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Horner: Hamilton’s father enquired about taking Perez’s Red Bull seat

Harry Carr
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Horner: Hamilton’s father enquired about taking Perez’s Red Bull seat

Christian Horner has doubled down on his claims that Lewis Hamilton’s representatives contacted him to explore a move to Red Bull, saying Hamilton’s father enquired about Sergio Perez’s seat this year.

Horner made headlines earlier this week when he said members of Hamilton’s team “reached out” about a potential switch prior to the 38-year-old renewing his contract with Mercedes in August.

The Red Bull team principal also claimed to have been aware of talks between Hamilton and Ferrari, but the seven-time world champion questioned Horner’s version of events on Thursday.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton said nobody from his team had approached Red Bull regarding a move, alleging it was Horner who tried to get in contact with him.

Those claims were put to Horner at Friday’s Abu Dhabi practice session, and the Red Bull boss is sticking to his version of events, saying Hamilton’s father Anthony asked about the prospect of his son taking Perez’s seat to team up with Max Verstappen.

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Manchester City v Liverpool: Top five games in Pep Guardiola’s rivalry with Jurgen Klopp
Everton v Manchester United: How will Ten Hag’s side cope in Goodison cauldron?

“It’s amazing the fuss that’s come out of this,” Horner said. “It’s not unusual for there to be an exchange.

“I’ve known Anthony Hamilton for 15 or 16 years, so inevitably there’s often an exchange during the course of the season. There’s quite a lot that seems to have been read into this.

“I had an exchange. Anthony’s a nice guy. He reached out, I think, I can’t remember, regarding Sergio, and just asked an enquiring and suggestive question.

“I don’t know what role Anthony plays in Lewis’ setup or management, but he’s got some form of relationship. I don’t think he was enquiring about himself to come and drive.”

Horner also reiterated his confidence in Red Bull’s current pairing as the team target a 21st win in 22 races to cap the 2023 season, saying: “We’re very happy with the drivers that we’ve got.

“But of course, Lewis hasn’t won a race for almost two years. You can understand questions being asked, it’s entirely logical and normal for those type of things to happen.

“As I say, I’ve always had a great relationship with Anthony, he’s a very nice guy, but there is no seat available so it’s really a non-story.”

Horner’s claims have also been disputed by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who told Speedcafe: “I just don’t know what drives the guy. We just don’t understand his thinking to come up with these things.

“What happened is that Christian, through an agency that we work with, wanted to have Lewis’ contact details to speak about the seat. That’s how the whole thing went.

“It was Christian enquiring about Lewis’ availability. Lewis had an exchange with Christian, which he immediately told me about, and which was not about a seat. I don’t know what drives him to come out with this.”

One in four Brits are avoiding Black Friday bargains, says new research

Helen Greaney
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One in four Brits are avoiding Black Friday bargains, says new research

A quarter of the nation has decided to actively avoid Black Friday spending in 2024, according to new national research.

The study, from money.co.uk savings accounts investigated the nation’s spending habits and revealed that nearly half of the nation (48%) feel that overspending is the most serious issue on Black Friday, and one in four (25%) struggling with impulse buying.

As such, a significant amount of consumers are actively avoiding taking part in the annual retail holiday, with almost a quarter (24%) saying they will not make a Black Friday purchase this year.

As well as revealing that Brits are opting for a safer, saving mentality, the findings point towards a shrewder approach to purchasing from consumers.

Savvy spenders

This year, Brits who do take part in Black Friday claim that they won’t consider a deal worthwhile unless it’s at least 25% off, with a further 60% believing that Black Friday deals are not as valuable now as they used to be.

Lucinda O’Brien, expert at money.co.uk savings accounts, said: “Our research into spending habits ahead of Black Friday reveals how UK adults are becoming more wary when it comes to the day of discounts. While snapping up a great deal shouldn’t go amiss, it’s important to recognise whether this is too high a cost to pay to keep your personal finances in check.

“According to the data, December (43%), November (22%) and January (28%) are the three hardest months for Brits when it comes to building up their savings, so it’s crucial not to get carried away this Friday.

“It’s clear from the data that many consumers are wary of overspending and many feel the discounts aren’t as valuable as they used to be. If you’re having second thoughts about your Black Friday spending, it’s a good idea to think of how else the cash might be put to better use.

“Brits are set to spend up to *8.74 billion this Black Friday weekend, which is roughly £129 per person. Many savings accounts can be opened with as little as a £1 deposit so there’s no reason not to put your potential spend into a savings account for a rainy day.”

Manchester City v Liverpool: Who will win latest battle between Guardiola and Klopp? Preview, expected line-ups and prediction

Harry Carr
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Manchester City v Liverpool: Who will win latest battle between Guardiola and Klopp? Preview, expected line-ups and prediction

The State of Play

Manchester City and Liverpool have won the last six Premier League titles between them, and there is every reason to believe that streak may extend to a seventh campaign in 2023-24.

Pep Guardiola’s treble winners were always expected to be there or thereabouts as they hunt an unprecedented fourth successive English top-flight title, and old rivals Liverpool may just be their most likely challengers, with the Reds taking 27 points from their first 12 games of the campaign following an extensive midfield rebuild.

With the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister providing fresh energy behind Liverpool’s effervescent frontline, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds have made an art out of winning without being at their best this season, with their only league defeat coming when they were reduced to nine men – and denied a goal by the most high-profile VAR error of the campaign – at Tottenham in September.

Check out our other Premier League stories here:
Manchester City v Liverpool: Top five games in Pep Guardiola’s rivalry with Jurgen Klopp
Five talking points as the Premier League returns this weekend
Shaw boost for Manchester United

They know a victory at the Etihad Stadium, where they were thrashed 4-1 when the teams last met in April, would represent a major statement of their title intentions. However, City have won their last 23 home games in all competitions and might be something of a wounded animal after Cole Palmer’s stoppage-time penalty cost them two points in a wild 4-4 draw at Chelsea last time out.

Though both teams could have a few selection issues to weigh up as they emerge from the final international break of 2023, clashes between teams managed by Guardiola and Klopp have rarely disappointed. Neutrals will be hoping for more of the same on Saturday.

Team News

City have several fitness concerns to consider ahead of the game. Kevin De Bruyne is a long-term absentee while Mateo Kovacic and John Stones are unlikely to return for this one. Matheus Nunes and Nathan Ake are also doubtful after missing their respective nations’ international fixtures over the last fortnight, but star striker Erling Haaland and goalkeeper Ederson both trained on Thursday and should be fit after suffering their own injury scares.

Liverpool will definitely be without Andy Robertson and Thiago Alcantara, with both players sidelined until the new year. Mac Allister could return after serving a one-match ban as Liverpool beat Brentford 3-0 last time out, while the likes of Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez should be available after recovering from knocks.

Expected Line-ups

Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Rodri, Silva; Foden, Alvarez, Doku; Haaland.

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez.

What they Said

Guardiola on City’s rivalry with Liverpool:

“I think we are all friends. Time goes forward, eight years with Liverpool and they’re not the same team as the start. They are similar of course.

“Trent Alexander-Arnold can play inside now but the ideas are similar. Always they’ve been our best rivals. Top club, top team, I’m looking forward to it. Every compliment to Liverpool and Manchester City to still be here.”

Konstantinos Tsimikas on the challenge of going to the Etihad:

“Especially in home games, they are very, very strong, but we are Liverpool. We will go there to play our football, to give absolutely everything and to win the game.

“Anything can happen in this game. I think it’s two of the best teams in the world right now. I think we have to see it like a final, to play our football.

“It’s very important to build the momentum again and start winning football games. I think we are in good shape. We have to play our football, give everything, and after we will see what the result will be.”


When and how to watch

The game kicks off at 12:30 UK time on Saturday, and will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR in the UK with coverage beginning at 11:00.

Prediction

Although Liverpool have a 100 per cent record at Anfield this season, they are winless in their last three away league games, drawing at Brighton and Hove Albion and Luton Town since their contentious defeat against Tottenham.

Klopp’s side are sure to cause City problems, particularly in the absence of Stones, but the hosts should have enough about them to continue their fine form in front of their own fans. Expect City to edge an end-to-end encounter featuring plenty of goals.

Manchester United have to match Everton’s ‘fuel’ – Ten Hag

Jon Fisher
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Manchester United have to match Everton’s ‘fuel’ – Ten Hag

Erik ten Hag has called on his Manchester United players to match Everton’s “fuel” in what is likely to be a hostile Goodison Park atmosphere on Sunday.

Everton go into the game with a sense of injustice, having been handed what they perceive to be a disproportionate 10-point penalty for breaching financial rules.

The sanction has drawn condemnation from all sections of the Everton support and will result in a galvanising effect when United arrive on Merseyside looking to maintain their recent improved form.

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Everton v Manchester United preview

Ten Hag, who is banned from the touchline on Sunday, knows the Toffees will have extra motivation and expects his players to match their increased intensity.

He said: “It’s always about us. I can see the opposition and I can see they are mad. If they are mad and that’s their fuel, we have to match those standards. If we do we have a good chance to win the game.”

United have won four of their last five Premier League games and Ten Hag believes his side have turned a corner.

“Definitely, we have seen a turning point,” he said. “We have seen how we have dealt with certain situations. We built on those foundations and now we have to build up.

“It’s a massive month and we are looking forward with confidence. In the Premier League there are no easy games so every team will drop points.”

United’s next three games see them go to Everton, Galatasaray and Newcastle over the next week and Ten Hag is confident his players have the character to thrive.

“We have a week that is very condensed,” he said. “We play three games in six days and as a group we have to deal with that. We have a plan and the players have to take responsibility. It’s about co-operation.

“We have taken a step forward with that recently, we have good away form and we have the strong belief that we know what we have to do to win games.”

United can call upon Andre Onana for this weekend’s game despite the Cameroon goalkeeper returning from the international break with a minor injury while left-back Luke Shaw is also available after three months out.

Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund will be assessed tomorrow.

I will stay at Manchester City, even in League One – Guardiola

Jon Fisher
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I will stay at Manchester City, even in League One – Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has reiterated his claim that he will stay at Manchester City if they are punished for financial breaches – even if they are relegated to League One.

City are facing 115 separate charges relating to FFP misdemeanours with the spotlight falling on them over the past week following Everton’s 10-point deduction for breaking rules on Profitability and Sustainability.

Guardiola, speaking ahead of tomorrow lunchtime’s blockbuster meeting with Liverpool, said: “I am not going to say one word about Everton, because I don’t know the reality of what happened. They are two completely different cases.

“I know people are saying, ‘why don’t City go to the Conference,’ but let’s wait. It’s not the same. One of them [the cases] is longer, it’s more complicated.”

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Everton v Manchester United preview

Guardiola has insisted previously he would not walk away from the Etihad if the club were demoted and he stood by that claim today.

“You’re questioning me like we have been punished,” he added. “At the moment, we are innocent.  But wait and see, if the guilt is proven, I know people want it, but wait and see and after we’ll come and explain. There is more chance I will stay if we are in League One than if we win the Champions League.”

City go into the Liverpool game at the top of the Premier League table, a point clear of their Merseyside rivals.

Guardiola is hopeful striker Erling Haaland can play against a club that have pushed City harder than anyone else over recent seasons.

“I think we are all friends,” he said of Liverpool. “Time goes forward, eight years with Liverpool and not the same team as the start. They are similar of course.

“Trent Alexander-Arnold can play inside now but the ideas are similar. Always they’ve been our best rivals.

“Top club, top team, I’m looking forward to it. Every compliment to Liverpool and Manchester City to still be here.”

Tomorrow’s game will see former Bayern Munich boss Guardiola come face-to-face once again with Jurgen Klopp, with whom he has had many battles during his time in England and Germany.

“He [Klopp] has made me better,” he said. “Him and his teams, here and Dortmund have always been big rivals, good games for both, positive approach and always attractive.

“He has made me a better manager through his teams, and of course the way they play is good with the transitions, the runs, they are a fantastic team, a top side, no doubt.”

Best Gifts for Horse Lovers

Dean Carr
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Best Gifts for Horse Lovers

We’re now closing in on the holiday season, and everyone’s looking for the perfect gift for their loved ones. If you have a horse lover in your life this Christmas season, we’ve compiled some excellent ideas for things to gift them! So take a gander and find the perfect horsey gift for your stocking. 

Shares in a Horse

Screenshot 2023 11 24 at 12.00.49

A novel gift for a horse racing fan is buying them a share in a Racing Horse Syndicate. Syndicates are groups of people who own part of a racing horse, so they can enjoy the experience of ownership without worrying about the expense of training, food and vet bills. Syndicate members receive regular updates on the horse’s training and upcoming events, can visit the horse at its stable, and even gain VIP owner’s access when it participates in races. 

If you’re interested in gifting someone a syndicate membership, consider checking out Racing Club. Its range of horses accommodates everyone looking to get involved, with shares starting from just £45 on fixed terms, meaning no hidden fees. Shares from Racing Club make excellent gifts, so don’t miss out. 

Head to racingclub.com to see the range of available shares today.

Raceday Tickets

Race Day

What better gift for a horse racing enthusiast than tickets to the races? Spending a day at the racetrack in crowds of others just as excited as you is a magical experience, one that would make a special gift, especially if you go together. 

Raceday tickets are also surprisingly affordable, especially if you buy in advance. Tickets to some of the most prominent racetracks across the UK, like Cheltenham, Aintree or Newmarket, can start at less than £20 for an adult ticket. 

Raceday Hospitality Tickets

This isn’t an option for everyone, but if you’re willing to pay for a luxury experience, you might consider gifting special hospitality tickets to the races. Hospitality tickets are for the horse lover with a taste for the finer things in life, like private boxes and exclusive restaurant access.

It’s one thing to make a trip to the track but another altogether to experience it in the height of luxury. Booking hospitality tickets for your loved one could be a gift like no other, providing what could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Tickets for smaller events will prove more affordable, but bear in mind that most of these tickets will be expensive.

Riding Lessons

Perhaps an underappreciated gift idea for a horse lover is riding lessons. Taking a turn around the paddock isn’t an activity limited to children. Anyone in your life with an interest in horses and racing could appreciate a go at riding lessons, and a session or two definitely won’t break the bank.

Pricing will vary depending on the age group and location of the school (schools in urban areas will be more expensive), but a single session of 45-60 minutes will go for £50 or so. If you have a bit more cash to splash on this loved one, you could even sign them up for a beginner’s course over multiple weeks. Shop around to find a school near you and at reasonable prices.
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Manchester digital agency BANC opens new London office

Helen Greaney
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Manchester digital agency BANC opens new London office

Following its recent rebrand, Manchester digital marketing agency BANC has announced the opening of a second location on London’s Pall Mall.

The creation of an office based in the capital will allow the agency to better serve clients based there and illustrate its continued growth.

Once run from the corner of another company’s office, BANC’s southern expansion will be a great chance for face-to-face client meetings. BANC’s London office will help facilitate smoother, deeper relationships without the need for either party to travel across the country.

As for business opportunities, the new location allows the agency to forge new opportunities with companies based in the South too, giving them the chance to bring their
considerable digital expertise to a wider audience.

Huge step

Managing director Martin Cozens said: “Opening a London location in such an iconic setting is a huge step for BANC, and will help us serve our clients based in the South better than ever before.

“I’ll be spending more time than ever in the capital, catching up with existing clients, liaising with potential leads, and continuing to grow our business in ways that we simply couldn’t just a few years ago.

“London was a logical next step for BANC as a number of our current clients are based in the city, and we love maintaining a strong personal relationship with each and every one of
them.”

Editorial credit: Kevin Cole 44 / Shutterstock.com

‘Blade Runner’ Pistorius to be released on parole

Jon Fisher
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‘Blade Runner’ Pistorius to be released on parole

Oscar Pistorius is to be released from prison in January, nearly 11 years after murdering his former girlfriend.

The South African Paralympian, dubbed the Blade Runner for his carbon-fibre prosthetic legs, was found guilty of killing Reeva Steenkamp after shooting her through a bathroom door at his home in Pretoria in February 2013. Pistorius has always maintained his innocence, claiming it was an accident thinking she was an intruder.

He was sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2016 after an initial sentence of six years was overturned for being “shockingly too lenient” but, having served half his term, he is now eligible for parole and will be released on January 5.

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Despite the ruling, Steenkamp’s mother June questioned whether Pistorius was suitable for parole.

“I do not know to what extent his bad behaviour still exists or were evident during his time of incarceration,’’ she said in a statement, read by Rob Matthews, a family friend whose daughter was also murdered by a partner, “but I’m concerned for the safety of any woman should this not have been addressed in his rehabilitation process.”

The case attracted worldwide attention due to Pistorius’ pin-up image in his native country, his achievements on the track that gave the Paralympics a greater global appeal and his ability to overcome adversity.

The 37-year-old had both legs amputated below the knee at 11 months old due to a congenital defect.

That didn’t prevent him from competing in the Paralympics as well as the 2012 London Olympics – the first double amputee to take part in the able-bodied version of the Games.

Understanding the different types of digital currencies

Helen Greaney
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Understanding the different types of digital currencies

Digital currency is often used interchangeably with this century’s buzzword, cryptocurrency.
While cryptocurrency is indeed digital currency, it is only just one type. There are some other digital currency forms, and cryptocurrency itself has subgroups.

The simplest way to define digital currencies is that they are electronic money. They only exist on electronic devices on the internet, and they can be exchanged for goods and services. No other digital currency type exemplifies this definition better than cryptocurrency since its introduction in 2009 with Bitcoin as its flagship.

Cryptocurrencies use cryptography technology to verify transitions on the blockchain while
managing the creation of new currency units. They may or may not be regulated, with popular cryptos being the aforementioned Bitcoin and altcoins like Ethereum, Cardano, and Solana, to name a few. Cryptocurrencies are accepted in most parts of the world and can be exchanged for over-the-counter goods and services or fiat currencies.

Different cryptocurrencies fall under categories like meme coins, payment coins, and
stablecoins. Memes and satire jokes on the internet inspire meme coins. They do not have a particular use case or aim to solve any problem; their value is derived entirely from online sentiment. This doesn’t mean they are not good stores of value, with Elon Musk’s favourite Dogecoin being ever so popular on any of the most preferred platforms for buying and investing in meme coins.

Like in the name, stablecoins are less prone to price fluctuations than other types of
cryptocurrencies. They are usually pegged to fiat currencies, with examples like USDT and
USDC pegged to the US dollar. These can be pegged algorithmically or by keeping the same
volume of actual fiat currency.

Payment coins can be used to buy goods and services online or in walk-in stores. These are
becoming more widely accepted in places of business and have the same reputation as fiat
currencies. In many parts of the world, they are encouraged to trade facilitators because of the speed and ease with which they can be used to facilitate business. Common examples include but are not limited to Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum.

Virtual currencies are almost identical to cryptocurrency but differ in two key areas.
The first is that they are not generally accepted outside of their original use case. They are
usually privately developed and managed for use on a private network of users. An example would be in-game tokens created by game developers to be used for purchases on the gaming network. It is common for these to be traded for fiat currencies by players on the same network, but you cannot walk into stores with these currencies.

The second area where they diverge from cryptocurrencies is that they are largely unregulated, owing to the fact they are privately developed and managed. Finally we have CBDCs, which are currencies developed by a country’s central bank or apex financial institution to serve as a replica of their fiat currency but strictly for electronic use.

These are regulated by the apex financial institution of the country and serve as legal tender, just like fiat currency. Examples include the Digital Rupee launched by the Reserve Bank of India and the proposed Digital Euro.

Manchester’s fabulous festive parade is back on December 3

Helen Greaney
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Manchester’s fabulous festive parade is back on December 3

Filled with all the sights, sounds and sparkle that spell Christmas, Manchester’s magical parade – plus an appearance from a very special guest – is guaranteed to bring some extra special Christmas cheer to the city as the season gets well underway.

Even bigger than last year, with more than 400 participants, on December 3 the parade will weave its way through the city streets, starting at 1 pm from Manchester Cathedral and taking in Deansgate, St Ann’s Street, Cross Street, Corporation Street and Fennel Street, where the parade will end.

Snow queens, bouncing elves and sparkling Christmas glitter belles, with an extra sprinkle of candy cane stilt walkers and giant nutcracker characters, will join everyone’s Christmas dinner favourite Dancing Sprouts.

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Of course, no Christmas parade would be complete without the big man himself and we’re on a promise from Santa Claus that he will definitely be taking some time out from his busy toy-making schedule to come to his favourite Christmas city and join in.

Adding to the festive fun this year’s parade also features local school children who have taken part in ‘make and move’ workshop sessions to design and create some incredible parade-worthy Christmas trees and stars to show off in the parade using all the moves they’ve learned.

The Manchester Christmas Parade is expected to last up to an hour from start to finish. There will be an accessible viewing point for anyone who needs it outside Boots on Cross Street – with spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Heart warming

Councillor Pat Karney said: “Last year’s very first Manchester Christmas Parade really was the heart-warming event of the season.  It was one of the best things we’ve ever done with such a brilliant festive and fun atmosphere, full of the stuff that Christmas memories are made of.

“We all know Manchester does Christmas better than anyone else and we can’t wait for this year’s parade – it’s going to be amazing and joyful, one for all the family.  Santa has already said he wouldn’t miss it for all the world. Come on down and join us!”

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