themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-17--EFL explains why Wigan Athletic's appeal against points deduction was dismissed

The reasons behind Wigan Athletic ’ s appeal against a 12-point deduction being dismissed have been explaned – and revealed the club ’ s owner enquired about administration before the takeover was even completed .
The Latics were plunged into administration at the start of July , not long after the club had changed ownership .
A penalty of 12 points being taken away from the club ’ s 2019/20 tally in the Championship was imposed at the conclusion of the final day of the season .
It demoted the Latics from 13th in the table and safety to 23rd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The club ’ s administrators , Begbies Traynor , appealed against the 12-point penalty and went before an independent tribunal .
The appeal failed and was dismissed by an independent Arbitration panel , the EFL confirmed earlier this month .
The written reasons behind the decision have now been revealed in a document published by the EFL of the panel ’ s decision .
The Latics gained new ownership in June under Next Leader Fund ( NLF ) , headed by Hong Kong businessman Au Yeung Wai Kay .
The document states that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on June 23 regarding placing the Latics in administration – a day before he bought a 51 % stake in Latics and subsequently 100 % of the shares in NLF to make him , in effect , the club ’ s sole owner .
Through his solicitors , Mr Kay told Begbies Traynor from June 24 that he was not ‘ putting another penny ’ into Wigan .
Club directors voted to place the Latics in administration on June 30 , with Begbies Traynor becoming administrators on July 1 .
The document explains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons behind it .
It read : “ The only basis on which this appeal could succeed so that such points deduction might be overturned would be if the administration was the result of an unavoidable and unforeseeable failure by the owners to meet their contractual obligations ( or at least their assurances ) which failure could properly be characterised as ‘ Force Majeure ’ event as defined in EFL Regulation 12.3 rather than the result of what is referred to in the Regulations as a ‘ normal business risk ’ .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have played or worked for Wigan , those who have loyally supported the Club for many years and those whom we shall call the ‘ English directors ’ who have , as we explain further below , done their best to run the Club in an efficient and responsible way ( which includes doing all they reasonably could to prevent it being put into administration ) , we consider we are bound to dismiss the appeal .
We do so for two reasons .
“ First , we are satisfied on the evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arose because Mr Kay , the effective owner , made a commercial decision to choose to go back on promises of continued support and stopped putting money into the Club .
That can not be regarded as a ‘ Force Majeure ’ event .
`` In circumstances in which it is by no means uncommon in football generally and in the Championship in particular for a Club to depend on external support from its ultimate owners to bridge the gap between income and expenditure ( at least without disposing of assets such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we consider , a normal business risk that an owner will lose interest or run out of money and/or choose to deploy its resources elsewhere .
This is what happened here.
” The second reason outlined by the panel is that , though ‘ English directors ’ on the Wigan Board exercised due diligence to avoid ‘ Force Majeure ’ , it claims ‘ the same plainly can not be said ’ of Mr Kay and ‘ perhaps also ’ nominated new directors who appear to be based in Hong Kong .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ new nominated directors .
The document concludes : “ We can not , however , end without repeating our expression of sympathy for all who have loyally supported the Club for so long .
It is a tragedy they have been let down by those who appear to have seen the Club and English football as an opportunity for investment and profit and no more and who may , for whatever reasons , have decided to leave the Club to its fate when their interest changed or faded .
`` We therefore conclude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in its attempt to secure an immediate return to the Championship.
” Administrators have set a deadline of August 31 for a sale of Wigan to be agreed and signed .

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The reasons behind Wigan Athletic’s appeal against a 12-point deduction being dismissed have been explaned – and revealed the club’s owner enquired about administration before the takeover was even completed.
The Latics were plunged into administration at the start of July, not long after the club had changed ownership.
A penalty of 12 points being taken away from the club’s 2019/20 tally in the Championship was imposed at the conclusion of the final day of the season.
It demoted the Latics from 13th in the table and safety to 23rd and thus into the relegation zone.
The club’s administrators, Begbies Traynor, appealed against the 12-point penalty and went before an independent tribunal.
The appeal failed and was dismissed by an independent Arbitration panel, the EFL confirmed earlier this month.
The written reasons behind the decision have now been revealed in a document published by the EFL of the panel’s decision.
The Latics gained new ownership in June under Next Leader Fund (NLF), headed by Hong Kong businessman Au Yeung Wai Kay.
The document states that Mr Kay contacted insolvency practitioners Begbies Traynor on June 23 regarding placing the Latics in administration – a day before he bought a 51% stake in Latics and subsequently 100% of the shares in NLF to make him, in effect, the club’s sole owner.
Through his solicitors, Mr Kay told Begbies Traynor from June 24 that he was not ‘putting another penny’ into Wigan.
Club directors voted to place the Latics in administration on June 30, with Begbies Traynor becoming administrators on July 1.
The document explains why the Latics appeal failed and the reasons behind it.
It read: “The only basis on which this appeal could succeed so that such points deduction might be overturned would be if the administration was the result of an unavoidable and unforeseeable failure by the owners to meet their contractual obligations (or at least their assurances) which failure could properly be characterised as ‘Force Majeure’ event as defined in EFL Regulation 12.3 rather than the result of what is referred to in the Regulations as a ‘normal business risk’.
“Despite our great sympathy for those who have played or worked for Wigan, those who have loyally supported the Club for many years and those whom we shall call the ‘English directors’ who have, as we explain further below, done their best to run the Club in an efficient and responsible way (which includes doing all they reasonably could to prevent it being put into administration), we consider we are bound to dismiss the appeal. We do so for two reasons.
“First, we are satisfied on the evidence we have seen that the Insolvency Event arose because Mr Kay, the effective owner, made a commercial decision to choose to go back on promises of continued support and stopped putting money into the Club. That cannot be regarded as a ‘Force Majeure’ event.
"In circumstances in which it is by no means uncommon in football generally and in the Championship in particular for a Club to depend on external support from its ultimate owners to bridge the gap between income and expenditure (at least without disposing of assets such as the playing staff), it is, we consider, a normal business risk that an owner will lose interest or run out of money and/or choose to deploy its resources elsewhere. This is what happened here.”
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The second reason outlined by the panel is that, though ‘English directors’ on the Wigan Board exercised due diligence to avoid ‘Force Majeure’, it claims ‘the same plainly cannot be said’ of Mr Kay and ‘perhaps also’ nominated new directors who appear to be based in Hong Kong.
No direct evidence was received from the new nominated directors.
The document concludes: “We cannot, however, end without repeating our expression of sympathy for all who have loyally supported the Club for so long. It is a tragedy they have been let down by those who appear to have seen the Club and English football as an opportunity for investment and profit and no more and who may, for whatever reasons, have decided to leave the Club to its fate when their interest changed or faded.
"We therefore conclude by wishing the Club well next season in its attempt to secure an immediate return to the Championship.”
Administrators have set a deadline of August 31 for a sale of Wigan to be agreed and signed.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-17--Jens Petter Hauge responds to interest from Manchester United scout

Norwegian forward Jens Petter Hauge admitted he would be interested in a possible transfer after Manchester United scout Tommy Møller Nielsen watched him play over the weekend .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Sunday night reiterated United are not necessarily in the market for 'marquee ' names this summer as they look to add squad depth as well as new first-team stars .
United 's scout for Scandinavia was spotted in Norway watching a match between Sandefjord and FK Bodø/Glimt on Sunday night , with local reports suggesting Hauge was the focus of his attentions .
“ It ’ s quite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` When a club like Manchester United comes on the field , it will always be interesting .
“ If that ’ s right [ United scout watching him ] , then it ’ s very positive .
But it ’ s not something I can go around thinking about , because then my performance will drop .
“ I have to focus on delivering .
I will of course be very flattered if this is true , but I am now concentrating on performing with Glimt.
” Hauge fulfils United 's transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but after the match scout Møller Nielsen refused to clarify if his assignment was to watch any player in particular .
“ As Manchester United ’ s senior scout , I have a responsibility to keep up to date with what is happening in Scandinavia .
Jens Petter Hauge plays , yes , but so do the rest of the players on the pitch .
I check out all the players , ” the scout told Dagbladet .

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Norwegian forward Jens Petter Hauge admitted he would be interested in a possible transfer after Manchester United scout Tommy Møller Nielsen watched him play over the weekend.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Sunday night reiterated United are not necessarily in the market for 'marquee' names this summer as they look to add squad depth as well as new first-team stars.
United's scout for Scandinavia was spotted in Norway watching a match between Sandefjord and FK Bodø/Glimt on Sunday night, with local reports suggesting Hauge was the focus of his attentions.
“It’s quite clear," Hauge told Eurosport. "When a club like Manchester United comes on the field, it will always be interesting.
“If that’s right [United scout watching him], then it’s very positive. But it’s not something I can go around thinking about, because then my performance will drop.
“I have to focus on delivering. I will of course be very flattered if this is true, but I am now concentrating on performing with Glimt.”
Hauge fulfils United's transfer criteria as an exciting young prospect, but after the match scout Møller Nielsen refused to clarify if his assignment was to watch any player in particular.
“As Manchester United’s senior scout, I have a responsibility to keep up to date with what is happening in Scandinavia. Jens Petter Hauge plays, yes, but so do the rest of the players on the pitch. I check out all the players,” the scout told Dagbladet.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-17--Cyclist who died after Oldham crash named

A cyclist who died after a collision with a van in Oldham can be named today as Philip John Horsfall .
Mr Horsfall , from Manchester , was 64 .
An inquest into his death is due to be opened and adjourned later this week .
A 35-year-old man who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs has been released 'under investigation ' , Greater Manchester Police have also confirmed .
Emergency services were called to reports of a collision on Huddersfield Road in Lees , Oldham , at around 5.15pm on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved a silver Ford Transit panel van near Huddersfield Road 's junction with Stamford Road .
Police said they believe cyclist Mr Horsfall was turning right onto Stamford Road when the collision occurred .
He was taken to hospital but sadly passed away a short time later , despite the best efforts of medical staff .
The 35-year-old man arrested has not been named .
A GMP spokesman said : `` He has been released under investigation . ''
Pc Joanne Worsley , of GMP ’ s Serious Collision Investigation Unit , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where a man has lost his life , and our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of the man at this incredibly sad time .
The force appealed for anyone with information to come forward , including anyone with dash cam footage . ''
An inquest into Mr Horsfall 's death is set to be opened and adjourned by a coroner at Rochdale Coroners Court on Friday .

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A cyclist who died after a collision with a van in Oldham can be named today as Philip John Horsfall.
Mr Horsfall, from Manchester, was 64. An inquest into his death is due to be opened and adjourned later this week.
A 35-year-old man who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs has been released 'under investigation', Greater Manchester Police have also confirmed.
Enquiries are continuing.
Emergency services were called to reports of a collision on Huddersfield Road in Lees, Oldham, at around 5.15pm on Thursday, August 6.
The collision involved a silver Ford Transit panel van near Huddersfield Road's junction with Stamford Road.
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Police said they believe cyclist Mr Horsfall was turning right onto Stamford Road when the collision occurred.
He was taken to hospital but sadly passed away a short time later, despite the best efforts of medical staff.
The 35-year-old man arrested has not been named.
A GMP spokesman said: "He has been released under investigation."
Pc Joanne Worsley, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This is a tragic incident where a man has lost his life, and our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of the man at this incredibly sad time.
"Our investigation remains ongoing."
The force appealed for anyone with information to come forward, including anyone with dash cam footage."
An inquest into Mr Horsfall's death is set to be opened and adjourned by a coroner at Rochdale Coroners Court on Friday.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-17--Andy Burnham says lockdown could 'possibly' lift in some parts this week

Andy Burnham says the extra Covid-19 curbs in force across Greater Manchester could 'possibly ' be relaxed later this week .
The mayor of Greater Manchester said he believes restrictions could remain - and possibly tighten - in areas with high rate of infection , but be eased in other areas where cases have fallen .
Mr Burnham said Greater Manchester 's coronavirus cases were 'flattening ' - apart from in Oldham .
As a result , he said restrictions limiting different households from mixing in homes and gardens could be lifted by Government .
Mr Burnham told the Mirror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see some people getting released .
`` If things stay as they are I think it is likely that we would see a change.
” '' Our cases are flattening - with one exception , Oldham - and we are starting to turn the tide in most of our boroughs .
`` The hope is , maybe we will have a better time ahead of us . ''
Weekly reviews of the restrictions - which were introduced three weeks ago this Thursday across Greater Manchester - were promised by Government .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lancashire and West Yorkshire .
Mr Burnham said he believed the 'blanket approach will start to be undone ' .
Infection rates for Greater Manchester , published on Saturday , showed Oldham had 108.4 cases per 100,000 people , Rochdale 46.3 , Manchester 42.3 , Salford 32.8 and Tameside 31.8 .
The UK-wide average case rate is 17.3 per 100,000 .
Mr Burnham said Wigan has 'far fewer cases ' and could be first to have rules lifted .
He said that if cases have stabilised , 'the case for releasing boroughs with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Asked by the Mirror if the change could come this week , he said : `` Possibly .
`` The numbers can change quite dramatically in four , five days . ''
But he warned that other parts of the region could be stuck with restrictions for some time .
`` It 's a really tough time for everybody , '' the mayor added .
`` It 's probably not going to get any easier any time soon .
We have had high numbers of cases .
It 's not just isolated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas would be 'profoundly damaging ' , Mr Burnham added , and called for Government to put more resources into communities with the highest rates of Covid-19 .
Last week 's mayoral coronavirus press conference was told the rate in Wigan was 7.3 positive tests per 100,000 people , the lowest in Greater Manchester .
Wigan was followed by Trafford , Stockport and Bury .
The mayor said a possible relaxation in areas like Wigan was ' a question ' for this week .
`` It is a challenging situation we are looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burnham said .
`` We clearly need to bring the numbers down .
`` Everyone needs to get more serious about doing what we can - pubs , restaurants , supermarkets . ''

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Andy Burnham says the extra Covid-19 curbs in force across Greater Manchester could 'possibly' be relaxed later this week.
The mayor of Greater Manchester said he believes restrictions could remain - and possibly tighten - in areas with high rate of infection, but be eased in other areas where cases have fallen.
Mr Burnham said Greater Manchester's coronavirus cases were 'flattening' - apart from in Oldham.
As a result, he said restrictions limiting different households from mixing in homes and gardens could be lifted by Government.
Mr Burnham told the Mirror : "Hopefully, we will begin to see some people getting released.
"If things stay as they are I think it is likely that we would see a change.”
"Our cases are flattening - with one exception, Oldham - and we are starting to turn the tide in most of our boroughs.
"The hope is, maybe we will have a better time ahead of us."
Weekly reviews of the restrictions - which were introduced three weeks ago this Thursday across Greater Manchester - were promised by Government.
They also remain in force in parts of Lancashire and West Yorkshire.
(Image: Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning)
Mr Burnham said he believed the 'blanket approach will start to be undone'.
Infection rates for Greater Manchester, published on Saturday, showed Oldham had 108.4 cases per 100,000 people, Rochdale 46.3, Manchester 42.3, Salford 32.8 and Tameside 31.8.
The UK-wide average case rate is 17.3 per 100,000.
Mr Burnham said Wigan has 'far fewer cases' and could be first to have rules lifted.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
He said that if cases have stabilised, 'the case for releasing boroughs with fewer cases is pretty much made'.
Asked by the Mirror if the change could come this week, he said: "Possibly.
"The numbers can change quite dramatically in four, five days."
But he warned that other parts of the region could be stuck with restrictions for some time.
(Image: PA)
"It's a really tough time for everybody," the mayor added.
"It's probably not going to get any easier any time soon. We have had high numbers of cases. It's not just isolated hotspots."
Full lockdown in worst-hit areas would be 'profoundly damaging', Mr Burnham added, and called for Government to put more resources into communities with the highest rates of Covid-19.
Last week's mayoral coronavirus press conference was told the rate in Wigan was 7.3 positive tests per 100,000 people, the lowest in Greater Manchester.
Wigan was followed by Trafford, Stockport and Bury.
The mayor said a possible relaxation in areas like Wigan was 'a question' for this week.
"It is a challenging situation we are looking at across Greater Manchester," Mr Burnham said.
"We clearly need to bring the numbers down.
"Everyone needs to get more serious about doing what we can - pubs, restaurants, supermarkets."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-17--McDonald's has a 'secret' Eat Out to Help Out discount hack

Today marks the start of the third week of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme .
It 's already been a huge success with shoppers in the UK , and people have saved some serious cash by making the most of half price food in some of theie favourite bars and restaurants .
But what many people do n't realise is that you 're allowed to use existing deals on top of the Eat Out to Help Out discount .
That means you can get food even cheaper than you thought - provided you eat in and the restaurant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any other discounts .
Here are all of the best discounts you can use at some of the most popular food chains in the UK , according to the Mirror .
McDonald 's runs a regular offer that lets you pick up a Big Mac and medium fries for £1.99 in exchange for filling out a survey about your meal .
You can check an old McDonald 's receipt to find a unique 12-digit code which you can enter into its Food for Thought website .
Once you 've completed the survey , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you will need to write on the original receipt .
Hand it over when you place your order at your next McDonald 's trip to pay £1.99 for your Big Mac and medium fries .
Use this deal on a day when Eat Out to Help Out is running , and the price will be lowered even further to just £1 .
Wetherspoons runs a `` Tuesday Steak Club '' promotion once a week and where you can get a 6-ounce sirloin steak and chips plus a soft drink for £8.45 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the price of this meal is reduced by 50 % to £4.23 .
Toby Carvery is offering a one-off 25 per cent discount on food , not drinks , when you sign up to its email updates online .
Sign up and show the code on a day that Eat Out to Help Out is running , and you 'll get an extra 25 % off on top of your half price food .
For example , Toby Carvery charges around £7.29 for a mid-week carvery .
With a 25 % discount , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eat Out to Help Out day .
KFC recently reintroduced its `` Chicken Tuesdays '' deal where you can get a nine-piece bucket of chicken for £5.99 instead of £15.57 .
The good news is that it falls on the same day of the week as Eat Out to Help Out , which means you can get the 50 % off promotion on top .
This means instead of paying the £15.57 bucket price , you 'll pay just £3 .
Burger King is currently running a deal on its Whopper burger where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead of £4.49 .
But the better news is that if you use it in conjunction with the 50 % off food scheme , you 'll get the burger for £1 .
To get your Whopper , you 'll need to be signed up to the Burger King app .
This can be downloaded for free on Google Play or the App Store .
Sign in with your details , and you 'll find the Whopper deal under the `` offers '' section in the app .
Just show this code at the @ @ @ @ @ @

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Emma Munbodh, Rachel Pugh)

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Today marks the start of the third week of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
It's already been a huge success with shoppers in the UK, and people have saved some serious cash by making the most of half price food in some of theie favourite bars and restaurants.
But what many people don't realise is that you're allowed to use existing deals on top of the Eat Out to Help Out discount.
That means you can get food even cheaper than you thought - provided you eat in and the restaurant you're visiting is willing to offer any other discounts.
Here are all of the best discounts you can use at some of the most popular food chains in the UK, according to the Mirror.
McDonald's - £1 burger and fries
McDonald's runs a regular offer that lets you pick up a Big Mac and medium fries for £1.99 in exchange for filling out a survey about your meal.
You can check an old McDonald's receipt to find a unique 12-digit code which you can enter into its Food for Thought website.
Once you've completed the survey, you're given another five digit code that you will need to write on the original receipt.
Hand it over when you place your order at your next McDonald's trip to pay £1.99 for your Big Mac and medium fries.
Use this deal on a day when Eat Out to Help Out is running, and the price will be lowered even further to just £1.
Wetherspoons - steak and chips for £4.23
Wetherspoons runs a "Tuesday Steak Club" promotion once a week and where you can get a 6-ounce sirloin steak and chips plus a soft drink for £8.45.
With Eat Out to Help Out, the price of this meal is reduced by 50% to £4.23.
Toby Carvery - £2.74 dinner
Toby Carvery is offering a one-off 25 per cent discount on food, not drinks, when you sign up to its email updates online.
Sign up and show the code on a day that Eat Out to Help Out is running, and you'll get an extra 25% off on top of your half price food.
For example, Toby Carvery charges around £7.29 for a mid-week carvery. With a 25% discount, that's £5.27 or £2.74 on an Eat Out to Help Out day.
KFC - 9-piece chicken bucket for £3
KFC recently reintroduced its "Chicken Tuesdays" deal where you can get a nine-piece bucket of chicken for £5.99 instead of £15.57.
The good news is that it falls on the same day of the week as Eat Out to Help Out, which means you can get the 50% off promotion on top.
This means instead of paying the £15.57 bucket price, you'll pay just £3.
Burger King - £1 Whopper burger
Burger King is currently running a deal on its Whopper burger where you can pick one up for £1.99 instead of £4.49.
But the better news is that if you use it in conjunction with the 50% off food scheme, you'll get the burger for £1.
To get your Whopper, you'll need to be signed up to the Burger King app.
This can be downloaded for free on Google Play or the App Store.
Sign in with your details, and you'll find the Whopper deal under the "offers" section in the app. Just show this code at the till to redeem the saving.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-17--Driver fighting for life after M6 crash as motorists trapped in major delays

A driver suffered life-threatening injuries following a multiple vehicle crash involving a HGV on the M6 .
The man , who was driving a Mitsubishi , was seriously injured after the three-vehicle collision near Warrington .
An air ambulance was called to the scene .
The motorway was closed in both directions between junction 23 for Haydock and 22 for Newton Le Willows following the southbound crash .
The northbound carriageway has since reopened with drivers facing 60 minute delays but the southbound remains shut .
Follow live traffic updates here .
Police , paramedics and fire crews raced to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman for Cheshire Police said : `` Shortly before 11am on Monday , August 17 , police were called to a serious collision on the M6 southbound between junction 23 and junction 22 .
`` Officers along with air and land ambulance attended to the scene .
`` The driver of the car is believed to have serious injuries.
`` The spokeswoman later confirmed the male driver 's injuries were life-threatening .
A spokeswoman for North West Ambulance Service said a number of resources were sent to the scene .
The spokeswoman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today between junction 23 and 22 southbound .
`` We sent a number of resources to the scene ; two ambulances are there at the moment and a rapid response vehicle .
`` The air ambulance were called to the scene . ''
Motorists were urged to avoid the area following the crash , which caused a heavy build up of traffic .
It caused delays of around an hour , according to the Highways England website .

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A driver suffered life-threatening injuries following a multiple vehicle crash involving a HGV on the M6.
The man, who was driving a Mitsubishi, was seriously injured after the three-vehicle collision near Warrington.
An air ambulance was called to the scene.
The motorway was closed in both directions between junction 23 for Haydock and 22 for Newton Le Willows following the southbound crash.
The northbound carriageway has since reopened with drivers facing 60 minute delays but the southbound remains shut. Follow live traffic updates here.
Police, paramedics and fire crews raced to the scene at around 11am.
A spokeswoman for Cheshire Police said: "Shortly before 11am on Monday, August 17, police were called to a serious collision on the M6 southbound between junction 23 and junction 22.
"Officers along with air and land ambulance attended to the scene.
"The driver of the car is believed to have serious injuries. "
The spokeswoman later confirmed the male driver's injuries were life-threatening.
A spokeswoman for North West Ambulance Service said a number of resources were sent to the scene.
The spokeswoman said: "We were called at 10.56am today between junction 23 and 22 southbound.
"We sent a number of resources to the scene; two ambulances are there at the moment and a rapid response vehicle.
"The air ambulance were called to the scene."
Motorists were urged to avoid the area following the crash, which caused a heavy build up of traffic.
It caused delays of around an hour, according to the Highways England website.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-17--The thousands of 'hidden' children in Greater Manchester during lockdown

Up to 6,000 children who normally would have been referred to social services in Greater Manchester have potentially been missed during lockdown .
Social care professionals are calling for a change in approach to tackle the ‘ hidden harm ’ faced by children who are stuck at home with abusive family members while schools remain closed .
Alison Alexander , the CEO of children ’ s services support organisation Cornerstone , said referrals have dropped in many parts of the UK by 50pc , and by up to 75pc in some places .
She said children are facing appalling mistreatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Greater Manchester ’ s most vulnerable children could be slipping through the support net .
In normal circumstances , 624 children are on average referred to social services each week across Greater Manchester – meaning that in the 20 weeks since lockdown started in March , 12,480 children would usually have been referred .
But with an estimated drop in referrals of around 50pc , that means up to 6,240 children may have been missed .
Ms Alexander said : “ It ’ s a phenomenal number and it ’ s horrible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left at home for longer than they should be .
These kids are having things done to them that if it happened to an adult , they ’ d be having a nervous breakdown .
“ And these kids are expected to deal with these things .
On what basis is a kid more equipped to handle these things ?
The question should be , if you had to experience something of that nature , what would be your response ?
“ And children don ’ t know how to speak up .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ they think , who are you going to tell ?
And if that ’ s your experience from someone who ’ s meant to love you and take care of you , why would you go to another adult about what happened ?
“ And what happens to that child if they have to go home after they ’ ve told someone about it and the authorities are conducting their investigations ?
“ Children are hugely vulnerable and it ’ s our collective duty to raise them .
It takes a community to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a return to the days of ‘ nosey neighbours ’ , where whole communities care for and keep and eye on local children .
She said : “ We now live in a very individualistic society , and these are the hidden kids .
“ They really are suffering and the system is trying to do its best , but the system can ’ t find coercive people that don ’ t want to be found.
” Ms Alexander expects there will be a ‘ massive influx ’ of referrals once the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities will have to deal with both new cases and a backlog .
She also believes promised funding from central government does not go far enough to plug the existing £1bn funding gap in the children ’ s services sector .
Across Greater Manchester , local authorities have reported different experiences in their own services .
In Manchester , a council spokesperson said : “ Similar to most parts of the UK , Manchester did see a reduction in referrals for young people during lockdown – and we anticipate an increase as regulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in touch with young people during the pandemic , mostly face to face but sometimes online , and is working alongside schools and Greater Manchester Police to act on any information handed on .
In Tameside , which also saw a decrease in referrals when lockdown started , a council spokesperson said : “ Increases in ‘ unseen ’ demand resulting from coronavirus are still an unknown although we expect a short-term significant rise in contacts and referrals as schools return .
“ We have been undertaking work to ensure we have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an increase in contacts once schools go back.
” In Trafford , referrals were initially also down as schools closed but seem to have returned ‘ to normal ’ over the last two months .
The council ’ s children ’ s services , which were handed a governmental improvement order last year , are bucking the trend and have continued to work ‘ at full capacity ’ throughout the pandemic .
Children already in the Trafford system have been seen by the council at least every six weeks with home visits being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read more of today 's top stories here A council spokesperson said : “ During the lockdown period we have seen our referral numbers decrease , predominantly due to the closure of schools , however they have now returned to near anticipated levels for this time of year .
“ We have continued to support our most vulnerable children and young people , in partnership with our schools , and our teams have worked to maintain contact with every child and young person known to us during this time period.
” Oldham , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Salford councils did not respond to requests for comment .

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Up to 6,000 children who normally would have been referred to social services in Greater Manchester have potentially been missed during lockdown.
Social care professionals are calling for a change in approach to tackle the ‘hidden harm’ faced by children who are stuck at home with abusive family members while schools remain closed.
Alison Alexander, the CEO of children’s services support organisation Cornerstone, said referrals have dropped in many parts of the UK by 50pc, and by up to 75pc in some places.
She said children are facing appalling mistreatment, starvation, abuse and sexual exploitation and Greater Manchester’s most vulnerable children could be slipping through the support net.
In normal circumstances, 624 children are on average referred to social services each week across Greater Manchester – meaning that in the 20 weeks since lockdown started in March, 12,480 children would usually have been referred.
(Image: NSPCC)
But with an estimated drop in referrals of around 50pc, that means up to 6,240 children may have been missed.
Ms Alexander said: “It’s a phenomenal number and it’s horrible to say, but children are being left at home for longer than they should be. These kids are having things done to them that if it happened to an adult, they’d be having a nervous breakdown.
“And these kids are expected to deal with these things. On what basis is a kid more equipped to handle these things? The question should be, if you had to experience something of that nature, what would be your response?
“And children don’t know how to speak up. These coercive experiences are scary, embarrassing… they think, who are you going to tell? And if that’s your experience from someone who’s meant to love you and take care of you, why would you go to another adult about what happened?
“And what happens to that child if they have to go home after they’ve told someone about it and the authorities are conducting their investigations?
“Children are hugely vulnerable and it’s our collective duty to raise them. It takes a community to raise a child.”
Ms Alexander called for a return to the days of ‘nosey neighbours’, where whole communities care for and keep and eye on local children.
She said: “We now live in a very individualistic society, and these are the hidden kids.
“They really are suffering and the system is trying to do its best, but the system can’t find coercive people that don’t want to be found.”
Ms Alexander expects there will be a ‘massive influx’ of referrals once the school system reopens in September and local authorities will have to deal with both new cases and a backlog.
(Image: PA)
She also believes promised funding from central government does not go far enough to plug the existing £1bn funding gap in the children’s services sector.
Across Greater Manchester, local authorities have reported different experiences in their own services.
In Manchester, a council spokesperson said: “Similar to most parts of the UK, Manchester did see a reduction in referrals for young people during lockdown – and we anticipate an increase as regulations are eased.”
The authority has kept in touch with young people during the pandemic, mostly face to face but sometimes online, and is working alongside schools and Greater Manchester Police to act on any information handed on.
In Tameside, which also saw a decrease in referrals when lockdown started, a council spokesperson said: “Increases in ‘unseen’ demand resulting from coronavirus are still an unknown although we expect a short-term significant rise in contacts and referrals as schools return.
“We have been undertaking work to ensure we have the capacity to support families if there is an increase in contacts once schools go back.”
In Trafford, referrals were initially also down as schools closed but seem to have returned ‘to normal’ over the last two months.
The council’s children’s services, which were handed a governmental improvement order last year, are bucking the trend and have continued to work ‘at full capacity’ throughout the pandemic.
Children already in the Trafford system have been seen by the council at least every six weeks with home visits being made with safety measures in place.
In Wigan, it’s a similar story.
A council spokesperson said: “During the lockdown period we have seen our referral numbers decrease, predominantly due to the closure of schools, however they have now returned to near anticipated levels for this time of year.
“We have continued to support our most vulnerable children and young people, in partnership with our schools, and our teams have worked to maintain contact with every child and young person known to us during this time period.”
Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Bury, Bolton and Salford councils did not respond to requests for comment.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-17--Fears Croatia, Greece and Turkey could be added to UK quarantine list

There are fears more countries could soon be added to the UK 's quarantine list as a result of rising coronavirus cases .
It comes as Greece has seen a significant hike in the number of new coronavirus cases in recent days .
The country had managed to keep cases relatively low , with 3,112 confirmed cases and 183 deaths in mid-June , but this number has surged to 6,858 and 226 deaths as of Saturday .
Greece ’ s government has now ordered bars , restaurants and cafes in several regions to shut between midnight and 7am after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of August .
Turkey , meanwhile , recorded its highest daily number of cases since June , with 1,256 positive tests and 21 deaths in 24 hours .
Croatia is recording cases above the government 's benchmark of 20 cases per 100,000 population over a seven-day period , at 21.5 .
When asked by the M.E.N , the Department For Transport was unable to confirm if Croatia , Greece and Turkey would be soon added to the list following from the addition of France last week .
A No 10 spokesman also refused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be added to the quarantine list on Monday afternoon .
They said : “ We continue to keep these rules under constant review and we publish a list of the countries and territories that we are concerned about .
You ’ ll have seen the last update as of last week.
” Asked whether Greece and its islands would count as one country for quarantine rule purposes , he added : “ As I say , we will continue to keep data for all countries and territories under constant review .
We update @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pushed on the limited time between new quarantine measures being announced and their implementation , the No 10 spokesman said : “ We ’ ve always said that protecting public health remains our top priority , which is why it is important that when we make changes to the exemptions list we do so in a swift way .
“ While these changes we understand can be disruptive , it is right that we take quick action to prevent cases being important into the UK.
” Under the current rules , travellers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corridor exemptions must self-isolate for 14 days when they arrive in the UK to prevent cases of the virus spreading .
Thousands of British holidaymakers in France changed their plans to come home early last week as a quarantine was introduced , starting at 4am on Saturday .
It is believed that 500,000 holidaymakers made it back to the UK before the deadline .
The Department for Transport said public health `` remains the UK 's top priority , which is why we make changes to the Travel Corridor list as necessary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the world . ''
It said it keeps its approach to border measures under regular review to ensure that they remain effective and practical .
In background guidance , the Department for Transport said : `` Data on all countries and territories is closely monitored so that decisions can be taken rapidly to help stop the spread of the disease .
`` The list is reviewed every week and , if any changes are made , they will be published online .
`` As ever , we encourage people to check the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Prime Minister Boris Johnson has already indicated that quarantine restrictions could be imposed on further European countries if a ‘ second wave ’ of coronavirus hits the continent .
Restrictions are also in place for travellers from Spain entering the UK to self-isolate for 14 days after they arrive .

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There are fears more countries could soon be added to the UK's quarantine list as a result of rising coronavirus cases.
It comes as Greece has seen a significant hike in the number of new coronavirus cases in recent days.
The country had managed to keep cases relatively low, with 3,112 confirmed cases and 183 deaths in mid-June, but this number has surged to 6,858 and 226 deaths as of Saturday.
Greece’s government has now ordered bars, restaurants and cafes in several regions to shut between midnight and 7am after the number of cases surged at the beginning of August.
Turkey, meanwhile, recorded its highest daily number of cases since June, with 1,256 positive tests and 21 deaths in 24 hours.
Croatia is recording cases above the government's benchmark of 20 cases per 100,000 population over a seven-day period, at 21.5.
When asked by the M.E.N, the Department For Transport was unable to confirm if Croatia, Greece and Turkey would be soon added to the list following from the addition of France last week.
(Image: AP)
A No 10 spokesman also refused to deny that Croatia and Greece could be added to the quarantine list on Monday afternoon.
They said: “We continue to keep these rules under constant review and we publish a list of the countries and territories that we are concerned about. You’ll have seen the last update as of last week.”
Asked whether Greece and its islands would count as one country for quarantine rule purposes, he added: “As I say, we will continue to keep data for all countries and territories under constant review. We update the list on a weekly basis.”
Pushed on the limited time between new quarantine measures being announced and their implementation, the No 10 spokesman said: “We’ve always said that protecting public health remains our top priority, which is why it is important that when we make changes to the exemptions list we do so in a swift way.
“While these changes we understand can be disruptive, it is right that we take quick action to prevent cases being important into the UK.”
Under the current rules, travellers who arrive from countries not in the Travel Corridor exemptions must self-isolate for 14 days when they arrive in the UK to prevent cases of the virus spreading.
Thousands of British holidaymakers in France changed their plans to come home early last week as a quarantine was introduced, starting at 4am on Saturday.
It is believed that 500,000 holidaymakers made it back to the UK before the deadline.
The Department for Transport said public health "remains the UK's top priority, which is why we make changes to the Travel Corridor list as necessary, in light of the developing health situation across the world."
It said it keeps its approach to border measures under regular review to ensure that they remain effective and practical.
In background guidance, the Department for Transport said: "Data on all countries and territories is closely monitored so that decisions can be taken rapidly to help stop the spread of the disease.
"The list is reviewed every week and, if any changes are made, they will be published online.
"As ever, we encourage people to check the FCO advice pages before they travel."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has already indicated that quarantine restrictions could be imposed on further European countries if a ‘second wave’ of coronavirus hits the continent.
Restrictions are also in place for travellers from Spain entering the UK to self-isolate for 14 days after they arrive.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-17--Victoria Derbyshire breaks down as she recalls abusive dad

Victoria Derbyshire has told how she understands the terror felt by those 'literally trapped ' with a violent partner during coronavirus because she grew up with an abusive father .
The BBC presenter investigates the impact lockdown has had on domestic abuse during tonight 's episode of Panorama .
In a clip from the documentary she is shown breaking down in tears outside her childhood home in Littleborough , Rochdale , as she recalls the abuse her family suffered at the hands of her late father .
She said : `` I remember once , he locked my mum in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there was loads of noise and I was scared .
`` So I ran from here down to the police station which was , I don ’ t know , maybe a mile or something ?
`` I was 12 or 13 , I was so scared , I just ran to the police station , just ran in and said , ‘ My dad ’ s hitting my mum , please can you come ’ .
” She added that following Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’ s stay-at-home orders at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first thoughts was , 'So , what if you are living in a house with a violent partner ? '
She added : `` Because you would be literally trapped . ''
In an article for the BBC news website , Derbyshire , who attended Bury Grammar School for Girls , said that when she heard her father ’ s key in the door ' I remember my whole body tensing ' .
She wrote : `` What mood would he be in when he came home from work ?
Would he provoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to him hitting me , whipping me with his belt or just slapping me round the back of my head ? ''
She added that going to school while he was working 'meant respite from the disruptive shouting and cruel violence ' .
`` The love in our lives came from my amazing mum who did everything she could to make up for his failings , '' she said .
Refuge , the charity which runs the National Domestic Abuse Helpline , has reported a rise in the number of calls they received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisation ’ s director of operations Jane Keeper said there had been 'huge spikes in the number of women who have needed or support during lockdown , and as restrictions start to ease we are seeing demand rise yet more ” .
In July the charity said the National Domestic Abuse Helpline had received more than 40,000 calls since the start of the coronavirus lockdown .
Refuge ’ s telephone helpline , which ordinarily logs around 270 calls and contacts from women , friends and family members needing support every day , saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline can be contacted for free at any time of the day or night on 0808 2000 247 .
BBC Panorama : Escaping My Abuser is on BBC One on Monday at 7.30pm .

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Victoria Derbyshire has told how she understands the terror felt by those 'literally trapped' with a violent partner during coronavirus because she grew up with an abusive father.
The BBC presenter investigates the impact lockdown has had on domestic abuse during tonight's episode of Panorama.
In a clip from the documentary she is shown breaking down in tears outside her childhood home in Littleborough, Rochdale, as she recalls the abuse her family suffered at the hands of her late father.
She said: "I remember once, he locked my mum in their bedroom and he was hitting her and there was loads of noise and I was scared.
"So I ran from here down to the police station which was, I don’t know, maybe a mile or something?
(Image: BBC/Panorama)
"I was 12 or 13, I was so scared, I just ran to the police station, just ran in and said, ‘My dad’s hitting my mum, please can you come’.”
She added that following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s stay-at-home orders at the beginning of the lockdown 'one of my first thoughts was, 'So, what if you are living in a house with a violent partner?'
She added: "Because you would be literally trapped."
In an article for the BBC news website, Derbyshire, who attended Bury Grammar School for Girls, said that when she heard her father’s key in the door 'I remember my whole body tensing'.
She wrote: "What mood would he be in when he came home from work? Would he provoke an argument?
"Would it lead to him hitting me, whipping me with his belt or just slapping me round the back of my head?"
She added that going to school while he was working 'meant respite from the disruptive shouting and cruel violence'.
"The love in our lives came from my amazing mum who did everything she could to make up for his failings," she said.
Refuge, the charity which runs the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, has reported a rise in the number of calls they received during the lockdown.
Last month the organisation’s director of operations Jane Keeper said there had been 'huge spikes in the number of women who have needed or support during lockdown, and as restrictions start to ease we are seeing demand rise yet more”.
In July the charity said the National Domestic Abuse Helpline had received more than 40,000 calls since the start of the coronavirus lockdown.
Refuge’s telephone helpline, which ordinarily logs around 270 calls and contacts from women, friends and family members needing support every day, saw an increase of 77% during June.
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline can be contacted for free at any time of the day or night on 0808 2000 247.
BBC Panorama: Escaping My Abuser is on BBC One on Monday at 7.30pm.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-17--Man United midfielder Pereira defends Lindelof after Europa League exit

Andreas Pereira leaped to the defence of teammate Victor Lindelof following Manchester United 's exit from the Europa League .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side went out of Europe on Sunday night after they let an early lead slip against Spanish side Sevilla .
Bruno Fernandes had given United the lead from the penalty spot early on before former Liverpool winger Suso drew his side level before half-time .
United dominated proceedings after the break but were wasteful in front of goal before Luuk de Jong capitalised on some poor defending to win the game late on for Sevilla .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Lindelof after Sevilla netted their second goal of the game , with many fans blaming the Swede for his role in the defeat .
One mocked-up image appeared on social media which had been edited to show Lindelof in an argument with himself along withthe caption : `` Lindelof only has one person to blame . ''
However , midfielder Pereira was not happy with the jokes aimed at the Sweden international and defended his teammate in the comments below .
`` We win as a team , but we lose as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote on Instagram .
`` He did n't blame nobody , he would never do that . ''
Defeat for United saw them lose their third semi-final tie of the season after losses in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup , as they finished the campaign without a trophy for the third year in a row .

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Andreas Pereira leaped to the defence of teammate Victor Lindelof following Manchester United's exit from the Europa League.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side went out of Europe on Sunday night after they let an early lead slip against Spanish side Sevilla.
Bruno Fernandes had given United the lead from the penalty spot early on before former Liverpool winger Suso drew his side level before half-time.
United dominated proceedings after the break but were wasteful in front of goal before Luuk de Jong capitalised on some poor defending to win the game late on for Sevilla.
Fernandes was seen having a heated discussion with Lindelof after Sevilla netted their second goal of the game, with many fans blaming the Swede for his role in the defeat.
One mocked-up image appeared on social media which had been edited to show Lindelof in an argument with himself along withthe caption: "Lindelof only has one person to blame."
However, midfielder Pereira was not happy with the jokes aimed at the Sweden international and defended his teammate in the comments below.
(Image: Instagram/brfootball)
"We win as a team, but we lose as a team as well," Pereira wrote on Instagram. "He didn't blame nobody, he would never do that."
Defeat for United saw them lose their third semi-final tie of the season after losses in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, as they finished the campaign without a trophy for the third year in a row.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-17--Man United have obvious answer to latest transfer dilemma

After a season of resurgence it was a moment of relapse for Manchester United as they crashed out of the Europa League against Sevilla .
United deserve huge credit for overcoming their worst start to a top-flight season in 34 years to finish third in the Premier League , but you 're only as good as your last result , and as such the pressure has been put back on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer .
There was an overreaction to United 's good form when Solskjaer first took over the job , and another one followed this year with the incredible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bruno Fernandes in January .
But , just as the club were overpraised for their winning run , their rare defeat against Sevilla has also brought with it a ridiculous overreaction ignoring the obvious progress which has happened this season .
In truth United 's exit from Europe was as much about their poor finishing as it was down to their porous defensive line , but there is no arguing both areas of the squad still need further investment this summer .
Having spent £130million on two defensive acquisitions last summer it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their attack remains the priority for the weeks ahead , yet there is a growing argument from supporters that it is at the back where Solskjaer needs the biggest overhaul in his side .
Luke Shaw 's absence at left-back again highlighted the vulnerabilities in young Brandon Williams , while a rare off night from the typically dependable Aaron Wan-Bissaka just about summed up the misfortune of the entire squad .
In the middle club captain Harry Maguire continues to be the best central defender at the club , but is still yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while Victor Lindelof was made scapegoat for the deciding goal .
However , with the pursuit of Jadon Sancho still ongoing there is no escaping the fact certain areas of the playing squad need to be prioritised over others in terms of recruitment this summer .
In an ideal world United would probably want to add a new right winger , a new striker , a creative midfielder , a defensive midfielder , a versatile full-back and a new central defender this summer .
That obviously wo n't happen .
Instead the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in defence where they already have a solution which would not cost them a penny : Chris Smalling .
The England international was rejuvenated during his loan spell with Roma last season and although he might not be the world-class improvement many fans are after , he has certainly proven himself as a top-flight defender over the past year .
Smalling is attracting plenty of interest from Italy for a summer move with Roma believed to be battling both Inter Milan and Juventus for his signature .
He quite clearly still has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if required .
The main issue regarding the 30-year-old is that unlike other defenders at the club he does actually still have a decent transfer value and it would be much easier for them to shift Smalling than Phil Jones or Marcos Rojo this summer .
Yet there comes a time when United must weigh up whether or not it is better to keep the revitalised defender for their own benefit rather than cash in on him for a menial fee .
United 's defensive failure against Sevilla was as much about fatigue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Solskjaer far too reliant on both Maguire and Lindelof this season .
Squad rotation has n't been helped by injuries to both Axel Tuanzebe and Eric Bailly , but by keeping Smalling there would certainly be more opportunities for the club to mix things up and deal with fixture congestion when the football returns .
Smalling is n't the long-term answer to United 's problems at the back , but he does n't really need to be .
With other areas of the squad in more desperate need of bolstering he could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to strengthen his attack this summer and deal with his defence at a later date .

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After a season of resurgence it was a moment of relapse for Manchester United as they crashed out of the Europa League against Sevilla.
United deserve huge credit for overcoming their worst start to a top-flight season in 34 years to finish third in the Premier League, but you're only as good as your last result, and as such the pressure has been put back on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
There was an overreaction to United's good form when Solskjaer first took over the job, and another one followed this year with the incredible run of form following the arrival of Bruno Fernandes in January. But, just as the club were overpraised for their winning run, their rare defeat against Sevilla has also brought with it a ridiculous overreaction ignoring the obvious progress which has happened this season.
In truth United's exit from Europe was as much about their poor finishing as it was down to their porous defensive line, but there is no arguing both areas of the squad still need further investment this summer.
Having spent £130million on two defensive acquisitions last summer it is obvious why United's desire to strengthen their attack remains the priority for the weeks ahead, yet there is a growing argument from supporters that it is at the back where Solskjaer needs the biggest overhaul in his side.
Luke Shaw's absence at left-back again highlighted the vulnerabilities in young Brandon Williams, while a rare off night from the typically dependable Aaron Wan-Bissaka just about summed up the misfortune of the entire squad. In the middle club captain Harry Maguire continues to be the best central defender at the club, but is still yet to justify his enormous transfer fee, while Victor Lindelof was made scapegoat for the deciding goal.
However, with the pursuit of Jadon Sancho still ongoing there is no escaping the fact certain areas of the playing squad need to be prioritised over others in terms of recruitment this summer.
In an ideal world United would probably want to add a new right winger, a new striker, a creative midfielder, a defensive midfielder, a versatile full-back and a new central defender this summer. That obviously won't happen.
(Image: Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images)
Instead the club need to get creative themselves and it is in defence where they already have a solution which would not cost them a penny: Chris Smalling.
The England international was rejuvenated during his loan spell with Roma last season and although he might not be the world-class improvement many fans are after, he has certainly proven himself as a top-flight defender over the past year.
Smalling is attracting plenty of interest from Italy for a summer move with Roma believed to be battling both Inter Milan and Juventus for his signature. He quite clearly still has a role to play at Old Trafford if required.
The main issue regarding the 30-year-old is that unlike other defenders at the club he does actually still have a decent transfer value and it would be much easier for them to shift Smalling than Phil Jones or Marcos Rojo this summer. Yet there comes a time when United must weigh up whether or not it is better to keep the revitalised defender for their own benefit rather than cash in on him for a menial fee.
United's defensive failure against Sevilla was as much about fatigue as it was about frailties, with Solskjaer far too reliant on both Maguire and Lindelof this season. Squad rotation hasn't been helped by injuries to both Axel Tuanzebe and Eric Bailly, but by keeping Smalling there would certainly be more opportunities for the club to mix things up and deal with fixture congestion when the football returns.
Smalling isn't the long-term answer to United's problems at the back, but he doesn't really need to be. With other areas of the squad in more desperate need of bolstering he could be the ideal short-term fix as Solskjaer look to strengthen his attack this summer and deal with his defence at a later date.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-17--Wrench-wielding van driver in road rage 'scuffle' when car blocked him in

A van driver who threatened a man with a wrench in a fit of `` road rage '' has been handed a suspended sentence .
Jordan Gardner was initially charged with causing grievous bodily harm after a confrontation with another man on Garnett Street , Ramsbottom , on October 22 , 2018 .
The pair had become involved in an argument after Gardner 's van was blocked in by the other man 's car .
A `` scuffle '' followed in which the car driver was left with wounds to his head .
However , following a trial , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ causing the injuries and instead guilty of the lesser charge of possessing an offensive weapon .
At Bolton Crown Court today , Judge Martin Walsh heard Gardner had been subject to 14 previous convictions for 21 offences in the past but the last of these cases was in 2011 .
Defending , Mr Morris explained that his client had changed and was now willing to take responsibility for his own actions , something which had not been the case for the previous convictions .
He said : `` He 's finally accepting his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done in the past . ''
Addressing Gardner , of Foxglove Close , Rochdale , Judge Walsh told him that while he had been found to not be directly responsible for the other man 's injuries , they were an act of `` road rage '' .
`` This was consequence of you getting out of the vehicle and confronting the complainant with a wrench , '' he said .
Adding : `` You were convicted of possession of an offensive weapon following a confrontation between two motor vehicles - one driven by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicle and approached the complainant with a wrench you had brought with you .
`` There was some form of scuffle between you and the driver of the other vehicle and it was during that scuffle that he was injured .
`` But , the jury were n't satisfied that that injury was caused by you . ''
Gardner was handed a nine-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months .
He will also need to complete 25 days of rehabilitation sessions and be subject to a curfew between 8am-6pm for the next two @ @

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A van driver who threatened a man with a wrench in a fit of "road rage" has been handed a suspended sentence.
Jordan Gardner was initially charged with causing grievous bodily harm after a confrontation with another man on Garnett Street, Ramsbottom, on October 22, 2018.
The pair had become involved in an argument after Gardner's van was blocked in by the other man's car. A "scuffle" followed in which the car driver was left with wounds to his head.
However, following a trial, a jury found the 35-year-old not guilty of causing the injuries and instead guilty of the lesser charge of possessing an offensive weapon.
(Image: MEN)
At Bolton Crown Court today, Judge Martin Walsh heard Gardner had been subject to 14 previous convictions for 21 offences in the past but the last of these cases was in 2011.
Defending, Mr Morris explained that his client had changed and was now willing to take responsibility for his own actions, something which had not been the case for the previous convictions.
He said: "He's finally accepting his responsibility which is something he's never done in the past."
Addressing Gardner, of Foxglove Close, Rochdale, Judge Walsh told him that while he had been found to not be directly responsible for the other man's injuries, they were an act of "road rage".
"This was consequence of you getting out of the vehicle and confronting the complainant with a wrench," he said.
Adding: "You were convicted of possession of an offensive weapon following a confrontation between two motor vehicles - one driven by you - you got out of your vehicle and approached the complainant with a wrench you had brought with you.
"There was some form of scuffle between you and the driver of the other vehicle and it was during that scuffle that he was injured.
"But, the jury weren't satisfied that that injury was caused by you."
Gardner was handed a nine-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months. He will also need to complete 25 days of rehabilitation sessions and be subject to a curfew between 8am-6pm for the next two months.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-17--Antiques Roadshow fans torn over ‘creepy cat’ worth more than expected

Antiques Roadshow has seen its fair share of weird and wonderful items over the years , but this one perhaps tops the list of the former .
Viewers of the BBC programme were more than a little freaked out by a family heirloom that was brought in by a man who admitted his family were n't overly fond of it .
Resembling the old children ’ s character Cat in the Hat , the item consisted of a scraggly white feline which jumps up out of a top hat and sticks out its tongue - while an eerie tune plays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrated on the episode - set at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire , a grand house built in the style of a French chateau - members of the public laughed nervously in the background , while antiques expert Hilary Kay couldn ’ t contain her excitement .
Even the poor bloke who brought it along didn ’ t sell it particularly well , revealing how his daughters call it the “ creepy cat ” .
Hilary then conceded that there was an element of creepiness about it .
The guest explained that it had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ originally bought and belonged to his great , great aunt .
When asked whether he knew what company made it , he said : “ We looked on the V & A website and there is one in the V & A .
“ I think it said Roullet-Decamps.
” Hilary went on to explain that the company , based in Paris , started in 1865 and was a big enterprise which produced “ some of the most enchanting small automata that you ’ re going to see ” .
She added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It plays a single melody on a little cylinder musical box inside.
” And the crazy part is , if he decided to sell it , the owner was to make a surprise amount .
“ It ’ s slightly tricky , ” Hilary continued .
“ The last one I saw was with a dealer that sold for about $ 2,500 .
“ So my feeling is that a good auction price here in the UK would perhaps be around £1,500 to £2,000.
” “ Do you think your daughters might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Hilary asked .
He admitted that he didn ’ t think they would sell it after all .
Viewers of the repeat episode were torn over whether they liked the cat or now .
A second agreed : “ Cat in a Hat .
No thanks.
” A third wrote : “ Omg that cat in the hat is nightmare inducing.
” But others loved it .
“ I really liked the cat in the hat !
” said one .
“ I want the cat in the hat !
” another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Bloody love this mad cat thing , nothing like a bit of old sh**e to interest the crowd.
” Antiques Roadshow airs Sundays on BBC One from 8pm .

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Antiques Roadshow has seen its fair share of weird and wonderful items over the years, but this one perhaps tops the list of the former.
Viewers of the BBC programme were more than a little freaked out by a family heirloom that was brought in by a man who admitted his family weren't overly fond of it.
Resembling the old children’s character Cat in the Hat, the item consisted of a scraggly white feline which jumps up out of a top hat and sticks out its tongue - while an eerie tune plays in the background.
As it was demonstrated on the episode - set at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire, a grand house built in the style of a French chateau - members of the public laughed nervously in the background, while antiques expert Hilary Kay couldn’t contain her excitement.
“It’s such a great object,” she gushed.
(Image: BBC)
Even the poor bloke who brought it along didn’t sell it particularly well, revealing how his daughters call it the “creepy cat”.
Hilary then conceded that there was an element of creepiness about it.
The guest explained that it had been in his family since it was originally bought and belonged to his great, great aunt.
When asked whether he knew what company made it, he said: “We looked on the V&A website and there is one in the V&A.
“I think it said Roullet-Decamps.”
Hilary went on to explain that the company, based in Paris, started in 1865 and was a big enterprise which produced “some of the most enchanting small automata that you’re going to see”.
She added: “It’s in great condition. It plays a single melody on a little cylinder musical box inside.”
And the crazy part is, if he decided to sell it, the owner was to make a surprise amount.
“It’s slightly tricky,” Hilary continued. “The last one I saw was with a dealer that sold for about $2,500.
“So my feeling is that a good auction price here in the UK would perhaps be around £1,500 to £2,000.”
(Image: BBC)
The guest was visibly shocked, simply uttering “wow”.
“Do you think your daughters might like it a little more now?” Hilary asked.
He admitted that he didn’t think they would sell it after all.
Viewers of the repeat episode were torn over whether they liked the cat or now.
One said: “Creepy toy cat klaxon!”
A second agreed: “Cat in a Hat. No thanks.”
A third wrote: “Omg that cat in the hat is nightmare inducing.”
But others loved it.
“I really liked the cat in the hat!” said one.
“I want the cat in the hat!” another agreed.
While a third reasoned: “Bloody love this mad cat thing, nothing like a bit of old sh**e to interest the crowd.”
Antiques Roadshow airs Sundays on BBC One from 8pm.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-17--Boys, aged 13 and 17, appear in court accused of murder

Two teenage boys have appeared before a judge accused of murder .
The defendants , aged 13 and 17 , appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court after being charged with the murder of 34-year-old Steven McMyler .
They could go on trial next year .
Mr McMyler was found dead in the gardens of Wigan Parish Church on August 6 .
He was discovered by members of the public just before 7.50pm .
Despite receiving medical help he died at the scene .
A 19-year-old man , Jordan Short , has also been charged with murder .
Mr Short , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously appeared in court .
The three defendants have not entered pleas .
A plea and trial preparation hearing was scheduled for October 30 .
A trial has been set for February 1 next year .
The two teenage boys ca n't be named because of their age .
The 13-year-old appeared in the dock wearing a face mask , gloves and an apron .
In a statement previously released by the police , Mr McMyler 's family paid tribute to him .
They said : `` Steven was an extremely likeable lad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved him as much as we all did .
He was a popular lad , and he lit the room up as soon as he walked in .
`` Everybody thought the world of him , as he had a heart of gold . ''

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Two teenage boys have appeared before a judge accused of murder.
The defendants, aged 13 and 17, appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court after being charged with the murder of 34-year-old Steven McMyler.
They could go on trial next year.
Mr McMyler was found dead in the gardens of Wigan Parish Church on August 6. He was discovered by members of the public just before 7.50pm.
Despite receiving medical help he died at the scene.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
A 19-year-old man, Jordan Short, has also been charged with murder. Mr Short, of Rushey Hey Road, Kirkby, previously appeared in court.
The three defendants have not entered pleas.
A plea and trial preparation hearing was scheduled for October 30. A trial has been set for February 1 next year.
The two teenage boys can't be named because of their age.
The 13-year-old appeared in the dock wearing a face mask, gloves and an apron.
In a statement previously released by the police, Mr McMyler's family paid tribute to him.
They said: "Steven was an extremely likeable lad, and everyone who came across him loved him as much as we all did. He was a popular lad, and he lit the room up as soon as he walked in.
"Everybody thought the world of him, as he had a heart of gold."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-17--ADVERTORIAL: Win £50 worth of Matalan shopping vouchers for Back to School uniform

We have teamed up with our friends at Matalan to give four lucky winners the chance to win £50 vouchers each towards the Back to School Shop !
It may have been a little while since kids have had to attempt to tie up their shoes or a tie but it 's time to go back and we are here to help !
The all year round school collection is stylish , smart and comfortable .
From stain resistant trousers and skirts , colour lasting jumpers and easy-care shirts , Matalan has got the best quality and kit that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits within school uniform have become a parents survival , used to ensure the longevity of uniform , Matalan has put this at the front of their priorities , with teflon coated uniform , durable and minimum iron fabrics and even riptape fastenings instead of buttons .
To enter this competition you must collect three passwords that will be printed in this title everyday from Monday 17th August to Saturday 22nd August , once you have all of the tokens enter the form below with all of the relevant details .
All entries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All winners will be contacted on Tuesday 25th August .
Why not also take part in Matalan ’ s ultimate challenge , # schoolreadyin60 .
Children have 60 seconds to get ready in their uniform , in preparation for going back in September .
Tag @ shopmatalan and use # schoolreadyin60 and be in with the chance to win a whole new uniform for your child ( ren ) .
There will be 5 winners each week in August .
Some of Matalan ’ s favourite influencers have kicked off the campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , @ olkafiolka ( 151k followers ) and @ chanelambrose ( 85.5k followers ) .
Click here to see more .
Matalan ’ s own brand ambassador Denise van Outen is also taking part in the challenge with their daughter Betsy .
Voucher entitles you to the discount stated on the voucher on one occasion and is valid until the date printed on this voucher .
Voucher is not transferable , has no cash value and can not be used in conjunction with any other promotion , offer , or discount ( including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( including staff discount ) , the purchase of gift vouchers & cards , books , DVDs , sunglasses , fragrance , confectionery , household cleaning/toiletry products , any toys from the Totally Toys range , any items from Card Factory range , any Claire ’ s Accessories items , any items from our in store cafes or any products being sold to raise funds for a specified charitable cause .
Vouchers can not be used at any Matalan clearance store .
Damaged or defaced vouchers will not be accepted .
Matalan reserves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incorrect codes or which Matalan reasonably believes to be copies and to amend , alter or terminate this discount at any time .
If you return a single item bought as part of a multi item purchase using this voucher you will be refunded the full price of the item less a pro–rata proportion of the discount given by the voucher .
Full terms and conditions apply , please see in store or online at for further details .
The promoter is : Matalan Retail Limited , Perimeter Road , Knowsley Industrial Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach plc rules apply - see here for details

We have teamed up with our friends at Matalan to give four lucky winners the chance to win £50 vouchers each towards the Back to School Shop! It may have been a little while since kids have had to attempt to tie up their shoes or a tie but it's time to go back and we are here to help!
The all year round school collection is stylish, smart and comfortable. From stain resistant trousers and skirts, colour lasting jumpers and easy-care shirts, Matalan has got the best quality and kit that will last from term to term.
Technical benefits within school uniform have become a parents survival, used to ensure the longevity of uniform, Matalan has put this at the front of their priorities, with teflon coated uniform, durable and minimum iron fabrics and even riptape fastenings instead of buttons.
To enter this competition you must collect three passwords that will be printed in this title everyday from Monday 17th August to Saturday 22nd August, once you have all of the tokens enter the form below with all of the relevant details. All entries must be submitted by Sunday 23rd August. All winners will be contacted on Tuesday 25th August.
Terms and Conditions
Voucher entitles you to the discount stated on the voucher on one occasion and is valid until the date printed on this voucher. Voucher is not transferable, has no cash value and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, offer, or discount (including sale items), any discount scheme (including staff discount), the purchase of gift vouchers & cards, books, DVDs, sunglasses, fragrance, confectionery, household cleaning/toiletry products, any toys from the Totally Toys range, any items from Card Factory range, any Claire’s Accessories items, any items from our in store cafes or any products being sold to raise funds for a specified charitable cause. Vouchers cannot be used at any Matalan clearance store. Damaged or defaced vouchers will not be accepted. Matalan reserves the right to refuse any vouchers with incorrect codes or which Matalan reasonably believes to be copies and to amend, alter or terminate this discount at any time. If you return a single item bought as part of a multi item purchase using this voucher you will be refunded the full price of the item less a pro–rata proportion of the discount given by the voucher. Full terms and conditions apply, please see in store or online at www.matalan.co.uk for further details. The promoter is: Matalan Retail Limited, Perimeter Road, Knowsley Industrial Park, Liverpool, L33 7SZ.
Standard reach plc rules apply - see here for details


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-17--Headteacher blasts A-level system as more than half of results downgraded

The headteacher of a school where more than half of A-level results were downgraded has hit out at the system .
The government is facing mounting pressure after almost 40 % of students received lower than their predicted grades on Thursday .
After this summer 's exams were cancelled , teachers were told to submit the grades they thought each student would have received if they had sat the papers .
But they were then moderated by the exam board , which looked at factors like a students ' previous exam results and schools ' past performances to work out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This means many students have seen their results downgraded and at Parrs Wood High School in Didsbury , the figure is even higher - with 56 % of grades lower than those provided by teachers .
Mark McElwee , headteacher at Parrs Wood , said : `` It 's hard to know what to say .
Although we 've certainly had some students who have done really well and have been rightly awarded the marks they deserve to get them into some top universities , this is far from the picture across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've got students who have literally worked their socks off during their time in school - from their GCSEs through to their A levels this year - and they are not getting the grades that we as teachers know they were capable of .
`` Despite the hours spent by my staff wrangling over the grades they thought should be awarded to each young person to make sure this was an honest and accurate reflection of the student 's past achievement as well as their potential , nearly half of the grades we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disregarded . ''
The number of exams awarded at grades A*-C at Parrs Wood is also well down at only 59 % this year , following last year 's figure of 74 % - a figure which this year the school had forecast , pre-lockdown , would be even higher .
Mr McElwee added : `` It feels as if the mechanism used to determine results is a very blunt one that just does n't take into account the two years ' worth of work and more put in by students and staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on during this time .
`` We 're now doing everything we possibly can to make sure every student has the support they need to help them move forwards .
As a school we 're also looking urgently at all the avenues open to us for challenging and appealing results on behalf of individual students to make sure they get the grades they deserve and that better reflect what we as teachers know they are capable of . ''
Schools across England , Wales and Northern Ireland reported large numbers of exam marks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to examination boards .
It followed exam chaos in Scotland where the government did a U-turn after widespread criticism of its own results system , which saw more than 125,000 entries downgraded .
Councillor Garry Bridges , executive member for children and schools at Manchester City Council , has shared his dismay over the results system .
He said : `` Levels of dissatisfaction and disbelief with both the mechanism used and the final grades awarded are running high in Manchester .
`` To every young person who has got the grades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next level , congratulations and well done - you deserve the results you have been given .
`` To every young person who has not been given the grades they needed today to move on to the next level - you did not deserve this .
It 's vital that you talk to your schools and your teachers to get the help and support you need to get you through this - they believe in you and want you to succeed .
`` When I see even good schools where nearly half their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's very clear to me that the promises made to pupils that none of them would be disadvantaged by the results they are given do not appear to have been kept .
`` There is nothing right about a system that appears to judge a young person not by their own merit and hard work , but on their background and the school they attend . ''
The government says its 'triple lock system ' - which means students can use Thursday 's results , the results of their mock exams , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final grade - is a fair system , but critics have called it ' a shambles ' .
Tell us what you think about this year 's A levels in our survey here .
There 's been further confusion over exams regulator Ofqual 'reviewing ' its guidance on how to appeal results .
It put out its criteria for students using their mock exam results as the basis for appeal on Saturday , only to suspend it hours later without explanation .
Coun Bridges added : `` The idea suddenly too that mock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could see their awarded grade replaced by a higher grade is ludicrous and does not take into account the fact that different schools use mock exams very differently .
`` Tests given at varying times and under varying conditions , which were meant to be ways to measure progress and highlight areas for students and staff to focus on in the months leading up to the exams themselves , have now retrospectively become the only way for a student to prove they deserve a higher grade than the one allocated to them by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be right .
`` We '' ll be working closely with our schools over the coming weeks to do everything we possibly can to make sure that all necessary measures are taken to ensure that every young person in Manchester gets the results they deserve and is able to move forwards with confidence in their lives .
`` It is n't too late to remedy all this .
It 's obvious that this patently unfair system needs to be abandoned and students given grades that are much more closely aligned with their teachers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability to appeal their results easily , and we shall be raising this at the very highest level as a matter of urgency . ''

Get the M.E.N.'s Manchester Family newsletter for all the latest from back to school news to ways to entertain the kids
Get the M.E.N.'s Manchester Family newsletter for all the latest from back to school news to ways to entertain the kids
The headteacher of a school where more than half of A-level results were downgraded has hit out at the system.
The government is facing mounting pressure after almost 40% of students received lower than their predicted grades on Thursday.
After this summer's exams were cancelled, teachers were told to submit the grades they thought each student would have received if they had sat the papers.
But they were then moderated by the exam board, which looked at factors like a students' previous exam results and schools' past performances to work out what grades should be awarded to pupils.
(Image: Google)
This means many students have seen their results downgraded and at Parrs Wood High School in Didsbury, the figure is even higher - with 56% of grades lower than those provided by teachers.
Mark McElwee, headteacher at Parrs Wood, said: "It's hard to know what to say. Although we've certainly had some students who have done really well and have been rightly awarded the marks they deserve to get them into some top universities, this is far from the picture across the whole year group.
"I've got students who have literally worked their socks off during their time in school - from their GCSEs through to their A levels this year - and they are not getting the grades that we as teachers know they were capable of.
"Despite the hours spent by my staff wrangling over the grades they thought should be awarded to each young person to make sure this was an honest and accurate reflection of the student's past achievement as well as their potential, nearly half of the grades we spent hours of deliberation on have been disregarded."
(Image: Parrs Wood High School)
The number of exams awarded at grades A*-C at Parrs Wood is also well down at only 59% this year, following last year's figure of 74% - a figure which this year the school had forecast, pre-lockdown, would be even higher.
Mr McElwee added: "It feels as if the mechanism used to determine results is a very blunt one that just doesn't take into account the two years' worth of work and more put in by students and staff, and the journey they have been on during this time.
"We're now doing everything we possibly can to make sure every student has the support they need to help them move forwards. As a school we're also looking urgently at all the avenues open to us for challenging and appealing results on behalf of individual students to make sure they get the grades they deserve and that better reflect what we as teachers know they are capable of."
Schools across England, Wales and Northern Ireland reported large numbers of exam marks being downgraded from the predictions provided by them to examination boards.
It followed exam chaos in Scotland where the government did a U-turn after widespread criticism of its own results system, which saw more than 125,000 entries downgraded.
(Image: Manchester City Council)
Councillor Garry Bridges, executive member for children and schools at Manchester City Council, has shared his dismay over the results system.
He said: "Levels of dissatisfaction and disbelief with both the mechanism used and the final grades awarded are running high in Manchester.
"To every young person who has got the grades they needed to move on to the next level, congratulations and well done - you deserve the results you have been given.
"To every young person who has not been given the grades they needed today to move on to the next level - you did not deserve this. It's vital that you talk to your schools and your teachers to get the help and support you need to get you through this - they believe in you and want you to succeed.
"When I see even good schools where nearly half their predicted exam marks have been downgraded, it's very clear to me that the promises made to pupils that none of them would be disadvantaged by the results they are given do not appear to have been kept.
"There is nothing right about a system that appears to judge a young person not by their own merit and hard work, but on their background and the school they attend."
The government says its 'triple lock system' - which means students can use Thursday's results, the results of their mock exams, or take re-sits this autumn as their final grade - is a fair system, but critics have called it 'a shambles'.
Tell us what you think about this year's A levels in our survey here.
There's been further confusion over exams regulator Ofqual 'reviewing' its guidance on how to appeal results.
It put out its criteria for students using their mock exam results as the basis for appeal on Saturday, only to suspend it hours later without explanation.
Coun Bridges added: "The idea suddenly too that mock exams are sufficient protection for students and could see their awarded grade replaced by a higher grade is ludicrous and does not take into account the fact that different schools use mock exams very differently.
"Tests given at varying times and under varying conditions, which were meant to be ways to measure progress and highlight areas for students and staff to focus on in the months leading up to the exams themselves, have now retrospectively become the only way for a student to prove they deserve a higher grade than the one allocated to them by a flawed system. This cannot be right.
"We''ll be working closely with our schools over the coming weeks to do everything we possibly can to make sure that all necessary measures are taken to ensure that every young person in Manchester gets the results they deserve and is able to move forwards with confidence in their lives.
"It isn't too late to remedy all this. It's obvious that this patently unfair system needs to be abandoned and students given grades that are much more closely aligned with their teachers' assessments, as well as the ability to appeal their results easily, and we shall be raising this at the very highest level as a matter of urgency."