themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-21--Drunk who urinated on cenotaph in St Peter's Square branded 'social menace'

A drunk who urinated on the cenotaph was branded a 'social menace ' as he was jailed .
Mark Smith , 58 , was spotted on CCTV by council staff urinating on the war memorial in St Peter 's Square .
Members of the public went over to challenge him , but he was aggressive towards them .
He was abusive to police , calling them 'fat pigs ' .
The next morning , after spending the night in the cells , Smith spat on a female detention officer .
Smith told her : `` See , I told you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wh*** ' .
Now Smith , formerly of Rochdale , has been locked up for two-and-a-half years for a drink and drug fuelled crime spree .
Judge John Potter told Smith : `` This was disgusting and deeply disrespectful behaviour likely to cause offence to the public , not just because your genitals were exposed with a view to urinating , but that you decided to do this on a monument which commemorates the tragedy of loss of life in warfare . ''
Minshull Street Crown Court heard that the incident at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , January 16 last year .
The following month , on September 27 last year , workers had attended his flat to conduct repair work to a leak in Smith 's flat in Rochdale , which was affecting flats below .
He refused to let them in at about 6.30pm , and threw missiles from his 15th floor flat .
Police were engaged in a standoff with Smith for hours , and had to call the force 's tactical aid unit for assistance .
At about 11pm , they forced his door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sofa , and was throwing furniture at the officers .
One officer said Smith had spat at them four times .
He was removed from the flat , and was racially abusive to another officer after being taken to Bury police station , calling him a 'Pa** ba***** ' and an 'Asian toe rag ' .
Smith appeared before Minshull Street Crown Court previously in July last year for other offences .
He received an 18 month community order and an alcohol treatment program .
They included assaulting a nightclub doorman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the face of a police officer and being in possession of a knife and an axe .
Judge Potter described Smith as 'nothing more than a social menace ' .
Defending , Michael Goldwater said that Smith had stayed out of trouble between 2001 and 2018 and had 'lived peacefully ' .
He had a drink problem earlier in his life , but was told that cannabis would help in treating symptoms of epilepsy which he encountered .
But Mr Goldwater said the use of cannabis then turned him back to drink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 and 2019 represented a 'catastrophic failure ' on the defendant 's part to manage his drink and drug problem .
Mr Goldwater described Smith as a 'Jekyll and Hyde character ' .
He said when drinking Smith is 'ungovernable ' , but when he is sober he is 'polite , intelligent , charming and amusing ' .
Smith is now 'determined not to relapse ' in future , Mr Goldwater said .
Judge Potter told Smith : `` Your difficulties will not be ended unless and until you decide to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of no fixed address , pleaded guilty to outraging public decency , two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and a racially aggravated public order offence .

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A drunk who urinated on the cenotaph was branded a 'social menace' as he was jailed.
Mark Smith, 58, was spotted on CCTV by council staff urinating on the war memorial in St Peter's Square.
Members of the public went over to challenge him, but he was aggressive towards them.
He was abusive to police, calling them 'fat pigs'.
The next morning, after spending the night in the cells, Smith spat on a female detention officer.
(Image: Manchester Council)
Smith told her: "See, I told you I'd get you, fou f****** wh***'.
Now Smith, formerly of Rochdale, has been locked up for two-and-a-half years for a drink and drug fuelled crime spree.
Judge John Potter told Smith: "This was disgusting and deeply disrespectful behaviour likely to cause offence to the public, not just because your genitals were exposed with a view to urinating, but that you decided to do this on a monument which commemorates the tragedy of loss of life in warfare."
Minshull Street Crown Court heard that the incident at the cenotaph occurred at about 10.45pm, on Wednesday, January 16 last year.
The following month, on September 27 last year, workers had attended his flat to conduct repair work to a leak in Smith's flat in Rochdale, which was affecting flats below.
He refused to let them in at about 6.30pm, and threw missiles from his 15th floor flat.
(Image: GMP)
Police were engaged in a standoff with Smith for hours, and had to call the force's tactical aid unit for assistance.
At about 11pm, they forced his door open.
Smith had barricaded himself behind a sofa, and was throwing furniture at the officers.
One officer said Smith had spat at them four times.
He was removed from the flat, and was racially abusive to another officer after being taken to Bury police station, calling him a 'Pa** ba*****' and an 'Asian toe rag'.
Smith appeared before Minshull Street Crown Court previously in July last year for other offences. He received an 18 month community order and an alcohol treatment program.
They included assaulting a nightclub doorman, being abusive to police officers, spitting in the face of a police officer and being in possession of a knife and an axe.
(Image: MEN Media)
Judge Potter described Smith as 'nothing more than a social menace'.
Defending, Michael Goldwater said that Smith had stayed out of trouble between 2001 and 2018 and had 'lived peacefully'.
He had a drink problem earlier in his life, but was told that cannabis would help in treating symptoms of epilepsy which he encountered.
But Mr Goldwater said the use of cannabis then turned him back to drink.
He said Smith's crime spree in 2018 and 2019 represented a 'catastrophic failure' on the defendant's part to manage his drink and drug problem.
Mr Goldwater described Smith as a 'Jekyll and Hyde character'.
He said when drinking Smith is 'ungovernable', but when he is sober he is 'polite, intelligent, charming and amusing'.
Smith is now 'determined not to relapse' in future, Mr Goldwater said.
Judge Potter told Smith: "Your difficulties will not be ended unless and until you decide to take personal responsibility for them."
Smith, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to outraging public decency, two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and a racially aggravated public order offence.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-21--Mum shares reality of life in lockdown with six kids

Lockdown is a challenge for everyone , especially parents with young children who can rarely leave the house .
But with six children to look after , including four aged three and under , you can imagine that life for the Kirkwoods is not particularly a breeze at the moment .
With Rachael and her husband both trying to work from home , isolation certainly has its challenges when they have Oscar , 11 , Oliver , eight , Mollie , three , two-year-old twins Niall and Luke and 16-month-old Orla to entertain .
Like most young children , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a long day to fill with fun activities and , for the older ones , some school work too .
Feeling the strain of being confined to a house that feels like ' a constant tip ' and with her twins in their 'terrible twos ' , Rachael has put together a video giving a snapshot of their lives right now - the ups and the downs - to remind herself of the fun times they are having amid the chaos and uncertainty .
For her she has the extra worry over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mama Sanctuary in Stockport .
The 'pregnancy and motherhood hub ' only opened in December and has already been a massive hit with mums and mums-to-be , with Manchester 's newest soap star mummies Hayley Tamaddon , Brooke Vincent and Julia Goulding raving about their visit there shortly before it had to close .
Aiming to make life easier for mums and mums-to-be , the sanctuary , gives them access to free childcare while accessing beauty treatments and other services like antenatal classes , sling libraries and breastfeeding support .
It 's that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with herself right now , as she admits that life with her little ones is taking its toll .
`` It 's hard work for sure , especially as they 're all different ages , but we are trying to make the most of what we 've got and not get too stressed about little things , '' she said .
`` We 've been doing the Joe Wicks exercise every morning and tried to do some learning with the little ones , but they do n't really listen .
`` The big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we have n't been too strict .
You just have to take each day as it comes .
`` It 's such a long day when they 're waking up at 6am or you 've got another waking in the night wanting to get in bed with you .
I can not wait to go back to work just to relax . ''
The 35-year-old added : `` It 's very difficult to get two minutes to yourself unless everyone 's in bed .
Having to close my shop has been an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kids .
`` I 'm still trying to do bits of work but it 's not easy when you 've got kids trying to climb on you .
I did initially worry about the shop being closed for a while , but so many people have messaged me saying they can not wait for my Mama Sanctuary to open back up because they really need it - not just because they need their hair and nails doing , but for their mental health and that little bit of time away from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ladies that can not get out of the house unless they have childcare who say we are a lifeline .
We had the Coronation Street ladies in a few weeks before we had to close the shop and they said they ca n't wait to come back . ''
A typical routine before lockdown would have seen Oliver and Oscar in school from 8.30 each morning .
Mollie , Orla and the twins go to nursery two days a week and on Thursdays the twins stay overnight at their auntie 's to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creche has also been a godsend for helping with childcare .
It 's all very different from the current set-up , where the children are with Rachael and her husband 24-7 at their home in Stalybridge .
But between them , they 've been managing to keep them entertained , mainly in the garden .
`` We had a big bath box and my husband decided to make a playhouse out of it , so I took over and painted it .
As I was painting it the kids said it was going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became our isolation school .
It was actually pretty rewarding - they all love it and it made me feel better too , '' said Rachael .
`` We 've had games of Connect 4 , bikes rides , you name it , but it does get harder to keep them entertained .
`` The older boys have n't said much apart from they 're getting bored of their computer games now - I never thought I 'd hear them say that .
`` Oliver and Oscar spend a lot of time together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoy each other 's company .
They have n't managed to annoy each other yet .
`` It 's the little ones that keep asking to go places .
Mollie asks to go to the cafe and to mummy 's work .
I usually take her to the cafe near work on a Friday so she always asks about that .
She asked could we go to the movies the other day .
`` Niall and Luke go to ice hockey on a Saturday morning in Altrincham - they are ice hockey obsessed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they 're going to ice hockey today or going to see family .
I 've told them that nobody is allowed to go anywhere at the minute and we all have to stay at home and play in the garden .
They are getting fed up .
We 're trying to think of ways to keep them entertained but it is n't easy . ''
Rachael , who also has her own Mollie & Oli clothing brand for mums and children , says despite having a decent sized home , 'escaping is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's always someone following you around ' .
`` I needed to take a call from my business mentor at the business growth hub so I had to get my husband to take everyone outside and lock the door , '' she said .
`` If I did n't do that they 'd have found me .
It was supposed to be a Skype callm but I decided that was n't going to work so abandoned it and called her from my bedroom instead . ''
And she says tea time is by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The most difficult time of day is between 5pm and 7pm , '' she said .
`` Everyone is so fed up and tired by then .
We usually get a lot of tantrums and food thrown around .
`` I 'm usually ready to run out of the door by the time it hits 7pm .
I 'd be lying if I did n't say I do n't look forward to bed time .
I love them all to bits but it is hard work .
`` I 've given up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throw everything all over , Orla is at the stage where she pulls everything out of the kitchen cupboards .
There 's been a few boxes of cereals thrown all over the floor .
By the time everyone 's gone to bed and we 've cleaned up we are both exhausted . ''
But not one to sit still , once the kids are in bed Rachael will find herself cracking on with jobs around the house and doing bits of work when she can .
Above all , she 's grateful that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her husband shares the workload and that they are finding joy in some of the simpler things in life .
`` We have good and bad days , but generally they are n't that bad , '' she said .
`` I spent the first week of lockdown panicking that we would n't be able to cope for weeks with everyone at home .
The first week was very stressful and this last week has but it 's just finding new ways to entertain everyone , keep them all fed and watered .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ then cried when I watched it back because it made me realise how lucky I am .
`` My kids might drive me crazy at times but they 're gorgeous and they do generally get on very well .
It 's difficult juggling everything but we need to appreciate the little things .
We are lucky we are all still here and we will not get this time back again .
`` We 've been doing a weekly pub quiz with my family via Zoom .
It was really nice to do something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do it now and again once we 're out of lockdown as she lives in London and my mum is n't round the corner either .
`` One thing I do appreciate about being in lockdown is the fact I do not have to find matching socks everyday .
Mornings are definitely more relaxed as we do not have to get six children out of the door by 8.30am and get ourselves to work too .
`` I 've spent most days in my pjs and the kids can wear yesterday 's clothes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I usually go outside and find them without any clothes on .
`` I 'm thankful for the lovely weather .
I do n't know what we would 've done if it was raining and everyone was stuck in the house . ''
She added : `` I 'm glad I have a husband who is helpful and really good with the kids .
He will clean the house and get up early to give me a lie in .
The only way of coping is if we stick together - we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another three weeks in lockdown , please say a prayer . ''
To find out more about Mama Sanctuary visit the website here , or the Facebook page here .
Once it reopens Hayley Tamaddon will be hosting a mental health morning at the venue , talking about being a new mum in the public eye .
Follow the Facebook page or Instagram for more details .

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
Lockdown is a challenge for everyone, especially parents with young children who can rarely leave the house.
But with six children to look after, including four aged three and under, you can imagine that life for the Kirkwoods is not particularly a breeze at the moment.
With Rachael and her husband both trying to work from home, isolation certainly has its challenges when they have Oscar, 11, Oliver, eight, Mollie, three, two-year-old twins Niall and Luke and 16-month-old Orla to entertain.
Like most young children, the youngest wake around 6am, so it's a long day to fill with fun activities and, for the older ones, some school work too.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Feeling the strain of being confined to a house that feels like 'a constant tip' and with her twins in their 'terrible twos', Rachael has put together a video giving a snapshot of their lives right now - the ups and the downs - to remind herself of the fun times they are having amid the chaos and uncertainty.
For her she has the extra worry over the future of her business, the Mama Sanctuary in Stockport.
The 'pregnancy and motherhood hub' only opened in December and has already been a massive hit with mums and mums-to-be, with Manchester's newest soap star mummies Hayley Tamaddon, Brooke Vincent and Julia Goulding raving about their visit there shortly before it had to close.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Aiming to make life easier for mums and mums-to-be, the sanctuary, gives them access to free childcare while accessing beauty treatments and other services like antenatal classes, sling libraries and breastfeeding support.
It's that sort of pampering that Rachael could do with herself right now, as she admits that life with her little ones is taking its toll.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"It's hard work for sure, especially as they're all different ages, but we are trying to make the most of what we've got and not get too stressed about little things," she said.
"We've been doing the Joe Wicks exercise every morning and tried to do some learning with the little ones, but they don't really listen.
"The big boys have been good doing their work but we haven't been too strict. You just have to take each day as it comes.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"It's such a long day when they're waking up at 6am or you've got another waking in the night wanting to get in bed with you. I cannot wait to go back to work just to relax."
The 35-year-old added: "It's very difficult to get two minutes to yourself unless everyone's in bed. Having to close my shop has been an added stress on top of having all the kids.
"I'm still trying to do bits of work but it's not easy when you've got kids trying to climb on you. I did initially worry about the shop being closed for a while, but so many people have messaged me saying they cannot wait for my Mama Sanctuary to open back up because they really need it - not just because they need their hair and nails doing, but for their mental health and that little bit of time away from the kids.
"There's so many ladies that cannot get out of the house unless they have childcare who say we are a lifeline. We had the Coronation Street ladies in a few weeks before we had to close the shop and they said they can't wait to come back."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
A typical routine before lockdown would have seen Oliver and Oscar in school from 8.30 each morning. Mollie, Orla and the twins go to nursery two days a week and on Thursdays the twins stay overnight at their auntie's to help the family out.
The Mama Sanctuary creche has also been a godsend for helping with childcare.
It's all very different from the current set-up, where the children are with Rachael and her husband 24-7 at their home in Stalybridge.
But between them, they've been managing to keep them entertained, mainly in the garden.
"We had a big bath box and my husband decided to make a playhouse out of it, so I took over and painted it. As I was painting it the kids said it was going to be their big school so it became our isolation school. It was actually pretty rewarding - they all love it and it made me feel better too," said Rachael.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"We've had games of Connect 4, bikes rides, you name it, but it does get harder to keep them entertained.
"The older boys haven't said much apart from they're getting bored of their computer games now - I never thought I'd hear them say that.
"Oliver and Oscar spend a lot of time together and get on really well so they enjoy each other's company. They haven't managed to annoy each other yet.
"It's the little ones that keep asking to go places. Mollie asks to go to the cafe and to mummy's work. I usually take her to the cafe near work on a Friday so she always asks about that. She asked could we go to the movies the other day.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"Niall and Luke go to ice hockey on a Saturday morning in Altrincham - they are ice hockey obsessed. They've asked a few times if they're going to ice hockey today or going to see family. I've told them that nobody is allowed to go anywhere at the minute and we all have to stay at home and play in the garden. They are getting fed up. We're trying to think of ways to keep them entertained but it isn't easy."
Rachael, who also has her own Mollie & Oli clothing brand for mums and children, says despite having a decent sized home, 'escaping isn't an option', as 'there's always someone following you around'.
"I needed to take a call from my business mentor at the business growth hub so I had to get my husband to take everyone outside and lock the door," she said. "If I didn't do that they'd have found me. It was supposed to be a Skype callm but I decided that wasn't going to work so abandoned it and called her from my bedroom instead."
And she says tea time is by far the trickiest time to handle.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"The most difficult time of day is between 5pm and 7pm," she said. "Everyone is so fed up and tired by then. We usually get a lot of tantrums and food thrown around.
"I'm usually ready to run out of the door by the time it hits 7pm. I'd be lying if I didn't say I don't look forward to bed time. I love them all to bits but it is hard work.
"I've given up cleaning during the day as they just throw everything all over, Orla is at the stage where she pulls everything out of the kitchen cupboards. There's been a few boxes of cereals thrown all over the floor. By the time everyone's gone to bed and we've cleaned up we are both exhausted."
But not one to sit still, once the kids are in bed Rachael will find herself cracking on with jobs around the house and doing bits of work when she can.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Above all, she's grateful that they are safe and well, that her husband shares the workload and that they are finding joy in some of the simpler things in life.
"We have good and bad days, but generally they aren't that bad," she said.
"I spent the first week of lockdown panicking that we wouldn't be able to cope for weeks with everyone at home. The first week was very stressful and this last week has but it's just finding new ways to entertain everyone, keep them all fed and watered.
"I decided to make the video then cried when I watched it back because it made me realise how lucky I am.
"My kids might drive me crazy at times but they're gorgeous and they do generally get on very well. It's difficult juggling everything but we need to appreciate the little things. We are lucky we are all still here and we will not get this time back again.
"We've been doing a weekly pub quiz with my family via Zoom. It was really nice to do something different. I think we'll still do it now and again once we're out of lockdown as she lives in London and my mum isn't round the corner either.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"One thing I do appreciate about being in lockdown is the fact I do not have to find matching socks everyday. Mornings are definitely more relaxed as we do not have to get six children out of the door by 8.30am and get ourselves to work too.
"I've spent most days in my pjs and the kids can wear yesterday's clothes if they're not too dirty. I usually go outside and find them without any clothes on.
"I'm thankful for the lovely weather. I don't know what we would've done if it was raining and everyone was stuck in the house."
She added: "I'm glad I have a husband who is helpful and really good with the kids. He will clean the house and get up early to give me a lie in. The only way of coping is if we stick together - we are a good team. We now have another three weeks in lockdown, please say a prayer."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
To find out more about Mama Sanctuary visit the website here, or the Facebook page here. Once it reopens Hayley Tamaddon will be hosting a mental health morning at the venue, talking about being a new mum in the public eye. Follow the Facebook page or Instagram for more details.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-21--Bomb squad descends on family home after war grenade found outside

A bomb squad descended on a quiet residential street after a Second World War grenade was found outside a family 's home .
Jennie Cleary and partner Jonny Ashall made the discovery while digging in the back garden of their home in Wigan at the weekend .
At first , the couple thought it was a replica but when a police officer confirmed it to be an explosive dating back to the 1940s , bomb disposal officers were dispatched to the property .
After assessments were carried out , the device was taken away .
Ms Cleary , a mum-of-four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ digging up soil as part of some garden work we have been doing during the lockdown .
`` It was about a foot-and-a-half down where Jonny found it .
He just dug it up and looked at it .
`` It was rusty but very much intact .
There was no pin and it had a hole straight through it . ''
Unsure whether it was real or not , the pair decided to place it at the far end of their garden and call police the following morning .
An officer was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Road , Orrell , on Sunday .
`` He took a look at it and straight away confirmed it was a Second World War hand grenade , '' Ms Cleary , 34 , said .
`` We were told to bury it in the skip in the car park behind our house . ''
The family were then ordered to remain inside the house while a bomb squad arrived to assess the grenade .
`` We were watching from upstairs , '' said Ms Cleary .
`` It was the most dramatic thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They weighed it and said there were explosives in there , so took it away .
`` The emergency services were great .
They put us all at ease . ''
Ms Cleary described the incident as 'scary ' , and said she had spent much of the last few weeks in the garden , enjoying the sun and playing with her children , who are aged between one and fourteen .
`` We just thought it was a replica . ''
she said .
`` You do n't expect to find something @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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A bomb squad descended on a quiet residential street after a Second World War grenade was found outside a family's home.
Jennie Cleary and partner Jonny Ashall made the discovery while digging in the back garden of their home in Wigan at the weekend.
At first, the couple thought it was a replica but when a police officer confirmed it to be an explosive dating back to the 1940s, bomb disposal officers were dispatched to the property.
After assessments were carried out, the device was taken away.
Ms Cleary, a mum-of-four, said: "We were just digging up soil as part of some garden work we have been doing during the lockdown.
(Image: UGC)
"It was about a foot-and-a-half down where Jonny found it. He just dug it up and looked at it.
"It was rusty but very much intact. There was no pin and it had a hole straight through it."
Unsure whether it was real or not, the pair decided to place it at the far end of their garden and call police the following morning.
An officer was sent to the home, in Vicarage Road, Orrell, on Sunday.
"He took a look at it and straight away confirmed it was a Second World War hand grenade," Ms Cleary, 34, said.
"We were told to bury it in the skip in the car park behind our house."
The family were then ordered to remain inside the house while a bomb squad arrived to assess the grenade.
(Image: UGC)
"We were watching from upstairs," said Ms Cleary. "It was the most dramatic thing that has happened in weeks.
"They weighed it and said there were explosives in there, so took it away.
Want more news from Wigan, Atherton or Leigh? Here's where you can find it. We now have a dedicated Facebook page bringing you all the latest news, events and community news in and around Wigan. To keep up to date with all that is happening in Wigan, Atherton and Leigh - and to join in the discussion - follow the page here. Reporter Tom George covers all things Wigan for the Manchester Evening News, you can follow him on Twitter here.
"The emergency services were great. They put us all at ease."
Ms Cleary described the incident as 'scary', and said she had spent much of the last few weeks in the garden, enjoying the sun and playing with her children, who are aged between one and fourteen.
"We just thought it was a replica." she said.
"You don't expect to find something like that in your garden."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-21--Arsenal great on what Man Utd need to mount title challenge

Arsenal legend-turned-pundit Paul Merson has explained that Manchester United need to find more consistency and some more creative players in order to challenge for the Premier League title next season .
Before football in England was suspended due to the outbreak of coronavirus , United were enjoying their best unbeaten run since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer become permanent manager of the club .
Despite losing top goalscorer Marcus Rashford to injury , United had gone 11 games without defeat and were starting to show that they could have the quality to challenge the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A big factor in their improvement was the January arrival of Bruno Fernandes from Sporting , as the playmaker immediately added a new sense of creativity and spontaneity going forward .
The Portuguese is yet to lose in a United shirt and his three goals and four assists in just nine appearances have already made him a firm favourite among the Old Trafford faithful .
Merson believes that if United can continue to put positive results together and partner Fernandes with another creative player , then they could be back at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Oh I think they 'll be better [ next season ] , I think there 's no doubt about that , '' Merson told Sky Sports .
`` I think the main thing they 've got to be is consistent .
I think against the bigger boys , teams that come and have a go against them , I find that they 're a better team where they can play counter-attacking football .
`` But you have to mix it up .
When you become a better football team , teams kick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and do that against you .
`` So for me they need to have more players like Fernandes who can get on the ball and they can find a pass .
`` What you need is , when you 've got 60 or 70 per cent of the ball and teams are sitting on the edge of their box , you need players who can put the ball through an eye of a needle every now and then .
`` That 's why Man City have been successful for the last few years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like [ David ] Silva , Bernardo Silva , Kevin de Bruyne , players that can put the ball through an eye of a needle that .
When we 're watching on Sky , we look and we 're like 'wow , where did that pass come from ?
How did he see that ? '
`` That 's what Man United need , they need a bit of consistency and they need more players .
`` Not just Fernandes , will [ Juan ] Mata play more ?
I do n't know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the team in certain games when they are going to be playing against teams that are going to be playing 11 behind the ball or at least 10 , and then they 've got players who can break people down and find a pass . ''

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Arsenal legend-turned-pundit Paul Merson has explained that Manchester United need to find more consistency and some more creative players in order to challenge for the Premier League title next season.
Before football in England was suspended due to the outbreak of coronavirus, United were enjoying their best unbeaten run since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer become permanent manager of the club.
Despite losing top goalscorer Marcus Rashford to injury, United had gone 11 games without defeat and were starting to show that they could have the quality to challenge the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City to be the top team in the country again.
A big factor in their improvement was the January arrival of Bruno Fernandes from Sporting, as the playmaker immediately added a new sense of creativity and spontaneity going forward.
The Portuguese is yet to lose in a United shirt and his three goals and four assists in just nine appearances have already made him a firm favourite among the Old Trafford faithful.
Merson believes that if United can continue to put positive results together and partner Fernandes with another creative player, then they could be back at the top of the table next season.
"Oh I think they'll be better [next season], I think there's no doubt about that," Merson told Sky Sports.
"I think the main thing they've got to be is consistent. I think against the bigger boys, teams that come and have a go against them, I find that they're a better team where they can play counter-attacking football.
"But you have to mix it up. When you become a better football team, teams kick off and sit 11 behind the ball and do that against you.
"So for me they need to have more players like Fernandes who can get on the ball and they can find a pass.
"What you need is, when you've got 60 or 70 per cent of the ball and teams are sitting on the edge of their box, you need players who can put the ball through an eye of a needle every now and then.
"That's why Man City have been successful for the last few years or so because they've got players like [David] Silva, Bernardo Silva, Kevin de Bruyne, players that can put the ball through an eye of a needle that. When we're watching on Sky, we look and we're like 'wow, where did that pass come from? How did he see that?'
"That's what Man United need, they need a bit of consistency and they need more players.
"Not just Fernandes, will [Juan] Mata play more? I don't know.
"But he needs to be in the team in certain games when they are going to be playing against teams that are going to be playing 11 behind the ball or at least 10, and then they've got players who can break people down and find a pass."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: One in six deaths in Greater Manchester has been in a care home

One in six Covid-19 deaths in Greater Manchester has been in a care home , new figures released today show .
In the week leading up to April 10 , 116 care home residents died with coronavirus .
The numbers , from the Office for National Statistics , begin to give a better indication of the true scale of the region 's death toll .
Salford saw the biggest proportion of deaths taking place in care homes , with 46 out of 130 - one of the highest proportions in England and Wales .
In Stockport 15 people died in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 care home deaths in Manchester , nine in Bolton and eight in Oldham .
Last weeek a Manchester Evening News special report highligted the struggles care homes are facing during the pandemic .
One manager in Bury told how two residents at the care home she runs had died with the virus .
She said : `` We 're not getting support , nobody is helping us , we ca n't get our staff tested .
`` The way care homes have been treated is ridiculous - across the board .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - I do n't want to say who - that we could lose 20 per cent of our residents . ''
`` Never in my 40 years in the job have I ever seen anything like this . ''
Today 's figures show that across Greater Manchester , a total of 705 deaths were registered in the week up to April 10 where Covid-19 is mentioned on the death certificate .
Of that number 556 deaths took place in hospital .
There were also 26 deaths recorded at home , two in hospices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as prisions , hotels , halls of residences and sheltered accomodation and four elsewhere .
Overall , Covid-19 was a factor in almost one in 10 deaths that occurred across Greater Manchester up to April 10 , although the figure stood at one in six in Salford .
Across the North West , for deaths registered in the week ending April 10 , 909 mentioned coronavirus on the death certificate , up from 418 the week before .
That represented a third of all deaths registered in that week .
Overall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were 2,597 deaths registered - this was 460 more deaths than the previous week .
It was also 1,172 more than the five-year average for the same week ( although where Easter falls will affect this figure ) , or 82.2 % higher than the average of 1,425 deaths .
The total for the week to April 10 was the highest number recorded for any week since published figures began in 2010 .

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

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One in six Covid-19 deaths in Greater Manchester has been in a care home, new figures released today show.
In the week leading up to April 10, 116 care home residents died with coronavirus.
The numbers, from the Office for National Statistics, begin to give a better indication of the true scale of the region's death toll.
Salford saw the biggest proportion of deaths taking place in care homes, with 46 out of 130 - one of the highest proportions in England and Wales.
In Stockport 15 people died in care homes, and there were also 10 care home deaths in Manchester, nine in Bolton and eight in Oldham.
Last weeek a Manchester Evening News special report highligted the struggles care homes are facing during the pandemic.
One manager in Bury told how two residents at the care home she runs had died with the virus.
She said: "We're not getting support, nobody is helping us, we can't get our staff tested.
"The way care homes have been treated is ridiculous - across the board. We've been told by someone in authority - I don't want to say who - that we could lose 20 per cent of our residents."
"Never in my 40 years in the job have I ever seen anything like this."
Today's figures show that across Greater Manchester, a total of 705 deaths were registered in the week up to April 10 where Covid-19 is mentioned on the death certificate.
Of that number 556 deaths took place in hospital.
There were also 26 deaths recorded at home, two in hospices, one in other communal establishments, such as prisions, hotels, halls of residences and sheltered accomodation and four elsewhere.
Overall, Covid-19 was a factor in almost one in 10 deaths that occurred across Greater Manchester up to April 10, although the figure stood at one in six in Salford.
Across the North West, for deaths registered in the week ending April 10, 909 mentioned coronavirus on the death certificate, up from 418 the week before.
That represented a third of all deaths registered in that week.
Overall, in the week ending April 10, there were 2,597 deaths registered - this was 460 more deaths than the previous week.
It was also 1,172 more than the five-year average for the same week (although where Easter falls will affect this figure), or 82.2% higher than the average of 1,425 deaths.
The total for the week to April 10 was the highest number recorded for any week since published figures began in 2010.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-21--Three bargain strikers Man United should consider in transfer window

It ’ s something of an open secret that Manchester United want to sign a striker when the transfer window reopens .
Several forwards have been linked with a switch to Old Trafford , the latest of which is Tottenham Hotspur star and England captain Harry Kane .
MEN Sport understands Spurs have no intention of selling their star man to United while United sources , although admirers of Kane , accept a switch is highly unlikely .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has faith in Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford to lead the United attack but is understandably keen to bolster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the club ’ s first-choice striker , then what the Reds require is an effective and affordable alternative .
A player who can step in when required or partner the 22-year-old academy graduate if Solskjaer deploys a front two .
So who could United turn to ?
Well , let ’ s start with the obvious ...
When the Nigerian joined United on loan in January from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua it was viewed as a stop-gap deal .
With Rashford out injured , the Premier League giants required a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martial .
Ighalo was to be that man until the end of the 2019/20 season .
Yet the 30-year-old ’ s impact at Old Trafford was beyond everyone ’ s expectations .
He scored four goals in eight matches and his impressive cameo in the Manchester derby helped United complete a 2-0 win over Pep Guardiola ’ s side .
Before the campaign was halted , there were calls for United to make Ighalo ’ s move permanent this summer .
They do not have an option to do so in his loan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be enough for Shanghai Shenhua to part ways with the Nigeria international .
For United , even given the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis , that fee is easily payable .
The only question is whether there are better options on the market .
Which brings us to our second potential option .
When the Belgian joined Napoli from PSV in 2013 for around £8.5m , few could have imagined he would go on to become the club ’ s joint all-time leading goalscorer .
That was partly because Mertens was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was viewed as a creative winger .
And yet over the last seven seasons he has blossomed into one of the finest and most consistent attackers in Serie A. Mertens has scored 121 goals for Napoli , a club-record alongside Marek Hamsik .
However , perhaps more impressive is that 87 of these have come in the last four seasons after he was moved into a central role by Maurizio Sarri .
The Belgium international has only improved with age but this summer he is set to leave Napoli at the expiration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Europe ’ s top sides are interested .
Chelsea and Arsenal are in pursuit .
Inter Milan , too .
United have been linked in the past and if the club want a cost-effective yet elite-level recruit then Mertens should be top of their list .
He turns 33 years old in May yet this season , despite being used out wide for much of the campaign and Napoli struggling , is averaging 0.61 goal contributions per 90 for the Partenopei .
The Uruguayan striker has been one of the most consistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decade .
Cavani has his detractors - many of whom believe he misses too many chances - but his record since joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2013 is almost unmatched : he has struck 200 goals in 300 games for the Parisians , becoming the club ’ s all-time highest scorer in the process .
Cavani hasn ’ t merely plundered goals against weaker Ligue 1 sides , either .
He has 30 goals in Europe for the club in 54 matches , including strikes against Real Madrid , Barcelona and Chelsea in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Icardi and Kylian Mbappe this term , Cavani is expected to leave PSG when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign .
At 33 years old , interested clubs wouldn ’ t get too many years from the striker .
And he will demand a hefty salary .
But given he reportedly wants to remain in Europe until the 2022 World Cup , Cavani represents another opportunity for United to sign a proven goalscorer without having to pay a fee - although he would n't fit Solskjaer 's ideal profile @ @ @

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It’s something of an open secret that Manchester United want to sign a striker when the transfer window reopens.
Several forwards have been linked with a switch to Old Trafford, the latest of which is Tottenham Hotspur star and England captain Harry Kane.
MEN Sport understands Spurs have no intention of selling their star man to United while United sources, although admirers of Kane, accept a switch is highly unlikely.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has faith in Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford to lead the United attack but is understandably keen to bolster his options.
If Rashford is to be the club’s first-choice striker, then what the Reds require is an effective and affordable alternative. A player who can step in when required or partner the 22-year-old academy graduate if Solskjaer deploys a front two.
So who could United turn to? Well, let’s start with the obvious...
Odion Ighalo
When the Nigerian joined United on loan in January from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua it was viewed as a stop-gap deal.
With Rashford out injured, the Premier League giants required a striker to ease the load on Anthony Martial. Ighalo was to be that man until the end of the 2019/20 season.
Yet the 30-year-old’s impact at Old Trafford was beyond everyone’s expectations. He scored four goals in eight matches and his impressive cameo in the Manchester derby helped United complete a 2-0 win over Pep Guardiola’s side.
Before the campaign was halted, there were calls for United to make Ighalo’s move permanent this summer. They do not have an option to do so in his loan deal but it is thought around £15m would be enough for Shanghai Shenhua to part ways with the Nigeria international.
For United, even given the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis, that fee is easily payable. The only question is whether there are better options on the market. Which brings us to our second potential option.
Dries Mertens
When the Belgian joined Napoli from PSV in 2013 for around £8.5m, few could have imagined he would go on to become the club’s joint all-time leading goalscorer.
That was partly because Mertens was already 26 years old but more because he was viewed as a creative winger. And yet over the last seven seasons he has blossomed into one of the finest and most consistent attackers in Serie A.
Mertens has scored 121 goals for Napoli, a club-record alongside Marek Hamsik. However, perhaps more impressive is that 87 of these have come in the last four seasons after he was moved into a central role by Maurizio Sarri.
The Belgium international has only improved with age but this summer he is set to leave Napoli at the expiration of his contract. Unsurprisingly, many of Europe’s top sides are interested.
Chelsea and Arsenal are in pursuit. Inter Milan, too. United have been linked in the past and if the club want a cost-effective yet elite-level recruit then Mertens should be top of their list.
He turns 33 years old in May yet this season, despite being used out wide for much of the campaign and Napoli struggling, is averaging 0.61 goal contributions per 90 for the Partenopei.
(Image: Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Edinson Cavani
The Uruguayan striker has been one of the most consistent goalscorers in European football for the past decade.
Cavani has his detractors - many of whom believe he misses too many chances - but his record since joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2013 is almost unmatched: he has struck 200 goals in 300 games for the Parisians, becoming the club’s all-time highest scorer in the process.
Cavani hasn’t merely plundered goals against weaker Ligue 1 sides, either. He has 30 goals in Europe for the club in 54 matches, including strikes against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea in recent seasons.
But having fallen behind Mauro Icardi and Kylian Mbappe this term, Cavani is expected to leave PSG when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign.
At 33 years old, interested clubs wouldn’t get too many years from the striker. And he will demand a hefty salary. But given he reportedly wants to remain in Europe until the 2022 World Cup, Cavani represents another opportunity for United to sign a proven goalscorer without having to pay a fee - although he wouldn't fit Solskjaer's ideal profile of player.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-21--Police searching for 15-year-old girl missing for nearly 48 hours

Police are searching for a 15-year-old who has been missing for two days .
Carla Beddow was last seen at @ @ @ @ @ April 19 , and officers are becoming concerned for her welfare .
It is thought @ @ @ @ @ either Kirkby or St Helens .
In a post on Facebook , a spokesman for @ @ @ @ @ Hulton team said : `` We have concerns for a 15-year-old missing female Carla Beddow @ @ @ @ @ the Salford area at 9pm on April 19 .
`` She was last seen wearing @ @ @ @ @ grey North Face coat and black and white trainers . ''
Anybody with information about @ @ @ @ @ to contact police immediately on 101 , quoting log number 2977 of 19/04/2020 .
Alternatively @ @ @ @ @ feature on www.gmp.police.uk .

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Police are searching for a 15-year-old who has been missing for two days.
Carla Beddow was last seen at around 9pm on Sunday, April 19, and officers are becoming concerned for her welfare.
It is thought she could have travelled to either Kirkby or St Helens.
In a post on Facebook, a spokesman for GMP's Swinton and Little Hulton team said: "We have concerns for a 15-year-old missing female Carla Beddow who was last seen in the Salford area at 9pm on April 19.
"Carla is a white female, 5ft 3, slim build, brown hair, glasses.
"She was last seen wearing a black Adidas hoodie, grey North Face coat and black and white trainers."
Anybody with information about Carla's whereabouts is asked to contact police immediately on 101, quoting log number 2977 of 19/04/2020.
Alternatively, use the Live Chat feature on www.gmp.police.uk.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-21--Covaid 19: Please help those hit hardest by coronavirus in Greater Manchester

Today the Manchester Evening News joins together with the Greater Manchester Mayor ’ s charity to launch a huge coronavirus fundraising campaign in support of the region ’ s most vulnerable .
The current outbreak has left many people here struggling for access to food , basics and emotional support , many of them self-isolating , often in fragile health and alone .
Public services have been working hard to find and help them , but we know they are over-stretched and working around the clock .
So today we are launching Covaid-19 - a fundraiser aimed at supporting those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with no support network , to people with health conditions , those fleeing domestic violence , rough sleepers , people struggling with caring for others , workers who have lost their jobs and families pushed onto the breadline .
We know not everybody will be able to afford to donate at the moment , with times tight for many of us .
But for anyone who can , a donation of just £5 will provide support with day-to-day domestic tasks for people with health conditions or disabilities .
A £10 donation could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep children entertained , or weekly 'companionship ' calls for elderly people who most need them , while £15 will cover a basic family food and drink parcel for a week .
If you can stretch to £20 , that could provide daily house calls for vulnerable older people , while £50 covers a parcel including clothes , food and , if needed , baby supplies , plus debt or budgeting advice .
To find out more and donate - visit here .
Every penny will go to people in need in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via the mayor of Greater Manchester ’ s charity .
Usually that fund focuses solely on helping the homeless , but during the pandemic it is widening its brief to help all those who may be vulnerable as a result .
Cash will be used to help existing charities and voluntary organisations buy food parcels , toiletries , other basics , care and specialist support - emotional , financial or even with IT - for those who most need it .
Mayor of Greater Manchester , Andy Burnham , said : “ My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for backing the mayor ’ s charity at such a critical moment for Greater Manchester .
“ This time is tough for everyone but particularly for the most vulnerable in our community .
“ Together with our 10 councils , we have taken decisions to support our most vulnerable people , such as paying for hotel rooms for around 900 homeless people to help them stay safe during the lockdown .
But sadly , we can ’ t fund all the support everyone will need .
To find out more and donate - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mayor ’ s charity comes in .
Any donations to the charity will help pay for the basics that people need , such as frequent packages of food and toiletries .
So your donations - and the MEN ’ s support for this campaign - could make a huge difference .
`` I would encourage everyone who can donate to the mayor ’ s charity to do so and help turn a life around.
” Tim Heatley , chair of the mayor ’ s charity , said : `` Our region is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reputation for helping each other out , the Manchester Evening News partnering with us is a perfect example of that collaborative approach and we could n't be more grateful to them .
“ We ’ re all feeling the impact of the crisis right now , and we have an immediate and urgent responsibility to help and support the many vulnerable people living in Greater Manchester , who are suffering more than most .
`` With the support of the Manchester Evening News readership we can minimise the impact the virus has on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s charity has been running for two years , run by volunteer trustees , and has raised £2m to help vulnerable homeless people since it was founded .
It has already helped hundreds , but Mr Burnham said the region now faces ‘ a bigger challenge than ever ’ .
Covaid-19 will continue to help rough sleepers - hundreds of whom are currently self-isolating in hotels across the region - but will also turn its attention to those in temporary accommodation already , including families , and the thousands of other vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emotional and practical support during the outbreak .
Councils have been collating details on them for some weeks , as have existing charities , and together that network will get your donations to where they are needed .
“ The range of effort so many people are putting in to helping vulnerable people during this public health crisis shows once again the incredible compassion and generosity of Greater Manchester , ” added the mayor .
“ Thank you all for being who you are and for doing what you do .
`` And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrating today , we will never just walk on by.
” Darren Thwaites , editor-in-chief of the Manchester Evening News said : `` Most people have suffered in some way through this terrible crisis but the impact on our most vulnerable has been harrowing .
`` We 've always been a city that stands together to help people less fortunate in their time of need .
This is one such time and we know people will do all they can to help . ''
To find out more , and to donate , @ @ @

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Today the Manchester Evening News joins together with the Greater Manchester Mayor’s charity to launch a huge coronavirus fundraising campaign in support of the region’s most vulnerable.
The current outbreak has left many people here struggling for access to food, basics and emotional support, many of them self-isolating, often in fragile health and alone.
Public services have been working hard to find and help them, but we know they are over-stretched and working around the clock.
So today we are launching Covaid-19 - a fundraiser aimed at supporting those who most need help, from elderly people with no support network, to people with health conditions, those fleeing domestic violence, rough sleepers, people struggling with caring for others, workers who have lost their jobs and families pushed onto the breadline.
We know not everybody will be able to afford to donate at the moment, with times tight for many of us.
But for anyone who can, a donation of just £5 will provide support with day-to-day domestic tasks for people with health conditions or disabilities.
A £10 donation could provide a box of toys and puzzles to keep children entertained, or weekly 'companionship' calls for elderly people who most need them, while £15 will cover a basic family food and drink parcel for a week.
If you can stretch to £20, that could provide daily house calls for vulnerable older people, while £50 covers a parcel including clothes, food and, if needed, baby supplies, plus debt or budgeting advice.
To find out more and donate - visit here.
Every penny will go to people in need in each borough across Greater Manchester, distributed via the mayor of Greater Manchester’s charity.
Usually that fund focuses solely on helping the homeless, but during the pandemic it is widening its brief to help all those who may be vulnerable as a result.
Cash will be used to help existing charities and voluntary organisations buy food parcels, toiletries, other basics, care and specialist support - emotional, financial or even with IT - for those who most need it.
(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “My sincere thanks to the Manchester Evening News for backing the mayor’s charity at such a critical moment for Greater Manchester.
“This time is tough for everyone but particularly for the most vulnerable in our community.
“Together with our 10 councils, we have taken decisions to support our most vulnerable people, such as paying for hotel rooms for around 900 homeless people to help them stay safe during the lockdown. But sadly, we can’t fund all the support everyone will need.
To find out more and donate - visit here.
“This is where the mayor’s charity comes in. Any donations to the charity will help pay for the basics that people need, such as frequent packages of food and toiletries. So your donations - and the MEN’s support for this campaign - could make a huge difference.
"I would encourage everyone who can donate to the mayor’s charity to do so and help turn a life around.”
Tim Heatley, chair of the mayor’s charity, said: "Our region is like no other. We have a reputation for helping each other out, the Manchester Evening News partnering with us is a perfect example of that collaborative approach and we couldn't be more grateful to them.
“We’re all feeling the impact of the crisis right now, and we have an immediate and urgent responsibility to help and support the many vulnerable people living in Greater Manchester, who are suffering more than most.
"With the support of the Manchester Evening News readership we can minimise the impact the virus has on people’s lives.”
The mayor’s charity has been running for two years, run by volunteer trustees, and has raised £2m to help vulnerable homeless people since it was founded.
It has already helped hundreds, but Mr Burnham said the region now faces ‘a bigger challenge than ever’.
Covaid-19 will continue to help rough sleepers - hundreds of whom are currently self-isolating in hotels across the region - but will also turn its attention to those in temporary accommodation already, including families, and the thousands of other vulnerable people left in financial difficulty or needing emotional and practical support during the outbreak.
Councils have been collating details on them for some weeks, as have existing charities, and together that network will get your donations to where they are needed.
“The range of effort so many people are putting in to helping vulnerable people during this public health crisis shows once again the incredible compassion and generosity of Greater Manchester,” added the mayor.
“Thank you all for being who you are and for doing what you do.
"And, as the Manchester Evening News is demonstrating today, we will never just walk on by.”
Darren Thwaites, editor-in-chief of the Manchester Evening News said: "Most people have suffered in some way through this terrible crisis but the impact on our most vulnerable has been harrowing.
"We've always been a city that stands together to help people less fortunate in their time of need. This is one such time and we know people will do all they can to help."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-21--People can spread coronavirus 'before showing symptoms,’ warns chief medic

The latest evidence on whether or not you can have coronavirus without showing symptoms was shared in today ’ s government press briefing from Downing Street .
Monday ’ s conference was led by Health Secretary Matt Hancock , who said that people spreading Covid-19 without exhibiting symptoms is “ one of the central facts ” of why the pandemic was so challenging .
He was joined by England ’ s Deputy Chief Medical Officer , Jonathan Van-Tam , who confirmed that there is now clear scientific data that shows a proportion of patients ‘ begin to shed the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But he insisted that the 'vast majority ' of the spread comes from those with clear signs and that the numbers of asymptomatic patients were small .
The leading medic said : “ When we started this crisis we did not have enough information to understand the extent to which patients who were pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic were shedding the virus .
“ It is clear that for at least a proportion of patients they begin to spread the virus before the onset of symptoms ” .
He added : “ Where the difficulty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how infectious those other people , those people either pre-symptomatic to asymptomatic are , compared to those who are symptomatic .
“ I think it ’ s absolutely impossible to rule out that there are some cases where spread occurs from asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic people but the vast majority of the force of transmission in the community is still coming from those people with symptoms.
” On a final note , Professor Van-Tam said : `` That is n't to say we are n't picking up the asymptomatic infections .
`` We recognise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which they are the primary problem as opposed to those clearly omitting the virus - they are undoubtedly the biggest route of transmission.
” He then reiterated the Public Health England advice , which he clarified remains the same , that from the moment you have symptoms , `` you go home and isolate for 14 days . ''
Mr Hancock added that as part of their plans to expand testing , they will be testing asymptomatic healthcare staff .
Drop a heart on our special map of gratitude to show your support @ @ @ @

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The latest evidence on whether or not you can have coronavirus without showing symptoms was shared in today’s government press briefing from Downing Street.
Monday’s conference was led by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who said that people spreading Covid-19 without exhibiting symptoms is “one of the central facts” of why the pandemic was so challenging.
He was joined by England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Jonathan Van-Tam, who confirmed that there is now clear scientific data that shows a proportion of patients ‘begin to shed the virus before the onset of symptoms’.
But he insisted that the 'vast majority' of the spread comes from those with clear signs and that the numbers of asymptomatic patients were small.
The leading medic said: “When we started this crisis we did not have enough information to understand the extent to which patients who were pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic were shedding the virus.
“It is clear that for at least a proportion of patients they begin to spread the virus before the onset of symptoms”.
He added: “Where the difficulty in the science comes is understanding just how infectious those other people, those people either pre-symptomatic to asymptomatic are, compared to those who are symptomatic.
(Image: PA)
“I think it’s absolutely impossible to rule out that there are some cases where spread occurs from asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic people but the vast majority of the force of transmission in the community is still coming from those people with symptoms.”
On a final note, Professor Van-Tam said: "That isn't to say we aren't picking up the asymptomatic infections.
"We recognise they exist now but the extent to which they are the primary problem as opposed to those clearly omitting the virus - they are undoubtedly the biggest route of transmission.”
He then reiterated the Public Health England advice, which he clarified remains the same, that from the moment you have symptoms, "you go home and isolate for 14 days."
Mr Hancock added that as part of their plans to expand testing, they will be testing asymptomatic healthcare staff.
Drop a heart on our special map of gratitude to show your support for our NHS heroes


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-21--Man City headlines as summer exits likely and Foden challenge

Manchester City ’ s uncharacteristic form on the domestic front this season means that Pep Guardiola could be looking for a change in personnel this summer .
Liverpool had stormed to a 25-point lead in the Premier League before football was suspended , and the City boss will be eager to put things right before next season starts .
As a result , departures are likely at the Etihad with several players facing a summer exit .
City legend David Silva is top of that list , with the midfielder set to leave at the end of his current deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extension until the end of the current domestic campaign means that the Spanish playmaker might have to wait a while for his last goodbyes .
However , Claudio Bravo , Joao Cancelo and Leroy Sane could all be set for a move elsewhere when the transfer window comes around .
All three players have struggled for game time this season and , given their respective qualities , may seek more assured minutes on the pitch further afield .
Scott Carson and Angelino could also be on the move this summer in what is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for City .
Phil Foden ’ s rise to the City first team has been well-documented , but academy director Jason Wilcox has set his sights on producing more players of his quality .
The 19-year-old is hotly touted as one of the most promising young talents in world football and looks set to take on more responsibility next season when David Silva departs .
However , Wilcox has revealed that the club will be aiming to produce more players of similar quality to the teenage sensation .
The academy director said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phil Fodens .
`` We have internal targets that we are trying to produce as many players for our first team .
We are not shying away from that . ''
Wilcox also added that there are several factors for the coaching staff to consider before promoting players to the first team .
`` When you are 18 and 19 , it is very difficult to compete at this high level , game in , game out .
`` When you look around the [ top of the ] Premier League in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexander-Arnold who is a regular .
That tells its own story .
`` When you have got players who have played in World Cup finals and European Cup finals , the younger players have to be patient and play their turn.
” Former Manchester City defender Sylvain Distin has questioned Guardiola ’ s treatment of John Stones .
The 42-year-old believes that Stones is yet to reach his full potential and hinted that the City boss may have got his treatment of the defender wrong .
Distin and Stones played in the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his former team mate thinks that Guardiola might not be the right manager to develop Stones ’ defensive abilities .
`` I know he reacted well every time but I ’ m a bit scared that because of the last two managers he has had that put him in that pattern of 'it ’ s okay to make a mistake don ’ t worry , '' he told The Beautiful Game podcast .
`` With the team and manager they have now he is the perfect player .
No disrespect to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but will Guardiola make him a better defender ?
I can ’ t see it .
”

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City’s likely summer departures
Manchester City’s uncharacteristic form on the domestic front this season means that Pep Guardiola could be looking for a change in personnel this summer.
Liverpool had stormed to a 25-point lead in the Premier League before football was suspended, and the City boss will be eager to put things right before next season starts.
As a result, departures are likely at the Etihad with several players facing a summer exit.
City legend David Silva is top of that list, with the midfielder set to leave at the end of his current deal. FIFA’s approval of contract extension until the end of the current domestic campaign means that the Spanish playmaker might have to wait a while for his last goodbyes.
However, Claudio Bravo, Joao Cancelo and Leroy Sane could all be set for a move elsewhere when the transfer window comes around. All three players have struggled for game time this season and, given their respective qualities, may seek more assured minutes on the pitch further afield.
Scott Carson and Angelino could also be on the move this summer in what is set to be a busy transfer window for City.
Academy director reveals Foden challenge
Phil Foden’s rise to the City first team has been well-documented, but academy director Jason Wilcox has set his sights on producing more players of his quality.
The 19-year-old is hotly touted as one of the most promising young talents in world football and looks set to take on more responsibility next season when David Silva departs.
However, Wilcox has revealed that the club will be aiming to produce more players of similar quality to the teenage sensation.
The academy director said: “Our aim is to produce more Phil Fodens.
"We have internal targets that we are trying to produce as many players for our first team. We are not shying away from that."
Wilcox also added that there are several factors for the coaching staff to consider before promoting players to the first team.
"When you are 18 and 19, it is very difficult to compete at this high level, game in, game out.
"When you look around the [top of the] Premier League in this age group there is probably only Trent Alexander-Arnold who is a regular. That tells its own story.
"When you have got players who have played in World Cup finals and European Cup finals, the younger players have to be patient and play their turn.”
Distin questions Guardiola’s treatment of Stones
Former Manchester City defender Sylvain Distin has questioned Guardiola’s treatment of John Stones.
The 42-year-old believes that Stones is yet to reach his full potential and hinted that the City boss may have got his treatment of the defender wrong.
Distin and Stones played in the same squad under Roberto Martinez and Everton, and his former team mate thinks that Guardiola might not be the right manager to develop Stones’ defensive abilities.
"I know he reacted well every time but I’m a bit scared that because of the last two managers he has had that put him in that pattern of 'it’s okay to make a mistake don’t worry," he told The Beautiful Game podcast.
"With the team and manager they have now he is the perfect player. No disrespect to him, he is a top manager, but will Guardiola make him a better defender? I can’t see it.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-21--Man Utd evening headlines as Sanchez struggles explained

Manchester United can learn from Wilfried Zaha mistakes with Jadon Sancho Wilfried Zaha is one of Manchester United ’ s bigger regrets in recent years .
There is not a single mention of the winger in Sir Alex Ferguson ’ s last Manchester United signing in his second autobiography .
The book was released seven months after Zaha completed a medical at Bridgewater Hospital .
Neil Warnock , Zaha ’ s manager at Palace in 2015 , said the winger ‘ never had a conversation with Sir Alex ’ .
Now United are once again targeting an exciting English winger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Borussia Dortmund .
The financial investment required to land Sancho will undoubtedly dwarf that of Zaha , which makes the need to successfully integrate him even greater .
Samuel Luckhurst has written how the club can learn from the mistakes made during Zaha ’ s brief Man Utd career , and you can read about it here .
Chile coach Reinaldo Rueda has defended Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez after a ‘ traumatic and tortuous ’ year .
Sanchez , 31 , moved to Old Trafford from Arsenal but has not come close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to Inter Milan last summer but has featured just nine times for them this season .
Despite these struggles , Rueda is confident he will soon rediscover his best form .
“ It has been a traumatic , very tortuous year for him .
Ever since his departure from Arsenal and his first year at Manchester United , ” the Chile boss told SPORT .
“ He came to the Copa America in Brazil and then had that bad luck with the injury in the friendly against Colombia in Alicante .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he recovered the pandemic came .
“ I expect all this to pass quickly because he ’ s a great professional , has a great attitude in training and will maintain a high standing for any club that gives him a chance .
He ’ s got a lot of football yet to show at the top level.
” Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have been reminiscing about one of the greatest Premier League title races of all-time .
Back in 2009 , Manchester United and Liverpool could only be separated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games , despite Carragher and his Anfield teammates having lost only twice all season long .
Rafa Benitez ’ s side even did the double over their old rivals , beating them 2-1 at home and 4-1 at Old Trafford .
“ Rafa [ Benitez ] came in , and we won the Champions League , but we were nowhere near the top sides in Europe at that time , ” said Carragher .
“ Similarly , under Gerard Houllier , if Manchester United weren ’ t happy with a season , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market and get themselves to number one position , whereas we had to get better and stronger under Rafa Benitez and it culminated in that season .
“ People talk about Liverpool not winning the title last season and losing one game , we only lost two !
It was normally if you lost five or six you had a great chance of winning the title .
“ I actually think that era , between 2005 to 2010 , those four of five years were the strongest the Premier League has ever been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three out of four of the Champions League semi-finals every year .
“ People will say Liverpool never won the Premier League or Steven Gerrard never lifted the Premier League but , at that time , we were up against the best Man United team of all time in that 08/09 team .
“ Jose Mourinho ’ s Chelsea team were in there too .
Every team in that era felt like it was the best manager they ever had and also the best team in some way .
The competition was so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play in .
Every season it felt like we had a great chance of winning the Champions League which shows how strong the Premier League was .
”

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Manchester United can learn from Wilfried Zaha mistakes with Jadon Sancho
Wilfried Zaha is one of Manchester United’s bigger regrets in recent years.
There is not a single mention of the winger in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last Manchester United signing in his second autobiography. The book was released seven months after Zaha completed a medical at Bridgewater Hospital. Neil Warnock, Zaha’s manager at Palace in 2015, said the winger ‘never had a conversation with Sir Alex’.
Now United are once again targeting an exciting English winger in the shape of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund. The financial investment required to land Sancho will undoubtedly dwarf that of Zaha, which makes the need to successfully integrate him even greater.
Samuel Luckhurst has written how the club can learn from the mistakes made during Zaha’s brief Man Utd career, and you can read about it here .
Chile coach explains Alexis Sanchez struggles
Chile coach Reinaldo Rueda has defended Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez after a ‘traumatic and tortuous’ year.
Sanchez, 31, moved to Old Trafford from Arsenal but has not come close to meeting expectations. He was loaned out to Inter Milan last summer but has featured just nine times for them this season.
Despite these struggles, Rueda is confident he will soon rediscover his best form.
“It has been a traumatic, very tortuous year for him. Ever since his departure from Arsenal and his first year at Manchester United,” the Chile boss told SPORT.
“He came to the Copa America in Brazil and then had that bad luck with the injury in the friendly against Colombia in Alicante. That loan to Inter was almost thwarted and when he recovered the pandemic came.
“I expect all this to pass quickly because he’s a great professional, has a great attitude in training and will maintain a high standing for any club that gives him a chance. He’s got a lot of football yet to show at the top level.”
Carragher names United’s strongest team in Premier League history
Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have been reminiscing about one of the greatest Premier League title races of all-time.
Back in 2009, Manchester United and Liverpool could only be separated by a margin of four points after 38 games, despite Carragher and his Anfield teammates having lost only twice all season long.
Rafa Benitez’s side even did the double over their old rivals, beating them 2-1 at home and 4-1 at Old Trafford.
“Rafa [Benitez] came in, and we won the Champions League, but we were nowhere near the top sides in Europe at that time,” said Carragher.
“Similarly, under Gerard Houllier, if Manchester United weren’t happy with a season, they could just go and blitz the transfer market and get themselves to number one position, whereas we had to get better and stronger under Rafa Benitez and it culminated in that season.
“People talk about Liverpool not winning the title last season and losing one game, we only lost two! It was normally if you lost five or six you had a great chance of winning the title.
“I actually think that era, between 2005 to 2010, those four of five years were the strongest the Premier League has ever been. Those were the years we had three out of four of the Champions League semi-finals every year.
“People will say Liverpool never won the Premier League or Steven Gerrard never lifted the Premier League but, at that time, we were up against the best Man United team of all time in that 08/09 team.
“Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea team were in there too. Every team in that era felt like it was the best manager they ever had and also the best team in some way. The competition was so strong, it was a pleasure to play in. Every season it felt like we had a great chance of winning the Champions League which shows how strong the Premier League was.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-21--Devastation as beloved dad and nurse dies from coronavirus

A mental health nurse from Ashton-under-Lyne has died from coronavirus .
Dad-of-four Grant Maganga worked at Hurst Place , a rehabilitation unit at Tameside Hospital which cares for men with severe mental illness .
Bosses at Pennine Care NHS Trust said they were absolutely devastated ' by the 56-year-old 's death , describing him as ' a true gentleman , a great role model and a wonderful human being ' .
Mr Maganga , thought to be orginally from Malawi in south east Africa , qualified as a mental health nurse in 2009 and had worked at Hurst Place since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also leaves behind a wife .
Pennine Care chief executive Claire Molloy said : `` We are absolutely devastated by the news and our hearts truly go out to Grant ’ s family and everyone who knew him .
`` Grant was an incredibly popular , greatly respected and dedicated nurse who was clearly so very caring with all his patients .
`` The nature of Hurst Place means that staff spend a lot of time with patients , sometimes over many years , and the patients spoke about the countless times where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for them .
`` His colleagues have also described his great kindness and friendliness , and say that he never had a bad word to say about anyone .
They loved his infectious laugh and positivity .
A true gentleman , a great role model and a wonderful human being .
`` Grant was also a big family man and we are doing everything we can to support them , as well as our colleagues on the unit and patients .
`` Thank you to everyone at Tameside Hospital who cared for him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is an awful loss and a terrible and poignant reminder of the incredibly difficult situation that we are facing every day to help others .
`` The courage and commitment of our staff , and the NHS workforce across the land , is an inspiration in these difficult times . ''
Clare Parker , director of nursing , said : `` Grant was an exceptional nurse who cared deeply for his patients and lit up the room with his infectious smile and positive personality .
`` Our hearts are with his family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A fundraising page has been set up for Grant 's family .
View it here .
`` Grant worked in a mental health rehabilitation unit and this is a stark reminder that all nurses are on the frontline , no matter where they work .
`` His death is another tremendous loss to our nursing community .
`` Grant leaves behind a legacy of someone who devoted his nursing career to supporting and caring for people with their mental health and well-being .
`` He touched so many people ’ s hearts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career and helped so many patients on their road to recovery .
`` Being a mental health nurse is a privilege and takes a special kind of person to be one .
Someone who not only provides support and care to people who may be experiencing mental illness and emotional vulnerability , but support for people on the road to recovery and independence .
Drop a heart on our special map of gratitude to show your support for our NHS heroes '' We will never forget him . ''
Writing on Facebook Chiletso @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncle Grant Maganga today due to COVID-19 '' What a great loss to our family and the entire community .
A bitter pill to swallow .
May his soul rest in eternal peace .
He will be terribly missed . ''

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A mental health nurse from Ashton-under-Lyne has died from coronavirus.
Dad-of-four Grant Maganga worked at Hurst Place, a rehabilitation unit at Tameside Hospital which cares for men with severe mental illness.
Bosses at Pennine Care NHS Trust said they were absolutely devastated' by the 56-year-old's death, describing him as 'a true gentleman, a great role model and a wonderful human being'.
Mr Maganga, thought to be orginally from Malawi in south east Africa, qualified as a mental health nurse in 2009 and had worked at Hurst Place since it opened 10 years ago.
He also leaves behind a wife.
Pennine Care chief executive Claire Molloy said: "We are absolutely devastated by the news and our hearts truly go out to Grant’s family and everyone who knew him.
"Grant was an incredibly popular, greatly respected and dedicated nurse who was clearly so very caring with all his patients.
"The nature of Hurst Place means that staff spend a lot of time with patients, sometimes over many years, and the patients spoke about the countless times where Grant went above and beyond to care for them.
"His colleagues have also described his great kindness and friendliness, and say that he never had a bad word to say about anyone. They loved his infectious laugh and positivity. A true gentleman, a great role model and a wonderful human being.
"Grant was also a big family man and we are doing everything we can to support them, as well as our colleagues on the unit and patients.
"Thank you to everyone at Tameside Hospital who cared for him with such kindness and compassion.
"This is an awful loss and a terrible and poignant reminder of the incredibly difficult situation that we are facing every day to help others.
"The courage and commitment of our staff, and the NHS workforce across the land, is an inspiration in these difficult times."
Clare Parker, director of nursing, said: "Grant was an exceptional nurse who cared deeply for his patients and lit up the room with his infectious smile and positive personality.
"Our hearts are with his family and all those who loved him.
A fundraising page has been set up for Grant's family. View it here.
"Grant worked in a mental health rehabilitation unit and this is a stark reminder that all nurses are on the frontline, no matter where they work.
"His death is another tremendous loss to our nursing community.
"Grant leaves behind a legacy of someone who devoted his nursing career to supporting and caring for people with their mental health and well-being.
"He touched so many people’s hearts and lives over the course of his nursing career and helped so many patients on their road to recovery.
"Being a mental health nurse is a privilege and takes a special kind of person to be one. Someone who not only provides support and care to people who may be experiencing mental illness and emotional vulnerability, but support for people on the road to recovery and independence.
Drop a heart on our special map of gratitude to show your support for our NHS heroes
"We will never forget him."
Writing on Facebook Chiletso Chloe Kutengule said: "Lost my uncle Grant Maganga today due to COVID-19
"What a great loss to our family and the entire community. A bitter pill to swallow. May his soul rest in eternal peace. He will be terribly missed."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-21--How David Silva would react if his son played for Man City in future

David Silva says that he would be ‘ very proud ’ if his son Mateo one days plays for Manchester City .
The two-year-old spent the first five months of his life in hospital after being born prematurely at just 25 weeks .
But he has made a full recovery and is now full of energy .
Later , Silva was asked about the possibility of Mateo turning out for the club in the future , although he might still have a bit to go to reach his father ’ s level .
“ What he does now is run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s not paying great attention to the ball so far , ” he said laughing .
“ I ’ ll support him if he wants to play and hopefully it happens .
“ And if it happened and at some point he wears the City shirt I ’ d be very proud.
” Silva has been at the Etihad Stadium for almost 10 years , having joined the club from Valencia in the summer of 2010 .
He has played 424 games for the club , scoring 74 goals and providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave the club at the end of the season after the expiry of his contract .
City fans will be hoping that little Mateo can follow in the footsteps of his dad , although they will have to wait about another 20 years to find out .

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David Silva says that he would be ‘very proud’ if his son Mateo one days plays for Manchester City.
The two-year-old spent the first five months of his life in hospital after being born prematurely at just 25 weeks. But he has made a full recovery and is now full of energy.
“He barely stops running,” Silva told the Manchester City official website .
Later, Silva was asked about the possibility of Mateo turning out for the club in the future, although he might still have a bit to go to reach his father’s level.
“What he does now is run up and down all the time, he’s not paying great attention to the ball so far,” he said laughing.
“I’ll support him if he wants to play and hopefully it happens.
“And if it happened and at some point he wears the City shirt I’d be very proud.”
Silva has been at the Etihad Stadium for almost 10 years, having joined the club from Valencia in the summer of 2010. He has played 424 games for the club, scoring 74 goals and providing 137 assists.
The Spaniard is set to leave the club at the end of the season after the expiry of his contract.
City fans will be hoping that little Mateo can follow in the footsteps of his dad, although they will have to wait about another 20 years to find out.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-22--National League clubs vote to end season immediately due to Covid-19

The National League have confirmed that all remaining league matches in its three divisions will be cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Clubs were asked to support an ordinary resolution on 9 April to end the playing season for all fixtures scheduled up to and including 25 April 2020 .
And following a vote by clubs in all three divisions , a motion was passed to cancel all remaining games , as there was a `` clear majority of clubs in favour '' from the almost 90 percent of responses returned .
However , the National League are yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take place , stating both outcomes are `` under careful consideration '' by the board .
“ National League Clubs were asked to support an ordinary resolution on 9 April to end the Playing Season for all fixtures scheduled up to and including 25 April 2020 , ” a statement from the league read .
“ With almost 90 % of responses returned it is evident a clear majority of Clubs are in favour , including a majority of Clubs in each of the National League , National League North and National League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the ordinary resolution has passed , the League ’ s Board has chosen to communicate the decision now and before the last few responses are received , which will not change the outcome , to enable Clubs to make business decisions with greater clarity as soon as possible .
“ Clubs yet to respond still have an opportunity to do so , and the League wishes to include as many preferences as possible before the final voting result is declared.
” While National League Chief Executive Officer , Michael Tattersall , added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire country is wrestling with the devastating impact of Covid-19 , the cancellation of the remaining normal season matches brings a degree of certainty to our Clubs coping with the business implications of the virus.
” Barrow were four points clear at the top of the National League when the season was brought to a standstill in March due to the Covid-19 outbreak .
Two sides from the National League are normally promoted to the Football League , with four clubs being relegated and replaced by the champions and play-off winners in each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divisions .

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The National League have confirmed that all remaining league matches in its three divisions will be cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Clubs were asked to support an ordinary resolution on 9 April to end the playing season for all fixtures scheduled up to and including 25 April 2020.
And following a vote by clubs in all three divisions, a motion was passed to cancel all remaining games, as there was a "clear majority of clubs in favour" from the almost 90 percent of responses returned.
However, the National League are yet to confirm whether promotion and relegation will take place, stating both outcomes are "under careful consideration" by the board.
“National League Clubs were asked to support an ordinary resolution on 9 April to end the Playing Season for all fixtures scheduled up to and including 25 April 2020,” a statement from the league read.
“With almost 90% of responses returned it is evident a clear majority of Clubs are in favour, including a majority of Clubs in each of the National League, National League North and National League South divisions.
“In the knowledge that the ordinary resolution has passed, the League’s Board has chosen to communicate the decision now and before the last few responses are received, which will not change the outcome, to enable Clubs to make business decisions with greater clarity as soon as possible.
“Clubs yet to respond still have an opportunity to do so, and the League wishes to include as many preferences as possible before the final voting result is declared.”
While National League Chief Executive Officer, Michael Tattersall, added: “At a time when the entire country is wrestling with the devastating impact of Covid-19, the cancellation of the remaining normal season matches brings a degree of certainty to our Clubs coping with the business implications of the virus.”
Barrow were four points clear at the top of the National League when the season was brought to a standstill in March due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Two sides from the National League are normally promoted to the Football League, with four clubs being relegated and replaced by the champions and play-off winners in each of the National League North and South divisions.