themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-29--Premier League clubs to meet on Friday to decide season restart plans

Premier League clubs will hold a conference call on Friday to discuss a return to action in June .
UEFA demanded the Premier League communicate their plans for the remainder of the season by May 25 , with the European football governing body `` ideally '' wanting all leagues to finish naturally .
Ligue 1 and Eredivisie have both been cancelled with the Belgium Pro League set to follow suit in the coming days .
Sky Sports report the Premier League will only go ahead if the UK government gives their approval , with the current lockdown restrictions set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League are hopeful the government will approve the resumption of fixtures in June in order to boost the mood of the nation , though they must ensure they will be able to prevent large gatherings of fans outside stadiums .
Players must also be tested for coronavirus and the venue for games needs to be decided .
92 Premier League fixtures are still to be played with the last game taking place on March 9 .
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville is against the plan to return to action in June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` blind eye '' to the problems it could cause .
He said : “ We know what ’ s happening , we ’ re sort of being brainwashed , on one hand we have to keep two metres apart , we must be really sensible , one piece of exercise a day and the restrictions are going to be lifted very slowly , then on another hand , construction is coming back in full force and football is as well .
“ What we ’ re seeing here is that the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industries because of economic and feel-good reasons .
I ’ m not against it , all I would urge is caution is around something like a football player gets ill , infects his family , something bad happens and it ’ s all over .
”

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Premier League clubs will hold a conference call on Friday to discuss a return to action in June.
UEFA demanded the Premier League communicate their plans for the remainder of the season by May 25, with the European football governing body "ideally" wanting all leagues to finish naturally.
Ligue 1 and Eredivisie have both been cancelled with the Belgium Pro League set to follow suit in the coming days.
Sky Sports report the Premier League will only go ahead if the UK government gives their approval, with the current lockdown restrictions set to be reviewed on May 7.
The Premier League are hopeful the government will approve the resumption of fixtures in June in order to boost the mood of the nation, though they must ensure they will be able to prevent large gatherings of fans outside stadiums.
Players must also be tested for coronavirus and the venue for games needs to be decided.
92 Premier League fixtures are still to be played with the last game taking place on March 9.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville is against the plan to return to action in June, believing the government are turning a "blind eye" to the problems it could cause.
He said: “We know what’s happening, we’re sort of being brainwashed, on one hand we have to keep two metres apart, we must be really sensible, one piece of exercise a day and the restrictions are going to be lifted very slowly, then on another hand, construction is coming back in full force and football is as well.
“What we’re seeing here is that the government will turn a blind eye to certain industries because of economic and feel-good reasons. I’m not against it, all I would urge is caution is around something like a football player gets ill, infects his family, something bad happens and it’s all over.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-29--Lego unveils new Harry Potter sets including a new 630-piece Hedwig

Lego has revealed some amazing new Harry Potter sets ideal for fans of the Wizarding World .
The company will release sets including the Room of Requirement where Harry and co. meet as part of the Order of the Phoenix and the Forbidden Forest scene featuring Grawp the giant and Professor Umbridge .
Other new sets include Privet Drive - complete with the flying car and removable window so Harry can escape the Dursleys - and the Astronomy Tower all set up for the Yule Ball as well as other accessories for different scenes .
The store confirmed the release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page saying they 're 'coming soon ' , while the official website states they 'll be released on June 1 .
Another new addition is a 630-piece collectable model of Harry 's sidekick Hedwig , which features flying wings .
Previously released sets include Hogwarts Castle which will set you back a huge £349.99 while other include Hogwarts Express , Whomping Willow , Clock Tower and Knight Bus .
To see all of the available Harry Potter Lego and be the first to get your hands on the new sets go to the @ @ @

Lego has revealed some amazing new Harry Potter sets ideal for fans of the Wizarding World.
The company will release sets including the Room of Requirement where Harry and co. meet as part of the Order of the Phoenix and the Forbidden Forest scene featuring Grawp the giant and Professor Umbridge.
Other new sets include Privet Drive - complete with the flying car and removable window so Harry can escape the Dursleys - and the Astronomy Tower all set up for the Yule Ball as well as other accessories for different scenes.
The store confirmed the release of the new sets on its Twitter page saying they're 'coming soon', while the official website states they'll be released on June 1.
(Image: Lego)
Another new addition is a 630-piece collectable model of Harry's sidekick Hedwig, which features flying wings.
Previously released sets include Hogwarts Castle which will set you back a huge £349.99 while other include Hogwarts Express, Whomping Willow, Clock Tower and Knight Bus.
To see all of the available Harry Potter Lego and be the first to get your hands on the new sets go to the website here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-29--How to get a free essential bundles box sent to your door

There 's a way to get £15 off your order at Superdrug , including the popular bundles .
If you 're feeling under the weather at the moment then you can order the Cough and Cold Bundle from Superdrug and get it for free as it 's priced at £12.70 .
Other essential bundles available on the website include Baby Bundle which features bubble bath , wipes and soothing cream for £19.77 and the Bathroom Cabinet Bundle with toothpaste , mouthwash , shower gel , soap and more for £24.82 , so with the deal you can get £15 off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prefer to treat yourself then you could get the Luxury Skincare Bundle with Clinique moisturiser for £39.98 , Pamper Night Bundle with sheet masks and bath sprinkle for £24.98 or a Glitter Bundle for £22 if you 're having a dress-up night while in lockdown .
To get the £15 off deal you need to sign up to TopCashback for free here and then make your purchase through the Superdrug website .
Then once you 've made your purchase you 'll receive £15 cashback , or the full amount of your spend if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For the full T & Cs and to sign up for £15 off at Superdrug go to TopCashback here .

There's a way to get £15 off your order at Superdrug, including the popular bundles.
If you're feeling under the weather at the moment then you can order the Cough and Cold Bundle from Superdrug and get it for free as it's priced at £12.70.
Other essential bundles available on the website include Baby Bundle which features bubble bath, wipes and soothing cream for £19.77 and the Bathroom Cabinet Bundle with toothpaste, mouthwash, shower gel, soap and more for £24.82, so with the deal you can get £15 off either bundle.
Or if you'd prefer to treat yourself then you could get the Luxury Skincare Bundle with Clinique moisturiser for £39.98, Pamper Night Bundle with sheet masks and bath sprinkle for £24.98 or a Glitter Bundle for £22 if you're having a dress-up night while in lockdown.
To get the £15 off deal you need to sign up to TopCashback for free here and then make your purchase through the Superdrug website.
Then once you've made your purchase you'll receive £15 cashback, or the full amount of your spend if your basket is less than £15.
For the full T&Cs and to sign up for £15 off at Superdrug go to TopCashback here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-29--Driver from Rochdale stopped by police going to Essex to buy a new car

A driver from Rochdale was stopped by motorway police attempting to make a 400 round trip to Essex to buy @ @ @ @ @ pulled over the car on M11 at midnight on Tuesday .
The three occupants told @ @ @ @ @ buy a new car , in a blatant contradiction of the lockdown rules on essential @ @ @ @ @ , the car was travelling from Rochdale to Essex .
Officers from the Bedfordshire , @ @ @ @ @ Unit arrested the driver after he failed a drugs wipe .
The unit tweeted : @ @ @ @ @ three occupants of the car were off to Essex to buy a new car ( @ @ @ @ @ ) but their adventure was cut short when the driver was arrested for failing a @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Motorists should not be travelling on the roads during the coronavirus pandemic unless @ @ @ @ @ The exceptions to the rule are if they are a key worker travelling to and @ @ @ @ @ like food and medicine or delivering essentials to a vulnerable person .

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A driver from Rochdale was stopped by motorway police attempting to make a 400 round trip to Essex to buy a new car.
Officers pulled over the car on M11 at midnight on Tuesday.
The three occupants told police they were out to buy a new car, in a blatant contradiction of the lockdown rules on essential travel.
According to police, the car was travelling from Rochdale to Essex.
Officers from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgshire and Hertfordshire Roads Policing Unit arrested the driver after he failed a drugs wipe.
The unit tweeted: "M11 vehicle stopped, three occupants of the car were off to Essex to buy a new car (at midnight, from Rochdale) but their adventure was cut short when the driver was arrested for failing a drug wipe. #EssentialTravelOnly."
Motorists should not be travelling on the roads during the coronavirus pandemic unless it is essential travel.
The exceptions to the rule are if they are a key worker travelling to and from work, buying essentials like food and medicine or delivering essentials to a vulnerable person.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-29--Noel Gallagher is sharing an unreleased Oasis song tonight

Noel Gallagher has announced he 'll be releasing a forgotten track from the Oasis days tonight .
The song , titled Do n't Stop , will be released at midnight after Noel found it on an unmarked CD 'lying around ' at his home .
The former Oasis guitarist said he thought the demo had been 'lost forever ' .
There 's thought to be one version of the song that 's been heard before , from an Oasis sound check around 15 years ago , but this is the first time it will be properly 'out there ' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote : `` Like the rest of the world , I 've had infinite time to kill lately so I thought I 'd FINALLY look and find out what was actually on the HUNDREDS of faceless cd 's I 've got lying around in boxes at home .
`` As fate would have it I have stumbled across an old demo which I thought had been lost forever . ''
The post continued : `` I know some of you love this tune so we thought we 'd put it `` out there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' It 's not clear where the song will be available to listen to yet , with Noel simply saying it would be 'on the internet ' from midnight tonight , April 29 .
He concluded his post with : `` Hope everyone is staying safe and trying to ride out the lockdown with the minimum of fuss .
You 're welcome by the way . ''
Fans have been sharing their excitement about the unreleased Oasis song , with one writing : `` Quarantine is officially saved . ''
The news has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spinning all over again , just a month after brother Liam Gallagher tried to demand a reunion show to raise money for the NHS .
Noel will be releasing Do n't Stop at midnight tonight .

Noel Gallagher has announced he'll be releasing a forgotten track from the Oasis days tonight.
The song, titled Don't Stop, will be released at midnight after Noel found it on an unmarked CD 'lying around' at his home.
The former Oasis guitarist said he thought the demo had been 'lost forever'.
There's thought to be one version of the song that's been heard before, from an Oasis sound check around 15 years ago, but this is the first time it will be properly 'out there'.
Sharing the news on Twitter, Noel wrote: "Like the rest of the world, I've had infinite time to kill lately so I thought I'd FINALLY look and find out what was actually on the HUNDREDS of faceless cd's I've got lying around in boxes at home.
"As fate would have it I have stumbled across an old demo which I thought had been lost forever."
The post continued: "I know some of you love this tune so we thought we'd put it "out there" for you to enjoy/argue over."
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It's not clear where the song will be available to listen to yet, with Noel simply saying it would be 'on the internet' from midnight tonight, April 29.
He concluded his post with: "Hope everyone is staying safe and trying to ride out the lockdown with the minimum of fuss. You're welcome by the way."
Fans have been sharing their excitement about the unreleased Oasis song, with one writing: "Quarantine is officially saved."
How to stream music Amazon Unlimited
Apple Music
Spotify Free trials are available on both Amazon (currently 90 days) and Apple (30 days). Spotify offers a free service with adverts and a premium service without. All options cost £9.99 p/m.
The news has unsurprisingly set the Oasis reunion rumour mill spinning all over again, just a month after brother Liam Gallagher tried to demand a reunion show to raise money for the NHS.
Noel will be releasing Don't Stop at midnight tonight.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-29--TUI issues new flight and holiday updates amid coronavirus crisis

TUI has issued further updates to holidaymakers ahead of the summer season .
The firm has now extended its earlier cancellations by an additional four weeks amid the coronavirus pandemic .
They have now announced all TUI holidays booked on and before June 11 will now be cancelled .
Their Marella Cruises are also cancelled up until June 30 .
TUI River Cruises sailings travelling up until and including 25 November 25 , 2020 have also been axed .
However the company say those travelling after their dates , their holidays are continuing to operate as planned and will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holiday cancelled will automatically receive a refund credit for the full value of their holiday .
Those who wish to receive a cash refund will need to contact TUI directly after they receive confirmation of a refund credit .
A spokesperson for TUI said : `` Unfortunately due to the ongoing travel restrictions in place , we 're cancelling TUI holidays until 11th June and Marella Cruises until 30th June .
We 'd love to take you away on holiday , but as that 's not possible at the moment .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cancellations and have contacted all customers impacted by the changes before 13th May .
In total that 's nearly 900,000 customers. ''
We promise to help all our customers as quickly as possible and we 'll be issuing credit refunds in date order . ''
TUI are the latest travel firm to issue an update regarding foreign travel .
While some airlines are beginning to start scheduling routes , others have remained grounded due to the ongoing restrictions .
Holiday parks across the UK have also extended their closures into the May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown .

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TUI has issued further updates to holidaymakers ahead of the summer season.
The firm has now extended its earlier cancellations by an additional four weeks amid the coronavirus pandemic.
They have now announced all TUI holidays booked on and before June 11 will now be cancelled.
Their Marella Cruises are also cancelled up until June 30.
TUI River Cruises sailings travelling up until and including 25 November 25, 2020 have also been axed.
However the company say those travelling after their dates, their holidays are continuing to operate as planned and will be continuously reviewed.
Customers who have their holiday cancelled will automatically receive a refund credit for the full value of their holiday.
Those who wish to receive a cash refund will need to contact TUI directly after they receive confirmation of a refund credit.
A spokesperson for TUI said: "Unfortunately due to the ongoing travel restrictions in place, we're cancelling TUI holidays until 11th June and Marella Cruises until 30th June. We'd love to take you away on holiday, but as that's not possible at the moment.
"We have another 140,000 bookings affected by the new cancellations and have contacted all customers impacted by the changes before 13th May. In total that's nearly 900,000 customers.
" We promise to help all our customers as quickly as possible and we'll be issuing credit refunds in date order."
TUI are the latest travel firm to issue an update regarding foreign travel. While some airlines are beginning to start scheduling routes, others have remained grounded due to the ongoing restrictions.
Holiday parks across the UK have also extended their closures into the May half term holiday as Britain remains on lockdown.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-29--Gang stole hospital gas canisters on weekend before coronavirus lockdown began

Four men are facing lengthy jail terms after admitting breaking in to hospitals during the coronavirus crisis to steal gas canisters .
A court heard the thefts could have led to operations being cancelled .
The Norfolk-based gang targeted hospitals in Stockport , Manchester and County Durham in a well-planned spree which happened over the weekend of March 21-23 , the day before the national lockdown was imposed .
Oliver Zak Henry Evans , 22 , of Sandy Lane North , Wallington ; Harry David Bradley Goodrum , 23 , of Norwich Road , Dereham ; Jake Alexander Roberts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; and Wayne John Grady , 41 , of no fixed address , admitted a single charge of conspiracy to commit burglary .
Judge Paul Watson QC , sitting at Teesside Crown Court , told them it was an extremely serious offence and they should expect substantial jail terms when he sentences them on June 2 .
He remanded them in custody in the meantime .
The gang first broke in to Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport and stole two nitrous oxide canisters , used for pain relief .
They then drove to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – some containing “ gas and air ” , often used in childbirth , and others nitrous oxide – from a storage unit after cutting through padlocks .
The gang travelled to the North East and smashed their way into a storage unit at Chester-le-Street Community Hospital to steal more canisters in the early hours of the next day .
They committed similar attacks on hospitals in Bishop Auckland and Darlington , taking 14 canisters from the latter , and driving off with them in the back of a BMW fitted with stolen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a van the gang were using at a service station and found 29 gas canisters in the back .
Two men were arrested in the van and two others in the BMW were stopped by police in North Yorkshire .
It is understood that the theft of the pain relief gas could have forced hospital bosses to cancel operations , and the damage to storage units could have compromised oxygen supplies needed by Covid-19 patients .
Outside court , Det Sgt John Tyers from Durham Police said : `` Stealing oxygen canisters from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unacceptable , especially during these times when they are needed to help the most vulnerable .
`` The gang has shown little regard towards the NHS and patients undergoing treatment and this could literally be the difference between life and death .
`` We are pleased to see the culprits have pleaded guilty following a thorough and complex investigation by our team and our colleagues at North Yorkshire Police , Manchester and Lincolnshire Police . ''

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Tom Wilkinson, Damon Wilkinson)

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Four men are facing lengthy jail terms after admitting breaking in to hospitals during the coronavirus crisis to steal gas canisters.
A court heard the thefts could have led to operations being cancelled.
The Norfolk-based gang targeted hospitals in Stockport, Manchester and County Durham in a well-planned spree which happened over the weekend of March 21-23, the day before the national lockdown was imposed.
Oliver Zak Henry Evans, 22, of Sandy Lane North, Wallington; Harry David Bradley Goodrum, 23, of Norwich Road, Dereham; Jake Alexander Roberts, 23, of Chestnut Hill, Norwich; and Wayne John Grady, 41, of no fixed address, admitted a single charge of conspiracy to commit burglary.
Judge Paul Watson QC, sitting at Teesside Crown Court, told them it was an extremely serious offence and they should expect substantial jail terms when he sentences them on June 2.
He remanded them in custody in the meantime.
The gang first broke in to Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport and stole two nitrous oxide canisters, used for pain relief.
They then drove to Withington Community Hospital and took another eight – some containing “gas and air”, often used in childbirth, and others nitrous oxide – from a storage unit after cutting through padlocks.
The gang travelled to the North East and smashed their way into a storage unit at Chester-le-Street Community Hospital to steal more canisters in the early hours of the next day.
(Image: Publicity image)
They committed similar attacks on hospitals in Bishop Auckland and Darlington, taking 14 canisters from the latter, and driving off with them in the back of a BMW fitted with stolen number plates.
Police in Lincolnshire stopped a van the gang were using at a service station and found 29 gas canisters in the back.
Two men were arrested in the van and two others in the BMW were stopped by police in North Yorkshire.
It is understood that the theft of the pain relief gas could have forced hospital bosses to cancel operations, and the damage to storage units could have compromised oxygen supplies needed by Covid-19 patients.
Outside court, Det Sgt John Tyers from Durham Police said: "Stealing oxygen canisters from hospitals is a despicable crime and totally unacceptable, especially during these times when they are needed to help the most vulnerable.
"The gang has shown little regard towards the NHS and patients undergoing treatment and this could literally be the difference between life and death.
"We are pleased to see the culprits have pleaded guilty following a thorough and complex investigation by our team and our colleagues at North Yorkshire Police, Manchester and Lincolnshire Police."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-29--'Minority' of people trying to make fraudulent Universal Credit claims

Benefits bosses say they are aware of “ a minority ” of people trying to make fraudulent claims during the pandemic .
The Department of Work and Pensions ( DWP ) has promised to prosecute “ anyone attempting to exploit the current emergency ” .
They say staff are analysing figures and it ’ s currently too soon to determine if there has been an increase in fraudulent claims since lockdown began .
Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to turn to Universal Credit ( UC ) after losing jobs or having their hours cut as a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunak told Parliament on Monday ( April 27 ) that more than 1.5 million new Universal Credit claims have now been made .
The vast majority of UC claims are legitimate , but the DWP says it is “ alive to the risk of a minority trying to exploit the current situation ” and as such have protocols to mediate that .
The department said appropriate measures to protect people from fraud have been put in place to safeguard the new process .
They added that DWP staff will never ask for your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should never give out personal information unless they are sure it is the DWP calling .
A spokesman for the department added : “ Robust checks to protect people from fraud remain in place .
“ We ’ re continuing to monitor benefit fraud , making use of sophisticated analytical techniques which allow us to identify potential discrepancies in claims .
`` We will take action against anyone attempting to exploit the current emergency .
“ We are committed to the use of penalties such as prosecutions and tough financial penalties to discourage @ @ @ @ @

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Benefits bosses say they are aware of “a minority” of people trying to make fraudulent claims during the pandemic.
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has promised to prosecute “anyone attempting to exploit the current emergency”.
They say staff are analysing figures and it’s currently too soon to determine if there has been an increase in fraudulent claims since lockdown began.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to turn to Universal Credit (UC) after losing jobs or having their hours cut as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak told Parliament on Monday (April 27) that more than 1.5 million new Universal Credit claims have now been made.
The vast majority of UC claims are legitimate, but the DWP says it is “alive to the risk of a minority trying to exploit the current situation” and as such have protocols to mediate that.
The department said appropriate measures to protect people from fraud have been put in place to safeguard the new process.
They added that DWP staff will never ask for your bank details over the phone and people should never give out personal information unless they are sure it is the DWP calling.
A spokesman for the department added: “Robust checks to protect people from fraud remain in place.
(Image: PA)
“We’re continuing to monitor benefit fraud, making use of sophisticated analytical techniques which allow us to identify potential discrepancies in claims.
"We will take action against anyone attempting to exploit the current emergency.
“We are committed to the use of penalties such as prosecutions and tough financial penalties to discourage this fraudulent behavior.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-29--Man United chief Ed Woodward gives update on possible Premier League restart

Ed Woodward has all but confirmed Premier League fixtures would be played behind closed doors if the season restarts .
A Premier League fixture has not taken place since Leicester City thrashed Aston Villa on March 9 and the league was suspended on March 13 after the Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta contracted the coronavirus .
Although the Premier League pencilled in a provisional return date of April 3 , that was then moved back until April 30 before the organisation postponed the season indefinitely .
The Premier League will hold a meeting on Friday but there is mounting uncertainty over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign after sport in France was banned until September .
The Dutch league has already cancelled its season .
Manchester United executive vice-chairman Woodward was speaking on the fans ' forum via a video conference call last Friday and expressed optimism over a restart , citing plans in Germany to recommence the Bundesliga on May 8 .
However , there has been a spike in coronavirus cases in Germany after the lockdown was eased and clubs are waiting on a decision from chancellor Angela Merkel , which could be delivered on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we want supporters back watching football at Old Trafford as soon as possible , '' Woodward said .
`` That can only happen when we are advised it is safe to do so , and clearly the government has a major say in that .
`` No decisions have been made yet but we think it is possible that the initial games , particularly the ones related to finishing or trying to complete this season , will probably have to be played behind closed doors - but that is n't confirmed yet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about that .
Clearly football requires our fans in the stadium for it to be complete , but public health must come first and , as I said , this is down to the government .
`` It ’ s important to get back to playing football and complete this season once it ’ s safe to do so .
We are starting to see some other countries make positive steps in this direction such as Germany .
You may have seen in the press [ report last week ] they are training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ properly as a squad .
But that ’ s coming as the next stage of the protocol and they are aiming to restart their season from , I think , the second weekend of May .
`` From a UK perspective there is still huge uncertainty , so we will keep fans informed as soon as decisions are made , including consultation through this forum . ''
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi suggested the Ligue 1 champions could play their Champions League home games abroad , since they are banned from hosting matches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Woodward expects any remaining league matches that are played to be staged in England .
`` There was an interesting question about competitive games overseas .
I 've not heard anything on that and I would expect our remaining domestic games to be played in England , '' Woodward added .

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Ed Woodward has all but confirmed Premier League fixtures would be played behind closed doors if the season restarts.
A Premier League fixture has not taken place since Leicester City thrashed Aston Villa on March 9 and the league was suspended on March 13 after the Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta contracted the coronavirus.
Although the Premier League pencilled in a provisional return date of April 3, that was then moved back until April 30 before the organisation postponed the season indefinitely.
The Premier League will hold a meeting on Friday but there is mounting uncertainty over a possible June date to resume the campaign after sport in France was banned until September. The Dutch league has already cancelled its season.
Manchester United executive vice-chairman Woodward was speaking on the fans' forum via a video conference call last Friday and expressed optimism over a restart, citing plans in Germany to recommence the Bundesliga on May 8. However, there has been a spike in coronavirus cases in Germany after the lockdown was eased and clubs are waiting on a decision from chancellor Angela Merkel, which could be delivered on Thursday.
"I think we all agree that we want supporters back watching football at Old Trafford as soon as possible," Woodward said. "That can only happen when we are advised it is safe to do so, and clearly the government has a major say in that.
"No decisions have been made yet but we think it is possible that the initial games, particularly the ones related to finishing or trying to complete this season, will probably have to be played behind closed doors - but that isn't confirmed yet.
"We’re not necessarily happy about that. Clearly football requires our fans in the stadium for it to be complete, but public health must come first and, as I said, this is down to the government.
"It’s important to get back to playing football and complete this season once it’s safe to do so. We are starting to see some other countries make positive steps in this direction such as Germany. You may have seen in the press [report last week] they are training the players, albeit not yet together properly as a squad. But that’s coming as the next stage of the protocol and they are aiming to restart their season from, I think, the second weekend of May.
"From a UK perspective there is still huge uncertainty, so we will keep fans informed as soon as decisions are made, including consultation through this forum."
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi suggested the Ligue 1 champions could play their Champions League home games abroad, since they are banned from hosting matches in France over the next four months. Woodward expects any remaining league matches that are played to be staged in England.
"There was an interesting question about competitive games overseas. I've not heard anything on that and I would expect our remaining domestic games to be played in England," Woodward added.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-29--Manchester United chief Ed Woodward makes transfer promise

Ed Woodward has promised Manchester United will continue to be 'highly competitive ' in the transfer market but admits the club is not immune from the impact of the coronavirus .
United had lined up deals for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho and Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish before the UK went into lockdown , and were recently linked with a £200million move for Harry Kane after he cast doubt on his future at Tottenham Hotspur .
The MEN revealed United were unmoved by Kane 's comments and Spurs dismissed the possibility of United signing the England international due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expires in 2024 .
Woodward appeared to specifically quash the Kane rumours in an opening statement at the United fans ' forum last Friday by claiming such speculation ignores 'the realities that face ' amid the coronavirus pandemic .
In the question-and-answers section , Woodward reiterated United are committed to backing manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but stressed the club needs clarity , with the next transfer window 's opening date still uncertain .
`` It ’ s always a top priority for us to strengthen the team and build on what Ole is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us back to the top , '' Woodward said .
`` But we ’ ve got to have clarity on what the future holds .
`` What will happen with the remainder of this season ?
What is the impact on next season ?
Is it behind closed doors or in front of fans ?
What ’ s the impact on broadcast deals , sponsorship deals ?
What ’ s the impact on domestic cups ?
`` Also , we don ’ t yet know what ’ s going to happen with regards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re obviously still in that in the quarter-finals .
What ’ s going to happen to that next season if the season is truncated a little bit to squeeze in Premier League games ?
Does that have a knock-on on domestic cups ?
There are many , many moving parts .
`` It is not necessarily going to be business-as-usual for clubs this summer .
It feels somewhat inappropriate to see speculation about transfers for hundreds of millions in current circumstances .
There ’ s a big disconnect between those stories and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Clearly it ’ s true we are fortunate to be in a strong financial position compared to many clubs , but we are not immune from the financial impact of what this virus is doing .
I would say that once we have that visibility of a path through the crisis and coming out of the other side to relative normality then , of course , we aim to remain highly competitive in the market .
`` As I said before and I 've said this many times , we remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s our core objective as a club . ''

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Ed Woodward has promised Manchester United will continue to be 'highly competitive' in the transfer market but admits the club is not immune from the impact of the coronavirus.
United had lined up deals for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho and Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish before the UK went into lockdown, and were recently linked with a £200million move for Harry Kane after he cast doubt on his future at Tottenham Hotspur. The MEN revealed United were unmoved by Kane's comments and Spurs dismissed the possibility of United signing the England international due to the length of his contract, which expires in 2024.
Woodward appeared to specifically quash the Kane rumours in an opening statement at the United fans' forum last Friday by claiming such speculation ignores 'the realities that face' amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In the question-and-answers section, Woodward reiterated United are committed to backing manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but stressed the club needs clarity, with the next transfer window's opening date still uncertain.
"It’s always a top priority for us to strengthen the team and build on what Ole is very clearly achieving in terms of bringing us back to the top," Woodward said. "But we’ve got to have clarity on what the future holds.
"What will happen with the remainder of this season? What is the impact on next season? Is it behind closed doors or in front of fans? What’s the impact on broadcast deals, sponsorship deals? What’s the impact on domestic cups?
"Also, we don’t yet know what’s going to happen with regards to the FA Cup - we’re obviously still in that in the quarter-finals. What’s going to happen to that next season if the season is truncated a little bit to squeeze in Premier League games? Does that have a knock-on on domestic cups? There are many, many moving parts.
"It is not necessarily going to be business-as-usual for clubs this summer. It feels somewhat inappropriate to see speculation about transfers for hundreds of millions in current circumstances. There’s a big disconnect between those stories and the economic realities facing football clubs in general.
"Clearly it’s true we are fortunate to be in a strong financial position compared to many clubs, but we are not immune from the financial impact of what this virus is doing. I would say that once we have that visibility of a path through the crisis and coming out of the other side to relative normality then, of course, we aim to remain highly competitive in the market.
"As I said before and I've said this many times, we remain committed to backing Ole to win trophies. That’s our core objective as a club."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-29--Key fixtures which could decide Man Utd Champions League ambitions

At this time of the year , football fans are usually talking about title races , champions and relegation .
Yet , the lockdown means no Premier League games have been played since March 13 , and completion of the season must remain in doubt with 92 matches still to be played .
While there ’ s plenty of talk about a restart , nothing is certain .
But while the wait goes on , Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will still be working on masterminding the club ’ s push for a Champions League spot next season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will resume in June , we ’ ve taken a look at United ’ s run-in and three of their toughest fixtures , key injuries , contracts and tactics .
United ’ s trickiest remaining fixture is the first one .
And of all the times to play Tottenham , who have been ravaged by injuries all season , United will have to do it when they ’ re back to full strength .
Jose Mourinho will host his former club with Harry Kane , Moussa Sissoko and maybe even Steven Bergwijn available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to likely pick Son Heung-Min following his military service in South Korea .
A full-strength Spurs is an entirely different proposition to the side that we ’ ve seen so far this season , and no doubt Mourinho will be spending this downtime planning a final push up the table .
But United will be able to welcome back a few familiar faces too .
Long-term absentees Scott McTominay , Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba may find themselves returning for the delayed end of season , while Anthony Martial could also feature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United side .
So the stage is set for a blockbuster match that could end up being decided by the superior tactics of the rival bosses .
And while Mourinho is renowned as a master tactician , Solskjaer has a brilliant record against the Premier League ’ s top sides .
With a Champions League spot potentially up for grabs , the pressure will certainly be high .
With Sheffield United , Bournemouth , Southampton and West Ham all visiting Old Trafford before the end of the season , United ’ s home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , once Solskjaer ’ s men have taken on Spurs , they are done as far as the rest of the big six are concerned .
But three matches from the end , United face a tricky and unwelcome trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace .
Roy Hodgson ’ s men have been as stubborn as they have been blunt this season .
They ’ ve conceded just 32 goals and will set out to frustrate a United side who have struggled in recent times to break down sides defending for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bruno Fernandes ’ creativity in midfield will help carve open the Eagles , and with a fresh front three ready to go they will certainly be favourites to take all three points .
But by this stage in the season the nerves will have begun to kick in , especially if United are on the fringes of that Champions League spot .
Selhurst Park is a potential banana skin .
Another factor at play here will be how the final stages of the Europa League play out , meaning Solskjaer may rotate his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if United have taken positive results from their preceding home games .
Like many Premier League teams playing after such a long time out , Palace should be at full strength .
However , should the match take place after June 1 , they could be without veteran defender Scott Dann , whose contract will have expired .
United , meanwhile , would be without the services of on-loan striker Odion Ighalo should they opt against renewing the striker ’ s loan or having it automatically extended .
With Rashford back , United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the Nigerian has made a fine contribution since January .
Leicester have become an honorary member of the big six in recent seasons , and have arguably a better squad now than the one that won the title in 2016 .
They look a safe bet for third place this season and a Champions League spot , which makes United ’ s trip to the King Power Stadium on the final day of the season an unwelcome prospect .
United edged a 1-0 win over Leicester at Old Trafford back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just as cagey .
That said , both sides will be unafraid to attack , with the Foxes boasting the Premier League ’ s top scorer this season in Jamie Vardy .
A tired United may struggle with Leicester ’ s attacking threat , especially if they ’ ve had to juggle Europa League and Premier League responsibilities .
But Solskjaer ’ s men have looked a much safer bet for clean sheets in the new year , and what an achievement it would be to carry on that 11-match unbeaten run through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really take its time to get going again , Leicester may also be able to welcome back Ricardo Pereira , who has been one of the most frightening attacking full-backs in the Premier League over the past two seasons .
However , the match is likely to take place after a number of players ’ contracts expire , and so Brendan Rodgers will probably be unable to call upon the likes of Ryan Bennett , Christian Fuchs and Wes Morgan .

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At this time of the year, football fans are usually talking about title races, champions and relegation.
Yet, the lockdown means no Premier League games have been played since March 13, and completion of the season must remain in doubt with 92 matches still to be played.
While there’s plenty of talk about a restart, nothing is certain. But while the wait goes on, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will still be working on masterminding the club’s push for a Champions League spot next season.
So, on the assumption that football will resume in June, we’ve taken a look at United’s run-in and three of their toughest fixtures, key injuries, contracts and tactics.
Spurs away
United’s trickiest remaining fixture is the first one. And of all the times to play Tottenham, who have been ravaged by injuries all season, United will have to do it when they’re back to full strength.
Jose Mourinho will host his former club with Harry Kane, Moussa Sissoko and maybe even Steven Bergwijn available for selection. He will also be able to likely pick Son Heung-Min following his military service in South Korea.
A full-strength Spurs is an entirely different proposition to the side that we’ve seen so far this season, and no doubt Mourinho will be spending this downtime planning a final push up the table.
But United will be able to welcome back a few familiar faces too.
Long-term absentees Scott McTominay, Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba may find themselves returning for the delayed end of season, while Anthony Martial could also feature in what would surely be a full-strength United side.
So the stage is set for a blockbuster match that could end up being decided by the superior tactics of the rival bosses. And while Mourinho is renowned as a master tactician, Solskjaer has a brilliant record against the Premier League’s top sides. With a Champions League spot potentially up for grabs, the pressure will certainly be high.
Crystal Palace away
With Sheffield United, Bournemouth, Southampton and West Ham all visiting Old Trafford before the end of the season, United’s home fixtures look fairly tame. In fact, once Solskjaer’s men have taken on Spurs, they are done as far as the rest of the big six are concerned.
But three matches from the end, United face a tricky and unwelcome trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace.
Roy Hodgson’s men have been as stubborn as they have been blunt this season. They’ve conceded just 32 goals and will set out to frustrate a United side who have struggled in recent times to break down sides defending for their lives.
United will pray that Bruno Fernandes’ creativity in midfield will help carve open the Eagles, and with a fresh front three ready to go they will certainly be favourites to take all three points.
But by this stage in the season the nerves will have begun to kick in, especially if United are on the fringes of that Champions League spot. Selhurst Park is a potential banana skin.
Another factor at play here will be how the final stages of the Europa League play out, meaning Solskjaer may rotate his main men for this one, especially if United have taken positive results from their preceding home games.
Like many Premier League teams playing after such a long time out, Palace should be at full strength. However, should the match take place after June 1, they could be without veteran defender Scott Dann, whose contract will have expired.
United, meanwhile, would be without the services of on-loan striker Odion Ighalo should they opt against renewing the striker’s loan or having it automatically extended.
With Rashford back, United will only need him as a deputy, but the Nigerian has made a fine contribution since January.
Leicester away
Leicester have become an honorary member of the big six in recent seasons, and have arguably a better squad now than the one that won the title in 2016.
They look a safe bet for third place this season and a Champions League spot, which makes United’s trip to the King Power Stadium on the final day of the season an unwelcome prospect.
United edged a 1-0 win over Leicester at Old Trafford back in September, and this one could be just as cagey.
That said, both sides will be unafraid to attack, with the Foxes boasting the Premier League’s top scorer this season in Jamie Vardy.
A tired United may struggle with Leicester’s attacking threat, especially if they’ve had to juggle Europa League and Premier League responsibilities. But Solskjaer’s men have looked a much safer bet for clean sheets in the new year, and what an achievement it would be to carry on that 11-match unbeaten run through to the end.
Should the season really take its time to get going again, Leicester may also be able to welcome back Ricardo Pereira, who has been one of the most frightening attacking full-backs in the Premier League over the past two seasons.
However, the match is likely to take place after a number of players’ contracts expire, and so Brendan Rodgers will probably be unable to call upon the likes of Ryan Bennett, Christian Fuchs and Wes Morgan.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-29--Sergio Aguero still hopes for fans' support at Real Madrid match

Sergio Aguero has admitted he would love for Manchester City'sChampions League Last-16 second-leg match against Real Madrid to be played in front of fans .
It seems an age ago now , but City recorded one of their best-ever European results in February when they came from behind to beat Real at the Bernabeu .
Isco had put Los Blancos ahead but City mounted a late comeback through goals from Gabriel Jesus and a Kevin De Bruyne penalty to earn a famous and well-deserved win .
The second leg at the Etihad was scheduled to be played on March 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak , and UEFA have since suspended their competitions until further notice .
It remains to be seen when and even if the tie will be played to its completion , but if it does then Aguero hopes to play it with fans in attendance .
“ Yes , we ’ d like to play the return leg with fans , '' the Argentine told La Sexta , via Managing Madrid .
`` It ’ s not an easy game but we have a good result .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago that we could return to training by May 4th .
There ’ s another meeting soon .
It will be tough to play the Champions League in August , though . ''
The Premier League will hold a meeting on Friday in which they will likely discuss the potential of football making a return and when teams can restart training .

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Sergio Aguero has admitted he would love for Manchester City's Champions League Last-16 second-leg match against Real Madrid to be played in front of fans.
It seems an age ago now, but City recorded one of their best-ever European results in February when they came from behind to beat Real at the Bernabeu.
Isco had put Los Blancos ahead but City mounted a late comeback through goals from Gabriel Jesus and a Kevin De Bruyne penalty to earn a famous and well-deserved win.
The second leg at the Etihad was scheduled to be played on March 17 but four days beforehand football in England was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, and UEFA have since suspended their competitions until further notice.
It remains to be seen when and even if the tie will be played to its completion, but if it does then Aguero hopes to play it with fans in attendance.
“Yes, we’d like to play the return leg with fans," the Argentine told La Sexta, via Managing Madrid. "It’s not an easy game but we have a good result."
"We were told 15 days ago that we could return to training by May 4th. There’s another meeting soon. It will be tough to play the Champions League in August, though."
The Premier League will hold a meeting on Friday in which they will likely discuss the potential of football making a return and when teams can restart training.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-29--France lobbying to stop Premier League from restarting - reports

The French government is reportedly lobbying to stop the Premier League and the top flights in Spain , Italy and Germany from restarting the 2019/20 season .
Ministers in France yesterday took the decision to block Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 from returning until August at the earliest .
And now French publication Le Parisien is reporting that senior French government officials are engaged in a lobbying effort with their partners in Germany , Italy , Spain and England so that none of the other top five leagues ’ restart .
The report also claims Roxana Maracineanu , Minister for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks with European partners to implore them to take the same action as they have .
Vincenzo Spadafora , the Italian Minister for Sports , claimed on Wednesday that the decision France has taken could become a European position .
He said : “ The decisions that are in the process of being taken in other countries , like in France , could push Italy to follow this position , which could then become a European position.
” So far only three major leagues have decided not to finish their 2019/20 campaigns : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus outbreak .
And although the Premier League has been suspended since March 13 , clubs are committed to resuming the season when it is safe to do so .
Reports over the weekend claimed several clubs now believe fixtures could resume from the second weekend in June if all goes to plan and they gain government support .
The Premier League has been given four weeks to finalise their plans for the resumption of the 2019/20 season by UEFA .

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The French government is reportedly lobbying to stop the Premier League and the top flights in Spain, Italy and Germany from restarting the 2019/20 season.
Ministers in France yesterday took the decision to block Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 from returning until August at the earliest.
And now French publication Le Parisien is reporting that senior French government officials are engaged in a lobbying effort with their partners in Germany, Italy, Spain and England so that none of the other top five leagues’ restart.
The report also claims Roxana Maracineanu, Minister for Sports in France, has begun bilateral talks with European partners to implore them to take the same action as they have.
Vincenzo Spadafora, the Italian Minister for Sports, claimed on Wednesday that the decision France has taken could become a European position.
He said: “The decisions that are in the process of being taken in other countries, like in France, could push Italy to follow this position, which could then become a European position.”
So far only three major leagues have decided not to finish their 2019/20 campaigns: the Netherlands, Belgium and France due to the coronavirus outbreak.
And although the Premier League has been suspended since March 13, clubs are committed to resuming the season when it is safe to do so.
Reports over the weekend claimed several clubs now believe fixtures could resume from the second weekend in June if all goes to plan and they gain government support.
The Premier League has been given four weeks to finalise their plans for the resumption of the 2019/20 season by UEFA.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-29--A mum with an incurable lung disease has beaten coronavirus

When Sandra Lowe was taken to hospital with coronavirus , she feared it was the end .
Surrounded by paramedics in full PPE as she struggled to breathe , Sandra said goodbye to her family before being taken to Stepping Hill Hospital .
Sandra , 61 , suffers with Bullous Lung Disease , a condition with no cure that causes her lungs to collapse .
When COVID-19 started to spread across the UK , the mum-of-three knew she was among the most at risk .
Despite isolating immediately , Sandra and her husband Stephen both caught the virus in March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seriously ill and found it difficult to breathe .
`` I had been isolating for two weeks because I knew if I got it , I wouldn ’ t be able to fight it , '' she said .
`` I think I must have caught it from my husband because he had been going to the shops .
`` I started with the fever , shivering and shaking .
My husband also had it , though his symptoms were completely different to mine .
`` He just developed this dreadful cough - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it did me .
“ I was at home for around 10 days .
“ I ’ m normally the type of person who does their hair and makeup every morning .
“ With COVID , I couldn ’ t shower for five days .
Even cleaning my teeth took a massive amount of energy .
“ All I could do is lie in bed and take shallow breaths .
`` I 've had many lung operations and pneumonia before : this was far worse . ''
Sandra became more ill and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But she became too weak to stay at home and was taken to Stepping Hill Hospital via ambulance .
“ The paramedics who came out to assess me were absolutely amazing , ” says Sandra .
“ When you ’ re in that situation you are so helpless , but you want people to stay away from you so they don ’ t get it too .
“ Some of the paramedics were about the same age as my sons .
“ You see their eyes above their masks and you can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the risk they ’ re taking to help you.
” Sandra was taken to A & E at Stepping Hill where she was placed on oxygen .
“ I just couldn ’ t get my breath , ” she said .
“ While I was on A & E I was seen by all sorts of different health care professionals ; people from all over the world .
“ I remember they moved a patient from the bay opposite where I was being looked after .
“ Three men arrived in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They washed the curtains , the walls , the floor .
Every inch of that bay was stripped and cleaned .
It brought me to tears because they were all trying so hard to keep everyone safe .
“ They were all so pleasant even though they were dealing with this invisible killer on a daily basis.
” Sandra says one of the most difficult moments was when she agreed to a ‘ do not resuscitate ’ order after a difficult conversation with doctors .
“ That really brought the seriousness of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sandra .
“ They said my lungs were full of Bullous , Covid and pneumonia and that it would be very difficult for them to resuscitate me .
“ At that point I didn ’ t have any fight in me.
” Sandra was transferred to a dedicated coronavirus ward where she was treated alongside five other patients .
She was too ill to speak to her husband or family members over the phone .
“ This illness really does take everything away from you .
“ I went in with nothing apart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like a bird ’ s nest at the back and a chip pan at the front because it hadn ’ t been washed for days .
“ I sent my husband a text asking if he could bring some shampoo and a towel for me .
“ I couldn ’ t ring him because I was so out of breath .
“ One of the lowest points was when he came in to drop my stuff off .
“ He wasn ’ t allowed on the ward , of course , but they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glass .
“ I blew him a kiss and that was it .
I did n't know whether I would see him again . ''
Sandra was treated among other gravely ill coronavirus patients - two died while she was there .
“ The lady opposite me died and the lady beside me died too .
“ There was a patient with dementia who was refusing to eat .
I watched a nurse sit with her for 12 hours trying to feed her with a syringe .
“ The eyes of those doctors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will never forget .
“ When you go for an X-ray the porters held the doors open to make sure the bed didn ’ t touch anything .
It was so efficient the way it was run .
“ Even the girl who brought the tea trolley round tried really hard to get your tea exactly how you like it .
“ They are angels , all of them.
” Sandra was put on Oxygen and a nebuliser for three days , as well as amoxicillin for the pneumonia .
Against the odds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Stepping Hill on Sunday , April 12 .
Sandra still has breathing difficulties and believes it will take her a long time to recover physically and mentally from her ordeal .
“ In some ways I am traumatised by what happened , '' she adds .
“ It ’ s very hard when you ’ re lying alone on a ward putting all your effort into breathing .
“ There ’ s a fine line between sharing the reality of it and frightening people .
“ But I think it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness is .
`` There ’ s nothing they can really do when you have it .
There ’ s no magic medicine to cure it .
“ It ’ s a lottery between who survives and who doesn ’ t , and I count my survival as a miracle .
`` Going through something like that alters your perspective .
It does n't matter how much money you have or what car you 've got - what matters are your family and friends .
I 've been sitting in the garden just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the blue sky , things you would perhaps normally take for granted .
“ I want people to know how amazing the NHS staff and how thankful I am to everyone at Stepping Hill .
“ What they are doing is truly amazing.
” Drop a heart on our special map of gratitude to show your support for our NHS heroes 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 @ @

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When Sandra Lowe was taken to hospital with coronavirus, she feared it was the end.
Surrounded by paramedics in full PPE as she struggled to breathe, Sandra said goodbye to her family before being taken to Stepping Hill Hospital.
Sandra, 61, suffers with Bullous Lung Disease, a condition with no cure that causes her lungs to collapse.
When COVID-19 started to spread across the UK, the mum-of-three knew she was among the most at risk.
Despite isolating immediately, Sandra and her husband Stephen both caught the virus in March.
Sandra, from Marple, became seriously ill and found it difficult to breathe.
"I had been isolating for two weeks because I knew if I got it, I wouldn’t be able to fight it," she said.
"I think I must have caught it from my husband because he had been going to the shops.
"I started with the fever, shivering and shaking. My husband also had it, though his symptoms were completely different to mine.
"He just developed this dreadful cough - it didn’t incapacitate him like it did me.
“I was at home for around 10 days.
“I’m normally the type of person who does their hair and makeup every morning.
“With COVID, I couldn’t shower for five days. Even cleaning my teeth took a massive amount of energy.
“All I could do is lie in bed and take shallow breaths.
"I've had many lung operations and pneumonia before: this was far worse."
Sandra became more ill and was initially treated at home for pneumonia.
But she became too weak to stay at home and was taken to Stepping Hill Hospital via ambulance.
“The paramedics who came out to assess me were absolutely amazing,” says Sandra.
“When you’re in that situation you are so helpless, but you want people to stay away from you so they don’t get it too.
“Some of the paramedics were about the same age as my sons.
“You see their eyes above their masks and you can’t help but think about their families, and the risk they’re taking to help you.”
Sandra was taken to A&E at Stepping Hill where she was placed on oxygen.
“I just couldn’t get my breath,” she said.
(Image: UGC MEN)
“While I was on A&E I was seen by all sorts of different health care professionals; people from all over the world.
“I remember they moved a patient from the bay opposite where I was being looked after.
“Three men arrived in their full PPE to clean it down. They washed the curtains, the walls, the floor. Every inch of that bay was stripped and cleaned. It brought me to tears because they were all trying so hard to keep everyone safe.
“They were all so pleasant even though they were dealing with this invisible killer on a daily basis.”
Sandra says one of the most difficult moments was when she agreed to a ‘do not resuscitate’ order after a difficult conversation with doctors.
“That really brought the seriousness of it home for me,” says Sandra.
“They said my lungs were full of Bullous, Covid and pneumonia and that it would be very difficult for them to resuscitate me.
“At that point I didn’t have any fight in me.”
Sandra was transferred to a dedicated coronavirus ward where she was treated alongside five other patients.
She was too ill to speak to her husband or family members over the phone.
“This illness really does take everything away from you.
“I went in with nothing apart from my phone. My hair was like a bird’s nest at the back and a chip pan at the front because it hadn’t been washed for days.
“I sent my husband a text asking if he could bring some shampoo and a towel for me.
“I couldn’t ring him because I was so out of breath.
“One of the lowest points was when he came in to drop my stuff off.
“He wasn’t allowed on the ward, of course, but they let me wave at him through the glass.
“I blew him a kiss and that was it. I didn't know whether I would see him again."
Sandra was treated among other gravely ill coronavirus patients - two died while she was there.
“As a patient it’s quite frightening,” says Sandra.
“The lady opposite me died and the lady beside me died too.
“There was a patient with dementia who was refusing to eat. I watched a nurse sit with her for 12 hours trying to feed her with a syringe.
“The eyes of those doctors and nurses in their full PPE I will never forget.
“When you go for an X-ray the porters held the doors open to make sure the bed didn’t touch anything. It was so efficient the way it was run.
“Even the girl who brought the tea trolley round tried really hard to get your tea exactly how you like it.
“They are angels, all of them.”
(Image: Sandra Lowe)
Sandra was put on Oxygen and a nebuliser for three days, as well as amoxicillin for the pneumonia.
Against the odds Sandra fought off COVID-19 and was discharged from Stepping Hill on Sunday, April 12.
Sandra still has breathing difficulties and believes it will take her a long time to recover physically and mentally from her ordeal.
“In some ways I am traumatised by what happened," she adds.
“It’s very hard when you’re lying alone on a ward putting all your effort into breathing.
“There’s a fine line between sharing the reality of it and frightening people.
“But I think it’s important that people realise how horrendous this illness is.
"There’s nothing they can really do when you have it. There’s no magic medicine to cure it.
“It’s a lottery between who survives and who doesn’t, and I count my survival as a miracle.
"Going through something like that alters your perspective. It doesn't matter how much money you have or what car you've got - what matters are your family and friends. I've been sitting in the garden just listening to the birds and looking at the blue sky, things you would perhaps normally take for granted.
“I want people to know how amazing the NHS staff and how thankful I am to everyone at Stepping Hill.
“What they are doing is truly amazing.”
Drop a heart on our special map of gratitude to show your support for our NHS heroes
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--2020-04-29--Man Utd legend Andy Cole on his mental health battle and self-isolation

Andy Cole knows all about the fragility of life , but that doesn ’ t make dealing with self-isolation and the constant threat of the coronavirus any easier to accept .
For the last five years Cole has been coming to terms with his own new reality after suffering kidney failure after picking up a virus on a trip to Vietnam as a Manchester United ambassador , undergoing a transplant two years later .
That saved his life , but it doesn ’ t mean the former United striker is fit and healthy again .
It can still be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health side of his illness has been as difficult as the physical reality for Cole .
Today he launches his own research fund , the Andy Cole Fund , with Kidney Research UK , which will focus money into practical research and aim to help transplant patients with their own mental health and wellbeing .
Cole has been planning the fund for more than a year , but the launch comes as he self-isolates at home , considered high-risk if he were to contract COVID-19 .
“ I ’ ve been inside almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for six straight days and I felt the walls coming in on me , I went out for a walk , I just couldn ’ t do it anymore , ” he said .
“ It ’ s really difficult now , I live by myself so it ’ s hard , you ’ re not communicating with anyone , I just had to get out and get rid of some of the cobwebs .
“ Having so much time to reflect , not just on my playing days but on my illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too much is not good , but once you ’ re around people you don ’ t get time to reflect .
“ Nothing I ’ m doing at the moment is relevant to the day , we ’ re all thinking about when this is going to end , we want to get out and do things as per normal , but unfortunately there won ’ t be as per normal for some time.
” Cole , 48 , was as surprised as anyone when he was told he had an underlying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus he picked up in 2015 .
Two years later he received a transplant from nephew Alexander Palmer , but his struggles have not ended once the organ was accepted .
“ When you ’ ve got a bad illness you think you ’ re the only one who has got it , but there ’ s plenty of people who have gone before me and there will be plenty after , ” he said .
“ We all deal with things in different ways , but I ’ ve met so many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same thing , I want to try and help the next person who might be coming down with this horrible disease , to try and talk to people about my experiences .
“ When I get it people look at me and say ‘ whoa , how did he get it ?
He ’ s a super fit ex-footballer ’ , but it doesn ’ t matter who you are , it ’ s hard to come to terms with that .
I want to try and help people and get people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve had many people saying ‘ you ’ re better now ’ .
Unfortunately , I ’ m never going to be better , people don ’ t understand that .
You have good or bad days.
” One of Cole ’ s toughest battles has been accepting that on some days he just doesn ’ t feel well .
That was the case on Tuesday as he spoke to the M.E.N .
via Zoom , but it ’ s taken him a long time to learn to deal with those days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , like today , as soon as I woke up at half six I knew it wasn ’ t happening for me , my legs felt hollow , my whole body was really , really tired .
I knew straight away , today I ’ ll have to write the day off , ” he said .
“ There ’ s no point today , I don ’ t feel up to it , it ’ s my body saying ‘ today is not your day ’ , so I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first started it I wouldn ’ t accept anything then tomorrow would be another day that was a write-off as well , so I ’ m trying to understand it a lot more now .
“ I try to do it exactly the same as when I played football in being mentally strong , but it doesn ’ t work .
If your body doesn ’ t want to comply it won ’ t comply .
“ It ’ s a different kind of mental toughness , it ’ s about dealing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the place , one day you ’ re on top of the world then the next day you ’ re not sure what ’ s going on , you ’ ve got tablets messing about with your system , so you ’ re very unbalanced.
” Cole is aiming to keep his own mental health well balanced at the moment , but is longing for the days when football returns and a sense of normality dawns once again .
“ I ’ m missing it at the moment , I miss Saturdays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game on at lunchtime , then the late kick-off .
At the moment there ’ s nothing to look forward to when it comes to sport , ” he said .
“ It ’ s a bit difficult , it ’ s a bit mundane at the moment , but ultimately it ’ s about people ’ s health.
” To find out how you can join Andy ’ s team and to learn more about his new research fund , visit www.andycolefund.org .

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Andy Cole knows all about the fragility of life, but that doesn’t make dealing with self-isolation and the constant threat of the coronavirus any easier to accept.
For the last five years Cole has been coming to terms with his own new reality after suffering kidney failure after picking up a virus on a trip to Vietnam as a Manchester United ambassador, undergoing a transplant two years later.
That saved his life, but it doesn’t mean the former United striker is fit and healthy again. It can still be a daily struggle and dealing with the mental health side of his illness has been as difficult as the physical reality for Cole.
Today he launches his own research fund, the Andy Cole Fund, with Kidney Research UK, which will focus money into practical research and aim to help transplant patients with their own mental health and wellbeing.
Cole has been planning the fund for more than a year, but the launch comes as he self-isolates at home, considered high-risk if he were to contract COVID-19.
“I’ve been inside almost constantly. Last week I was in for six straight days and I felt the walls coming in on me, I went out for a walk, I just couldn’t do it anymore,” he said.
“It’s really difficult now, I live by myself so it’s hard, you’re not communicating with anyone, I just had to get out and get rid of some of the cobwebs.
“Having so much time to reflect, not just on my playing days but on my illness, what is going on now, too much is not good, but once you’re around people you don’t get time to reflect.
“Nothing I’m doing at the moment is relevant to the day, we’re all thinking about when this is going to end, we want to get out and do things as per normal, but unfortunately there won’t be as per normal for some time.”
Cole, 48, was as surprised as anyone when he was told he had an underlying kidney condition after being treated for the virus he picked up in 2015.
Two years later he received a transplant from nephew Alexander Palmer, but his struggles have not ended once the organ was accepted.
“When you’ve got a bad illness you think you’re the only one who has got it, but there’s plenty of people who have gone before me and there will be plenty after,” he said.
“We all deal with things in different ways, but I’ve met so many people who’ve gone through the same thing, I want to try and help the next person who might be coming down with this horrible disease, to try and talk to people about my experiences.
“When I get it people look at me and say ‘whoa, how did he get it? He’s a super fit ex-footballer’, but it doesn’t matter who you are, it’s hard to come to terms with that. I want to try and help people and get people to come together with it.
“I’ve had many people saying ‘you’re better now’. Unfortunately, I’m never going to be better, people don’t understand that. You have good or bad days.”
One of Cole’s toughest battles has been accepting that on some days he just doesn’t feel well.
That was the case on Tuesday as he spoke to the M.E.N. via Zoom, but it’s taken him a long time to learn to deal with those days.
“If I have a bad day, like today, as soon as I woke up at half six I knew it wasn’t happening for me, my legs felt hollow, my whole body was really, really tired. I knew straight away, today I’ll have to write the day off,” he said.
“There’s no point today, I don’t feel up to it, it’s my body saying ‘today is not your day’, so I’ve got to accept it. When I first started it I wouldn’t accept anything then tomorrow would be another day that was a write-off as well, so I’m trying to understand it a lot more now.
“I try to do it exactly the same as when I played football in being mentally strong, but it doesn’t work. If your body doesn’t want to comply it won’t comply.
“It’s a different kind of mental toughness, it’s about dealing with your emotions, your emotions are all over the place, one day you’re on top of the world then the next day you’re not sure what’s going on, you’ve got tablets messing about with your system, so you’re very unbalanced.”
Cole is aiming to keep his own mental health well balanced at the moment, but is longing for the days when football returns and a sense of normality dawns once again.
“I’m missing it at the moment, I miss Saturdays, you know there’s a game on at lunchtime, then the late kick-off. At the moment there’s nothing to look forward to when it comes to sport,” he said.
“It’s a bit difficult, it’s a bit mundane at the moment, but ultimately it’s about people’s health.”
To find out how you can join Andy’s team and to learn more about his new research fund, visit www.andycolefund.org.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-29--Grieving family targeted by fake funeral director in 'sickening' scam

A cruel scammer tried to fleece a bereaved family in Salford by pretending to be their funeral director .
Police say the grieving family were contacted by a man pretending to be from Salford City Council ’ s bereavement service .
He said the payment for their upcoming funeral had been declined and that they would need to make a card transaction by phone .
Luckily , the family refused and officers say an investigation has since been launched .
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said : “ Our colleagues at Salford City Council have become aware of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bereaved family have been contacted from a male purporting to be from the Council 's bereavement service .
“ He stated that payment for an upcoming funeral had been declined and the family would need to make card payment by phone .
“ Thankfully they refused and the matter is being investigated .
We have noticed a reduction in burglaries since lockdown , but scams like this are increasing .
“ Please be vigilant and report any concerns to GMP or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
” Get breaking news first on the free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here .

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A cruel scammer tried to fleece a bereaved family in Salford by pretending to be their funeral director.
Police say the grieving family were contacted by a man pretending to be from Salford City Council’s bereavement service.
He said the payment for their upcoming funeral had been declined and that they would need to make a card transaction by phone.
Luckily, the family refused and officers say an investigation has since been launched.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “Our colleagues at Salford City Council have become aware of a sickening new scam.
“A recently bereaved family have been contacted from a male purporting to be from the Council's bereavement service.
“He stated that payment for an upcoming funeral had been declined and the family would need to make card payment by phone.
“Thankfully they refused and the matter is being investigated. We have noticed a reduction in burglaries since lockdown, but scams like this are increasing.
“Please be vigilant and report any concerns to GMP or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-29--Dortmund allow Sancho exit amid Man Utd interest and more rumours

Borussia Dortmund have told Jadon Sancho he is free to leave the club in the upcoming transfer window amid interest from Manchester United - according to reports .
Sancho is a priority target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after an exceptional season in the Bundesliga .
United are expected to face competition to sign the England international with Chelsea and Liverpool believed to be in the running for his signature .
Reports in Germany suggest Dortmund have accepted the fact that Sancho will leave the club and will allow him to do so , but only for a fee of at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bundesliga side have told Sancho he is free to leave but they will not lower their valuation of the 20-year-old due to the coronavirus pandemic .
They claim there is no contractual agreement between the two that would allow Sancho to leave when the season is eventually over .
Finally , the report adds that Dortmund have told Sancho a move to Old Trafford is possible if United meet their asking price .
Elsewhere , Atletico Madrid may be forced to sell star midfielder Saul Niguez for less than his release clause as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports suggest .
Various outlets in Spain have credited United with an interest in the Spaniard who has been backed for a switch to United by former defender Rio Ferdinand .
Previously , reports claimed Atletico would not let Saul leave for less than his £150m release clause , but AS say the La Liga side have been forced into a financial crisis by the coronavirus pandemic .
Should the Spanish FA decide to end the season early , Atletico could miss on Champions League football which would leave the club in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Madrid could sell Saul for half of his release clause in order to generate funds , with United reportedly chasing the player .
MEN Sport understand the Reds are firmly focused on signing their priority midfield targets Jack Grealish and James Maddison .

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Borussia Dortmund have told Jadon Sancho he is free to leave the club in the upcoming transfer window amid interest from Manchester United - according to reports.
Sancho is a priority target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after an exceptional season in the Bundesliga.
United are expected to face competition to sign the England international with Chelsea and Liverpool believed to be in the running for his signature.
Reports in Germany suggest Dortmund have accepted the fact that Sancho will leave the club and will allow him to do so, but only for a fee of at least £100million.
Sport Bild believe the Bundesliga side have told Sancho he is free to leave but they will not lower their valuation of the 20-year-old due to the coronavirus pandemic.
They claim there is no contractual agreement between the two that would allow Sancho to leave when the season is eventually over.
Finally, the report adds that Dortmund have told Sancho a move to Old Trafford is possible if United meet their asking price.
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid may be forced to sell star midfielder Saul Niguez for less than his release clause as a result of the global crisis - reports suggest.
Various outlets in Spain have credited United with an interest in the Spaniard who has been backed for a switch to United by former defender Rio Ferdinand.
Previously, reports claimed Atletico would not let Saul leave for less than his £150m release clause, but AS say the La Liga side have been forced into a financial crisis by the coronavirus pandemic.
Should the Spanish FA decide to end the season early, Atletico could miss on Champions League football which would leave the club in a 'complicated economic situation.'
They report Madrid could sell Saul for half of his release clause in order to generate funds, with United reportedly chasing the player.
MEN Sport understand the Reds are firmly focused on signing their priority midfield targets Jack Grealish and James Maddison.