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Pochettino hails ‘fantastic’ Ten Hag, says there is no good time to face Manchester United

Harry Carr
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Pochettino hails ‘fantastic’ Ten Hag, says there is no good time to face Manchester United

Mauricio Pochettino described Erik ten Hag as a “fantastic” coach and warned there is no good time to face Manchester United, as his Chelsea team prepare to visit Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Ten Hag has faced stern criticism in recent days, with United seventh in the Premier League table and on the brink of a humiliating UEFA Champions League group-stage exit in their second campaign under the Dutchman.

The former Ajax boss was forced to angrily deny reports of unrest in United’s squad at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, with the club banning several journalists from attending after Sky Sports and other publications claimed up to half of the Red Devils’ players did not support Ten Hag.

Read our other Manchester United news stories here:
Manchester United ban journalists over Erik ten Hag reports
Manchester United ‘not where we want to be’, accepts captain Fernandes
‘We are together’ – Erik ten Hag slams reports of Manchester United unrest

Chelsea could move within two points of United with a victory over their old rivals on Wednesday, having experienced something of an upturn after their own underwhelming start to 2023-24.

Pochettino, however, is wary of the threat the Red Devils will pose.

Asked about Ten Hag on Tuesday, Pochettino said: “He’s a fantastic coach. We faced each other when I was with Tottenham in the semi-finals of the Champions League [in 2018-19], when he was at Ajax.

“Everyone was talking about Ajax and him then. It is good to see him after four years because we have not played each other since.

“I think we are all on a similar level with different situations, so I don’t say it is a good moment to go there.

“We are facing a team that is going to be tough because they want to win and we want to keep our momentum, to build and be high in the table. It’s important for us to be in a different position.”

Asked whether he had any advice for the under-fire Dutchman, Pochettino said: “It’s not my duty. I need to be focused because we have plenty of things to deal with here.

“I am very respectful, I don’t want to talk about another club.”

During his tenures with both Spurs and Paris Saint-Germain, Pochettino was repeatedly linked with the Old Trafford hot seat, which has acquired a reputation as something of a poisoned chalice in recent years.

However, the Argentine was unwilling to be drawn on whether he was glad to have avoided the role, saying: “You try to make me talk too much and make a mistake!

“We need to be respectful about another club. I am not the person to talk to about other clubs.

“I am happy here, with this project. We are building something here and we are working really hard.”

‘We are together’ – Erik ten Hag slams reports of Manchester United unrest

Harry Carr
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‘We are together’ – Erik ten Hag slams reports of Manchester United unrest

Erik ten Hag has strongly denied reports of unrest in the Manchester United camp, insisting the team are “together” and lashing out at recent media coverage of the Red Devils.

United sit seventh in the Premier League table ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with Chelsea at Old Trafford, having suffered a demoralising 1-0 defeat to fellow top-four hopefuls Newcastle United on Saturday.

The Red Devils are also on the brink of an early UEFA Champions League exit following last week’s 3-3 draw with Galatasaray, and that pair of results has done little to stem criticism of United and their manager.

Read our other Manchester United news stories here:
Neville ‘bored and tired’ of watching Manchester United
Manchester United ban journalists over Erik ten Hag reports
Manchester United ‘not where we want to be’, accepts captain Fernandes

On Monday, a report from Sky Sports claimed Ten Hag had lost the support of around half of United’s players, but he strongly denied that was the case in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.

Asked if he thought the players were buying into his methods, Ten Hag said: “Yes. I’m sure. You can see it, for instance in the comeback against Brentford… the Burnley game, the Fulham game.

“Every game, the team showed great determination, great resilience. We are together, and you can’t play such great football as we did lately if there is no unity.”

Asked if there were any issues between himself and United’s players, the Dutchman responded: “No.

“Of course, in every team there are always players who are playing less and are less happy, but it’s no different to normal.

“I listen always to my players. If they have a different opinion I will listen. But they haven’t told me anything. Maybe one or two, but it’s about in general… the majority, they want to play like this; proactive, dynamic, brave.

“You can see the players are behind it because of the performances against Everton and Galatasaray. You see that we are really improving.”

Referencing Alejandro Garnacho’s stunning overhead kick in the recent 3-0 win over Everton, Ten Hag continued: “Did you see that goal? Do you think we can make the goal we did against Everton if the players don’t embrace it? What do you think?

“We are on a journey, a route, we know we are still in transition but we are going in the right direction, you see how we are constructing a team, developing it.

“The team is progressing, young players are coming in and you see the potential of how they can contribute to a very successful Manchester United for the future.”

There was a smaller-than-usual group of reporters in attendance at Tuesday’s press conference, with United banning a group of journalists who had reported on unrest in the Red Devils’ squad.

Sky Sports’ chief reporter Kaveh Solekhol, the Manchester Evening News’ chief Manchester United correspondent Samuel Luckhurst, Rob Dawson of ESPN and Mirror Sport were all denied entry, with the club claiming they were not given an opportunity to reply to reports of dissent in the squad.

Ten Hag criticised the journalists’ coverage of his side, saying: “They should come to us first, and not go behind our backs printing articles which are not right.

“We have a relationship and they should give it to us beforehand. Then we can have a normal and professional debate about it.”

Small engineering powerhouse triumphs over industry giants, to clinch top awards

Helen Greaney
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Small engineering powerhouse triumphs over industry giants, to clinch top awards

ASH Integrated Services Ltd in Atherton has marked a historic achievement, outshining top FTSE 250 companies to secure major wins at the prestigious PFM Awards and Electrical Contractor News (ECN) Awards 2023.

The highlight of the year for the small yet dynamic engineering company was at the PFM Awards 2023 held in London.

ASH not only secured the Partners in SME Organisation Award alongside client Lovett Care Homes, but also claimed the Overall Award Winner title, surpassing many industry giants.

Operations manager Gary Zetter’s (pictured) representation for ASH in the Special Recognition Award, made him a grand finalist, adding another layer of accomplishment to the week.

Hosted by TV personality Claudia Winkleman, the PFM Awards, the biggest and most prestigious in the FM Sector within the UK, celebrated its 30th anniversary this year.

ASH Integrated Services Ltd’s overall victory was unprecedented, making it the first SME to be honoured with the esteemed title.

With just over 50 employees, the firm was the smallest company in the finals and the sole finalist from outside London.#

Antony Grace, company director said: “This recognition is not just for us but for every individual who contributed to our success.

ASHIntegratedServicesImageShowsOperationsManagerGaryZetterGivingSpeechAtThePFMAwards We win as a team, and it couldn’t have been achieved without the dedication of our incredible staff.”

The success continued at the GMCC Excellence Awards 2023 held in Manchester, where the team was announced as the SME Business of the Year triumphing over 40 competing companies in the category.

Adding to their accolades, ASH celebrated another victorious night at the ECN Awards 2023 in Coventry. There, it was hailed Contractor of the Year Award (turnover under £5m).

Its Openshaw College Solar PV Panel Project received Highly Commended recognition for Sustainable Project of the Year and Overall Project of the Year.

A remarkable year

Antony added: “This year has truly been remarkable for us. We aimed to raise our business profile, enhance our name and reputation, and compete against industry giants. Winning the Contractor of the Year Award and the recognition for our sustainable project is a testament to our commitment to excellence.”

ASH Integrated Services has now positioned itself prominently within the FM and Engineering Sector, securing five awards this year and being a finalist in six others.

The continuous success underscores the company’s dedication to achieving excellence and innovation in the competitive business landscape.

We are going to win the Premier League – Manchester City boss Guardiola

Jon Fisher
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We are going to win the Premier League – Manchester City boss Guardiola

A bullish Pep Guardiola shrugged off Manchester City’s winless run and claimed, if his side maintain their recent performance levels, they will win the Premier League once again this season.

City have recorded three successive draws to slip to third in the table but Guardiola believes their displays give him confidence that a record-breaking fourth title on the trot will be heading to the Etihad in May.

Read our other football news stories here:
United ban journalists from press conference over Ten Hag reports
FA charge Manchester City – but Haaland escapes individual sanction
Bernardo Silva demands more from Manchester City amid recent blip

Speaking ahead of tomorrow night’s tricky trip to Aston Villa, the Catalan said: “My feeling today is we are going to win the Premier League.

“If we are play at the level we showed against Liverpool and Tottenham, we are going to win it again.

“People don’t believe it after three draws, [but] we are going to do it again knowing that it’s not easy. No team has done it yet [win four straight], that’s why the difficulty is there. If you ask me today what I am feeling, we are going to do it again.”

City’s normally watertight defence has conceded 10 goals in the last four games in all competitions and Guardiola admitted that, while he was concerned, he wasn’t going overboard.

He added: “Except the Chelsea game [a 4-4 draw], when we conceded more chances, the rest of the games have been quite similar to when we won the treble.

“[But] We have to get better. If you concede three, four goals a game it’s tough to sustain it for a long time. We have to improve but at the same time we haven’t been conceding lots more chances and hopefully we can continue with that.

“Of course, I’m concerned but I am saying the average is lower in chances conceded.”

City were charged yesterday by the FA for failing to control their players after several confronted referee Simon Hooper in stoppage time of the Spurs game.

Their ire was prompted by Hooper blowing for a City free-kick when Erling Haaland had played Jack Grealish through on goal.

Haaland led the protests and also posted a social media clip of the incident with an added ‘WTF’, although he escaped an individual sanction.

Guardiola was quick to defend his team, stating: “We have behaved incredibly over the years, especially this season.

“After the game, the comments from my players were accepting that we can do better, and me first of all. It’s what I want to see from my players and my club.

“We will accept the decision from the Premier League.”

Jack Grealish and Rodri will both be absent tomorrow through suspension having been booked at the weekend with Guardiola naming Kalvin Phillips, Manuel Akanji, John Stones and Nathan Ake as potential replacements for the Spaniard in midfield.

It adds another layer of difficulty to a game against a Villa side that have won their last 13 Premier League home matches.

Guardiola said: “The form they have had this season, especially at home…at home they have won everything, it’s a tough, tough game.”

Guardiola is also a big admirer of Villa boss Unai Emery.

“His teams, when he leaves they are better. In all departments, the results, the players, the set-pieces, the transition, the high press, it’s exceptional,” he said.

“Wherever Emery goes…he gets better every month, and every season is better than the year before. He’s an excellent manager.”

Manchester United ‘not where we want to be’, accepts captain Fernandes

Harry Carr
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Manchester United ‘not where we want to be’, accepts captain Fernandes

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes acknowledges they are far from where they want to be as a team, as the under-fire Red Devils prepare to host Chelsea on Wednesday.

United sit seventh in the Premier League table ahead of the Blues’ visit to Old Trafford, having suffered a demoralising 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United last time out.

That result came just three days after a chaotic 3-3 draw with Galatasaray left the Red Devils’ UEFA Champions League hopes hanging by a thread, with Erik ten Hag’s team now needing to beat Bayern Munich on matchday six and hope Galatasaray draw with Copenhagen in order to reach the last 16.

A report from Sky Sports on Monday claimed boss Erik ten Hag has lost the support of up to half of United’s players, while Red Devils great Gary Neville said on Saturday that he was ‘bored’ of watching the team.

Read our other football news stories here:
Neville ‘bored and tired’ of watching Manchester United
Manchester United ban three journalists over Erik ten Hag reports
Bernardo Silva demands more from Manchester City amid recent blip

The next few weeks could be decisive for United’s season, with games against Chelsea, Bayern and Liverpool taking place before they face fellow top-four hopefuls Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

While Fernandes knows United’s recent displays have not been good enough, he says they will only improve by taking things one game at a time.

“We’re not in the place we want to be in the league, everyone knows that,” the United skipper told the club’s media channels.

“So if you want to get into that place, if you want to improve that position, then you have to win the game you have ahead of you.

“At the moment, we just have to look game by game because we know we are not in the position we want to be.

“Focusing game by game is what we can control at the moment and we can’t look too much at the table.

“You can look too much at the future and not do the present right. We have to raise ourselves for the next challenge we have ahead.”

Bolton man jailed for causing death by dangerous driving

Helen Greaney
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Bolton man jailed for causing death by dangerous driving

A Bolton man who raced at tandem down residential streets has been jailed for 11 years for causing death by dangerous driving.

Adam Ross (30) of Daisy Street, was sentenced yesterday at Bolton Crown Court, following a lengthy investigation by Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU).

Ross was found guilty earlier in November, following a trial at the same court in relation to a fatal road traffic collision back in September 2019.

Erratic driving

On September 20, 2019 at around 10pm, Ross and Daniel Salvin, who previously pleaded guilty to also causing death by dangerous driving, were both driving erratically through residential streets of Westhoughton, Bolton.

Both vehicles reached speeds of twice the legal speed limit and in excess of 60mph, which included residential areas, and drove in tandem, overtaking other road users and using it as their own personal racetrack before the fatal collision on Rishton Lane.

A Vauxhall Vectra, driven by Salvin, was the only vehicle that collided with a pedestrian, John Richardson, on Rishton Lane. The second vehicle Volkswagen Golf was driven by Ross.

Following the collision, both vehicles left the scene and John died due to extent of his injuries the week after.

Salvin pleaded guilty and was sentenced to seven years and four months in November 2019 after attempts were made to set fire to his vehicle that was later extinguished and forensically recovered with damage consistent of being involved in a collision.

No remorse

Police sergeant Andrew Page said: “Today is the conclusion of a four year investigation and I hope this sentence can provide some more closure to the family of John. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank John’s family for their patience and dignity throughout this investigation.

“Ross, has shown no remorse at any point since the fateful collision and today he has seen the consequences of his actions. He failed to stop at the scene and continued to evade police for several months after engaging in dangerous driving with Salvin and has denied his involvement in the collision ever since. Blatantly lying when someone sadly lost their life when they should have been safe.

“He even resorted to blaming his best friend, who sadly passed away since the collision, in a distasteful attempt to distance himself from his actions that night.

“Today’s result is extremely poignant in terms of its timing due to Road Safety Week, which gives us an opportunity to remind all road users to abide by the law and think of the severe consequences selfish actions can have on innocent members of the public.

“I hope this case highlights the hard work our officers will go to in order to bring offenders to justice who use the road network in Greater Manchester illegally.”

Manchester United ban journalists over Erik ten Hag reports

Harry Carr
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Manchester United ban journalists over Erik ten Hag reports

Four publications have been banned by Manchester United from attending Erik ten Hag’s press conference this afternoon with the club furious at recent reports suggesting several players had lost confidence in the Dutchman.

Sky Sports’ chief reporter Kaveh Solekhol, the Manchester Evening News’ chief Manchester United correspondent Samuel Luckhurst, Rob Dawson of ESPN as well as Mirror Sport have all been blacklisted.

The 1-0 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday appears to have triggered several leaks from within the club with some players reported to be unhappy at Ten Hag’s training methods as well as questioning the quality of his recent signings, most notably Rasmus Hojlund, Antony and Mason Mount.

Read our other football news stories here:
Neville ‘bored and tired’ of watching Manchester United
FA charge Manchester City – but Haaland escapes individual sanction
Bernardo Silva demands more from Manchester City amid recent blip

There have also been rumours the players are angry that Ten Hag has claimed they aren’t following instructions during games.

United say they have “taken action against several news organisations not for publishing stories we don’t like, but for doing so without contacting us first to give us the opportunity to comment, challenge or contextualise.

“We believe this is an important principle to defend and we hope it can lead to a re-set in the way we work together.”

It all amounts to a pretty dismal picture with United’s players doing little to quell talk of unrest with their body language in recent games.

Former England captain and BBC pundit Alan Shearer was unimpressed with the visitors’ display at St James’ Park at the weekend.

Shearer, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, said: “I thought they were a mess, I thought they were terrible. I thought their attitude was awful and it highlighted some of the really bad attitudes they clearly have.

“When it’s tough and when it’s hard, you see the players who want to play for you and you see the players who want to support you as a manager and as a fan. And I thought there were three or four players who were not prepared to roll their sleeves up and gave up far too easily and didn’t want to fight.”

Rochdale thug jailed for unprovoked attacks on three men

Helen Greaney
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Rochdale thug jailed for unprovoked attacks on three men

A man has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for unprovoked attacks on three men in two separate incidents.

Joshua Greenwood (27) of Shaftesbury Drive was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday, after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to two offences of causing grievous bodily harm and one offence of causing actual bodily harm.

One of the victims was an 80-year-old dad who had been out in Rochdale enjoying drinks with his son in February 2022, before the pair were set upon in an unprovoked attack.

At around 10pm, the pair were walking along Packer Street, when two men walked past them.

Greenwood began to punch the older man’s in the face and head, causing him to fall to the ground and hit his head on street furniture. The two men then attacked his son when he attempted to help his father, also punching him to the ground.

A text message received by Greenwood just a few hours before he attacked the pair indicated surprise that he was out again as he had recently stated he “always ended up in town wanting to punch someone’s head off”.

In the days after the assault, Joshua Greenwood was arrested and interviewed in relation to the offences. The other man involved in the second assault earlier pleaded guilty and received a fine.

In November 2021, Greenwood also brutally attacked a man who had been out with friends in Rochdale.

The victim was taken to North Manchester General Hospital and suffered serious injuries, including multiple fractures of the eye-socket, cheekbone and jaw, and required corrective surgery from which he is still to make a full recovery.

Serious injuries

Detective constable Russell Clarke said: “Greenwood is unlikely to realise the magnitude of the impact he has had on the victims in this case. He is a man of significant size and on two occasions, he used his physique to inflict serious injuries on people unlucky enough to find themselves within his reach.

“He punched them as hard as he could to the face, completely unprovoked, with absolutely no consideration for the consequences of his actions – consequences which for these victims included life-changing physical, emotional and psychological harm.

“Greenwood behaved this way towards a man in his eighties who was simply out enjoying an evening with his son. Having fractured the eye-socket, cheekbone and jaw of another victim, he is captured laughing and dancing on the dance-floor before leaving the premises. This victim has now had his driving licence revoked by the DVLA as a result of the eye injury he sustained. The attack continues to have a devastating impact on his life.

“During his first suspect interview, Greenwood described himself as a ‘peacemaker’, who could de-escalate situations and prevent violence. When later confronted with evidence indicating he was in fact the opposite, he decided not to answer questions.

“It is hoped that the sentence imposed today is sufficient to ensure Greenwood never inflicts harm like this on anybody again. Greater Manchester Police will do all that is necessary to ensure that those who engage in acts of violence are caught and confronted with the full force of the law.”

Fancy getting paid to bring a good idea to life?

Helen Greaney
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Fancy getting paid to bring a good idea to life?

Rochdale Borough Festival of Ideas launches next year and its organisers are on the look-out for people who want to be part of it.

Applicants are invited to apply for up to £4,000 help bring their idea to life at the festival.

The major new six-day festival will be staged in March next year, accompanying the official re-opening of Rochdale Town Hall.

Whether it’s a workshop, a pop-up, intervention, mural, digital installation, event, a performance or an activity – festival organiser Rochdale Borough Council is encouraging people to think outside the box, consider collaborations and be creative.

You could be a community group, artist, business, coop, S.T.E.A.M (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) collective, sports group, tech start-up, or another organisation with a great idea.

Between five and eight ideas will then be chosen for the ‘Everyday Innovation’ programme part of the event, delivered in partnership with The Culture Co-op, Rochdale borough’s Creative People and Places Programme, funded by Arts Council England.

Rochdale Borough Festival of Ideas runs from Monday 4 to Saturday, March 9, promising a showcase of creativity, innovation and performance around the themes of imagine, create, discover.

Councillor Janet Emsley said:  “This new festival will provide a platform for curious minds to explore, so we’re looking for ideas which would enhance people’s day, or even transform a public space.

“If you think your Idea fits the bill, we’d love to hear from you and can provide the funding to make it happen. Whether it’s a cul-de-sac you want to close and transform for the day,  a specific bus route you want to create a piece of travelling artwork for; or a grey wall you walk past every day; a reservoir or canal you have a vision for, whatever it is, get in touch.”

The line-up will be announced in the new year but expect visual arts, music, electrifying live performances, thought-provoking talks, interactive installations and lots more, as originality and imagination is celebrated.

Taking inspiration from the borough’s rich heritage whilst remaining future focused, there will be a blend of hands-on and digital programming and many events will be free to attend. The festival will provide a platform for curious minds to explore and discover, with a family programme running throughout.

Deadline for submissions is 5pm on Wednesday, December 20 with winning ideas revealed in January.

 

‘Pozitive’ win for Toast PR

Helen Greaney
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‘Pozitive’ win for Toast PR

Pozitive Energy (PE) has enlisted the help of Toast PR to support its ambitious growth plans.

The Manchester-based PR and content management consultancy is celebrating 19 years in business this month and will be helping the independent energy supplier with PR, content, social and marketing following a competitive tender.

Toast PR has been brought in to further increase Pozitive Energy’s market share; working strategically with internal heads to deliver new business launches both internally and externally, as well as press office, awards, events and social media campaigns.

Headquartered in Canary Wharf, and with operations across three continents, PE is a sustainable utility provider, financial services, tech and metering company in one; helping thousands of UK businesses manage their utilities, providing clean energy and carbon offsetting to enable more climate positive businesses whilst simultaneously driving forward the UK’s net zero goal.

Julia Mitchell, CEO and founder of Toast PR, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with PE as they continue to grow at a rapid pace. It’s clear that their unique business model and tech-first approach is contributing to their ongoing success and it’s our job to ensure that their internal and external communications catch up with their positioning as the fastest growing independent energy supplier in the UK.”

Expertise

Steve Daniels, chief sales officer of Pozitive Energy (PE) said: “We’re pleased to be working with Toast to support our growth. We’re currently in the process of relaunching our brand; as well as adding exciting new services for our customers including EV charging, telecoms and water amongst others.

“We’re confident that Toast’s knowledge, expertise and integration into our team will help us further develop our UK market share and we look forward to watching them deliver on our ambitious targets for 2024 and beyond.”

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