themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-11--The trusted accountant who 'pillaged' more than £17,000 from primary school PTA's bank accounts

An accountant who 'pillaged ' thousands of pounds from a primary school 's PTA association .
Lee Williams , 44 , was entrusted with the finances of Buckton Vale Primary School 's parent teacher association , in his volunteer role as treasurer of the organisation .
But in what a judge has described as a 'disgraceful ' act , he 'pillaged ' more than £17,000 of cash from its bank accounts .
On Friday , Minshull Street Crown Court heard the loss of the money - which had been raised to help the Stalybridge school pay for school trips and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the school community .
Sarah Johnston , for the prosecution , told the court the theft came to light after other members of the PTA asked to see bank statements .
The accounts should have contained more than £14,000 , but after contacting Nat West and Yorkshire Banks , they discovered the balance was only £57 .
Williams claimed he was holding the money in a different account , and even presented the chair of the PTA with a fake statement , which purported to show the full amount .
In reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Police became involved when Williams failed in his promise to put the money back in the PTA accounts .
He admitted one count of fraud at Manchester Magistrates ' Court .
Ms Johnston said : `` The effects are far reaching - for the children , teachers and parents - because of the added pressure on them . ''
She added that other members of the PTA had wanted to resign from their posts because they felt Williams ' dishonest actions had unfairly 'tarnished ' the entire organisation .
In Williams ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been paid back in full this week , and the defendant had struggled with CCJs , gambling debts and the loss of his home in around 2013 .
Suspending a 12-month prison sentence for 18 months , Judge Paul Lawton said the only reason Williams was not being immediately jailed is because he has repaid the money .
Judge Lawton said : `` Lee Williams , you are here because of a quite disgraceful act of fraud on the PTA .
`` They placed their complete trust in you with their finances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Anyone knowing that would have felt that they could place their trust in you .
`` You completely breached that trust , pillaging £17,000 from that account , with ramifications well beyond your appearance at this court .
`` Those who are involved with this association may well feel , unfairly , tarnished by your actions '' .
Williams , of Mansfield Road , Mossley , was also sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid work .
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the MyTameside newsletter here to keep abreast of what's happening in your neighbourhood
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the MyTameside newsletter here to keep abreast of what's happening in your neighbourhood
An accountant 'pillaged' thousands of pounds from a primary school's PTA association.
Lee Williams, 44, was entrusted with the finances of Buckton Vale Primary School's parent teacher association, in his volunteer role as treasurer of the organisation.
But in what a judge has described as a 'disgraceful' act, he 'pillaged' more than £17,000 of cash from its bank accounts.
On Friday, Minshull Street Crown Court heard the loss of the money - which had been raised to help the Stalybridge school pay for school trips and events - has had a significant effect on the school community.
Sarah Johnston, for the prosecution, told the court the theft came to light after other members of the PTA asked to see bank statements.
The accounts should have contained more than £14,000, but after contacting Nat West and Yorkshire Banks, they discovered the balance was only £57.
Williams claimed he was holding the money in a different account, and even presented the chair of the PTA with a fake statement, which purported to show the full amount.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
In reality, the money had already been spent.
Police became involved when Williams failed in his promise to put the money back in the PTA accounts.
He admitted one count of fraud at Manchester Magistrates' Court.
Ms Johnston said: "The effects are far reaching - for the children, teachers and parents - because of the added pressure on them."
She added that other members of the PTA had wanted to resign from their posts because they felt Williams' dishonest actions had unfairly 'tarnished' the entire organisation.
In Williams' defence, the court heard the money had been paid back in full this week, and the defendant had struggled with CCJs, gambling debts and the loss of his home in around 2013.
Suspending a 12-month prison sentence for 18 months, Judge Paul Lawton said the only reason Williams was not being immediately jailed is because he has repaid the money.
(Image: EG13)
Judge Lawton said: "Lee Williams, you are here because of a quite disgraceful act of fraud on the PTA.
"They placed their complete trust in you with their finances because you are a qualified accountant.
"Anyone knowing that would have felt that they could place their trust in you.
"You completely breached that trust, pillaging £17,000 from that account, with ramifications well beyond your appearance at this court.
"Those who are involved with this association may well feel, unfairly, tarnished by your actions".
Williams, of Mansfield Road, Mossley, was also sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid work.
After the case, Buckton Vale headteacher Deborah Brown said: “As soon as irregularities in our PTA’s accounts were identified, we took swift and appropriate action to ensure it was properly investigated.
"The defendant no longer has any association with our PTA.
"It’s been a difficult time for the school and we have supported those affected by this case throughout.
"We’d like to reassure parents and staff that the PTA continues to work hard for the benefit of pupils and the school community.”
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-11--Holly Willoughby fans think she's pregnant thanks to her latest Instagram post

There is no shadow of a doubt that , when it comes to celebrity mums , Holly Willoughby is up there with the best of them .
The nation 's sweetheart already has three children with husband Dan Baldwin ( Harry ( 10 ) , Belle ( 8 ) and Chester ( 5 ) ) , and now it looks like the couple could be expecting their fourth - or at least that 's what fans think .
Speculation began when Holly shared some beautiful black and white photos of herself from an upcoming project .
True to form , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But it was n't the photos themselves which got tongues wagging , it 's what Holly wrote underneath .
She captioned the photo set : `` Have a little news coming soon… and it ’ s the stuff of dreams . ''
Hm , very cryptic , Hols .
After spotting the post , fans were quick to comment , with many convinced they can hear the patter of tiny feet on the horizon .
Writing under the image , one Instagram user said : `` Do I detect the patter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guess anyway .
Whatever it is you deserve it . ''
`` A new baby on the way ?
? ''
asked somebody else .
However , not everybody is so convinced .
Some skeptics revealed they were n't expecting Holly announce anything of *actual* interest , with one Instagram user saying : `` Not another bedding range ... so many celebs have them . ''
`` Judging by the caption and photo shoot , probably promotion of a bedding range , '' slammed another .
Looks like we 'll just have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and for the latest news .
We are also on .
If you are on the go , the M.E.N .
app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live .
Available on iPhone and Android , the app can be tailor-made to bring you the latest on what matters to you .
Breaking news , the latest on your football club , the pick of the week ’ s events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you .
Our push notifications help highlight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Download it on iPhone and Android here .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
There is no shadow of a doubt that, when it comes to celebrity mums, Holly Willoughby is up there with the best of them.
The nation's sweetheart already has three children with husband Dan Baldwin (Harry (10), Belle (8) and Chester (5)), and now it looks like the couple could be expecting their fourth - or at least that's what fans think.
Speculation began when Holly shared some beautiful black and white photos of herself from an upcoming project.
True to form, the This Morning presenter looked effortlessly stunning.
But it wasn't the photos themselves which got tongues wagging, it's what Holly wrote underneath.
She captioned the photo set: "Have a little news coming soon… and it’s the stuff of dreams." Hm, very cryptic, Hols.
After spotting the post, fans were quick to comment, with many convinced they can hear the patter of tiny feet on the horizon.
Writing under the image, one Instagram user said: "Do I detect the patter of tiny feet coming? That's my guess anyway. Whatever it is you deserve it."
"A new baby on the way??" asked somebody else.
Somebody else wrote: "You're pregnant."
However, not everybody is so convinced. Some skeptics revealed they weren't expecting Holly announce anything of *actual* interest, with one Instagram user saying: "Not another bedding range...so many celebs have them."
"Judging by the caption and photo shoot, probably promotion of a bedding range," slammed another.
Looks like we'll just have to wait and see.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news. We are also on Instagram .
If you are on the go, the M.E.N. app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live. Available on iPhone and Android , the app can be tailor-made to bring you the latest on what matters to you.
Breaking news, the latest on your football club, the pick of the week’s events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you. Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-11--The January loan deal Manchester United must complete

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is wary about letting his young Manchester United players go out on loan , and after the injuries his side have been faced with this season you can see why .
`` There might be some loan moves because we do have some who would benefit from playing more , '' Solskjaer said about potential loan moves this month .
`` Then again , there are so many games…we ’ ve been quite good at juggling and there will always be injuries and we have to make sure we 're not left light .
`` I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too many and balance that .
We have some youngsters who we know in two years will be brilliant so we will make a decision that we believe will be right in January . ''
The difficult juggling act the United manager has to control is keeping players back in the unfortunate event of more injuries where he needs to call upon them against sending them out on loan to help them improve .
Some loan deals have already been agreed while there will no doubt be others in the pipeline before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month but some players need to make their own fortune and one of those is under-23s captain James Garner .
The midfielder has pushed his way into the first team set up making four appearances and his last involvement was against Colchester in the League Cup quarter finals .
Injury has meant that he has n't been involved since .
His stats have been impressive for the under-23s this season .
Six goals and an assist in eight appearances for the second string and it 's clear why there 's clamour from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regular in the first team .
But , he 's 18-years-old and has just a handful of senior appearances to his name .
Up until recently there 's still been a big debate over whether or not Marcus Rashford should have been sent on loan .
Instead he was catapulted into the first team and now Solskjaer is reaping the rewards of his best ever season .
Up until this point however that 's been a cloud of doubt which has hovered over the England international .
Just how good could he have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ football before he was required in the first team at Old Trafford ?
Garner is one of the brightest stars in Wood 's under-23 side .
He 's got leadership qualities , goal scoring ability and he has a maturity about his game that exceeds his 18-years .
In the EFL Trophy games earlier in the season which pitted United 's kids against the men of the football league Garner equipped himself well and did not look uncomfortable at that level .
With the lure of more first team appearances you can see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teenager to go knocking on the manager 's door asking for a loan move for the second half of the season .
But it 's that type of gutsy behaviour which could be exactly what the 18-year-old needs to take his game to the next level .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk ( Charlotte Duncker)

Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is wary about letting his young Manchester United players go out on loan, and after the injuries his side have been faced with this season you can see why.
"There might be some loan moves because we do have some who would benefit from playing more," Solskjaer said about potential loan moves this month. "Then again, there are so many games…we’ve been quite good at juggling and there will always be injuries and we have to make sure we're not left light.
"I’d rather have a player or two too many and balance that. We have some youngsters who we know in two years will be brilliant so we will make a decision that we believe will be right in January."
The difficult juggling act the United manager has to control is keeping players back in the unfortunate event of more injuries where he needs to call upon them against sending them out on loan to help them improve.
Some loan deals have already been agreed while there will no doubt be others in the pipeline before the window closes at the end of the month but some players need to make their own fortune and one of those is under-23s captain James Garner.
The midfielder has pushed his way into the first team set up making four appearances and his last involvement was against Colchester in the League Cup quarter finals. Injury has meant that he hasn't been involved since.
His stats have been impressive for the under-23s this season. Six goals and an assist in eight appearances for the second string and it's clear why there's clamour from the United fans to have him as a regular in the first team.
But, he's 18-years-old and has just a handful of senior appearances to his name. Up until recently there's still been a big debate over whether or not Marcus Rashford should have been sent on loan. Instead he was catapulted into the first team and now Solskjaer is reaping the rewards of his best ever season.
Up until this point however that's been a cloud of doubt which has hovered over the England international. Just how good could he have been if he'd experienced men's football before he was required in the first team at Old Trafford?
Garner is one of the brightest stars in Wood's under-23 side. He's got leadership qualities, goal scoring ability and he has a maturity about his game that exceeds his 18-years.
In the EFL Trophy games earlier in the season which pitted United's kids against the men of the football league Garner equipped himself well and did not look uncomfortable at that level.
With the lure of more first team appearances you can see why it would be hard for a teenager to go knocking on the manager's door asking for a loan move for the second half of the season. But it's that type of gutsy behaviour which could be exactly what the 18-year-old needs to take his game to the next level.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-11--Man City fans tell Pep Guardiola who should be Aymeric Laporte's first choice partner

Manchester City fans want to see Fernandinho strike up a partnership with Aymeric Laporte in central defence when the Frenchman returns from injury .
Laporte was injured in August and has been out of action since as City have struggled in defence this season .
Fernandinho was initially drafted in at the back , and has emerged as a fine defender and Pep Guardiola 's first choice in defence , despite his age .
Laporte finished last season as Guardiola 's preferred central defender alongside the now-departed Vincent Kompany , and his return will be a boost for City .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ comeback timeframe as he has been part of training this week .
`` He ’ s training every day , he feels no pain and after training he feels good , [ but ] I don ’ t know when he ’ ll be ready to play some minutes , '' the City boss said .
`` I ’ m not the doctor , what I see on the pitch is he moves well , his movement , for four or five months , he ’ s not a small guy like [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but he moves really well and we ’ ll see what the doctor says about when he ’ s going to play . ''
When he does make his much-anticipated return to the City team , Guardiola must decide who to partner him with in defence .
And when MEN Sport asked fans who would be the first choice , over half ( 51 per cent ) chose Fernandinho .
31 per cent of the 1,357 votes were for John Stones , while 12 per cent offered a different view in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garcia , who has impressed whenever given the chance this season .
Just 6 per cent wanted to see Nicolas Otamendi partner Laporte .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
Manchester City fans want to see Fernandinho strike up a partnership with Aymeric Laporte in central defence when the Frenchman returns from injury.
Laporte was injured in August and has been out of action since as City have struggled in defence this season. Fernandinho was initially drafted in at the back, and has emerged as a fine defender and Pep Guardiola's first choice in defence, despite his age.
Laporte finished last season as Guardiola's preferred central defender alongside the now-departed Vincent Kompany, and his return will be a boost for City.
Guardiola offered an update on Laporte's comeback timeframe as he has been part of training this week.
"He’s training every day, he feels no pain and after training he feels good, [but] I don’t know when he’ll be ready to play some minutes," the City boss said.
"I’m not the doctor, what I see on the pitch is he moves well, his movement, for four or five months, he’s not a small guy like [Raheem] Sterling, who recovers quickly, but he moves really well and we’ll see what the doctor says about when he’s going to play."
When he does make his much-anticipated return to the City team, Guardiola must decide who to partner him with in defence.
And when MEN Sport asked fans who would be the first choice, over half (51 per cent) chose Fernandinho.
31 per cent of the 1,357 votes were for John Stones, while 12 per cent offered a different view in the comments. Those suggestions mostly concerned Eric Garcia, who has impressed whenever given the chance this season.
Just 6 per cent wanted to see Nicolas Otamendi partner Laporte.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-11--No school for little Rudi, kicked out for 'violent behaviour' aged just five

The week before Christmas , little Rudi Barnes was writing out cards for all his classmates .
But unlike the rest of his friends , he was n't able to hand them out because he 's not allowed in school .
His parents Claire Scaife and Carl Barnes took them in for him , but they fear Rudi is already being left behind .
`` He went to a friend 's birthday party and this kid said 'nobody remembers you in school ' , '' said Claire , 38 .
`` He got really upset , it 's heartbreaking .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the new school year , Rudi was permanently excluded from St Malachy 's RC Primary in Miles Platting aged just five .
He has n't had another day in school since .
Headteacher Mrs Janine Parker took the decision to exclude Rudi after an incident in which he kicked and punched teaching staff , tipped over chairs and a table , and pulled displays off a wall .
It was the culmination of a pattern of violent behaviour that began in nursery when he was just three-years-old .
While they understand why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his parents are distraught and believe more should have been done to keep him in school and get him the help he clearly needs .
The couple say they have no idea where Rudi 's behaviour comes from and that it does n't happen at home .
There were just 118 children permanently excluded aged five across the country in 2017-18 , according to the Department for Education .
In Manchester , only thirteen pupils in total were permanently excluded from state-funded primary schools .
The advice to headteachers is that it should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as the M.E.N has reported previously , soaring rates of exclusions has been a serious problem in Manchester schools in recent years .
A government review , led by former children 's minister Edward Timpson and published last year , pointed to an array of negative outcomes for children who are excluded including a reduced likelihood of achieving good GCSEs , a higher chance of ending up unemployed and a higher chance of being either the victim , or perpetrator of a crime .
In November 2019 , Manchester Council responded by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was designed to tackle exclusion rates .
But the sad story of how Rudi Barnes came to be kicked out of school at such a young age , and his parents ' ongoing battle to make sure he gets an education , highlights how this continues to be a challenging problem .
Many of those tasked with preventing exclusions , from school staff to mental health services , are struggling with a rapidly increasing workload and dwindling budgets after a decade of government funding cuts .
'They said they will take me to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permanent exclusion , Rudi still has n't had another day at school or been assessed by a mental health professional , despite being referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services ( CAMHS ) at least nine times , the M.E.N understands .
By law , the local authority must make arrangements for a child 's full time education from the sixth day of exclusion onwards .
Rudi has been offered alternative provision at Bridgelea , a Pupil Referral Unit ( PRU ) for permanently excluded children but it has left the parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a Bridgelea site in Gorton , near to their home in Miles Platting , but that closed in 2018 .
The main PRU site is in Withington , almost six miles away and several bus journeys away for Claire and Carl who do not have a car and are reliant on state benefits .
Carl , 40 , is a full-time carer to partner Claire who has diabetes , and is also responsible for getting Rudi 's nine-year-old brother and two-year-old sister to school every day .
The family borrowed a car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Bridgelea and after meeting the headteacher , they believe the school can provide the support he needs .
But the couple feel it is simply 'impossible ' for Carl to get the other children to school and also take Rudi to Bridgelea .
Carl and Claire were hoping Rudi could get funding from the council for transport from home to school but so far none has materialised .
Manchester Council says Rudi has been provided with a bus pass for free travel and ultimately , there is no excuse for him not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has now threatened to prosecute Carl and Claire for failing to send their child to school , although it has agreed to pause proceedings after the M.E.N requested a comment about the case .
If convicted , the couple face a fine or even a prison sentence .
`` They said they will take me to court , '' said Carl .
`` Fine , if that 's what it takes to explain it all , we will go to court . ''
'We 've been begging for help' It seems extreme that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a criminal court room .
Carl and Claire struggle to understand how it got to this point .
Speaking at the family 's neatly-kept home last week , the couple showed the M.E.N a pile of paper documents relating to Rudi 's problems at school .
It has already been a long and intimidating process .
Rudi 's violent behaviour began just months after he first started in nursery at St Malachy 's in September 2017 .
As might be expected of such a young child , many of the incidents were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him a pear , and he does n't like pears , '' said Carl .
`` So he threw it at the teacher and cut her lip .
`` He was excluded from reception for that . ''
Staff tried to handle Rudi 's outbursts by taking him out of the room , but by reception , his behaviour was escalating .
`` They said he was just getting more angry , '' said Carl '' They did get a psychologist in , a behaviour specialist .
`` But they only came one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The teacher told us they 're trained in holding techniques but they do n't like using it .
`` If they 'd have held him until he calmed down , then he gives hugs and kisses out to the teachers .
`` If they 'd held him , he would n't have got excluded , or he would have got the help earlier on . ''
In response to Claire and Carl 's claims , a spokesperson for the Diocese of Salford , the organisation that runs St Malchy 's said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment on the individual circumstances of any one pupil .
`` At St Malachy 's all decisions are taken in the best interest of our school community . ''
However , it is understood the school 's position is that only 'selected ' , more senior staff are trained in holding techniques and that other de-escalation techniques were used with Rudi following advice from an external behaviour consultant .
Often , Rudi does n't appear to even remember what has happened after a violent episode at school and will be hugging the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Claire and Carl describe their son as a 'loving ' little boy who likes giving out hugs so much he even embraces the staff at his local ASDA .
Rudi has both younger and older siblings and does n't seem to suffer the same rage blackouts with them or his parents .
`` I said to one of the teachers 'is it really that bad ? '
'' said Claire .
`` So she showed me a video of it on the iPad and I could n't believe it .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's not my son .
`` He was in a rage , his face looked different and everything I thought 'oh my god ' .
`` It 's like he sees red and does n't know what he 's doing , but I do n't know what triggers it off .
`` This is what we want to find out - we 've been begging for help . ''
Over the past eighteen months , Rudi 's parents , his GP and staff at St Malachy 's have all referred him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CAMHS ) on several occasions .
But CAMHS repeatedly refused to see Rudi on the basis he did not 'fit the criteria ' .
Carl and Claire say they were told in person they would have to wait until he was aged six before he would be seen .
That appears to be true as CAMHS offered an appointment three days after Rudi turned six in December .
But while they are happy to finally see a step forward , Carl and Claire fear it will still be a lengthy process before Rudi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they believe if Rudi had been seen earlier , he might not have ended up being permanently excluded in the first place .
`` He 's heartbroken he ca n't go to school , but it 's just 'hard luck , nobody 's going to even look at you yet ' , '' said Claire .
`` We should n't be in this predicament , it should all be in place before the child is permanently excluded .
`` He should have been sent to the PRU while he was at school .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ another one nearer us but there is n't one .
`` I went in [ to CAMHS ] crying saying 'please help me , what have I got to do ? '
, they said he 's got to be six . ''
Meanwhile , with Rudi now having been out of school for more than four months , the effects are starting to show .
His preference is to be at St Malachy 's and his absence is made all the more painful as he often accompanies his dad when dropping off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mum Claire says Rudi now often refuses to eat or hides food around the house at meal times .
`` The teacher hugged him the other day and said 'Rudi you 've lost weight ' , '' said Claire .
`` At dinner , he was crying , ' I 'm not eating it , I 'm not eating it ' .
`` He goes to pick his brother up and he 's crying saying 'why ca n't I go to school ? '
`` He 's only a baby - he does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He says ' I 'm missing my friends ' .
Claire and Carl are aware that some people might write them off as bad parents because of Rudi 's predicament .
But they say they could n't be trying any harder to do what 's best for him and get him back in school .
`` We just feel like we 're hitting our heads off a wall , '' said Claire .
`` The doctor said , 'you 've hit a brick wall , there 's no help out there for that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were those parents who do n't care if their kids go to school ?
`` Our kids do n't get a day off .
`` We make sure they get up in the morning , they 're not even late .
`` It seems like it 's all down to money though , nobody wants to help you , you get told 'phone this person , phone that person ' , we 've phoned that many people we 're going round in circles . ''
'No matter what age you are , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester Council funds 'home to school ' transport services via the Travel Co-Ordination Unit .
It is a complicated process that usually involves a child already having a statement of Special Educational Needs ( SEN ) or Education , Health and Care ( EHC ) plan .
Rudi has neither because he has yet to be assessed by a professional .
But even if he does get an SEN statement , his parents may struggle to get travel support getting him to school .
In its 2019-20 budget , the council said there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'relating to Special Education Needs and Disability ( SEND ) home to school transport , leaving care accommodation and adoption allowances .
As a result , the council intends to save £220,000 from its Travel Co-Ordination budget between 2018-20 .
However , the M.E.N understands efforts are now being made to try and resolve the situation with Rudi 's travel arrangements .
He is also due to have his first appointment with the CAMHS service in the next few days .
But Claire and Carl still have a long way to go with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiving the help he needs .
`` There must be other kids going through this , '' said Carl .
`` I think it should be highlighted that no matter what age you are , if you need help , you need help .
`` Not just my kids , all the other kids out there . ''
In 2018/19 , there were 89 permanent exclusions from Manchester schools , a decrease of 44 compared with the year before .
This included 77 in secondary school and 12 in primary .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still work to do .
As is the case nationally , a higher proportion of children excluded in Manchester were from vulnerable groups such as those eligible for free school meals or suffering Special Educational Needs and Disabilities ( SEND ) .
A council source said both the CAMHS service and the education service in Manchester more generally is 'under a lot of strain ' .
Manchester has experienced significant population growth in recent years , particularly in primary school age children , and finding places is a challenge .
Combined with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs in children , the system is struggling .
`` There has been a massive , massive increase in demand and there is n't the resources , or the personnel , to deal with it , '' the source added .
What the council say : Councillor Garry Bridges , Executive Member for Children and Schools , Manchester City Council , said : `` We never want to see any young person excluded - particularly one so young and coming so close to the start of the school year .
`` Where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make sure that another place is found quickly , and following the exclusion we offered the family a place for Rudi at Bridgelea Primary School where his social and emotional needs could be assessed alongside normal lessons .
`` I understand however that the family had concerns about getting their son to Bridglea and have not yet taken up the place up meaning that Rudi has not been in school since the start of the academic year .
`` An education caseworker was in contact with the family in September and staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to try to resolve any issues and get him into school , but this has been without success so far .
`` I 've now spoken directly to Rudi 's family myself this week to better understand their concerns and it 's very clear they want the same thing as us - for him to be in school .
`` I 've asked education staff to have another urgent look at things to make sure everything possible is being done to help support his parents to get Rudi into school , where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 've also asked them to put a temporary pause on any legal processes in relation to his non-attendance at school , whilst we do this . ''
A spokesperson for Royal Manchester Children ’ s Hospital ( RMCH ) , part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust , said : `` In line with clinical guidelines , Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services at RMCH provide a diagnostic assessment service to children over the age of six for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ) and Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` For children under this age , we have a dedicated Children and Parents Service which delivers effective interventions to preschool children and their families .
`` If a child is referred that does not meet clinical guidelines for our services , families are always signposted to the most appropriate and successful alternative intervention for their age and circumstances . ''
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
The week before Christmas, little Rudi Barnes was writing out cards for all his classmates.
But unlike the rest of his friends, he wasn't able to hand them out because he's not allowed in school.
His parents Claire Scaife and Carl Barnes took them in for him, but they fear Rudi is already being left behind.
"He went to a friend's birthday party and this kid said 'nobody remembers you in school'," said Claire, 38.
"He got really upset, it's heartbreaking."
Last September, just two days into the new school year, Rudi was permanently excluded from St Malachy's RC Primary in Miles Platting aged just five.
He hasn't had another day in school since.
Headteacher Mrs Janine Parker took the decision to exclude Rudi after an incident in which he kicked and punched teaching staff, tipped over chairs and a table, and pulled displays off a wall.
It was the culmination of a pattern of violent behaviour that began in nursery when he was just three-years-old.
While they understand why the school made the drastic decision, his parents are distraught and believe more should have been done to keep him in school and get him the help he clearly needs.
The couple say they have no idea where Rudi's behaviour comes from and that it doesn't happen at home.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Certainly, Rudi's exclusion is unusual.
There were just 118 children permanently excluded aged five across the country in 2017-18, according to the Department for Education.
In Manchester, only thirteen pupils in total were permanently excluded from state-funded primary schools.
The advice to headteachers is that it should be an absolute last resort.
However, as the M.E.N has reported previously , soaring rates of exclusions has been a serious problem in Manchester schools in recent years.
A government review, led by former children's minister Edward Timpson and published last year, pointed to an array of negative outcomes for children who are excluded including a reduced likelihood of achieving good GCSEs, a higher chance of ending up unemployed and a higher chance of being either the victim, or perpetrator of a crime.
In November 2019, Manchester Council responded by launching a new 'Inclusion Strategy' that was designed to tackle exclusion rates.
But the sad story of how Rudi Barnes came to be kicked out of school at such a young age, and his parents' ongoing battle to make sure he gets an education, highlights how this continues to be a challenging problem.
Many of those tasked with preventing exclusions, from school staff to mental health services, are struggling with a rapidly increasing workload and dwindling budgets after a decade of government funding cuts.
'They said they will take me to court - fine'
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Four months after his permanent exclusion, Rudi still hasn't had another day at school or been assessed by a mental health professional, despite being referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) at least nine times, the M.E.N understands.
By law, the local authority must make arrangements for a child's full time education from the sixth day of exclusion onwards.
Rudi has been offered alternative provision at Bridgelea, a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) for permanently excluded children but it has left the parents in a quandry.
There used to be a Bridgelea site in Gorton, near to their home in Miles Platting, but that closed in 2018.
The main PRU site is in Withington, almost six miles away and several bus journeys away for Claire and Carl who do not have a car and are reliant on state benefits.
Carl, 40, is a full-time carer to partner Claire who has diabetes, and is also responsible for getting Rudi's nine-year-old brother and two-year-old sister to school every day.
The family borrowed a car to take Rudi for a day visit to Bridgelea and after meeting the headteacher, they believe the school can provide the support he needs.
(Image: Google)
But the couple feel it is simply 'impossible' for Carl to get the other children to school and also take Rudi to Bridgelea.
Carl and Claire were hoping Rudi could get funding from the council for transport from home to school but so far none has materialised.
Manchester Council says Rudi has been provided with a bus pass for free travel and ultimately, there is no excuse for him not to be at Bridgelea.
The authority has now threatened to prosecute Carl and Claire for failing to send their child to school, although it has agreed to pause proceedings after the M.E.N requested a comment about the case.
If convicted, the couple face a fine or even a prison sentence.
"They said they will take me to court," said Carl.
"Fine, if that's what it takes to explain it all, we will go to court."
'We've been begging for help'
It seems extreme that Rudi's future should now be decided in a criminal court room.
Carl and Claire struggle to understand how it got to this point.
Speaking at the family's neatly-kept home last week, the couple showed the M.E.N a pile of paper documents relating to Rudi's problems at school.
It has already been a long and intimidating process.
Rudi's violent behaviour began just months after he first started in nursery at St Malachy's in September 2017.
As might be expected of such a young child, many of the incidents were petulant in nature.
"They offered him a pear, and he doesn't like pears," said Carl.
"So he threw it at the teacher and cut her lip.
"He was excluded from reception for that."
Staff tried to handle Rudi's outbursts by taking him out of the room, but by reception, his behaviour was escalating.
"They said he was just getting more angry," said Carl
"They did get a psychologist in, a behaviour specialist.
"But they only came one day and didn't see anything.
"The teacher told us they're trained in holding techniques but they don't like using it.
"If they'd have held him until he calmed down, then he gives hugs and kisses out to the teachers.
"If they'd held him, he wouldn't have got excluded, or he would have got the help earlier on."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
In response to Claire and Carl's claims, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Salford, the organisation that runs St Malchy's said: "It would not be appropriate to comment on the individual circumstances of any one pupil .
"At St Malachy's all decisions are taken in the best interest of our school community."
However, it is understood the school's position is that only 'selected', more senior staff are trained in holding techniques and that other de-escalation techniques were used with Rudi following advice from an external behaviour consultant.
Often, Rudi doesn't appear to even remember what has happened after a violent episode at school and will be hugging the same teachers he was hitting only minutes earlier.
Claire and Carl describe their son as a 'loving' little boy who likes giving out hugs so much he even embraces the staff at his local ASDA.
Rudi has both younger and older siblings and doesn't seem to suffer the same rage blackouts with them or his parents.
"I said to one of the teachers 'is it really that bad?'" said Claire.
"So she showed me a video of it on the iPad and I couldn't believe it.
"I thought 'is that really Rudi?' that's not my son.
"He was in a rage, his face looked different and everything I thought 'oh my god'.
"I was heartbroken.
"It's like he sees red and doesn't know what he's doing, but I don't know what triggers it off.
"This is what we want to find out - we've been begging for help."
'He doesn't fit the criteria'
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Over the past eighteen months, Rudi's parents, his GP and staff at St Malachy's have all referred him to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) on several occasions.
But CAMHS repeatedly refused to see Rudi on the basis he did not 'fit the criteria'.
Carl and Claire say they were told in person they would have to wait until he was aged six before he would be seen.
That appears to be true as CAMHS offered an appointment three days after Rudi turned six in December.
But while they are happy to finally see a step forward, Carl and Claire fear it will still be a lengthy process before Rudi gets the help he needs.
And they believe if Rudi had been seen earlier, he might not have ended up being permanently excluded in the first place.
"He's heartbroken he can't go to school, but it's just 'hard luck, nobody's going to even look at you yet'," said Claire.
"We shouldn't be in this predicament, it should all be in place before the child is permanently excluded.
"He should have been sent to the PRU while he was at school.
"We've looked into finding him another one nearer us but there isn't one.
"I went in [to CAMHS] crying saying 'please help me, what have I got to do?', they said he's got to be six."
Meanwhile, with Rudi now having been out of school for more than four months, the effects are starting to show.
His preference is to be at St Malachy's and his absence is made all the more painful as he often accompanies his dad when dropping off and picking up his older brother.
Mum Claire says Rudi now often refuses to eat or hides food around the house at meal times.
"The teacher hugged him the other day and said 'Rudi you've lost weight'," said Claire.
"It's shocking.
"At dinner, he was crying, 'I'm not eating it, I'm not eating it'.
"He goes to pick his brother up and he's crying saying 'why can't I go to school?'
"He's only a baby - he doesn't know what's happened.
"He says 'I'm missing my friends'.
"He's missing out on a lot."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Claire and Carl are aware that some people might write them off as bad parents because of Rudi's predicament.
But they say they couldn't be trying any harder to do what's best for him and get him back in school.
"We just feel like we're hitting our heads off a wall," said Claire.
"The doctor said, 'you've hit a brick wall, there's no help out there for that age group'.
"Imagine we were those parents who don't care if their kids go to school?
"Our kids don't get a day off.
"We make sure they get up in the morning, they're not even late.
"It seems like it's all down to money though, nobody wants to help you, you get told 'phone this person, phone that person', we've phoned that many people we're going round in circles."
'No matter what age you are, if you need help, you need help'
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Manchester Council funds 'home to school' transport services via the Travel Co-Ordination Unit.
It is a complicated process that usually involves a child already having a statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) or Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.
Rudi has neither because he has yet to be assessed by a professional.
But even if he does get an SEN statement, his parents may struggle to get travel support getting him to school.
In its 2019-20 budget, the council said there are 'existing budget pressures' totalling £1.187million 'relating to Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) home to school transport, leaving care accommodation and adoption allowances.
As a result, the council intends to save £220,000 from its Travel Co-Ordination budget between 2018-20.
However, the M.E.N understands efforts are now being made to try and resolve the situation with Rudi's travel arrangements.
He is also due to have his first appointment with the CAMHS service in the next few days.
But Claire and Carl still have a long way to go with getting Rudi back in full-time education and receiving the help he needs.
"There must be other kids going through this," said Carl.
"I think it should be highlighted that no matter what age you are, if you need help, you need help.
"Not just my kids, all the other kids out there."
In 2018/19, there were 89 permanent exclusions from Manchester schools, a decrease of 44 compared with the year before.
This included 77 in secondary school and 12 in primary.
But the details of Rudi's case suggests there is still work to do.
As is the case nationally, a higher proportion of children excluded in Manchester were from vulnerable groups such as those eligible for free school meals or suffering Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
A council source said both the CAMHS service and the education service in Manchester more generally is 'under a lot of strain'.
Manchester has experienced significant population growth in recent years, particularly in primary school age children, and finding places is a challenge.
Combined with a new emphasis on recognising mental health needs in children, the system is struggling.
"There has been a massive, massive increase in demand and there isn't the resources, or the personnel, to deal with it," the source added.
What the council say:
(Image: Manchester City Council)
Councillor Garry Bridges, Executive Member for Children and Schools, Manchester City Council, said: "We never want to see any young person excluded - particularly one so young and coming so close to the start of the school year.
"Where they do take place it's really important to make sure that another place is found quickly, and following the exclusion we offered the family a place for Rudi at Bridgelea Primary School where his social and emotional needs could be assessed alongside normal lessons.
"I understand however that the family had concerns about getting their son to Bridglea and have not yet taken up the place up meaning that Rudi has not been in school since the start of the academic year.
"An education caseworker was in contact with the family in September and staff also met with the family in December to try to resolve any issues and get him into school, but this has been without success so far.
"I've now spoken directly to Rudi's family myself this week to better understand their concerns and it's very clear they want the same thing as us - for him to be in school.
"I've asked education staff to have another urgent look at things to make sure everything possible is being done to help support his parents to get Rudi into school, where he should be, as soon as possible.
"I've also asked them to put a temporary pause on any legal processes in relation to his non-attendance at school, whilst we do this."
What CAMHS say:
A spokesperson for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH), part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, said: "In line with clinical guidelines, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services at RMCH provide a diagnostic assessment service to children over the age of six for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment for children over the age of five.
"For children under this age, we have a dedicated Children and Parents Service which delivers effective interventions to preschool children and their families.
"If a child is referred that does not meet clinical guidelines for our services, families are always signposted to the most appropriate and successful alternative intervention for their age and circumstances."
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here . And you can follow us on Facebook here .


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-11--How Manchester United should line up vs Norwich in Premier League fixture

Manchester United will be looking to bounce back when they face Norwich in the Premier League fixture on Saturday .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side tasted defeat against Man City in midweek and know an improvement will be needed when they face Daniel Farke 's side at Old Trafford this weekend .
United have won eight of their last 10 home league games against Norwich ( D1 L1 ) , though they did lose the last time they faced at Old Trafford ( 1-2 in December 2015 ) .
In terms of early team news , Paul Pogba , Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruled out through injury or illness but Harry Maguire could return following a recent absence .
Here is how our writers think United should line up .
It is just as well some of Solskjaer 's selections are decided for him .
Maguire has to come back in if he is fit enough and it is Juan Mata 's go as the playmaker .
Nemanja Matic was relatively respectable off the bench against City and is the obvious midfield anchor .
Daniel James need a rest .
His productivity has dipped since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a breather .
Mason Greenwood is the obvious option on the right and it is Mata 's turn at 10 .
Anthony Martial comes back in out of necessity .
Amid a packed fixture schedule , United are n't exactly spoilt for choice when it comes to facing Norwich this weekend .
Even if fit it does n't seem worth risking Maguire ahead of a big few weeks , as even Jones should be able to deal with this one .
Matic has been crucial for United in recent weeks and has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to suit Mata in the No.10 role with Lingard absent and Pereira worthy of a rest .
Greenwood should start against Wolves next week which means a return to the front three which absolutely blitzed Norwich the last time these two sides met in the Premier League .
Gomes and Chong should both be on the bench for this one but deserve starts against Wolves in the underwhelming FA Cup replay .
There are issues in defence and midfield for Solskjaer ahead of the Old Trafford clash with Norwich , but this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take care of pretty comfortablty .
Brandon Williams has done enough to keep his place at left-back and while Harry Maguire might be fit to return , he should be rested if possible and Phil Jones should keep his place .
He should be able to get through this one .
In midfield Fred and Nemanja Matic did enough in the second half on Tuesday to start this one together , but Solskjaer could take a gamble in the more advanced role .
Neither Jesse Lingard , Andreas Pereira or Juan Mata @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so there 's no harm in giving Daniel James a go in a game where United should dominate .
That would allow Mason Greenwood to come into the attack alongside Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford .
You can select your own United XI using the widget below .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Samuel Luckhurst, Richard Fay, Tyrone Marshall)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Manchester United will be looking to bounce back when they face Norwich in the Premier League fixture on Saturday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side tasted defeat against Man City in midweek and know an improvement will be needed when they face Daniel Farke's side at Old Trafford this weekend.
United have won eight of their last 10 home league games against Norwich (D1 L1), though they did lose the last time they faced at Old Trafford (1-2 in December 2015).
In terms of early team news, Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay and Jesse Lingard have all been ruled out through injury or illness but Harry Maguire could return following a recent absence.
Here is how our writers think United should line up.
Samuel Luckhurst
It is just as well some of Solskjaer's selections are decided for him. Maguire has to come back in if he is fit enough and it is Juan Mata's go as the playmaker. Nemanja Matic was relatively respectable off the bench against City and is the obvious midfield anchor.
Daniel James need a rest. His productivity has dipped since the turn of the year and he needs a breather. Mason Greenwood is the obvious option on the right and it is Mata's turn at 10. Anthony Martial comes back in out of necessity.
Rich Fay
Amid a packed fixture schedule, United aren't exactly spoilt for choice when it comes to facing Norwich this weekend. Even if fit it doesn't seem worth risking Maguire ahead of a big few weeks, as even Jones should be able to deal with this one.
Matic has been crucial for United in recent weeks and has to return and it could be a game to suit Mata in the No.10 role with Lingard absent and Pereira worthy of a rest.
Greenwood should start against Wolves next week which means a return to the front three which absolutely blitzed Norwich the last time these two sides met in the Premier League.
Gomes and Chong should both be on the bench for this one but deserve starts against Wolves in the underwhelming FA Cup replay.
Tyrone Marshall
There are issues in defence and midfield for Solskjaer ahead of the Old Trafford clash with Norwich, but this is still a fixture United should be able to take care of pretty comfortablty.
Brandon Williams has done enough to keep his place at left-back and while Harry Maguire might be fit to return, he should be rested if possible and Phil Jones should keep his place. He should be able to get through this one.
In midfield Fred and Nemanja Matic did enough in the second half on Tuesday to start this one together, but Solskjaer could take a gamble in the more advanced role. Neither Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira or Juan Mata have made that place their own, so there's no harm in giving Daniel James a go in a game where United should dominate.
That would allow Mason Greenwood to come into the attack alongside Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.
You can select your own United XI using the widget below.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-11--Pep Guardiola is getting ready to unleash Man City secret weapons vs Real Madrid

On Tuesday night Pep Guardiola showed he still has the mind of a tactical genius when it comes to devising plans to get the better of opponents .
His system of playing two false nines against Manchester United at Old Trafford put Manchester City on course for a third successive Carabao Cup final and in doing so his side delivered a performance that reminded everyone just how devastatingly brilliantly they can be on their day .
Unfortunately for the Blues there 's been too many off days this season , which is partly why they find themselves 14 points behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has deflected title race talk recently and he 's right to do so .
An unlikely City charge to get back into it is dependant on events at Anfield .
But what City can control is the competitions they remain in , such as the defences of their two domestic cups and an assault on Europe , where a first Champions League title is now the main target for 2020 .
While City will not take their eye off the ball in the league , primarily because they still have targets to achieve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reclaim second and making sure they can take advantage if Liverpool do a Devon Loch , there should be a ring circled around February 26 on the calendar .
That is the date of City 's Champions League last-16 first leg with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu .
On paper it 's a daunting draw for Pep Guardiola 's side , but it might also be just what they need .
The Blues have n't had a major test at this stage of the competition in the last two years and have ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Liverpool and Tottenham , who both used the momentum to propel themselves to the final .
So much of the Champions League 's knockout stages are about momentum .
Land a big win in the last-16 and it can be a catalyst for more , as Ajax proved last season with their own destruction of Real in Madrid .
To that end City need to be at their best come late February in Madrid .
To reach peak condition in form and fitness then a run of positive results domestically can help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Guardiola has turned to at times recently .
But Guardiola could also have two not-so-secret weapons to turn to in the Spanish capital .
Many of this season 's problems can be traced back to the serious knee injury suffered by Aymeric Laporte at the end of August and , to a lesser extent , to Leroy Sane 's similar injury in the Community Shield .
City have lost defensive resolve without Laporte while they 've also missed his ability to build attacks from the back and step forward with the ball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost a classic winger , capable of going round the outside of his man and stretching the play , making City even harder to defend against .
So the sight of both players returning to training at the start of 2020 is the perfect New Year 's tonic for Guardiola and City .
On Friday he stressed it would take it easy when it comes to integrating both Laporte and Sane back into the team .
`` I want all the players back for their specific qualities , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his left foot , playing the left side , how good he ’ s settled , of course it ’ s important for us .
`` You have to respect the process and when both are ready they ’ ll be in contention and [ we 'll be ] thinking about when to use them.
” Guardiola will let the doctors decide when that is , whatever his eyes are telling him on the training pitches .
He will resist the temptation to rush either back , but then there is n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that being necessary in the Premier League .
Instead he can ease his two missing men back into the side .
Get Laporte and Sane up to full match fitness in time for a night in the Bernabeu and it might just give City the extra edge they need to go deep into the Champions League .

On Tuesday night Pep Guardiola showed he still has the mind of a tactical genius when it comes to devising plans to get the better of opponents.
His system of playing two false nines against Manchester United at Old Trafford put Manchester City on course for a third successive Carabao Cup final and in doing so his side delivered a performance that reminded everyone just how devastatingly brilliantly they can be on their day.
Unfortunately for the Blues there's been too many off days this season, which is partly why they find themselves 14 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League.
Guardiola has deflected title race talk recently and he's right to do so. An unlikely City charge to get back into it is dependant on events at Anfield. But what City can control is the competitions they remain in, such as the defences of their two domestic cups and an assault on Europe, where a first Champions League title is now the main target for 2020.
While City will not take their eye off the ball in the league, primarily because they still have targets to achieve, such as overtaking Leicester City to reclaim second and making sure they can take advantage if Liverpool do a Devon Loch, there should be a ring circled around February 26 on the calendar.
That is the date of City's Champions League last-16 first leg with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. On paper it's a daunting draw for Pep Guardiola's side, but it might also be just what they need.
The Blues haven't had a major test at this stage of the competition in the last two years and have ended up going out in the quarter-finals, to Liverpool and Tottenham, who both used the momentum to propel themselves to the final.
So much of the Champions League's knockout stages are about momentum. Land a big win in the last-16 and it can be a catalyst for more, as Ajax proved last season with their own destruction of Real in Madrid.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
To that end City need to be at their best come late February in Madrid. To reach peak condition in form and fitness then a run of positive results domestically can help, improving understanding in the 3-4-3 formation that Guardiola has turned to at times recently.
But Guardiola could also have two not-so-secret weapons to turn to in the Spanish capital. Many of this season's problems can be traced back to the serious knee injury suffered by Aymeric Laporte at the end of August and, to a lesser extent, to Leroy Sane's similar injury in the Community Shield.
City have lost defensive resolve without Laporte while they've also missed his ability to build attacks from the back and step forward with the ball when required. In Sane they've lost a classic winger, capable of going round the outside of his man and stretching the play, making City even harder to defend against.
So the sight of both players returning to training at the start of 2020 is the perfect New Year's tonic for Guardiola and City. On Friday he stressed it would take it easy when it comes to integrating both Laporte and Sane back into the team.
"I want all the players back for their specific qualities," he said. "Leroy makes those incredible runs. Aymer for his left foot, playing the left side, how good he’s settled, of course it’s important for us.
"You have to respect the process and when both are ready they’ll be in contention and [we'll be] thinking about when to use them.”
Guardiola will let the doctors decide when that is, whatever his eyes are telling him on the training pitches. He will resist the temptation to rush either back, but then there isn't really a case to be made for that being necessary in the Premier League.
Instead he can ease his two missing men back into the side. Get Laporte and Sane up to full match fitness in time for a night in the Bernabeu and it might just give City the extra edge they need to go deep into the Champions League.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-11--Manchester United make promise to Daniel James

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United will try to rest Daniel James amid recent signs of fatigue .
James , 22 , scored three goals in his first four United appearances and his productivity has impressed in the first half of the campaign ; tallying six assists and claiming the club 's player of the month award for August .
In recent weeks , though , James has struggled to maintain his performance level and he was substituted in the last three matches against Manchester City , Arsenal and Wolves .
The Wales winger has also still not scored since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Solskjaer gave James a breather by leaving him on the bench for the Boxing Day visit of Newcastle United but he played 90 minutes two days later at Burnley , where James was fouled five times .
`` Dan 's been fantastic , '' Solskjaer said .
`` A revelation with his work-rate and his attitude .
And he is learning all the time .
`` But yes , he has played more than he thought .
More than we thought .
More than when we sat down and spoke .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be playing every game and he has more or less had to because he has done well .
`` But now there are fewer goals but I am very happy with him and we will try to protect and rest him when we can as well . ''
Solskjaer is not concerned by the prospect of club captain Ashley Young leaving this month .
Young , 34 , is understood to want to leave United before the winter window deadline of January 31 and , although he is not a first-teamer , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ashley is our captain , so I haven ’ t had to appoint any other captain , '' Solskjaer explained .
`` And Ashley has been a very good captain and we have got a leadership group , we have got experience there .
`` So I am not worried about that , no . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United will try to rest Daniel James amid recent signs of fatigue.
James, 22, scored three goals in his first four United appearances and his productivity has impressed in the first half of the campaign; tallying six assists and claiming the club's player of the month award for August.
In recent weeks, though, James has struggled to maintain his performance level and he was substituted in the last three matches against Manchester City, Arsenal and Wolves. The Wales winger has also still not scored since the draw with Southampton on August 31.
Solskjaer gave James a breather by leaving him on the bench for the Boxing Day visit of Newcastle United but he played 90 minutes two days later at Burnley, where James was fouled five times.
"Dan's been fantastic," Solskjaer said. "A revelation with his work-rate and his attitude. And he is learning all the time.
"But yes, he has played more than he thought. More than we thought. More than when we sat down and spoke. I wasn't telling him that he would be playing every game and he has more or less had to because he has done well.
"But now there are fewer goals but I am very happy with him and we will try to protect and rest him when we can as well."
Solskjaer is not concerned by the prospect of club captain Ashley Young leaving this month. Young, 34, is understood to want to leave United before the winter window deadline of January 31 and, although he is not a first-teamer, is recognised as the full-time skipper.
"Ashley is our captain, so I haven’t had to appoint any other captain," Solskjaer explained. "And Ashley has been a very good captain and we have got a leadership group, we have got experience there.
"So I am not worried about that, no."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-11--Pep Guardiola hopes Man City are developing their own Class of '92

Pep Guardiola is hoping that Manchester City ’ s young talents can all can come through as a Blue version of the Class of ‘ 92 .
And a manager who helped nurture a great Barcelona team which was based around home-grown talent thinks that the kind of passion shown by his youngsters in midweek could prove crucial .
City won 3-1 at Manchester United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final , with Stockport lad Phil Foden getting some more minutes under his belt .
But the fact that his fellow Stopfordian Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Cheshire lad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Old Trafford , cheering the team , also pleased the boss greatly .
All three are City fans as well as being exciting young prospects , and to have players whose hearts belongs at the club is invaluable .
Asked if this crop of players could form the nucleus of the City team in years to come , Guardiola said : “ I would like to answer by saying yes , but I really do n't know .
“ It is hard to say what young players will do in the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans .
“ When I saw the clip of them in the stand at Old Trafford , supporting us , it was good .
“ Phil came on at the end as well – and they are all mates .
But I do n't know what 's going to happen because it is about how they develop to be better players .
“ Hopefully they will do it because it is good when the players have a relationship like that with the club .
But they are young – and we have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where Xavi , Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique all progressed , and were all fans of the club , has also been made .
Guardiola said : “ With Busquets and Pedro we were together for a year , working in the second team .
So I knew them really well when I took over the first team .
“ Pique , when he came back from Man United to Barcelona , in the beginning he did n't play .
I saw him a little bit but older players like Puyol were better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pique showed he is one of the best central defenders of all time in world-wide football .
The other players I saw in training sessions .
“ I would like to help the young players here in the same way , but this is a club that is so demanding .
You have to win games .
“ Even when you win four titles here it is n't enough – and that is the truth .
We won four titles last season and it was n't enough because we did n't win the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reality – and the young players here have to compete against incredible central defenders and incredible midfielders .
“ It is a tough reality that exceptional players like Phil Foden do n't play the minutes they should because we have other incredible players .
“ Just look at the midfield we had at Old Trafford – and they all played so well .
That is the truth here but , at the end , it depends on what they do .
“ I have two eyes but Txiki ( Begiristain ) and my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when someone is really special and we think they can do it then they will have a chance.
” Guardiola hs come under repeated pressure to play Foden more often , but he has played more minutes than stars like Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva had at his age , while Aston Villa have been praised for the way they protected and nurtured the talent of Jack Grealish , who is likely to present City with their greatest threat on Sunday .
Said Guardiola : “ The situation with Phil is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grealish at Villa because of the guys in the same position as Phil and sometimes maybe it is the same with Jack Grealish .
“ Maybe the minutes he played were because three of four central defenders were injured .
Sometimes it happens in this situation .
“ The importance is the value of the credit and the way Phil has played has been incredible .
I think he has played well and enough minutes , but if we have many , many injuries in that position he will play more minutes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an incredible player but he still has things to improve .
Sometimes it takes time to understand exactly what he has to do .
`` Sometimes you have to be patient .
But when I say many times that David is going to leave this season we are not going to buy any player in his position because we have Phil .
“ Maybe this season Phil will have more minutes , or maybe less , I do n't know .
We trust Phil .
“ If with we did n't believe in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to replace David , but we have Phil .
“ He is the guy who is going to take his minutes or maybe he has to fight with Kevin , Gundo and Bernardo can play in that position .
So it 's the only way to maintain the level as high as possible .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Pep Guardiola is hoping that Manchester City’s young talents can all can come through as a Blue version of the Class of ‘92.
And a manager who helped nurture a great Barcelona team which was based around home-grown talent thinks that the kind of passion shown by his youngsters in midweek could prove crucial.
City won 3-1 at Manchester United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, with Stockport lad Phil Foden getting some more minutes under his belt.
But the fact that his fellow Stopfordian Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Cheshire lad Tommy Doyle were in the away end at Old Trafford, cheering the team, also pleased the boss greatly.
All three are City fans as well as being exciting young prospects, and to have players whose hearts belongs at the club is invaluable.
Asked if this crop of players could form the nucleus of the City team in years to come, Guardiola said: “I would like to answer by saying yes, but I really don't know.
“It is hard to say what young players will do in the future. But obviously they are Man City fans.
“When I saw the clip of them in the stand at Old Trafford, supporting us, it was good.
“Phil came on at the end as well – and they are all mates. But I don't know what's going to happen because it is about how they develop to be better players.
“Hopefully they will do it because it is good when the players have a relationship like that with the club. But they are young – and we have to wait.”
The parallel with Barcelona, where Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique all progressed, and were all fans of the club, has also been made.
Guardiola said: “With Busquets and Pedro we were together for a year, working in the second team. So I knew them really well when I took over the first team.
“Pique, when he came back from Man United to Barcelona, in the beginning he didn't play. I saw him a little bit but older players like Puyol were better prepared and it was only afterwards that Pique showed he is one of the best central defenders of all time in world-wide football. The other players I saw in training sessions.
“I would like to help the young players here in the same way, but this is a club that is so demanding. You have to win games.
“Even when you win four titles here it isn't enough – and that is the truth. We won four titles last season and it wasn't enough because we didn't win the Champions League.
“That is the reality – and the young players here have to compete against incredible central defenders and incredible midfielders.
“It is a tough reality that exceptional players like Phil Foden don't play the minutes they should because we have other incredible players.
“Just look at the midfield we had at Old Trafford – and they all played so well. That is the truth here but, at the end, it depends on what they do.
“I have two eyes but Txiki (Begiristain) and my coaches also watch all the players and when someone is really special and we think they can do it then they will have a chance.”
Guardiola hs come under repeated pressure to play Foden more often, but he has played more minutes than stars like Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva had at his age, while Aston Villa have been praised for the way they protected and nurtured the talent of Jack Grealish, who is likely to present City with their greatest threat on Sunday.
Said Guardiola: “The situation with Phil is that he has played more minutes than Jack Grealish at Villa because of the guys in the same position as Phil and sometimes maybe it is the same with Jack Grealish.
“Maybe the minutes he played were because three of four central defenders were injured. Sometimes it happens in this situation.
“The importance is the value of the credit and the way Phil has played has been incredible. I think he has played well and enough minutes, but if we have many, many injuries in that position he will play more minutes, we know that.
Follow chief City writer Stuart Brennan on social media To follow Stuart on Twitter, click here. Or to like his Facebook page and keep up to date with the latest breaking news, click here. Here's the link to the M.E.N's main Manchester City Facebook page where we share our latest Blues news.
“Phil is an incredible player but he still has things to improve. Sometimes it takes time to understand exactly what he has to do.
"Sometimes you have to be patient. But when I say many times that David is going to leave this season we are not going to buy any player in his position because we have Phil.
“Maybe this season Phil will have more minutes, or maybe less, I don't know. We trust Phil.
“If with we didn't believe in him we might go to the market to replace David, but we have Phil.
“He is the guy who is going to take his minutes or maybe he has to fight with Kevin, Gundo and Bernardo can play in that position. So it's the only way to maintain the level as high as possible.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-11--Pensioner taken to hospital after being hit by a car in Tameside

An elderly woman has been taken to hospital after being hit by a car in Tameside .
Emergency services were called to Stockport Road in Guide Bridge , Ashton-under-Lyne , at around 5.15pm on Saturday evening .
A spokesman for GMP confirmed that an 81-year-old woman had been involved in a collision with a car .
She was taken to hospital by ambulance crews .
Details of her injuries have not yet been released .
Stockport Road was closed for several hours while investigation work was carried out .
Photos from the scene show specialist officers examining and taking photographs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement : `` At around 5.15pm this evening ( Saturday ) we received reports of a road traffic collision involving a car and a pedestrian on Stockport Road in Ashton-under-Lyne .
`` Officers attended and an 81-year-old woman was taken to hospital with injuries .
`` A scene was in place but this has since been lifted and the road is now open .
Anyone with information relating to the collision is asked to contact GMP on 101 quoting log number 2138 of January 11 .
We have a dedicated Facebook page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events and community news in Tameside .
To keep up to date with all that is happening in the area , and to join in the discussion , follow the page here .
And you can also follow us on Twitter .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
An elderly woman has been taken to hospital after being hit by a car in Tameside .
Emergency services were called to Stockport Road in Guide Bridge, Ashton-under-Lyne , at around 5.15pm on Saturday evening.
A spokesman for GMP confirmed that an 81-year-old woman had been involved in a collision with a car.
She was taken to hospital by ambulance crews.
Details of her injuries have not yet been released.
Stockport Road was closed for several hours while investigation work was carried out.
(Image: ASP)
Photos from the scene show specialist officers examining and taking photographs of the street.
GMP said in a statement: "At around 5.15pm this evening (Saturday) we received reports of a road traffic collision involving a car and a pedestrian on Stockport Road in Ashton-under-Lyne.
"Officers attended and an 81-year-old woman was taken to hospital with injuries.
"A scene was in place but this has since been lifted and the road is now open.
"Enquiries are ongoing."
Anyone with information relating to the collision is asked to contact GMP on 101 quoting log number 2138 of January 11.
We have a dedicated Facebook page bringing you all the latest news, events and community news in Tameside.
To keep up to date with all that is happening in the area, and to join in the discussion, follow the page here .
And you can also follow us on Twitter .


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-11--The mum of 'Britain's worst rapist' is still struggling to believe her son committed his evil crimes

The mother of 'psychopath ' rapist Reynhard Sinaga has told how she still finds it hard to believe her son was capable of such evil crimes as he begins a life sentence behind bars .
Sinaga was convicted last week of raping 44 men , aged 17 to 36 , over a two-and-a-half year period .
Detectives however believe the true number of victims is closer to 200 , based on the hundreds of hours of video footage the Indonesia national took of the attacks .
A court heard how the 36-year-old would lure drunk men back to his apartment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drinks with GHB and raping them while they were unconscious .
The case exposed Sinaga as 'Britain 's worst rapist ' - something which the Sunday Times reports his family are still struggling to come to terms with .
Speaking to the newspaper his mother Normawati said : 'We are a good Christian family who do not believe in homosexuality .
He is my baby ' .
Normawati , from Depok , a city within the Jakarta metropolitan area of Indonesia , said she visited her son in Strangeways prison in June 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you keep those videos and pictures on your mobile phone ? ''
He told her that he 'liked to do it , ' adding : `` It was my documentary . ''
In the interview , the mum-of-four described her son as a 'gentle boy ' who 'loved to bury himself ' in a book and who had a privileged upbringing and attended church every Sunday .
Normawati said her son 'instantly fell in love ' with the UK after moving to Manchester in 2007 to study and refused repeated pleas by her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family business .
He told her he felt 'comfortable ' in Manchester , and continued to refuse even when his mother threatened to stop sending him money .
In 2017 , Normawati received a call from GMP to say her son had been arrested for a 'serious crime ' and was in the hospital .
`` I was terrified , '' she told The Sunday Times .
`` I thought he might have been robbed or had a fatal fight with a robber .
He is not the type of boy who likes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beaten by one of his teenage victims after they woke up to find him raping them .
His mother flew to be by his side in hospital .
She said she felt angry seeing him in that state and questioned whether his victim had made the whole thing up .
It was this incident that led to his arrest .
Even now , despite his convictions , Sinaga still denies any wrongdoing .
He claims that each of his victims was a willing participant in a sex game and that the people he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in fact ‘ bicurious ’ .
Sinaga claimed they had all pretended to be asleep as part of his sexual fantasy and agreed to be filmed .
On Monday , he was handed a life sentence , with a minimum of 30 years , at Manchester Crown Court .
If you have been affected by this case or believe that you may have been a victim of Reynhard Sinaga , then please contact police or specialist support agencies using the contact details below .
All reports made to police will be fully investigated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims .
Reports relating to Reyhard Sinaga can also be made online via the Major Incident Public Portal : https : //mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP19V24-PO2 If you wish to speak to police and make a report relating to Reynhard Sinaga , then please contact : 0800 092 0410 ( calls made from within the UK ) / 0207158 0124 ( international calls ) .
If you have been affected by this case and would like to seek support from specialist agencies , then please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made from within the UK ) / 0207158 0011 ( international calls ) .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
The mother of 'psychopath' rapist Reynhard Sinaga has told how she still finds it hard to believe her son was capable of such evil crimes as he begins a life sentence behind bars.
Sinaga was convicted last week of raping 44 men, aged 17 to 36, over a two-and-a-half year period.
Detectives however believe the true number of victims is closer to 200, based on the hundreds of hours of video footage the Indonesia national took of the attacks.
A court heard how the 36-year-old would lure drunk men back to his apartment in Manchester city centre before lacing their drinks with GHB and raping them while they were unconscious.
The case exposed Sinaga as 'Britain's worst rapist' - something which the Sunday Times reports his family are still struggling to come to terms with.
Speaking to the newspaper his mother Normawati said: 'We are a good Christian family who do not believe in homosexuality. He is my baby'.
(Image: MEN Media)
Normawati, from Depok, a city within the Jakarta metropolitan area of Indonesia, said she visited her son in Strangeways prison in June 2019 and asked him: "Why did you keep those videos and pictures on your mobile phone?"
He told her that he 'liked to do it,' adding: "It was my documentary."
In the interview, the mum-of-four described her son as a 'gentle boy' who 'loved to bury himself' in a book and who had a privileged upbringing and attended church every Sunday.
Normawati said her son 'instantly fell in love' with the UK after moving to Manchester in 2007 to study and refused repeated pleas by her to return home to help with the family business.
He told her he felt 'comfortable' in Manchester, and continued to refuse even when his mother threatened to stop sending him money.
In 2017, Normawati received a call from GMP to say her son had been arrested for a 'serious crime' and was in the hospital.
"I was terrified," she told The Sunday Times.
"I thought he might have been robbed or had a fatal fight with a robber. He is not the type of boy who likes to fight."
(Image: PA)
Sinaga had been beaten by one of his teenage victims after they woke up to find him raping them.
His mother flew to be by his side in hospital. She said she felt angry seeing him in that state and questioned whether his victim had made the whole thing up.
It was this incident that led to his arrest.
Even now, despite his convictions, Sinaga still denies any wrongdoing.
He claims that each of his victims was a willing participant in a sex game and that the people he drugged, raped and sexually assaulted were in fact ‘bicurious’.
Sinaga claimed they had all pretended to be asleep as part of his sexual fantasy and agreed to be filmed.
On Monday, he was handed a life sentence, with a minimum of 30 years, at Manchester Crown Court.
If you have been affected by this case or believe that you may have been a victim of Reynhard Sinaga, then please contact police or specialist support agencies using the contact details below.
All reports made to police will be fully investigated and Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.
Reports relating to Reyhard Sinaga can also be made online via the Major Incident Public Portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP19V24-PO2
Dedicated incident room contact details:
If you wish to speak to police and make a report relating to Reynhard Sinaga, then please contact: 0800 092 0410 (calls made from within the UK) / 0207158 0124 (international calls).
If you have been affected by this case and would like to seek support from specialist agencies, then please contact: 0800 056 0154 (calls made from within the UK) / 0207158 0011 (international calls).


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-11--Olly Murs in tears on The Voice over painful rift with his estranged twin brother

Singer Olly Murs broke down in tears on The Voice UK as he spoke about his estranged twin brother Ben .
Olly , a coach on the ITV singing show , was emotional after watching 16-year-old twins Katie and Aoife audition .
The 35-year-old hitmaker fell out with Ben when he was appearing on the singing contest The X Factor in 2009 and could n't make his wedding .
Confiding in his fellow judges about the painful rift he said : “ We haven ’ t spoken for 10 years .
We had a big argument .
“ I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t make his wedding because I was on the show .
It was a long story basically.
” And when asked by will.i.am where his brother lives he replied : “ I have no idea . ''
Olly fears that because of the row the next time he 'll see his twin might be under tragic cirumstances .
`` I feel like the next time I am going to see him is probably going to be at the worst place to see someone , '' he explained .
`` It will be someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t want that to be the case . ''
`` Yeah it 's a shame more so for my mum because you bring two people into the world and I do miss having my twin with me , '' he replied .
`` We had these two different personalities but we just had this bond as a twin .
`` It was something I was proud about and I still am .
It brings back memories when I see twins together.
” A tearful Olly was embraced by his fellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When we were kids we used to sing together all the time .
`` We could have been singers together . ''
`` Things happen but you will , you 'll get back together . ''
And Will also reassured him that they could rekindle their relationship .
`` I hope we can , '' he replied .
After Olly listened to the twins singing the Abba classic Chiquitita he raised his hand and proudly stated : `` I 'm a twin .
It 's a cool thing right ? ''
Olly came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Joe McElderry and has gone on to have a string of hits including Troublemaker and Wrapped Up .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
Singer Olly Murs broke down in tears on The Voice UK as he spoke about his estranged twin brother Ben.
Olly, a coach on the ITV singing show , was emotional after watching 16-year-old twins Katie and Aoife audition.
The 35-year-old hitmaker fell out with Ben when he was appearing on the singing contest The X Factor in 2009 and couldn't make his wedding.
Confiding in his fellow judges about the painful rift he said: “We haven’t spoken for 10 years. We had a big argument.
“I was on X Factor and I couldn’t make his wedding because I was on the show. It was a long story basically.”
(Image: The Voice/ITV)
And when asked by will.i.am where his brother lives he replied: “I have no idea."
Olly fears that because of the row the next time he'll see his twin might be under tragic cirumstances.
"I feel like the next time I am going to see him is probably going to be at the worst place to see someone," he explained.
"It will be someone that we lose in the family which I don’t want that to be the case."
(Image: The Voice/ITV)
"That's a shame," said Sir Tom Jones.
"Yeah it's a shame more so for my mum because you bring two people into the world and I do miss having my twin with me," he replied.
"We had these two different personalities but we just had this bond as a twin.
"It was something I was proud about and I still am. It brings back memories when I see twins together.”
A tearful Olly was embraced by his fellow judges and he told them: "When we were kids we used to sing together all the time.
(Image: The Voice/ITV)
"We could have been singers together."
"I understand what you're feeling," sympathised Sir Tom.
"Things happen but you will, you'll get back together."
And Will also reassured him that they could rekindle their relationship.
"I hope we can," he replied.
(Image: ITV)
After Olly listened to the twins singing the Abba classic Chiquitita he raised his hand and proudly stated: "I'm a twin. It's a cool thing right?"
Olly came in second place on the X Factor to Joe McElderry and has gone on to have a string of hits including Troublemaker and Wrapped Up.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news. We are also on Instagram.
If you are on the go, the M.E.N. app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live. Available on iPhone and Android, the app can be tailor-made to bring you the latest on what matters to you.
Breaking news, the latest on your football club, the pick of the week’s events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you. Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-11--The Voice fans are fuming after KFC cook from Middleton is rejected

It was a decision that did n't go down well with fans of The Voice .
Babalola Ehidiamen from Middleton put everything he had into a performance of Sam Cooke 's A Change Is Gon na Come but it was n't enough to get a chair turn from the coaches on the ITV singing show .
KFC cook Babalola may not have driven Meghan Trainor , Olly Murs , Sir Tom Jones and will.i.am to push their buzzers at the audition stage , but viewers were impressed .
`` Oh my gosh , he was incredible , '' said one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he not get a turn ? ''
asked another on Twitter .
`` Go on Lad from Midd on # TheVoice ca n't believe they did n't turn .
Middleton nar nar nar , '' commented another .
`` What ?
?
Why didn ’ t anyone turn for him ? ''
asked another .
Babalola , who lives with his girlfriend and their young son , has been a fan of The Voice for many years and felt that it was time to shine .
`` I just want to make my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After he left the stage the coaches continued talking about the talented 25-year-old .
`` He 's got something there , '' said Olly '' He had some range . ''
But Sir Tom commented : `` It did n't sound like a natural voice to me . ''
And he added : `` Something not quite there . ''
And will.i.am likened him to `` spaghetti with Ketchup not with tomato sauce . ''
Babalola is determined to make it following the rejection .
`` I 'll carry on working .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
To keep up with Rochdale news sign up to the MyRochdale newsletter here
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
To keep up with Rochdale news sign up to the MyRochdale newsletter here
It was a decision that didn't go down well with fans of The Voice.
Babalola Ehidiamen from Middleton put everything he had into a performance of Sam Cooke's A Change Is Gonna Come but it wasn't enough to get a chair turn from the coaches on the ITV singing show.
KFC cook Babalola may not have driven Meghan Trainor, Olly Murs, Sir Tom Jones and will.i.am to push their buzzers at the audition stage, but viewers were impressed.
"Oh my gosh, he was incredible," said one viewer.
"Um, why did he not get a turn?" asked another on Twitter.
(Image: ITV)
"Go on Lad from Midd on #TheVoice can't believe they didn't turn. Middleton nar nar nar," commented another.
"What?? Why didn’t anyone turn for him?" asked another.
Babalola, who lives with his girlfriend and their young son, has been a fan of The Voice for many years and felt that it was time to shine.
"I just want to make my son proud," he said.
(Image: ITV)
After he left the stage the coaches continued talking about the talented 25-year-old.
"He's got something there," said Olly
"He had some range."
But Sir Tom commented: "It didn't sound like a natural voice to me."
And he added: "Something not quite there."
(Image: ITV)
And will.i.am likened him to "spaghetti with Ketchup not with tomato sauce."
Babalola is determined to make it following the rejection.
"I'll carry on working. I don't give up," he said.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news. We are also on Instagram.
If you are on the go, the M.E.N. app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live. Available on iPhone and Android, the app can be tailor-made to bring you the latest on what matters to you.
Breaking news, the latest on your football club, the pick of the week’s events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you. Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first.