended again for another three week period in April - taking us up to around today 's date ( May 7 ) when another review is expected .
But Mr Johnson gave the country a glimmer of hope last week when he announced that he would detail the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week .
The current announcement is set for Sunday although no specific time has been given .
A 50-page draft document has reportedly been drawn up which shows the staggered plan to ease restrictions across starting on Monday .
The plan has been broken into five stages and will take six months - with pauses to test how each measure impacts the spread of the virus .
One of the first steps is expected to be seeing the government 's 'stay home ' message scrapped .
Most of the current measures are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bid to suppress the spread of coronavirus until a vaccine or cure can be found .
If numbers rise sharply , measures could be reimposed in a bid to stop a deadly second wave of Covid-19 , reports The Mirror .
But some reports suggest limited changes could include unlimited exercise , the return of some sports , park picnics , and the opening of pub and cafe gardens .
This , however , does n't mean the end of the two-metre social-distancing rule as this is something people would still be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The reported five-stage plan is as follows : Unlimited exercise allowed .
Employees to be encouraged to return to workplaces that have stayed open throughout the lockdown if safe .
Garden centres could reopen while there may be more guidance on the use of outdoor spaces including open-air markets , high streets and cemeteries .
Phased return of primary schools in England , starting with Year 6 .
Households could be allowed to expand “ social bubble ” to meet one other household of family or friends .
Phased return of secondary schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Small team sports such as five-a-side football could be allowed , along with outdoor gatherings of fewer than 30 people .
Cafes with outdoor seating could reopen while outdoor sports like golf , tennis and angling might resume .
Possible return of Premier League matches , although behind closed doors .
Pubs , bars and restaurants could gradually reopen although customers would be expected to follow strict social distancing rules .
Possible return of football fans to matches .
Gyms could be allowed to re-open .

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The UK is eagerly anticipating the news of Boris Johnson's plan on the current lockdown restrictions.
The country is nearing the end of its sixth week under the strict measures which were announced by the Prime Minister on March 23.
Initially lasting three weeks, the lockdown was extended again for another three week period in April - taking us up to around today's date (May 7) when another review is expected.
But Mr Johnson gave the country a glimmer of hope last week when he announced that he would detail the UK's 'road map' out of lockdown this week.
The current announcement is set for Sunday although no specific time has been given.
(Image: PA)
A 50-page draft document has reportedly been drawn up which shows the staggered plan to ease restrictions across starting on Monday.
The plan has been broken into five stages and will take six months - with pauses to test how each measure impacts the spread of the virus.
One of the first steps is expected to be seeing the government's 'stay home' message scrapped.
Most of the current measures are expected to continue, however, in a bid to suppress the spread of coronavirus until a vaccine or cure can be found.
If numbers rise sharply, measures could be reimposed in a bid to stop a deadly second wave of Covid-19, reports The Mirror.
But some reports suggest limited changes could include unlimited exercise, the return of some sports, park picnics, and the opening of pub and cafe gardens.
This, however, doesn't mean the end of the two-metre social-distancing rule as this is something people would still be required to observe for some time.
The reported five-stage plan is as follows:
1. From Monday
Unlimited exercise allowed. Employees to be encouraged to return to workplaces that have stayed open throughout the lockdown if safe. Garden centres could reopen while there may be more guidance on the use of outdoor spaces including open-air markets, high streets and cemeteries.
2. End of May/Start of June
Phased return of primary schools in England, starting with Year 6. Households could be allowed to expand “social bubble” to meet one other household of family or friends.
3. June (End)
Phased return of secondary schools in England before the summer holidays. Small team sports such as five-a-side football could be allowed, along with outdoor gatherings of fewer than 30 people.
Cafes with outdoor seating could reopen while outdoor sports like golf, tennis and angling might resume. Possible return of Premier League matches, although behind closed doors.
4. End of August/Start of September
Pubs, bars and restaurants could gradually reopen although customers would be expected to follow strict social distancing rules.
5. October
Possible return of football fans to matches. Gyms could be allowed to re-open.