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Guardiola won’t put any pressure on De Bruyne despite Manchester City struggles

Manchester City captain Kevin De Bruyne won’t be rushed back from injury despite the team’s recent slump in form, insists Pep Guardiola.

City have not won in their last four Premier League outings with De Bruyne not appearing since limping out of the action at Burnley with a thigh injury on the opening day in August.

The Belgium star was named in City’s squad for the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia later this month but Guardiola believes the original return date of the new year is more realistic.

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Speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to Luton, Guardiola said: “I think he has started to run on the pitch but he didn’t train once with us. The Club World Cup is in what, two weeks? So it is maybe a bit early for Kevin, but I don’t know.

“Kevin is so important but unfortunately he had a tough injury at the beginning, three or four months he is still recovering so don’t put any pressure on him.

“He’ll be back when he’s ready but we’ll have open arms when he is.

“I have to find a way when he’s not here to survive.”

Guardiola: Manchester City struggles are a good thing

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City’s recent wobble may prove beneficial in helping the whole club refocus following last season’s success.

City landed the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup treble in 2022/23, sweeping all before them, but have suffered an uncharacteristic dip in form over the past month, failing to win in four Premier League games.

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Maguire named Premier League Player of the Month

Guardiola’s men slipped to fourth in the table following Wednesday night’s 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa but he says it is not necessarily a bad thing for their ambitions this term.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to Luton, he said: “For everyone at the club, it’s a good thing that we are living, it is necessary.

“For a long time, we have looked at how good we are. Maybe we need this to say ‘guys, this is business, it’s terrible, we are not able to win one game.

“For myself first, maybe I need that challenge to prove I am a good manager to help the players overcome this challenge. And for the players it’s a good challenge, for them to say ‘my God, Aston Villa were much better than us’.

“And even the club, the whole organisation, we can be out of the Champions League next season. We need to work hard after what has happened over the last few years.

“As soon as we realise it, we will come out of it quicker. Otherwise nothing will change. We are in December, we have a lot of games to play, a lot of exciting things ahead of us, we need to embrace it.

“With that in mind say ‘okay, let’s work’. The club needs it. We need a shake, bad results can help that.”

City jet off to Saudi Arabia for the Club World Cup before Christmas but Guardiola accepts his side cannot currently be labelled the world’s best.

He added: “At the moment we are not the best team in the world because we are not getting results. We were [the best] in Europe [after winning the Champions League last season] and in the world we will see in two to three weeks. But that’s not important. What’s important is to come back to playing at our level that we had two weeks ago.

“Against Villa, they were better than us and they deserved the victory for the way they played. We were not far away and we were at a good level. A good result [at Luton] will help us and the next two games are so important before we go to Saudi Arabia.”

City have not won in the Premier League since November 4 but Guardiola feels the quality of the opposition they have faced over that period, with games against Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Villa, should be taken into account.

He added: “When you are winning games you are the best team in the world. When you don’t win it’s a crisis. It’s important to face the reality. We are not used to not winning four games in a row but we have played top teams. They were tight games. In some we played well, in others not so. It is what it is.

“It’s not the first time we’ve been in this position. Every season we have a spell where we don’t get results, it happens.

“Do you know how much we struggled to do the treble last season with all the injuries we had? That’s why we give credit for the treble. People around the corner say it was easy.

“The team we have now, right before the Wolves game, was one game away from having the best start ever at this club. At the international break, we were top of the league – not two seasons ago. Then we faced Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Villa, top teams, it can happen.”

Man and woman jailed for roles in sexually abusing a child

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An Ashton woman has been jailed for inciting a man to sexually abuse a 4-year-old boy.

Naomi O’Brien (31) (pictured) received a total of four years and three months in prison, with a four years, four month Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Sex Offender Notification Requirements for life.

Jonathan Walker (33) of Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil, was found guilty of sexually abusing a 4-year-old boy, along with engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and possession of indecent images. He was sentenced to 12-and-a-half years in prison.

During the investigation, chat was also discovered between Walker and O’Brien, indicating a sexual interest in children.

O’Brien incited Walker to sexually abuse the victim on multiple occasions in March 2023.

Following a complex investigation, and in conjunction with South Wales Police, Walker was arrested for multiple offences.

O’Brien pleaded guilty to three counts of intentionally encouraging and assisting another to commit a sexual assault against a child, two counts of intentionally encouraging and assisting another to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

“We can bring justice”

DI Marsden, of GMP, said: “Firstly, our thoughts remain with the victim and their family having gone through such a terrible ordeal.

“Following a tenacious and lengthy investigation of 1,865 messages, our dedicated team was able to prove that the female suspect’s chats were not simply a case of role play or fantasy – she had knowledge that the male had an interest in sexually abusing a young boy on the direction of her. 

“This is a significant result for what is a very vulnerable and innocent 4-year-old child who was subjected to multiple counts of abuse, but also for all other children in the community who could have been subject to similar offending by a predatory female who was inciting others to commit acts of sexual harm against the most vulnerable in society.

“I hope the sentence sends a strong message to the public that we will pursue all available lines of enquiry to ensure we can bring justice to victims of serious sexual assaults.”

Maguire named Premier League Player of the Month

Much-maligned Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been named the Premier League Player of the Month for November.

Maguire started the season out of the side following a summer of speculation linking him with a move away from Old Trafford but has impressed since returning to the heart of the United defence.

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He excelled in November, playing every minute of their three Premier League games, helping Erik ten Hag’s men to record three clean sheets.

Maguire made the joint-most blocks, fifth-most clearances, and won the second-most aerial duels in a dominant month.

Gouda news: Extons Foods invests in grate £4 million facility

A UK leading supplier of cheese has unveiled a new 54,000sqft facility, following a £4 million investment.

Extons Foods which supplies grated, block and continental cheeses to sandwich manufacturers, wholesalers, food service providers and retailers across Europe, has announced it’s investing in a new unit, set to be fully operational by 2024.

The new unit, which is adjacent to the current site in Wythenshawe, includes a secondary grating line, committed to retail and servicing retail clients.

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This new grating line will reduce changeovers and will open opportunities to supply retail directly. This new grating line is expected to be fully functional by September 2024.

The unit also provides an additional 250 pallet spaces and includes a planned extension of warehouse, packing room and production lines to ensure a safer and better working environment for Extons’ staff.

The independent business currently has four production lines and is one of the UK’s largest independent suppliers of sliced and grated cheese.

With 23 years of experience, Extons processes 450 tonnes of cheese a week, employs 150 staff and is a trusted contract packer for some of the most recognisable names in dairy from across the UK.

Originally founded in 2000 by Liz Parkinson, Extons was a small loss-making business which supplied local sandwich shops with grated cheese. Now, in 2023, the family business is on course to turnover £100 million.

Liz said: “Despite the uncertainty around Brexit, and the COVID pandemic which saw our sales drop 70% overnight, we’ve bounced back bigger and better than ever before and have seen enormous growth over the last few years.

“This investment into extending our current facility comes at a time when we’re looking to reaffirm our commitment to our customers through modern, world-class, cutting-edge production to serve increased demand from our wide and varied client base.

“Extons is a people-first, caring company with a loyal team, enabling us to have one of the best reputations for service and quality in the industry. We’ve stayed true to our roots and continue to reinvest in the local community, never moving away from South Manchester.

“Our staff are our greatest asset; we want to reward our workforce, and to enable them to offer much-needed employment and provide crucial investment into the local area.”

Marketing mastery: Strategies behind Darren Burke’s brand visibility

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In the dynamic world of marketing and entrepreneurship, few figures stand out as prominently as Dr. Darren Burke.

Renowned for his academic prowess and expertise in sports nutrition, exercise physiology, and metabolism, Dr. Burke made a remarkable transition from a tenured professor to a visionary entrepreneur.

His journey encompasses the establishment and successful exit of a leading sports nutrition brand, followed by the creation of a groundbreaking sustainable technology company, Outcast Foods.

Academic foundation and transition to entrepreneurship

Dr. Darren Burke’s journey began in academia, where he built a world-class research program and earned a reputation as an expert. As a professor at St. Francis Xavier University, he imparted knowledge in sports nutrition, exercise physiology, and metabolism. His commitment extended beyond the classroom, as he mentored students who excelled not only as scientists but also in professions such as medicine and dentistry.

In 2008, Dr. Burke made a pivotal career shift, leaving his tenured professor role to venture into the world of entrepreneurship.

He launched a brand of sports nutrition products, featuring protein powders, energy pills, and muscle-building creatine supplements tailored for professional athletes. Notably, his brand pioneered the introduction of safe supplements for athletes participating in drug-tested sports, revolutionising the sports nutrition landscape.

Strategic brand positioning and growth

Dr. Burke’s brand quickly gained prominence, becoming a category leader in both Canada and the United States within five years. The brand’s unique selling proposition—providing safe supplements for athletes—played a pivotal role in this success. The strategic positioning not only set the brand apart but also influenced industry standards, leading to the inclusion of safety certifications in most supplements today.

In 2013, the culmination of Dr. Burke’s efforts occurred when his sports nutrition brand was successfully acquired by Nutrivo, based in Chicago, Illinois. This marked a significant milestone in his entrepreneurial journey, showcasing not only the profitability of his business but also his acumen in building and positioning a brand for acquisition.

Innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship with Outcast Foods

A testament to Dr. Burke’s visionary leadership, in 2018, he collaborated with former NHL hockey player TJ Galiardi to launch Outcast Foods. This innovative company focused on sustainable technology, specifically upcycling fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste. By transforming these rejected or late-in-life produce into nutrient-dense powders with extended shelf life, Outcast Foods addressed food waste and contributed to the production of natural health products.

Within just three years, Outcast Foods evolved from a concept to a thriving enterprise with multiple manufacturing facilities and a valuation exceeding $30 million. Dr. Burke’s ability to identify and capitalise on market opportunities, coupled with a commitment to sustainability, positioned Outcast Foods as a leader in the intersection of technology, agriculture, and nutrition.

Recognition and awards

Dr. Darren Burke’s impact extends beyond business success. His contributions to nutrition, cleantech, sustainability, and food waste reduction have positioned him as a thought leader and speaker. In 2021, he received the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year for Atlantic Canada, a testament to his outstanding achievements and influence in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Conclusion: A pioneer in innovation and brand building

Dr. Darren Burke’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship, marked by the establishment of a successful sports nutrition brand and the creation of Outcast Foods, showcases his mastery in marketing and brand visibility. His strategic brand positioning, commitment to innovation, and dedication to sustainability have not only disrupted multiple industries but have also left a lasting impact on consumer products and the food supply chain. Dr. Burke’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world through entrepreneurial endeavors.

McIlroy holds no bitterness towards Rahm after LIV defection

Rory McIlroy is disappointed by John Rahm’s defection from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf but insists he won’t judge the Spaniard on his decision.

One of the worst-kept secrets in golf was confirmed last night when Masters champion Rahm backtracked on previous statements by agreeing to join the rebel Saudi-backed tour in a deal reported to be worth around £450million.

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McIlroy and Rahm were team-mates in the recent Ryder Cup as Team Europe thrashed the USA 16.5-11.5 in Rome, and the Northern Irishman insists he harbours no hard feelings.

He told Sky Sports: “He has got so much talent, he’s so tenacious and he’s a great team-mate in the Ryder Cup.

“The thing that I’ve realised is that you can’t judge someone for making a decision that they feel is the best thing for them.

“Is it disappointing to me? Yes, but the landscape of golf changed on 6 June, when the framework agreement was announced, and I think because of that it made the jump from the PGA Tour to LIV a little bit easier for guys.”

McIlroy was referring to the framework of a deal between the PGA Tour and DP World Tours and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, who bankroll LIV, regarding a merger which has yet to be ratified ahead of the December 31 deadline.

McIlroy hopes common ground can be found for the good of the sport.

“Some people like LIV, the majority of people like the PGA Tour, but if LIV start to take a few players each and every year it’s really going to be divided and that’s no good for anyone,” he added.

“You’re basically cannibalising yourself as a sport.

“To me, having all the best golfers under the one umbrella is the best way forward because I think that’s really what the public wants.”

The Catfishing Epidemic: Over 20% of Brits Deceived, Facing Emotional and Financial Repercussions

An alarming 22% of UK citizens have experienced catfishing, with a worrying 31% of these victims meeting their deceivers in real life, leading to a shocking revelation of their true identities. This information comes from a comprehensive study by ExpressVPN, a prominent consumer privacy and security firm.

The research, involving 2,000 UK participants aged 18 to 50, uncovers the concerning trends in social media and online dating, such as catfishing, AI impersonation, and the dread of revenge porn. The study reveals that close to half (49%) of Brits have grown more aware of catfishing as a direct threat in the past year. For online daters, the fear of being catfished (56%) ranks high among their concerns, surpassed only by the threat of encountering dangerous individuals (62%). Other fears related to online dating include harassment (39%), receipt of unsolicited explicit images (30%), and the exposure of personal details (26%). Intriguingly, a significant proportion of those currently dating online in the UK (54%) admit to experiencing catfishing.

The Home Affairs Committee has recently initiated an inquiry into fraud, particularly focusing on romance scams on social media, highlighting the issue’s severity. ExpressVPN’s survey points out that younger adults, specifically those aged 18-24, are the most prone to catfishing, with 34% reporting such experiences. This is followed by 27% in the 25-34 age group, 18% among 35-44 year-olds, and 7% for those aged 45-50. The survey also uncovers that men are more frequently catfished than women, with respective rates of 24% and 20%.

The survey identifies the platforms with the highest incidence of reported catfishing:

  • Facebook: 35%
  • Tinder: 31%
  • Snapchat: 26%
  • Instagram: 25%
  • WhatsApp: 16%
  • TikTok: 14%
  • Bumble: 12%
  • Hinge: 8%
  • X: 8%
  • Reddit: 3%

Of those catfished, 37% realised the truth before meeting in person, but about a third (31%) only discovered the deception upon a face-to-face encounter. A significant 25% engaged with their catfish for over a year before uncovering the truth, and 14% eventually learned that the catfish was a known individual. Sadly, more than 12% of the victims suffered financial losses or were conned into giving gifts.

The psychological toll of catfishing is considerable, often leading to anxiety and depression. Among the affected, 39% felt embarrassment and regret, 36% experienced emotional devastation, 27% were discouraged from seeking new relationships, and 17% developed mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. Moreover, 16% were reluctant to disclose their experiences to family or friends. Consequently, nearly a third (28%) of Britons now shy away from using social media and dating apps to find partners.

The survey also highlights risky online behaviours among Britons. Approximately 43% have transmitted nude photos, with 15% concerned about potential blackmail, 13% worried about unauthorised distribution, 15% fearful of family discovery, and 10% anxious about their employers finding out. This correlates with a 31% increase in reports to the UK’s Revenge Porn Helpline in 2023, totalling 10,000.

Additionally, 34% of Britons admit to creating fictitious profiles or impersonating others on social and dating platforms. The main reasons include improving dating prospects (10%), investigating whether their partners are unfaithful (9%), or monitoring ex-partners (8%). Over one in four (28%) have utilised AI to enhance their dating or social media profiles, chiefly for photo improvement (15%), biography enhancement (14%), and bettering chat-up lines (12%).

Lauren Hendry Parsons, Privacy Advocate at ExpressVPN, states:

“With the emergence of social media and dating apps came the catfishers—scammers who create a fake persona, complete with attractive photos, to form relationships with strangers predicated on lies. We live so much of our lives online now that it’s not unusual for our first connection with someone to be virtual, including with potential employers, colleagues, bank and retail support staff. There is therefore an element of trust we as individuals have when talking to someone online—a lot more so than a decade ago.

“But sadly there are many bad actors out there preying on this trust, often for financial gain. The growing sophistication of AI and ease of generating false identities has threatened that trust even more. If you suspect you’re getting catfished, report the person to the dating app or social media platform and indicate precisely why you think they’re a possible catfish. There are also several additional security measures you can take when online. For example, using a high-quality VPN can add an extra layer of security to your online interactions. By masking your IP address, a VPN helps protect your location and identity, helping your online activities remain private and secure.”

For more information, visit: https://www.expressvpn.com/

A Racing Club Share – The Perfect Christmas Gift

Christmas is edging ever closer and it’s time to start thinking about what gifts to buy your loved ones. Year after year, it seems to get even more difficult deciding what to buy each other, and you’re bound to have someone who tells you “I don’t need anything!”.

Rather than going down the stereotypical route of buying new socks or a cosy jumper, why not give them something much more exciting and can keep them entertained for many months – a share in a Racing Club Syndicate racehorse!

With shares starting from as little as £45, a share in a Racing Club Syndicate can make the perfect present for a loved one. Once you purchase a share, the great news is the recipient won’t have to pay any extra costs – there are NO hidden charges and the fee you pay covers the full syndicate term!


Benefits Of Racing Club Syndicates

Becoming a Racing Club Syndicate member comes with great perks for your loved ones too, including:

  • Visit the trainers yard to meet their horses and watch them train.
  • Going to the races as an owner, with a select number of owners & trainers badges available each time their horse races. 
  • Become a part of our Racing Club community, where they can join other syndicate members at our exclusive parties and watchalongs, held at our very own racing yard.
  • The opportunity to enter ballots to join us at our hospitality boxes, including the O2 Arena, Wembley Stadium, Newbury Racecourse and St Mary’s Stadium (the home of Southampton FC).
  • Receive weekly updates on their horse from the trainer, as well as behind-the-scenes footage of their horse in training and exclusive tips from our in-house tipster, delivered to their emails each week.
  • And of course, they will also receive an equal share in any prize money your horse wins during the syndicate term!

 

With so much on offer, a share in a Racing Club horse makes the perfect gift for any family member (providing they’re over the age of 18). You could even get yourself a share too and enjoy the experience together – we’re confident you won’t be disappointed!

We currently have four different horses available to gift a share in, and with shares starting from just £45 it’s sure to suit all budgets:

Wendigo (£45 per share) – Trained by multiple Grade 1 winning trainer Jamie Snowden, the 4YO made a promising debut to finish third in his bumper and connections have high hopes for him once he goes over hurdles, having already won a point-to-point in his career.

Greycee Bell (£92 per share) – Trained by Barry Brennan, the 2YO recorded the highest top speed in the race on her debut at Lingfield and looks an exciting prospect for the flat season. She has a striking pedigree, with her sire having produced multiple Group winners and she should have a promising career ahead of her.

Farceur Du Large (£1000 per share) – Trained by Cheltenham Festival winning trainer Jamie Snowden, the 8YO is set to be aimed at some of the most prestigious races in the armed forces racing calendar. His trainer won the Grand Military Gold Cup four times as a jockey, and is targeting to win the race for the first time as a trainer with Farceur Du Large.

Letmelivemylife (£5000 per share) – Trained by Barry Brennan, the 5YO has already won five times and made an extremely pleasing debut when finishing within 1¼ lengths of the winner, despite repeatedly having his path blocked at a crucial time. He should come on for his stable debut run and will hopefully be back in the winners enclosure again soon.

If you want to find out more about the horses available, you can read up about each syndicate horse HERE.

Once you’ve decided on which horse you would like to gift a share in, the recipient will receive a printed welcome pack that will contain:

  • Welcome letter
  • Welcome brochure booklet
  • Certificate of ownership
  • Printed postcard of your chosen horse with their pedigree tree on the reverse.
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You can choose to either have the welcome pack sent directly to the recipient, or you can opt to send it to yourself so you can wrap it up and put it under the Christmas tree!


HOW TO PURCHASE A SHARE IN A RACEHORSE AS A GIFT – STEP BY STEP GUIDE
  1. Choose which horse you want to gift a share in.
  2. Click ‘Gift A Share’.
  3. Fill in the recipient name, email and add an option personalised message to your recipient.
  4. Go to checkout and fill out your billing details
  5. Remember to tick the option for a printed welcome pack (£4.99) if you want to give them a physical gift to open rather than the email welcome pack.
  6. Click pay now.
  7. Wait to see their faces light up when they receive their gift!

So, rather than the usual Lynx gift sets or a gift card that will likely sit in a drawer for months, why not give the gift of owning a racehorse this Christmas!

Conductor, powered by epay is a robust and versatile gift card software designed to empower retailers in launching and managing their gift card offerings.

Worst in the league? Manchester United great Hughes slams Rashford’s off-ball work

Manchester United legend Mark Hughes has taken aim at Marcus Rashford’s off-the-ball work, claiming the forward is one of the Premier League’s worst players when out of possession.

Rashford was benched by Erik ten Hag for United’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Wednesday, with Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund preferred in attack to the out-of-form England international.

Having scored 30 goals in all competitions last season, Rashford has only netted twice in 19 appearances at club level in 2023-24.

The 26-year-old’s work rate was called into question after United suffered a dismal 1-0 defeat to an energetic Newcastle United side last Saturday, with former Red Devils captain Roy Keane accusing him of failing to track back and questioning his body language.

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‘Shut your mouths’ – Gary Neville rages at Manchester United media leaks

His criticisms have been echoed by former striker Hughes, who won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups during two spells with United between 1980 and 1986, and 1988 and 1995.

Speaking to former England boss Sam Allardyce on the ‘No Tippy Tappy Football’ podcast, Hughes said: “The lads need to track back and if they lose possession, they have to regain it as quick as they can.

“If you compare them [United] to how Man City react when they lose the ball, it’s chalk and cheese. If Phil Foden loses the ball on the right hand-side, he wins it back, same with Jack Grealish.

“Rashford is an outstanding talent and is one of the best in the league when it comes to taking someone on, but without the ball, he’s probably one of the worst. He’s got to sort that part out.”

Rashford’s strong 2022-23 season came after his United future was called into question in 2021-22, when he managed just five goals in 32 appearances under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.

Hughes does not believe Rashford lacks a desire to contribute out of possession, instead questioning whether the attacker has lost his focus.

“I don’t think the players go out with the intention of not trying, that doesn’t happen, but I think Rashford has slipped back into the mindset that he had prior to last season,” Hughes said.

“He doesn’t look happy. He obviously had a lot going on outside the game which maybe took something away from him.

“Perhaps he just needs to focus back solely on what his role is when he’s asked to put on the shirt for Man United.”