themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-17--Man Utd evening headlines: Fernandes admission, two set to leave

The remnants of the Louis van Gaal era are finally coming to an end .
The Dutch manager may have left Manchester United in 2016 but the decisions he made are still having an impact on the club today .
Academy graduates Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Demetri Mitchell are both expected to be released at the end of the season .
Borthwick-Jackson has endured a series of loan spells in the lower leagues , including with Wolves , Leeds United , Scunthorpe United , and Tranmere Rovers and is currently on loan at League Two ’ s Oldham United .
United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to exercise it .
He made 14 appearances under van Gaal and signed a four-year deal in 2016 .
Meanwhile , Mitchell made his debut in May 2017 and was included in Mourinho ’ s preseason squads in 2017 and 2018 .
He missed the 2019 preseason through injury , returned in September 2019 , and was hoping to recover his fitness with the under-23s .
He is yet to make an appearance .
Fernandes reveals trophy he wants most Bruno Fernandes has made his ambitions quite clear .
Arriving at Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start to life at Old Trafford , notching three goals and four assists across all competitions .
But now the former Sporting Lisbon midfielder has turned his attention to the future and towards what he wants to achieve with his new team .
And he is not being quiet about what he wants to achieve .
“ To be champion of a league , ” Fernandes said when asked by Record what his main ambition is while with United .
“ In this case , the Premier League .
It is certain that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portuguese national team ) , in the League of Nations .
But of course I would like to win the European or the World Cup.
” The entire football season is currently uncertain .
No one knows if or how the current campaign can be completed and in what manner that would look like .
This week , United great Gary Neville provided his opinion on the difficulties the Premier League , Football League and other governing bodies face , conceding that his confidence has dropped regarding the eventual completion of the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competitions being completed whether it be behind closed doors or in other circumstances , ” Neville told Sky Sports .
“ Having been part of the League Two owners ' discussions over the last few weeks , I have seen the challenges that the PFA [ Professional Footballers ’ Association ] have got with contracts , seen the issues of starting behind closed doors and then players get it again and have to go into quarantine again .
“ There are also fans who will try to get to Istanbul [ for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are that loyal they would probably try and get there somehow .
“ The reality is , I am a lot less confident of football finishing than I was five or six weeks ago , now that we are getting to the crooks and these types of decisions are having to be made.
” It remains to be seen if and when the league season resumes , but there are many challenges ahead for the sport ’ s governing bodies .
The Premier League are formulating various plans for the different outlooks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concluding the campaign behind closed doors to waiting until matches can be played in front of full stadiums , they are shuffling through various ideas .
On Friday morning , the league provided an update to the 20 clubs on a Zoom video call , explaining their thought process regarding the future of the campaign .
“ We are acutely aware of the distress COVID-19 is causing and our thoughts are with all those directly affected by the pandemic .
“ In common with other businesses and industries , the Premier League and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scenarios .
We are actively engaging with stakeholders , including broadcast partners , and our aim is to ensure we are in a position to resume playing when it is safe to do so and with the full support of the government .
“ The health and well-being of players , coaches , managers , club staff , and supporters are our priority and the league will only restart when medical guidance allows .
“ Today 's shareholders ' meeting provided an opportunity to discuss possible scheduling models .
It remains our objective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this stage , all dates are tentative while the impact of COVID-19 develops .
“ In response to the pandemic , the PL , our clubs and players have provided vital support for communities and the NHS and will continue to do so after matches recommence .
”

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Two United players set to leave
The remnants of the Louis van Gaal era are finally coming to an end. The Dutch manager may have left Manchester United in 2016 but the decisions he made are still having an impact on the club today.
Academy graduates Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Demetri Mitchell are both expected to be released at the end of the season.
Borthwick-Jackson has endured a series of loan spells in the lower leagues, including with Wolves, Leeds United, Scunthorpe United, and Tranmere Rovers and is currently on loan at League Two’s Oldham United. United have a year extension but are not expected to exercise it.
He made 14 appearances under van Gaal and signed a four-year deal in 2016.
Meanwhile, Mitchell made his debut in May 2017 and was included in Mourinho’s preseason squads in 2017 and 2018. He missed the 2019 preseason through injury, returned in September 2019, and was hoping to recover his fitness with the under-23s. He is yet to make an appearance.
Fernandes reveals trophy he wants most
Bruno Fernandes has made his ambitions quite clear. Arriving at Manchester United in January he made a terrific start to life at Old Trafford, notching three goals and four assists across all competitions.
But now the former Sporting Lisbon midfielder has turned his attention to the future and towards what he wants to achieve with his new team. And he is not being quiet about what he wants to achieve.
“To be champion of a league,” Fernandes said when asked by Record what his main ambition is while with United. “In this case, the Premier League. It is certain that I already won with the selection (Portuguese national team), in the League of Nations. But of course I would like to win the European or the World Cup.”
Neville makes season completion admission
The entire football season is currently uncertain. No one knows if or how the current campaign can be completed and in what manner that would look like.
This week, United great Gary Neville provided his opinion on the difficulties the Premier League, Football League and other governing bodies face, conceding that his confidence has dropped regarding the eventual completion of the season.
“I was confident about all competitions being completed whether it be behind closed doors or in other circumstances,” Neville told Sky Sports. “Having been part of the League Two owners' discussions over the last few weeks, I have seen the challenges that the PFA [Professional Footballers’ Association] have got with contracts, seen the issues of starting behind closed doors and then players get it again and have to go into quarantine again.
(Image: Sky Sports)
“There are also fans who will try to get to Istanbul [for the Champions League final], and fans are that loyal they would probably try and get there somehow.
“The reality is, I am a lot less confident of football finishing than I was five or six weeks ago, now that we are getting to the crooks and these types of decisions are having to be made.”
It remains to be seen if and when the league season resumes, but there are many challenges ahead for the sport’s governing bodies.
Premier League provide updated statement
The Premier League are formulating various plans for the different outlooks to the remainder of the season. From concluding the campaign behind closed doors to waiting until matches can be played in front of full stadiums, they are shuffling through various ideas.
On Friday morning, the league provided an update to the 20 clubs on a Zoom video call, explaining their thought process regarding the future of the campaign.
“We are acutely aware of the distress COVID-19 is causing and our thoughts are with all those directly affected by the pandemic.
“In common with other businesses and industries, the Premier League and our clubs are working through complex planning scenarios. We are actively engaging with stakeholders, including broadcast partners, and our aim is to ensure we are in a position to resume playing when it is safe to do so and with the full support of the government.
“The health and well-being of players, coaches, managers, club staff, and supporters are our priority and the league will only restart when medical guidance allows.
“Today's shareholders' meeting provided an opportunity to discuss possible scheduling models. It remains our objective to complete the 2019-20 season but at this stage, all dates are tentative while the impact of COVID-19 develops.
“In response to the pandemic, the PL, our clubs and players have provided vital support for communities and the NHS and will continue to do so after matches recommence.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-17--Man caught breaching lockdown three times in a matter of days

A man who has repeatedly ignored the coronavirus lockdown has been hauled in front of the courts for breaking the rules for a third time .
Mohamed Boshaala said he was planning on getting a train to London and flying out of the country when he was stopped by police officers at Salford Central Station yesterday ( Thursday ) .
It comes just two days after the 23-year-old was brought before Manchester Magistrates Court for loitering around a student block on Nobel Way and it is the third occasion on which officers have had to speak to him .
Boshaala @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told the court he lives with his parents and said he had been at the station as he was looking to buy a ticket .
But , he also claimed to have no money on him at the time and said that he had been waiting for someone else to book the journey for him .
He pleaded guilty to a charge of breaking the newly introduced laws and was handed a fine of £75 alongside a £34 victim surcharge .
However , as Boshaala made to leave the court he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given a stark warning .
`` Mr Boshaala , you 're 23 years old at what point are you going to grow up ? ''
the judge said .
`` Seriously , do you think this is helping anyone , you being at court every couple of days ?
It is not . ''
In his previous appearance at court , on Wednesday , Boshaala was fined £40 but this was deferred as he had already spent the night in the cells .
To keep up with the latest breaking news and information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for things to do while you are staying in , join our dedicated coronavirus Facebook group .

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A man who has repeatedly ignored the coronavirus lockdown has been hauled in front of the courts for breaking the rules for a third time.
Mohamed Boshaala said he was planning on getting a train to London and flying out of the country when he was stopped by police officers at Salford Central Station yesterday (Thursday).
It comes just two days after the 23-year-old was brought before Manchester Magistrates Court for loitering around a student block on Nobel Way and it is the third occasion on which officers have had to speak to him.
Boshaala, from Brideoak Street in Cheetham Hill, told the court he lives with his parents and said he had been at the station as he was looking to buy a ticket.
But, he also claimed to have no money on him at the time and said that he had been waiting for someone else to book the journey for him.
(Image: STEVE ALLEN)
He pleaded guilty to a charge of breaking the newly introduced laws and was handed a fine of £75 alongside a £34 victim surcharge.
However, as Boshaala made to leave the court he was addressed by District Judge Bernard Begley and given a stark warning.
"Mr Boshaala, you're 23 years old at what point are you going to grow up?" the judge said.
"Seriously, do you think this is helping anyone, you being at court every couple of days? It is not."
In his previous appearance at court, on Wednesday, Boshaala was fined £40 but this was deferred as he had already spent the night in the cells.
To keep up with the latest breaking news and information on Covid-19 and the lockdown, and for things to do while you are staying in, join our dedicated coronavirus Facebook group.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-17--The 'sorry tale' of the City fan wrongly kicked out of Wembley at FA Cup final

The Football Association has been criticised after the 'sorry tale ' of a Manchester City fan who was wrongly kicked out of Wembley Stadium during the 2019 FA Cup final .
The long-running saga , in which the innocent man was left 'under threat of prosecution for three months ' after a flare was let off at the game , was revealed in an official report by the Independent Football Ombudsman .
Wembley Stadium has introduced new policies as a result of the case , the report reveals , after admitting 'there were lessons to take from the incident ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family - some aged in their 70s - at the final when 26 minutes into the match , after City scored , a blue pyrotechnic was set off in the block they were sitting .
The resulting smoke 'badly affected ' his 72-year-old friend , who was sat next to him and suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .
At half-time the complainant , aged in his 40s , and a friend went to buy drinks , but the man stopped at a toilet first .
The report says he was 'surrounded by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accompany them ' .
`` They roughly escorted him past the concession counter , where his friend saw what was happening and followed .
The stadium staff took him to an area away from the public and accused him of being the perpetrator of the flare , '' added the report .
`` He protested his innocence and said that it was a case of mistaken identity , but his protest fell on deaf ears . ''
Police arrived and said stadium staff were reviewing CCTV .
He was told he would remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details the report , 20 minutes into the second half , he was thrown out despite no evidence supporting the allegation .
He returned to a hotel he was staying at - but was faced with 'hundreds of disappointed Watford fans leaving the match early ' who shouted abuse at him and hurled plastic bottles towards him .
`` The police told the complainant that , despite there being no evidence supporting the allegation against him , the stadium staff had decided that he was to be removed from the stadium , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that , despite their best efforts , they had been unable to locate the steward who had allegedly identified the complainant as the culprit .
The complainant said that the police were as dumbfounded by the situation as he was .
`` In fact it was admitted on the day that there was no real evidence , which led to the case being dropped , '' it went on .
His friends and family missed two of City 's goals , and the trophy presentation , after leaving their seats to look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report .
The office of the Independent Football Ombudsman was established by the FA , the Premier League and the English Football League .
It 's the final stage for the adjudication of complaints which have not been resolved within football 's complaints procedure .
In its conclusion , the IFO ruled : `` The IFO is persuaded that on the balance of probability the complainant was wrongly ejected .
`` He has endured a long period of distress during which the complaint was not well handled by the FA . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been named , lodged an official complaint with the FA on October 4 .
A month later , the FA 'accepted that there may have been a case of mistaken identity ' and offered him two free tickets for City 's next visit to Wembley , but the man said he could n't accept 'such a half-hearted gesture as redress ' as he had n't received an apology .
The FA went on to invite him and his family to this year 's FA Cup final as hospitality guests , but the man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have received a formal apology ' and had no desire to return to the stadium because ' a momentous occasion utterly ruined for all of them was a memory that could not be forgotten ' .
He subsequently asked the IFO to intervene .
The man said he 'had simply been an innocent bystander who had co-operated fully in an extremely poorly executed exercise by Wembley security staff ' .
Others in his party were aged 67 , 72 and 73 - and he supplied a 33-page dossier to support his experience .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it recommended he should be given a goodwill payment based on the monetary cost of the hospitality tickets , not less than £1,000 .
The report said : `` While the IFO can not be wholly certain , on the balance of probability it seems highly likely that the complainant was mis-identified and hence was unfairly ejected '' The IFO accepts that the goodwill offer is a substantial hospitality package , but confirms that it is the right of the complainant to reject it .
`` Given his appalling experience at the 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlay involved for the complainant if he was to take up the offer , it is understandable that he should have no desire to return to the stadium . ''
The ombudsman said it hoped a 'comparable monetary payment ' would be made if the offer was rejected , 'to draw this sorry tale ' to an end .
The FA said it could n't comment because the case was ongoing .

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The Football Association has been criticised after the 'sorry tale' of a Manchester City fan who was wrongly kicked out of Wembley Stadium during the 2019 FA Cup final.
The long-running saga, in which the innocent man was left 'under threat of prosecution for three months' after a flare was let off at the game, was revealed in an official report by the Independent Football Ombudsman.
Wembley Stadium has introduced new policies as a result of the case, the report reveals, after admitting 'there were lessons to take from the incident'.
The supporter was with friends and family - some aged in their 70s - at the final when 26 minutes into the match, after City scored, a blue pyrotechnic was set off in the block they were sitting. The resulting smoke 'badly affected' his 72-year-old friend, who was sat next to him and suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
At half-time the complainant, aged in his 40s, and a friend went to buy drinks, but the man stopped at a toilet first.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
The report says he was 'surrounded by six stadium staff who asked him to accompany them'.
"They roughly escorted him past the concession counter, where his friend saw what was happening and followed. The stadium staff took him to an area away from the public and accused him of being the perpetrator of the flare," added the report.
"He protested his innocence and said that it was a case of mistaken identity, but his protest fell on deaf ears."
Police arrived and said stadium staff were reviewing CCTV. He was told he would remain with security staff.
But then, details the report, 20 minutes into the second half, he was thrown out despite no evidence supporting the allegation.
He returned to a hotel he was staying at - but was faced with 'hundreds of disappointed Watford fans leaving the match early' who shouted abuse at him and hurled plastic bottles towards him.
City beat Watford 6-0.
(Image: Getty Images)
"The police told the complainant that, despite there being no evidence supporting the allegation against him, the stadium staff had decided that he was to be removed from the stadium," the report said.
"The police said that, despite their best efforts, they had been unable to locate the steward who had allegedly identified the complainant as the culprit. The complainant said that the police were as dumbfounded by the situation as he was.
"In fact it was admitted on the day that there was no real evidence, which led to the case being dropped," it went on.
His friends and family missed two of City's goals, and the trophy presentation, after leaving their seats to look for him, according to the published report.
The office of the Independent Football Ombudsman was established by the FA, the Premier League and the English Football League. It's the final stage for the adjudication of complaints which have not been resolved within football's complaints procedure.
(Image: Man City via Getty Images)
In its conclusion, the IFO ruled: "The IFO is persuaded that on the balance of probability the complainant was wrongly ejected.
"He has endured a long period of distress during which the complaint was not well handled by the FA."
The City fan complainant, who hasn't been named, lodged an official complaint with the FA on October 4.
Follow reporter Paul Britton on social media To follow Paul 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 Facebook page where we share our latest stories.
A month later, the FA 'accepted that there may have been a case of mistaken identity' and offered him two free tickets for City's next visit to Wembley, but the man said he couldn't accept 'such a half-hearted gesture as redress' as he hadn't received an apology.
The FA went on to invite him and his family to this year's FA Cup final as hospitality guests, but the man said he 'was still aggrieved not to have received a formal apology' and had no desire to return to the stadium because 'a momentous occasion utterly ruined for all of them was a memory that could not be forgotten'.
He subsequently asked the IFO to intervene.
(Image: PA)
The man said he 'had simply been an innocent bystander who had co-operated fully in an extremely poorly executed exercise by Wembley security staff'.
Others in his party were aged 67, 72 and 73 - and he supplied a 33-page dossier to support his experience.
The IFO, which investigated, said it recommended he should be given a goodwill payment based on the monetary cost of the hospitality tickets, not less than £1,000.
The report said: "While the IFO cannot be wholly certain, on the balance of probability it seems highly likely that the complainant was mis-identified and hence was unfairly ejected
"The IFO accepts that the goodwill offer is a substantial hospitality package, but confirms that it is the right of the complainant to reject it.
"Given his appalling experience at the 2019 FA Cup Final, and the substantial outlay involved for the complainant if he was to take up the offer, it is understandable that he should have no desire to return to the stadium."
The ombudsman said it hoped a 'comparable monetary payment' would be made if the offer was rejected, 'to draw this sorry tale' to an end.
The FA said it couldn't comment because the case was ongoing.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-17--The 10 players Man United broke the British transfer record to sign

With 20 league titles to their name , Manchester United are the most successful club in English football history .
It ’ s therefore no surprise that they ’ ve broken the British transfer record more times than any other side .
When foreign buyers are discounted and only British outfits are taken into account , United are responsible for paying a record fee on no fewer than 10 occasions - and we ’ ve recalled all those deals below .
United spent £115,000 to bring former Manchester City man Law back to the north west of England from Torino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 237 goals for United , more than anyone but Bobby Charlton and Wayne Rooney .
Hamburg had signed Kevin Keegan from Liverpool for £500,000 the previous year , but United ’ s signing of McQueen set a new record for a British buyer .
The ex-Leeds defender spent seven years at Old Trafford , where he won the FA Cup in 1982 .
United broke the record three years later when they acquired Robson from West Brom .
The midfielder proved to be a bargain at £1.5m , helping the club win two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Cup Winners ’ Cup .
Robson ’ s successor in the engine room , Keane was also a snip at £3.75m , even though that was a record purchase for a British club at the time .
The Irishman went on to win seven Premier League crowns , four FA Cups and the Champions League under Alex Ferguson ’ s stewardship .
Newcastle were competing with United towards the top of the Premier League table in January 1995 , so it came as a surprise when they sanctioned Cole ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The striker scored 121 goals in 275 games for the club and was a key part of the Treble-winning side in 1998/99 .
United set another record when they paid £19m for Van Nistelrooy ’ s services in 2001 .
The Dutchman only won one title in Manchester but was among the club ’ s most prolific ever scorers , netting 150 goals in 219 appearances .
Just a few weeks later United paid even more money for Veron .
The former Lazio midfielder arrived with a glowing reputation but largely underwhelmed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years before joining Chelsea .
United made Harry Maguire the world ’ s most expensive defender last summer , but that wasn ’ t the first time they had done so .
Ferdinand , who would go on to win six Premier League titles and the Champions League with the club , also held that title after moving to Old Trafford in 2002 .
Di Maria was the most disappointing signing listed here .
United paid £59.7m to capture him from Real Madrid , but the Argentine struggled to settle and was on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broke the world-record transfer fee when they re-signed Pogba for £89m in 2016 .
The Frenchman has since fallen to sixth in the global rankings , but he ’ s still the most expensive player ever signed by a British club .

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With 20 league titles to their name, Manchester United are the most successful club in English football history.
It’s therefore no surprise that they’ve broken the British transfer record more times than any other side.
When foreign buyers are discounted and only British outfits are taken into account, United are responsible for paying a record fee on no fewer than 10 occasions - and we’ve recalled all those deals below.
Denis Law, £115,000 (1962)
United spent £115,000 to bring former Manchester City man Law back to the north west of England from Torino. The striker went on to score 237 goals for United, more than anyone but Bobby Charlton and Wayne Rooney.
Gordon McQueen, £495,000 (1978)
Hamburg had signed Kevin Keegan from Liverpool for £500,000 the previous year, but United’s signing of McQueen set a new record for a British buyer. The ex-Leeds defender spent seven years at Old Trafford, where he won the FA Cup in 1982.
Bryan Robson, £1.5m (1981)
United broke the record three years later when they acquired Robson from West Brom. The midfielder proved to be a bargain at £1.5m, helping the club win two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the Cup Winners’ Cup.
Roy Keane, £3.75m (1993)
Robson’s successor in the engine room, Keane was also a snip at £3.75m, even though that was a record purchase for a British club at the time. The Irishman went on to win seven Premier League crowns, four FA Cups and the Champions League under Alex Ferguson’s stewardship.
Andy Cole, £7m (1995)
Newcastle were competing with United towards the top of the Premier League table in January 1995, so it came as a surprise when they sanctioned Cole’s departure to Old Trafford that month. The striker scored 121 goals in 275 games for the club and was a key part of the Treble-winning side in 1998/99.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, £19m (2001)
United set another record when they paid £19m for Van Nistelrooy’s services in 2001. The Dutchman only won one title in Manchester but was among the club’s most prolific ever scorers, netting 150 goals in 219 appearances.
Juan Sebastian Veron, £28.1m (2001)
Just a few weeks later United paid even more money for Veron. The former Lazio midfielder arrived with a glowing reputation but largely underwhelmed at Old Trafford, where he spent two years before joining Chelsea.
Rio Ferdinand, £30m (2002)
United made Harry Maguire the world’s most expensive defender last summer, but that wasn’t the first time they had done so. Ferdinand, who would go on to win six Premier League titles and the Champions League with the club, also held that title after moving to Old Trafford in 2002.
Angel Di Maria, £59.7m (2014)
Di Maria was the most disappointing signing listed here. United paid £59.7m to capture him from Real Madrid, but the Argentine struggled to settle and was on the move 12 months later.
Paul Pogba, £89m (2016)
United broke the world-record transfer fee when they re-signed Pogba for £89m in 2016. The Frenchman has since fallen to sixth in the global rankings, but he’s still the most expensive player ever signed by a British club.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-17--Government announces new coronavirus vaccine taskforce

The government has launched a new taskforce to help find a coronavirus vaccine and find potential new treatments , including using anti-malaria medication to reduce the impact of the deadly disease .
The initiative , which is already up and running , was announced today as it emerged there have been a further 847 deaths of people in hospital who had coronavirus , bringing the UK death total since the pandemic to 14,576 .
Led by chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan van Tam , the taskforce will support trials which are already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the country , try to reduce regulatory red tape and give cash backing to the most promising trials .
The government has also promised to prepare for mass manufacture of a vaccine when one becomes available , although this could still take many months .
Some 21 new research projects combating coronavirus will receive Government funding from a £14 imnvestment .
This follows the Government 's previous £250m pledge to develop a vaccine .
One project led by the University of Oxford will trial an anti-malarial drug to determine whether it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in high risk groups .
Across the UK GP surgeries have been invited to take part in the trial to determine whether it could reduce the need for affected patients to go to hospital and speed up their recovery .
Imperial College London , which is testing a vaccine against coronavirus that aims for the body to produce more protective antibodies , will also receive funding .
Clinical trials will begin imminently , according to the government .
But Chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance sounded a note of caution as the taskforce was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine first , Sir Patrick said : `` First of all , I think we 've got to get a vaccine .
That is n't two days away .
It is n't two months away .
`` Making a vaccine is a difficult , complicated process .
It does n't only have to work .
It has to be safe .
And of course for a disease like this it has to be very safe if you are using it right the way across the population .
So there 's a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position . ''
He said 'the most vulnerable ' would get the vaccine first but he stressed 'that 's some way off ' .
Representatives from Government , academia and industry will form the taskforce , including Government life sciences champion Sir John Bell , as well as AstraZeneca , and the Wellcome Trust .
Business Secretary Alok Sharma , who announced the taskforce at the daily Downing Street press conference , said : `` UK scientists are working as fast as they can to find a vaccine that fights coronavirus , saving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We stand firmly behind them in their efforts .
Drop a heart on our special map of gratitude to show your support for our NHS heroes '' The vaccine taskforce is key to co-ordinating efforts to rapidly accelerate the development and manufacture of a potential new vaccine , so we can make sure it is widely available to patients as soon as possible . ''
The announcement prompted incredulity from some commentators on social media that a taskforce was n't already in place .
It will focus on five strands of activity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccines and preparing the UK for clinical vaccine testing and manufacturing .
It is also working with the Bioindustry Association to accelerate vaccine development and manufacturing .
Sir Patrick said : `` The taskforce will ensure that any potential coronavirus vaccine , when available , can be produced quickly and at scale so it can be made available to the public as quickly as possible . ''
Chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , said : `` The UK has some of the best vaccine scientists in the world , but we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development process .
`` This taskforce will ensure the UK can take an end-to-end view .
`` This includes funding research , like the recent NIHR/UKRI call , and ensuring manufacturing capability to deliver a Covid-19 vaccination as quickly as possible . ''

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The government has launched a new taskforce to help find a coronavirus vaccine and find potential new treatments, including using anti-malaria medication to reduce the impact of the deadly disease.
The initiative, which is already up and running, was announced today as it emerged there have been a further 847 deaths of people in hospital who had coronavirus, bringing the UK death total since the pandemic to 14,576.
Led by chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan van Tam, the taskforce will support trials which are already underway, draw together the best virologists in the country, try to reduce regulatory red tape and give cash backing to the most promising trials.
The government has also promised to prepare for mass manufacture of a vaccine when one becomes available, although this could still take many months.
Some 21 new research projects combating coronavirus will receive Government funding from a £14 imnvestment.
This follows the Government's previous £250m pledge to develop a vaccine.
One project led by the University of Oxford will trial an anti-malarial drug to determine whether it could diminish the effects of Covid-19 on people in high risk groups.
Across the UK GP surgeries have been invited to take part in the trial to determine whether it could reduce the need for affected patients to go to hospital and speed up their recovery.
Imperial College London, which is testing a vaccine against coronavirus that aims for the body to produce more protective antibodies, will also receive funding.
Clinical trials will begin imminently, according to the government.
But Chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance sounded a note of caution as the taskforce was announced today.
Asked who would get the vaccine first, Sir Patrick said: "First of all, I think we've got to get a vaccine. That isn't two days away. It isn't two months away.
"Making a vaccine is a difficult, complicated process. It doesn't only have to work. It has to be safe. And of course for a disease like this it has to be very safe if you are using it right the way across the population. So there's a lot to do before we're in that position."
He said 'the most vulnerable' would get the vaccine first but he stressed 'that's some way off'.
Representatives from Government, academia and industry will form the taskforce, including Government life sciences champion Sir John Bell, as well as AstraZeneca, and the Wellcome Trust.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma, who announced the taskforce at the daily Downing Street press conference, said: "UK scientists are working as fast as they can to find a vaccine that fights coronavirus, saving and protecting people's lives.
"We stand firmly behind them in their efforts.
Drop a heart on our special map of gratitude to show your support for our NHS heroes
"The vaccine taskforce is key to co-ordinating efforts to rapidly accelerate the development and manufacture of a potential new vaccine, so we can make sure it is widely available to patients as soon as possible."
The announcement prompted incredulity from some commentators on social media that a taskforce wasn't already in place.
It will focus on five strands of activity, including supporting the discovery of potential coronavirus vaccines and preparing the UK for clinical vaccine testing and manufacturing.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
It is also working with the Bioindustry Association to accelerate vaccine development and manufacturing.
Sir Patrick said: "The taskforce will ensure that any potential coronavirus vaccine, when available, can be produced quickly and at scale so it can be made available to the public as quickly as possible."
Chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said: "The UK has some of the best vaccine scientists in the world, but we need to take account of the whole development process.
"This taskforce will ensure the UK can take an end-to-end view.
"This includes funding research, like the recent NIHR/UKRI call, and ensuring manufacturing capability to deliver a Covid-19 vaccination as quickly as possible."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-17--Man with dementia sends bespoke MP3 players to care homes during lockdown

A man , who was diagnosed with dementia aged 50 , has been sending pre-loaded MP3 players to care homes , to help fellow dementia patients during lockdown .
Norman McNamara , who grew up in Astley Bridge , Bolton , runs his own music charity called Purple Angel .
Purple Angel creates bespoke playlists for dementia sufferers and uploads them onto MP3 players .
The MP3 players are then distributed to different care homes in return for a small donation .
Norman , now 62 and living in Torquay , started the charity six years ago and was influenced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to as his angel .
Explaining the reasons for the MP3 players , he said : `` Music lights up every part of the brain , it lights up more of the brain than any other activity .
`` We try our best to make sure that the only songs that go on are ones they like because we do n't want songs that upset them .
`` It 's been very successful .
We 've seen people come alive when they listen to music .
Their eyes light up .
Since being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has written six books about what it is like to live with dementia and has opened a dementia cafe , for people with dementia to come along and talk .
Along with songs , Norman has also uploaded short stories and sounds of steam trains onto MP3 players for people who may not be into music .
For more information , email norrms @ gmail.com or visit the Purple Angel website .

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A man, who was diagnosed with dementia aged 50, has been sending pre-loaded MP3 players to care homes, to help fellow dementia patients during lockdown.
Norman McNamara, who grew up in Astley Bridge, Bolton, runs his own music charity called Purple Angel.
Purple Angel creates bespoke playlists for dementia sufferers and uploads them onto MP3 players. The MP3 players are then distributed to different care homes in return for a small donation.
Norman, now 62 and living in Torquay, started the charity six years ago and was influenced by his wife, who he refers to as his angel.
Explaining the reasons for the MP3 players, he said: "Music lights up every part of the brain, it lights up more of the brain than any other activity.
"We try our best to make sure that the only songs that go on are ones they like because we don't want songs that upset them.
"It's been very successful. We've seen people come alive when they listen to music. Their eyes light up.
Since being diagnosed with Lewy Bodies dementia, Norman has written six books about what it is like to live with dementia and has opened a dementia cafe, for people with dementia to come along and talk.
Along with songs, Norman has also uploaded short stories and sounds of steam trains onto MP3 players for people who may not be into music.
For more information, email norrms@gmail.com or visit the Purple Angel website.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-17--Dealer found with £643,000 of drugs, £30,000 and revolver after crashing van

A 'professional drug dealer ' was found with £643,000 worth of drugs , £30,000 in cash and a revolver after he crashed his van .
Police made the shocking discovery after Benjamin Harrison , 35 , was involved in a collision in Oldham .
The drugs were found in a secret compartment of his vehicle .
Now Harrison , 35 , from Greenfield , Oldham , described as a 'trusted ' member of a wider drugs gang , has been jailed for 13 years and eight months .
Harrison had been driving a van , which was searched by officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , officers found four mobile phones , one of which had an 'encrypted handset ' , Minshull Street Crown Court heard .
Approximately £30,000 in cash was also discovered , as well as a bag of cocaine .
But they also found an 'expertly fitted , secreted compartment ' in the roof of the van , designed to hide its contents .
Inside the secret compartment there were three separately packaged one kilogram blocks of cocaine , with a purity of about 70 per cent .
The cocaine contained a cutting agent not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a judge said indicated the drugs were recovered close to their original importation .
A revolver was also found in the secret compartment .
The weapon , unloaded at the time , was described as being of 'some antiquity ' but it was found to be capable of firing ammunition .
There were also significant amounts of heroin and ketamine recovered .
Judge John Potter said that the drugs could be worth about £173,000 if sold in bulk , or up to £643,000 if sold at the highest price at street level .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ involvement in drugs at his girlfriend 's home .
They discovered a bullet capable of being fired by the revolver , and a hydraulic press in the garage .
Scales and snap bags were also found in what Judge Potter described as a 'miniature drugs processing and packaging unit ' .
The judge said the police 's discoveries indicated that Harrison was 'heavily involved in the cutting and repackaging of drugs for onward supply on a commercial basis ' .
`` You are not in any sense just a go-between or a simple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lethal substances , '' the judge told Harrison .
`` You were far , far more than that . ''
The judge said Harrison was a 'trusted ' member of the criminal organisation .
`` Without you being willing to conduct your role , very significant profits could not have been made by the group as a whole , '' the judge added .
Harrison was described as having showed a 'commitment to being a professional drug dealer ' .
He was previously jailed for three years for dealing cocaine , and for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing will be heard in due course , in a bid to claw back some of Harrison 's ill-gotten gains .
Harrison , of Butterworth Way , Greenfield , Oldham , pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply , one count of possessing a class B drug with intent to supply , one count of possessing a prohibited firearm , and one count of possessing ammunition without a firearms certificate .
Speaking after the court case , Detecitive Inspector Claire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Team said : “ This was a significant seizure which has taken an illegal firearm off the streets , as well as a large quantity of drugs .
“ This weapon was used to further Harrison ’ s criminality and its seizure makes our communities safer .
“ The Force Xcalibre Team is committed to eradicating these illegal weapons from our communities and preventing them from being used by organised criminal gangs .
“ Today ’ s result sends a strong message that illegal drug use and those carrying illegal firearms will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harrison now has a long time in prison to contemplate his foolish choices .
”

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A 'professional drug dealer' was found with £643,000 worth of drugs, £30,000 in cash and a revolver after he crashed his van.
Police made the shocking discovery after Benjamin Harrison, 35, was involved in a collision in Oldham.
The drugs were found in a secret compartment of his vehicle.
Now Harrison, 35, from Greenfield, Oldham, described as a 'trusted' member of a wider drugs gang, has been jailed for 13 years and eight months.
Harrison had been driving a van, which was searched by officers following the incident.
During their search, officers found four mobile phones, one of which had an 'encrypted handset', Minshull Street Crown Court heard.
Approximately £30,000 in cash was also discovered, as well as a bag of cocaine.
But they also found an 'expertly fitted, secreted compartment' in the roof of the van, designed to hide its contents.
Inside the secret compartment there were three separately packaged one kilogram blocks of cocaine, with a purity of about 70 per cent.
The cocaine contained a cutting agent not normally found in the UK, which a judge said indicated the drugs were recovered close to their original importation.
A revolver was also found in the secret compartment.
The weapon, unloaded at the time, was described as being of 'some antiquity' but it was found to be capable of firing ammunition.
There were also significant amounts of heroin and ketamine recovered.
Judge John Potter said that the drugs could be worth about £173,000 if sold in bulk, or up to £643,000 if sold at the highest price at street level.
Police found more evidence of Harrison's involvement in drugs at his girlfriend's home.
They discovered a bullet capable of being fired by the revolver, and a hydraulic press in the garage.
Scales and snap bags were also found in what Judge Potter described as a 'miniature drugs processing and packaging unit'.
The judge said the police's discoveries indicated that Harrison was 'heavily involved in the cutting and repackaging of drugs for onward supply on a commercial basis'.
"You are not in any sense just a go-between or a simple courier in the onward supply of these lethal substances," the judge told Harrison.
"You were far, far more than that."
The judge said Harrison was a 'trusted' member of the criminal organisation.
"Without you being willing to conduct your role, very significant profits could not have been made by the group as a whole," the judge added.
Harrison was described as having showed a 'commitment to being a professional drug dealer'.
He was previously jailed for three years for dealing cocaine, and for six years after supplying cocaine and MDMA.
A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing will be heard in due course, in a bid to claw back some of Harrison's ill-gotten gains.
Harrison, of Butterworth Way, Greenfield, Oldham, pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply, one count of possessing a class B drug with intent to supply, one count of possessing a prohibited firearm, and one count of possessing ammunition without a firearms certificate.
Follow reporter Andrew Bardsley on social media To follow Andrew on Twitter, click here. Or to like his Facebook page and keep up to date with the latest breaking news and stories from court, click here. Here's the link to the M.E.N's main Facebook page where we share our latest stories.
Speaking after the court case, Detecitive Inspector Claire McGuire of GMP’s Force Xcalibre Team said: “This was a significant seizure which has taken an illegal firearm off the streets, as well as a large quantity of drugs.
“This weapon was used to further Harrison’s criminality and its seizure makes our communities safer.
“The Force Xcalibre Team is committed to eradicating these illegal weapons from our communities and preventing them from being used by organised criminal gangs.
“Today’s result sends a strong message that illegal drug use and those carrying illegal firearms will not be tolerated in Greater Manchester.
“Harrison now has a long time in prison to contemplate his foolish choices.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-17--Train company to shut underpass at Stockport station

A train company is set to shut an underpass at a busy railway station during lockdown , but councillors have accused them of putting profits before staff welfare .
Avanti West Coast oversees services at Stockport train station , but has decided to temporarily shut the underpass that links Edgeley to the town centre to maintain health and safety of staff .
Only those who are key workers or staff at the station will be allowed to use the underpass when the closure comes into place from Monday April 20 .
The firm said it had consulted Stockport Council before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which it said the council agreed to at the time .
Avanti said there is an alternative route between Edgeley and central Stockport which would take roughly the same amount of time , but some disagree .
A number of councillors have written to Avanti to oppose the move , criticising the train company for its contradictory reasons for the closure .
Edgeley and Cheadle Heath representatives , Coun Matt Wynne , Coun Sheila Bailey and Coun Phillip Harding , have all signed the letter .
Their Brinnington and Central ward counterparts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Coun Kerry Waters , have done the same .
The councillors are concerned that closing off the underpass to all but staff and key workers will actually put staff in harm 's way .
The plan is for the ticket gates at the underpass to be closed , which councillors are concerned will mean staff have to police those using the route to check if they are in fact key workers with train tickets - putting them in more contact with the public .
Councillors are also concerned that a potential reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure Avanti 's profits at the station are protected - something Avanti denied .
The letter states : `` We understand that due to the public health emergency , unpopular and difficult decisions are being taken , which Avanti West Coast is no exception .
`` However we find it difficult to understand the rationale and see the inherent contradictions in the decision to close this thoroughfare off that our residents use to access the town centre for work and to access essential goods .
`` We perceive this as not understanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in and a decision not with the interests of the public and your employees in mind but one that seeks to protect revenue and profit over people . ''
The councillors are also concerned that the closure would add 10-15 minutes to the route , particularly disadvantaging the elderly or those with mobility issues .
A spokesperson for Avanti West Coast said : “ As we continue to deal with COVID-19 , the safety of our staff , customers and communities is paramount , which is why access to Stockport underpass is temporarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and those making essential journeys by train .
`` The temporary closure to members of the public was agreed by Stockport Borough Council and is solely for the protection and safety of our staff and people who need to use the station .
`` Any other suggestion is simply untrue .
We have responded to the councillors ’ concerns , reassuring them the restrictions are temporary – in line with current social distancing guidance.
” This morning Avanti wrote back to the concerned councillors and said : `` We do appreciate your concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this measure is not in any way intended for financial protection purposes .
`` We take on board your point about providing access to the town to the elderly and to those with mobility issues .
Our staff have observed that there are relatively few people using the passageway anyway ; only a few of those are travelling and most appear to hold tickets .
`` We have elected to make the underpass still available to key workers with tickets and travelling on essential journeys . ''

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A train company is set to shut an underpass at a busy railway station during lockdown, but councillors have accused them of putting profits before staff welfare.
Avanti West Coast oversees services at Stockport train station, but has decided to temporarily shut the underpass that links Edgeley to the town centre to maintain health and safety of staff.
Only those who are key workers or staff at the station will be allowed to use the underpass when the closure comes into place from Monday April 20.
The firm said it had consulted Stockport Council before it went ahead with the closure, which it said the council agreed to at the time.
Avanti said there is an alternative route between Edgeley and central Stockport which would take roughly the same amount of time, but some disagree.
A number of councillors have written to Avanti to oppose the move, criticising the train company for its contradictory reasons for the closure.
Edgeley and Cheadle Heath representatives, Coun Matt Wynne, Coun Sheila Bailey and Coun Phillip Harding, have all signed the letter.
Their Brinnington and Central ward counterparts, Coun Becky Crawford, Coun Andy Sorton and Coun Kerry Waters, have done the same.
The councillors are concerned that closing off the underpass to all but staff and key workers will actually put staff in harm's way.
The plan is for the ticket gates at the underpass to be closed, which councillors are concerned will mean staff have to police those using the route to check if they are in fact key workers with train tickets - putting them in more contact with the public.
Councillors are also concerned that a potential reason for these gate closures is in fact to ensure Avanti's profits at the station are protected - something Avanti denied.
The letter states: "We understand that due to the public health emergency, unpopular and difficult decisions are being taken, which Avanti West Coast is no exception.
"However we find it difficult to understand the rationale and see the inherent contradictions in the decision to close this thoroughfare off that our residents use to access the town centre for work and to access essential goods.
"We perceive this as not understanding the sensitivities of the situation we are in and a decision not with the interests of the public and your employees in mind but one that seeks to protect revenue and profit over people."
The councillors are also concerned that the closure would add 10-15 minutes to the route, particularly disadvantaging the elderly or those with mobility issues.
A spokesperson for Avanti West Coast said: “As we continue to deal with COVID-19, the safety of our staff, customers and communities is paramount, which is why access to Stockport underpass is temporarily restricted and only open to key workers and those making essential journeys by train.
"The temporary closure to members of the public was agreed by Stockport Borough Council and is solely for the protection and safety of our staff and people who need to use the station.
"Any other suggestion is simply untrue. We have responded to the councillors’ concerns, reassuring them the restrictions are temporary – in line with current social distancing guidance.”
This morning Avanti wrote back to the concerned councillors and said: "We do appreciate your concerns, however, please be assured that this measure is not in any way intended for financial protection purposes.
"We take on board your point about providing access to the town to the elderly and to those with mobility issues. Our staff have observed that there are relatively few people using the passageway anyway; only a few of those are travelling and most appear to hold tickets.
"We have elected to make the underpass still available to key workers with tickets and travelling on essential journeys."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-18--Man City youngsters past and present launch NHS fundraising challenge

On the same evening the nation took to the streets again to clap for the NHS , six young footballers shared another way they want to help out .
Rowan McDonald , Tyreke Wilson , Tommy Doyle , Ryan Corrigan , Morgan Rogers , and Lewis Fiorini all know each other through Manchester City 's academy ; Wilson and Corrigan are now at Waterford and Stoke respectively but the six are all friends .
From Friday until the end of April , they are all taking part in a five kilometre challenge every day with the hope of raising money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it is helping through the country through an extraordinarily difficult time .
Football was thrust into the spotlight early on during the coronavirus pandemic by health secretary Matt Hancock .
The Conservative minister initially told Premier League footballers to `` take a pay cut and play their part '' .
At some point after it was pointed out how much money would be lost to the country in tax if players were to take a cut , Hancock suggested footballers instead make donations to hospices to help out .
A co-ordinated effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complicated to organise though .
In the meantime , just as club captains have led the Players Together initative individuals like the six above are taking matters into their own hands to help out .
They could yet do more through their clubs , but for now City midfielder McDonald is hoping they can raise awareness and money with their platforms - with over £1000 being raised in the first 24 hours .
`` Football is our job but aside from that I 'd like to think we 're all good people and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just doing something good to give back and all the other lads were very keen to do it , '' he told M.E.N Sport .
`` We 're all still close and good mates .
I know they 're good lads so when I came up with it I thought it was a no-brainer to ask them really because when I asked them they were n't asking questions about it they just said yes .
`` I just thought if we try and get something going it will be shared and more people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be more donations .
If we had donated ourselves , that 's six people but if we could all share that through social media with our followers then hopefully they see that and make a donation so it is just raising awareness for what the NHS are doing and trying to get as much money as we can for them . ''
Even something this simple had to be adapted for the demands of being professional footballers .
While City may have liked the idea and enthusiasm , the specific training regimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not include a 5k dash every day trying to beat their mates .
After some alterations to programmes to allow for the distance to be covered through jogs , interval training and cycling as well as running , the players were given the green light to go ahead .
`` That 's something we did n't think about but looking at it now it 's a positive because more people can get involved and get the target as big as they can , '' said McDonald .
`` It was just us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if people want to get involved and join in with us and make a donation then obviously they can . ''

On the same evening the nation took to the streets again to clap for the NHS, six young footballers shared another way they want to help out.
Rowan McDonald, Tyreke Wilson, Tommy Doyle, Ryan Corrigan, Morgan Rogers, and Lewis Fiorini all know each other through Manchester City's academy; Wilson and Corrigan are now at Waterford and Stoke respectively but the six are all friends.
From Friday until the end of April, they are all taking part in a five kilometre challenge every day with the hope of raising money for the health service at a time when it is helping through the country through an extraordinarily difficult time.
Football was thrust into the spotlight early on during the coronavirus pandemic by health secretary Matt Hancock. The Conservative minister initially told Premier League footballers to "take a pay cut and play their part". At some point after it was pointed out how much money would be lost to the country in tax if players were to take a cut, Hancock suggested footballers instead make donations to hospices to help out.
A co-ordinated effort across the game has proven difficult and complicated to organise though. In the meantime, just as club captains have led the Players Together initative individuals like the six above are taking matters into their own hands to help out. They could yet do more through their clubs, but for now City midfielder McDonald is hoping they can raise awareness and money with their platforms - with over £1000 being raised in the first 24 hours.
"Football is our job but aside from that I'd like to think we're all good people and I'd like to think we're just doing something good to give back and all the other lads were very keen to do it," he told M.E.N Sport.
"We're all still close and good mates. I know they're good lads so when I came up with it I thought it was a no-brainer to ask them really because when I asked them they weren't asking questions about it they just said yes.
"I just thought if we try and get something going it will be shared and more people will see it and it is going to be more donations. If we had donated ourselves, that's six people but if we could all share that through social media with our followers then hopefully they see that and make a donation so it is just raising awareness for what the NHS are doing and trying to get as much money as we can for them."
Even something this simple had to be adapted for the demands of being professional footballers.
While City may have liked the idea and enthusiasm, the specific training regimes that had been set for the players did not include a 5k dash every day trying to beat their mates. After some alterations to programmes to allow for the distance to be covered through jogs, interval training and cycling as well as running, the players were given the green light to go ahead.
"That's something we didn't think about but looking at it now it's a positive because more people can get involved and get the target as big as they can," said McDonald.
"It was just us six but if we're thinking now if people want to get involved and join in with us and make a donation then obviously they can."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-18--Manchester United target James Maddison drops transfer hint

Manchester United transfer target James Maddison insists he is `` very , very happy '' at Leicester City amid speculation surrounding his future .
The attacking midfielder continues to be linked with a move away from the King Power stadium after another successful season in the Premier League .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to add a new attacking midfield option to his squad this summer with Maddison and Jack Grealish both under consideration .
Interest in Maddison is believed to be high ahead of the transfer window , with Spanish giants Real Madrid also linked with a move in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insists he is still very happy at Leicester and is very happy to be a key member of Brendan Rodgers ' long-term plans .
`` It ’ s been a whirlwind two years and I ’ ve loved every second of it , '' he told LCFC TV .
`` I feel right at home at Leicester .
I feel like part of the furniture already and I love it here .
`` I love the lads , I love the fans , ( we ’ ve got ) a great manager , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy . ''
Both Maddison and Leicester have exceeded expectations already this season with the Foxes third in the Premier League prior to football 's suspension last month .
Rodgers ' side are also in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and Maddison admits it is surreal to think how far his career has come in such a short space of time .
`` It 's been brilliant , '' he added .
`` It ’ s gone better than I could ever have imagined to be honest .
`` If I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on loan at Aberdeen from Norwich and now I ’ m playing every week in the Premier League and that ’ s all I always wanted to do .
`` Sometimes stuff like this can make you really reflect and be proud of myself that I ’ ve got to this level and obviously look forward now . ''

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Manchester United transfer target James Maddison insists he is "very, very happy" at Leicester City amid speculation surrounding his future.
The attacking midfielder continues to be linked with a move away from the King Power stadium after another successful season in the Premier League.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to add a new attacking midfield option to his squad this summer with Maddison and Jack Grealish both under consideration.
Interest in Maddison is believed to be high ahead of the transfer window, with Spanish giants Real Madrid also linked with a move in recent weeks.
However, the 23-year-old insists he is still very happy at Leicester and is very happy to be a key member of Brendan Rodgers' long-term plans.
"It’s been a whirlwind two years and I’ve loved every second of it," he told LCFC TV.
"I feel right at home at Leicester. I feel like part of the furniture already and I love it here.
"I love the lads, I love the fans, (we’ve got) a great manager, so I’m very, very happy."
Both Maddison and Leicester have exceeded expectations already this season with the Foxes third in the Premier League prior to football's suspension last month.
Rodgers' side are also in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and Maddison admits it is surreal to think how far his career has come in such a short space of time.
"It's been brilliant," he added. "It’s gone better than I could ever have imagined to be honest.
"If I think back four years ago, I was on loan at Aberdeen from Norwich and now I’m playing every week in the Premier League and that’s all I always wanted to do.
"Sometimes stuff like this can make you really reflect and be proud of myself that I’ve got to this level and obviously look forward now."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-18--Donald Trump supports US protests against coronavirus lockdown measures

Protests against lockdown measures imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus are gathering momentum in the US , after they received the backing of President Donald Trump .
A number of right-wing rallies - involving mass gatherings of people - have taken place in states including Michigan , Minnesota and Virginia .
Supporters , many of whom are also gun rights activists , have held up placards with messages such as 'do n't cancel my golf season ' and 'God gave us an immune system for a reason ' .
The United States has the largest outbreak of Covid-19 anywhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases confirmed and around 35,000 deaths so far .
President Trump 's handling of the crisis has been chaotic from the outset .
Initially , he played down the threat of the virus , then when the scale of problem became clear , claimed he had responded more effectively than any other country in the world .
Trump has repeatedly clashed with the American media over his decisions , including over the stay-at-home restrictions that have been imposed around the globe .
The President claimed he had 'total ' power to lift lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact , he has no such authority under the US constitution which gives state governors ultimate control .
This has led to Trump pitting himself against governors , especially in states that will be crucial to his bid to be re-elected later this year .
On Friday , the President issued a series of matching Twitter posts touting the slogans : `` LIBERATE MICHIGAN ! ''
`` LIBERATE MINNESOTA ! ''
and `` LIBERATE VIRGINIA ! ''
Michigan is a particular target for Trump because it has some of the strictest social-distancing rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is widely seen as a potential running mate for presumed Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden .
Protesters defying the restrictions from the steps of the state Capitol on Wednesday shouted `` lock her up , '' a chant that was heard durig Trump 's campaign rallies and originally referred to his 2016 Democratic rival , Hillary Clinton .
Whitmer said on Friday she was hopeful her state , which suffered one of the country 's fastest-growing coronavirus infection rates , can begin to restart parts of its economy on May 1 .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reigniting the outbreak just as it was being brought under control .
Responding to Trump 's critique later in the day , Whitmer said Michigan will re-engage its economy when it 's safe , adding : `` The last thing I want to do is to have a second wave here . ''
Trump also took renewed aim at political enemy , New York Governor Andrew Cuomo , suggesting on Twitter that his state , the U.S. epicentre of the outbreak , had asked for too much assistance that was never fully used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cuomo shot back saying Trump should `` maybe get up and go to work '' instead of watching TV .
New York state accounts for nearly half of all US deaths .
While the death toll continued to climb , the rate of hospitalisations has been leveling off , suggesting that drastic social-distancing restrictions imposed in 42 of the 50 U.S. states were working .

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Protests against lockdown measures imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus are gathering momentum in the US, after they received the backing of President Donald Trump.
A number of right-wing rallies - involving mass gatherings of people - have taken place in states including Michigan, Minnesota and Virginia.
Supporters, many of whom are also gun rights activists, have held up placards with messages such as 'don't cancel my golf season' and 'God gave us an immune system for a reason'.
The United States has the largest outbreak of Covid-19 anywhere in the world with more than 700,000 cases confirmed and around 35,000 deaths so far.
President Trump's handling of the crisis has been chaotic from the outset.
Initially, he played down the threat of the virus, then when the scale of problem became clear, claimed he had responded more effectively than any other country in the world.
(Image: AP)
Trump has repeatedly clashed with the American media over his decisions, including over the stay-at-home restrictions that have been imposed around the globe.
The President claimed he had 'total' power to lift lockdown restrictions when he saw fit.
(Image: AP)
In fact, he has no such authority under the US constitution which gives state governors ultimate control.
This has led to Trump pitting himself against governors, especially in states that will be crucial to his bid to be re-elected later this year.
On Friday, the President issued a series of matching Twitter posts touting the slogans: "LIBERATE MICHIGAN!" "LIBERATE MINNESOTA!" and "LIBERATE VIRGINIA!"
Michigan is a particular target for Trump because it has some of the strictest social-distancing rules in the nation and Governor Gretchen Whitmer is widely seen as a potential running mate for presumed Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.
(Image: AP)
Protesters defying the restrictions from the steps of the state Capitol on Wednesday shouted "lock her up," a chant that was heard durig Trump's campaign rallies and originally referred to his 2016 Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.
Whitmer said on Friday she was hopeful her state, which suffered one of the country's fastest-growing coronavirus
infection rates, can begin to restart parts of its economy on May 1.
(Image: AP)
But she urged doing so cautiously to avoid reigniting the outbreak just as it was being brought under control.
Responding to Trump's critique later in the day, Whitmer said Michigan will re-engage its economy when it's safe, adding: "The last thing I want to do is to have a second wave here."
Trump also took renewed aim at political enemy, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, suggesting on Twitter that his state, the U.S. epicentre of the outbreak, had asked for too much assistance that was never fully used.
(Image: AP)
At his daily news briefing, Cuomo shot back saying Trump should "maybe get up and go to work" instead of watching TV.
New York state accounts for nearly half of all US deaths.
While the death toll continued to climb, the rate of hospitalisations has been leveling off, suggesting that drastic social-distancing restrictions imposed in 42 of the 50 U.S. states were working.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-18--How coronavirus could be impacting your period

Coronavirus is impacting our daily lives - from how we work to how we interact with family and friends .
Everything feels far from normal , with experts saying our dreams could see a change , and so too could our periods .
A number of women have been complaining about irregularities and intense cramps on social media when it comes to their menstrual cycle under lockdown , which has been extended for 'at least ' another three weeks .
Among headaches and the struggle to get out of bed in the morning , it 's another knock-on effect from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , countlessly described as 'unprecedented times . '
While stress can impact the mind , a doctor has explained how stress can impact the body , particularly its affect on the period for those who menstruate .
Speaking to Cosmopolitan magazine , Dr Sarah Toler , doctor of nursing practice and science writer at female health app Clue , said : `` Stress activates a hormonal pathway in the body called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal ( HPA ) axis .
Together , these three components ( that 's the HPA axis , cortisol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stress response in the body . ''
She explained : `` Excess release of cortisol can suppress normal levels of reproductive hormones , potentially leading to abnormal ovulation , which can disrupt your cycle . ''
So if you were worried you were pregnant , it could be that your period is just late , or that it wo n't come at all , which is termed 'amenorrhea ' .
Furthermore , it could also alter the length of your period , where studies have shown women to experience shorter or longer cycles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Toler added that increased menstrual pain - dysmenorrhea - could also be a side-effect to stress , particularly if you feel like you currently have little control over a situation .
This has been linked to women working in jobs that have low coworker support with limited control .
But she said this effect may not show signs until later down the line , adding : `` Stress from the preceding month may also affect the frequency of dysmenorrhea , so someone might not experience painful menstruation as a result of stress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Dr Toler warned that is is not likely the outbreak will impact your cycle , but has advised those who are worried to implement self-care techniques if you do feel mentally drained from the pandemic .

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Coronavirus is impacting our daily lives - from how we work to how we interact with family and friends.
Everything feels far from normal, with experts saying our dreams could see a change, and so too could our periods.
A number of women have been complaining about irregularities and intense cramps on social media when it comes to their menstrual cycle under lockdown, which has been extended for 'at least' another three weeks.
Among headaches and the struggle to get out of bed in the morning, it's another knock-on effect from increasing stress levels and heightened anxiety over the pandemic, countlessly described as 'unprecedented times.'
While stress can impact the mind, a doctor has explained how stress can impact the body, particularly its affect on the period for those who menstruate.
Speaking to Cosmopolitan magazine, Dr Sarah Toler, doctor of nursing practice and science writer at female health app Clue, said: "Stress activates a hormonal pathway in the body called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Together, these three components (that's the HPA axis, cortisol, and CRH) help to control stress response in the body."
She explained: "Excess release of cortisol can suppress normal levels of reproductive hormones, potentially leading to abnormal ovulation, which can disrupt your cycle."
(Image: not tmc)
So if you were worried you were pregnant, it could be that your period is just late, or that it won't come at all, which is termed 'amenorrhea'.
Furthermore, it could also alter the length of your period, where studies have shown women to experience shorter or longer cycles depending on the kind of stress.
Dr Toler added that increased menstrual pain - dysmenorrhea - could also be a side-effect to stress, particularly if you feel like you currently have little control over a situation. This has been linked to women working in jobs that have low coworker support with limited control.
But she said this effect may not show signs until later down the line, adding: "Stress from the preceding month may also affect the frequency of dysmenorrhea, so someone might not experience painful menstruation as a result of stress until their period the following month."
Dr Toler warned that is is not likely the outbreak will impact your cycle, but has advised those who are worried to implement self-care techniques if you do feel mentally drained from the pandemic.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-18--Tributes paid to BTP officer who has died with coronavirus

Tributes have been made to a British Transport Police ( BTP ) officer who has sadly died after contracting coronavirus .
John Coker , 53 , passed away last night ( Friday , April 17 ) after fighting for his life in an intensive care unit after first developing symptoms four weeks ago .
He leaves behind a wife and their three children .
British Transport Police Chief Constable , Paul Crowther , said his colleagues will remember a man who was 'charismatic , kind and thoughtful ' and will be greatly missed by all in the Force .
CC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is with tremendous sadness that I can confirm Detective Constable John Coker , aged 53 , passed away last night .
`` John was taken ill on 22nd March with symptoms of Coronavirus .
After his health did not improve he was admitted to hospital and transferred to an intensive care unit to receive critical treatment .
`` Despite the best efforts of hospital staff , John ’ s health did not improve , and he passed away on Friday 17 April .
`` My thoughts are with John ’ s family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been incredibly difficult and who will be struggling to deal with this most distressing outcome .
Local colleagues have been in constant contact with John ’ s wife and will pass on the heartfelt condolences of us all .
BTP will continue that support over the coming days , weeks and months .
`` Understandably this is a very difficult time for John ’ s wife and family and they have asked for privacy .
My thoughts are also with the many officers and staff who worked alongside John , as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awful news .
`` John has been part of the BTP family for over a decade and became a Detective Constable within the CID department at Euston where he was much loved and respected by all those he worked with .
His colleagues remember a man who was charismatic , kind and thoughtful and took everything in his stride .
He will be greatly missed by all in the Force . ''
Messages of condolence have flooded the BTP 's dedicated tweet in memory of John , particularly from other police officers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he was a good man and will be terribly missed .
Rest in peace brother . ''
Another shared : `` Awful , awful news .
Condolences to his family , friends and colleagues across the BTP .
Thank you for your service John and rest in peace . ''
The Metropolitan Police Federation tweeted : “ Very sad news .
Our thoughts are with DC Coker ’ s family and friends , and all our colleagues in the British Transport Police .
”

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Tributes have been made to a British Transport Police (BTP) officer who has sadly died after contracting coronavirus.
John Coker, 53, passed away last night (Friday, April 17) after fighting for his life in an intensive care unit after first developing symptoms four weeks ago.
He leaves behind a wife and their three children.
British Transport Police Chief Constable, Paul Crowther, said his colleagues will remember a man who was 'charismatic, kind and thoughtful' and will be greatly missed by all in the Force.
CC Crowther in a statement said: "It is with tremendous sadness that I can confirm Detective Constable John Coker, aged 53, passed away last night.
"John was taken ill on 22nd March with symptoms of Coronavirus. After his health did not improve he was admitted to hospital and transferred to an intensive care unit to receive critical treatment.
"Despite the best efforts of hospital staff, John’s health did not improve, and he passed away on Friday 17 April.
"My thoughts are with John’s family, for whom the last three weeks have been incredibly difficult and who will be struggling to deal with this most distressing outcome. Local colleagues have been in constant contact with John’s wife and will pass on the heartfelt condolences of us all. BTP will continue that support over the coming days, weeks and months.
"Understandably this is a very difficult time for John’s wife and family and they have asked for privacy. My thoughts are also with the many officers and staff who worked alongside John, as we each come to terms with this truly awful news.
"John has been part of the BTP family for over a decade and became a Detective Constable within the CID department at Euston where he was much loved and respected by all those he worked with. His colleagues remember a man who was charismatic, kind and thoughtful and took everything in his stride. He will be greatly missed by all in the Force."
Messages of condolence have flooded the BTP's dedicated tweet in memory of John, particularly from other police officers.
One said: "Such tragic news, he was a good man and will be terribly missed. Rest in peace brother."
Another shared: "Awful, awful news. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues across the BTP. Thank you for your service John and rest in peace."
The Metropolitan Police Federation tweeted: “Very sad news. Our thoughts are with DC Coker’s family and friends, and all our colleagues in the British Transport Police.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-18--Useless 'funny money' fraudster is jailed. Again

A fraudster with a string of convictions for trying to pass off `` funny money '' has been jailed .
Jamie O'Brien , 31 , from Bolton , was caught again when he visited an Asda store in Carlisle in February .
He tried to buy goods with a fake Bank of Ireland £50 note .
But a cashier immediately became suspicious as it `` felt like photograph paper '' .
It was checked by staff in store .
“ There were no ultra-violet marks , no water marks , no security strip , ” said Mr Bentley .
Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to O ’ Brien ’ s feet when police stopped him outside .
He first gave a false name , asked officers whether they would search his house and told them he wouldn ’ t reveal his address .
He finally conceded : “ I will admit they are mine but I didn ’ t know they were fake.
” He then asked : “ How much time will I get for this ?
” In November , 2018 , O ’ Brien made a failed bid to use a fake Scottish fifty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a Tesco store in Chester .
He was tracked by a CCTV operator after leaving the shop but , when collared by police a short time later , five discarded £50 notes were found by a canal tow path nearby .
O ’ Brien , of Viking Street , Bolton , admitted passing a counterfeit note in Carlisle , and possessing five others in Chester .
The court heard he had two previous convictions for fake note offending , in 2016 and 2017 , receiving prison sentences on both occasions .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he used forged Irish £50 notes to first buy a £5 bottle of mouthwash , before trying to purchase a £2.50 pair of socks in Sports Direct .
When he appeared in court after those incidents , O ’ Brien , then of Middleton , Manchester , told police a member of the travelling community had “ dropped him off so that he could exchange the two £50 notes and get back legal currency ” .
He told a probation officer he was in a relationship with a traveller , was forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up when refusing to do so in the past .
Sean Harkin , defending , said of O ’ Brien ’ s latest crimes : “ The potential for harm when these offences are committed is quite great .
It has been commented on in a case of appeal it does strike at the heart of the economy .
“ In this case the harm was almost zero .
Nobody was fooled by the defendant ’ s fairly clumsy attempt to pass off counterfeit notes as genuine .
“ It is obvious his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genuine were not going to succeed.
” Jailing O ’ Brien for a total of two years , Judge Nicholas Barker said : “ The passing of counterfeit notes is a very serious matter , and will only be met by custodial sentences .
“ The whole of our social and economic life would simply fall apart if our system was awash with people presenting counterfeit money in this way .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Craig McGlasson, Neal Keeling)

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A fraudster with a string of convictions for trying to pass off "funny money" has been jailed.
Jamie O'Brien, 31, from Bolton, was caught again when he visited an Asda store in Carlisle in February.
He tried to buy goods with a fake Bank of Ireland £50 note.
But a cashier immediately became suspicious as it "felt like photograph paper".
Prosecutor, David Bentley, told Carlisle Crown Court: “She felt it wasn’t real."
It was checked by staff in store. “There were no ultra-violet marks, no water marks, no security strip,” said Mr Bentley.
Two Bank of Ireland notes were found next to O’Brien’s feet when police stopped him outside.
He first gave a false name, asked officers whether they would search his house and told them he wouldn’t reveal his address.
He finally conceded: “I will admit they are mine but I didn’t know they were fake.”
He then asked: “How much time will I get for this?”
In November, 2018, O’Brien made a failed bid to use a fake Scottish fifty to buy a mobile phone top-up card at a Tesco store in Chester.
He was tracked by a CCTV operator after leaving the shop but, when collared by police a short time later, five discarded £50 notes were found by a canal tow path nearby.
O’Brien, of Viking Street, Bolton, admitted passing a counterfeit note in Carlisle, and possessing five others in Chester.
The court heard he had two previous convictions for fake note offending, in 2016 and 2017, receiving prison sentences on both occasions.
In 2016 at stores in Penrith, Cumbria, he used forged Irish £50 notes to first buy a £5 bottle of mouthwash, before trying to purchase a £2.50 pair of socks in Sports Direct.
When he appeared in court after those incidents, O’Brien, then of Middleton, Manchester, told police a member of the travelling community had “dropped him off so that he could exchange the two £50 notes and get back legal currency”.
He told a probation officer he was in a relationship with a traveller, was forced to do it and had been beaten up when refusing to do so in the past.
Sean Harkin, defending, said of O’Brien’s latest crimes: “The potential for harm when these offences are committed is quite great. It has been commented on in a case of appeal it does strike at the heart of the economy.
“In this case the harm was almost zero. Nobody was fooled by the defendant’s fairly clumsy attempt to pass off counterfeit notes as genuine.
“It is obvious his attempts to pass these notes off as genuine were not going to succeed.”
Jailing O’Brien for a total of two years, Judge Nicholas Barker said: “The passing of counterfeit notes is a very serious matter, and will only be met by custodial sentences.
“The whole of our social and economic life would simply fall apart if our system was awash with people presenting counterfeit money in this way.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-18--What Man United and Man City know about Premier League plans after meeting

The Premier League once again stated they are hoping to finish the current season when it is deemed safe to do so .
Senior officials from the Premier League met again on Friday to discuss how best to approach the current coronavirus pandemic .
All professional football in England has been indefinitely suspended due to the Covid-19 outbreak .
And below is a look at everything we learnt from the meeting held on Friday .
What did the Premier League say ?
`` Today 's shareholders ' meeting provided an opportunity to discuss possible scheduling models , '' read the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoon .
`` It remains our objective to complete the 2019/20 season but at this stage all dates are tentative while the impact of COVID-19 develops '' We are actively engaging with stakeholders , including broadcast partners , and our aim is to ensure we are in a position to resume playing when it is safe to do so and with the full support of the Government .
`` The health and wellbeing of players , coaches , managers , club staff and supporters are our priority and the League will only restart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the national media saying ?
It was reported on Friday evening that Premier League clubs have set a provisional date of June 8 for a return to action .
The report claimed that the date is viewed as the best-case scenario for clubs , with training tentatively pencilled in for either May 11 or May 18 .
Another suggestion is that the remaining 92 games left of the 2019/20 season will be completed across a five-week period taking the campaign up to the second week of July , as the Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new season by the first week of September at the latest .
European football officials are working towards holding the 2020 Champions League final in Istanbul on August 29 with the Europa League equivalent in Gdansk three days earlier .
Club officials will continue to meet fortnightly via video link and while the thrashing around of plans and ideas will be ongoing behind the scenes .
However , it is worth noting that football will only return when it is deemed safe to do , and when the government lifts the current social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EFL said ?
The EFL has said it needs 56 days to complete its remaining games but with no play-off scenarios to concern themselves with and fewer games left to play , the Premier League , it is reported , believe they can wrap up proceedings in a shorter time-frame .
In an open letter to supporters yesterday , EFL chairman Rick Parry made it clear that `` delivering a successful conclusion to the 2019/20 season remains our goal '' .
Parry 's letter indicated that when football returns , `` matches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
But he delivered details of how fixtures could be shown live for fans to watch - which could be an indicator for Premier League followers too .
Parry wrote : `` We will endeavour to bring live football direct into your homes once it returns .
`` Plans are continuing to be worked up for all games to be broadcast either via our broadcast partners , iFollow or equivalent Club streaming services . ''

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Paul Gorst, Connor O'Neill)

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The Premier League once again stated they are hoping to finish the current season when it is deemed safe to do so.
Senior officials from the Premier League met again on Friday to discuss how best to approach the current coronavirus pandemic.
All professional football in England has been indefinitely suspended due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
And below is a look at everything we learnt from the meeting held on Friday.
What did the Premier League say?
"Today's shareholders' meeting provided an opportunity to discuss possible scheduling models," read the league’s statement released on Friday afternoon.
"It remains our objective to complete the 2019/20 season but at this stage all dates are tentative while the impact of COVID-19 develops
"We are actively engaging with stakeholders, including broadcast partners, and our aim is to ensure we are in a position to resume playing when it is safe to do so and with the full support of the Government.
"The health and wellbeing of players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters are our priority and the League will only restart when medical guidance allows."
What are the national media saying?
It was reported on Friday evening that Premier League clubs have set a provisional date of June 8 for a return to action.
The report claimed that the date is viewed as the best-case scenario for clubs, with training tentatively pencilled in for either May 11 or May 18.
Another suggestion is that the remaining 92 games left of the 2019/20 season will be completed across a five-week period taking the campaign up to the second week of July, as the Premier League are apparently under pressure to start the new season by the first week of September at the latest.
European football officials are working towards holding the 2020 Champions League final in Istanbul on August 29 with the Europa League equivalent in Gdansk three days earlier.
Club officials will continue to meet fortnightly via video link and while the thrashing around of plans and ideas will be ongoing behind the scenes.
However, it is worth noting that football will only return when it is deemed safe to do, and when the government lifts the current social distancing measures in place.
What has the EFL said?
The EFL has said it needs 56 days to complete its remaining games but with no play-off scenarios to concern themselves with and fewer games left to play, the Premier League, it is reported, believe they can wrap up proceedings in a shorter time-frame.
In an open letter to supporters yesterday, EFL chairman Rick Parry made it clear that "delivering a successful conclusion to the 2019/20 season remains our goal".
Parry's letter indicated that when football returns, "matches are likely to be played without crowds."
But he delivered details of how fixtures could be shown live for fans to watch - which could be an indicator for Premier League followers too.
Parry wrote: "We will endeavour to bring live football direct into your homes once it returns.
"Plans are continuing to be worked up for all games to be broadcast either via our broadcast partners, iFollow or equivalent Club streaming services."