In a well-deserved recognition, Manchester-based football tipster David Dooley has been awarded the title of “Best Telegram Tipster to Follow” for the year 2023. David Dooley Tips has solidified its reputation as the premier football and racing tipster in the United Kingdom, providing enthusiasts with consistent opportunities for profit.
Discerning bettors eagerly join David Dooley’s exclusive telegram tips groups to gain valuable insights into potentially lucrative football wagers. David’s selections are meticulously crafted based on statistics, team news, and a keen eye for identifying betting angles where leading bookmakers may have misjudged the odds.
Over the past two seasons, David has consistently delivered exceptional returns on investments for level stake bets. The tangible results are a testament to his expertise, with his recommended bets yielding substantial profits and maintaining an impressive long-term track record, garnering recognition from the industry.
Expressing his gratitude, David stated, “I’m extremely honoured to be awarded Best Telegram Tipster to Follow. I’d like to thank members of my Telegram group and my loyal followers for their support – without them this recognition would not be possible. I hope to continue providing valuable insights into the football and horse racing betting markets for a long time to come.”
David is an integral part of the British Racecourses team, which offers a comprehensive array of resources related to live horse racing news. This includes invaluable information on free bets from leading bookmakers, expert betting tips, and perspectives from the world of horseracing.
Pep Guardiola “will not judge his team on results” after his substitutes helped Manchester City to a 3-1 Champions League win at RB Leipzig.
City did not go three games without a victory during their treble-winning season last year but were in danger of that happening early in 2023/24 following defeats at Newcastle and Wolves.
But Guardiola’s men showed glimpses of their best form, proving too strong for their German opposition.
He said: “I will not judge my team on results.
“Both games [against Newcastle and Wolves] were not the best results, but it is not easy when both teams defend with 10 in the box.
“If you think I will doubt my players, you are wrong. I rely on these guys unconditionally.”
Going his longest streak without scoring, Erling Haaland missed six chances at the Red Bull Arena but goals from Phil Foden and substitutes Julian Alvarez and Jeremy Doku sealed the win for the current European Champions.
Their opponents converted their only shot on target as Leipzig’s Lois Openda cancelled out Foden’s opener in the 48th minute.
However, City proved too strong and equalled the longest European unbeaten run by an English side with 16.
Guardiola added: “We played a fantastic game in all departments. Everyone was perfect.
“The substitutes all came off the bench with smiles on their faces, not complaining because they did not start.”
A vital new link road in Wigan is almost complete thanks to homebuilder Northstone.
Now well underway delivering their Tulach development at the former Pemberton Colliery, Northstone has nearly finished the new road that will ultimately connect Billinge Road to Smithy Brook roundabout.
It forms an integral part of the new community and is part of the wider strategic M58 link road scheme being brought forward by Wigan Council.
It’s all part of delivery of Tulach – the community of 268 energy-efficient family homes at the site. As part of their mission to transform the underused brownfield site, Northstone committed over £4m toward delivering and constructing this section of the major new transport route.
The link road was planned to bolster local transport links in the area and increase capacity on the surrounding road network.
High priority
Jon England, Northstone development director said: “The M58 link road scheme is such a high priority locally, we’re thrilled to be playing our part in its delivery. Construction of our section of the road is now almost complete.
“When we started at the former Pemberton Colliery site we promised to deliver this strategic infrastructure alongside some of the highest quality, most energy-efficient homes ever delivered in Wigan – all set within new green spaces. We’re delivering on those commitments.
“Our first residents now call Tulach home and we’re also using the site to trial new building methods, with our project to build an operationally net zero home also taking shape.”
The stretch of the road being delivered by Northstone is one of several segments of the full link road, planned to be around nine miles in length stretching from junction 5 of the M61 through Leigh, Hindley, Wigan, Ince, and Pemberton.
It’s being delivered via a mix of funding pots and is aimed at better linking the west of the borough to the town centre via a new A49 link road extension.
Regeneration
David Proctor, assistant director for Regeneration and Planning at Wigan Council said: “Delivering the right infrastructure is vitally important to regenerating brownfield land and providing the homes that our residents need, so we’re delighted to have been able to work with Northstone and with Peel to bring this scheme forward.”
Since establishing in 2019 Northstone, part of Peel L&P, has gone from strength-to-strength. It currently has over 1,300 homes in the pipeline on sites totalling around 150 acres.
In a remarkable development that holds the potential to revolutionise the diagnosis of Tuberculosis (TB) through culture diagnostics, a groundbreaking study has unveiled an unexpected behavior in peptides. This research, recently published in the scientific journal Microorganisms https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/11/9/2225, may prove to be a crucial puzzle piece in the battle against one of the world’s deadliest diseases.
For the very first time, scientists have identified a hormetic response induced by antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in slow-growing mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for TB. A hormetic response is a biological phenomenon in which a low dose of a substance stimulates the organism, while a high dose inhibits it.
Antimicrobial peptides, which consist of short chains of amino acids, are commonly recognized for their ability to kill bacteria. However, the groundbreaking discovery lies in the fact that at lower concentrations, these peptides actually stimulate the growth of specific mycobacteria, rendering them more detectable. “This is a paradigm shift in how we perform culture diagnostics in TB. For decades, culture diagnostics has not seen changes in the media used,” commented Tim Bull, director of TiKa Diagnostics Ltd.
The implications of this discovery are staggering. As per the World Health Organisation, TB continues to rank among the top 10 causes of death globally. Antibiotic resistance in M. tuberculosis is on the rise, making it all the more urgent to find innovative diagnostic approaches. “Despite much faster diagnostics available, culturing M. tuberculosis is the gold standard because it is still the only method allowing testing for all antibiotic sensitivities. Imagine reducing the time it takes to provide such information, getting patients the treatment they need faster, and curbing the spread of the disease. That’s the kind of impact we’re talking about,” explained Kai Hilpert, director of TiKa Diagnostics Ltd.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is known for its slow growth, dividing only every 16-20 hours, in stark contrast to bacteria like E. coli, which can divide every 20 minutes. The AMPs identified in this study have the potential to significantly shorten the time needed to confirm a TB diagnosis, particularly when bacterial levels are low. This presents a quicker and more sensitive approach to TB testing.
Additionally, this research underscores the versatility of peptide-based technology, with potential applications that extend beyond human diagnostics to include animal health. This breakthrough paves the way for a new era in the management of infectious diseases, not limited to TB but potentially applicable to other mycobacterial infections as well.
The study involved a comprehensive screening process that encompassed both designed and naturally occurring peptides. Notably, Lasioglossin LL-III from bees and Ranacyclin E from frogs emerged as the most potent natural peptides. The study also brought attention to Peptide 14, which exhibited growth-stimulating activity across a wide concentration range, along with its stability-optimised variant, Peptide 14D, which demonstrated a more specific activity range. These peptides are not mere scientific curiosities; they are already being commercially employed by TiKa Diagnostics Ltd to enhance the recovery and culture diagnostics of mycobacteria in both humans and animals.
Stockport-headquartered Gorvins Solicitors has once again been recognised in this year’s Legal 500 rankings.
The firm has retained a tier 1 ranking within three service areas; corporate & commercial, commercial property and commercial litigation services, grading it among the best in the UK within these fields.
Alongside this, a total of 25 lawyers are ranked in the listing, with seven being name-checked as ‘leading lawyers’, with Claire Beaumont (partner and co-head Commercial Property) and Gary Boyd (partner and head of Military & Serious Sports Injury Claims) being recognised as such for the first time.
Rowan Uren, a senior associate in the corporate & commercial team, is also categorised as a ‘rising star’.
As well as tier 1 categorisations for three practice areas, an additional ten practice areas are ranked in the findings.
One to watch
The firm was also labelled ‘one to watch’ for its road traffic defence team within the fraud, crime and licensing category and achieved marked improvements within the field of technology, media & telecoms moving up a tier from last year’s rankings.
The Legal 500 is a comprehensive research programme that analyses law firms across the world. It assesses strengths across more than 150 jurisdictions and incorporates feedback from 300,000 clients worldwide.
Celebrating success
Mark Deverell, managing partner at Gorvins, said: “The Legal 500 is the global ‘who’s who’ of our industry and we’re beyond pleased with the 2024 results.
“To see so many individuals name-checked alongside top-tier categorisation for three practice areas, for the fourth year running, is wonderful and a testament to everyone’s hard work and dedication.
“Whilst we celebrate our successes, receiving national recognition for what we do is very humbling, as well as being proof that every one of our clients receives the very best service every single time.”
Gorvins and its solicitors achieved recommendations in the following practice areas: Corporate & commercial, Commercial property, Commercial litigation, Litigation – debt recovery, Employment – employee/trade unions, Contentious trusts, Tax, Trusts & probate, PI and clinical negligence – claimant, Insurance – professional negligence, Family, Property litigation, Employment and technology, media & telecoms.
Morocco, Spain and Portugal will host the 2030 World Cup, but the tournament’s opening matches will be staged in South America.
A South American bid – put forward to mark the 100-year anniversary of the first World Cup in Uruguay – did not succeed but FIFA has instead opted to stage the opening three games in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.
All six host nations will qualify automatically for the event in seven years’ time.
It will be the first time a World Cup has been staged across three continents and six countries, and the first time a host will have come from North Africa.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “In a divided world, FIFA and football are uniting.
“The FIFA Council, representing the entire world of football, unanimously agreed to celebrate the centenary of the FIFA World Cup, whose first edition was played in Uruguay in 1930, in the most appropriate way.
“As a result, a celebration will take place in South America and three South American countries – Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay – will organise one match each of the FIFA World Cup 2030. The first of these three matches will of course be played at the stadium where it all began, in Montevideo’s mythical Estádio Centenário, precisely to celebrate the centenary edition of the FIFA World Cup.
“The FIFA Council also agreed unanimously that the only bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2030 will be the joint bid of Morocco, Portugal and Spain.
“Two continents – Africa and Europe – united not only in a celebration of football but also in providing unique social and cultural cohesion. What a great message of peace, tolerance and inclusion.
“In 2030, we will have a unique global footprint, three continents – Africa, Europe and South America – six countries – Argentina, Morocco, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain and Uruguay – welcoming and uniting the world while celebrating together the beautiful game, the centenary and the FIFA World Cup.”
FIFA also invited bids for the 2034 event from countries in the Asian and Oceania confederations.
Following the UK’s premier property event – UKREiiF 2022 – organisers have confirmed they are scouting out a new city to host it in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
UKREiiF (The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum) drew 7,500 official delegates and 2,000 fringe delegates in 2023, injecting more than £12 million into the Leeds economy while the city experienced 100% hotel occupancy, according to a report by ARUP.
The event expects to welcome 15,000 visitors to Leeds in May 2024, potentially generating more than £20 million for the local economy.
Attendees comprise government and local authority representatives, investors, developers, occupiers, and the broader built environment industry.
Collaboration with industry experts
Event organisers, Built Environment Networking, have collaborated with industry experts to spotlight cities capable of accommodating the event and its anticipated growth. Shortlisted cities include the current host, Leeds, as well as Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool.
Chief Executive Keith Griffiths at UKREiiF said: “The rapid growth of UKREiiF has fast-tracked our plans. We’re now exploring options to future-proof the event, prompting our review of the venue and host city.
“While Leeds remains a contender for 2025 and beyond, and the feedback about the city has been stellar, we’ve been equally impressed by other cities we’ve visited. The potential venues and the teams we might collaborate with make the decision challenging.”
Footprint set to double
Louise Eyre operations director at UKREiiF, said: “The event’s footprint is set to double for 2024, with 18 additional pavilions and several new buildings and locations incorporated. The demand to participate has been overwhelming. We have ambitious plans to expand our audience and the activities at UKREiiF. Hence, we’re aiming to future-proof the event by choosing a venue and city that align with our growth expectations.”
Nathan Spencer, Director at UKREiiF, stated, “In 2023, we generated £12.1m in local economic impact in Leeds and created £2.25m of social impact. We’re eager to amplify these figures. It’s not just about the city and venue; it’s about collaborating with the public and private sectors and communities to ensure UKREiiF evolves beyond an event. Our vision for UKREiiF is to be a catalyst for change. Part of our decision will hinge on a city’s potential to foster positive changes in our sector and offer opportunities for local communities.”
UKREiiF has rapidly ascended as the UK’s premier property and infrastructure event. In 2024, it will be held at Leeds Dock from 21st to 23rd May.
The forum bridges investors from the UK and abroad to UK development and regeneration opportunities, fostering industry-wide best practice, knowledge sharing, and thought leadership.
To say the Coronavirus pandemic impacted the world would be an understatement. Although social distancing and mask-wearing have been largely left in the past, the financial support loans that governments provided are still impacting the businesses that took them out.
While measures such as the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) have helped thousands of companies stay afloat during the pandemic’s height, they must now be repaid.
With a still-turbulent economic landscape, this need for repayment means business owners should consider the longer-lasting impacts of these support loans.
Continued economic turbulence
While the Coronavirus’ direct impact on the economy has softened, the cost-of-living crisis still dominates the news.
Inflation has driven up the price of fuel, energy, materials, and labour, leading to larger bills for businesses relying on those resources. On top of that, the rise in costs has led to a change in customer spending habits, with people spending less on luxury and leisure purchases, prioritising essentials, and saving where they can on those essentials.
All this can make for reduced takings and higher outgoings, potentially making it harder for businesses to repay their coronavirus support loans.
What if the business can’t repay its loan?
While the business support loans provided many with a lifeline during lockdown, if one of those businesses now finds itself unable to repay its loan, it can lead to severe consequences.
BBLS loans came with a 100% government-backed guarantee, covering the first 12 months from the day the loan was drawn down without accruing interest or requiring repayment. With that first year now up, businesses must repay their loans. While companies have options to extend or alter their repayment terms to make them more affordable, some may still find repayment unfeasible.
If you’re in this situation, you can speak to the lender who provided your loan about changing the repayment terms. If the company has deeper-rooted insolvency issues, you should contact a licensed insolvency practitioner who can offer regulated advice and, depending on your business’ circumstances, guide you towards the best solution for its problems.
Acting while you have the option to save the business is better than letting the problems escalate.
The consequences of misuse
While the Bounce Back Loans were intended to help businesses stay afloat during the worst of the pandemic, they had strict usage criteria.
These were:
Supporting a company’s day-to-day operations
Paying staff
Running costs
Paying suppliers
Maintaining cash flow
Investing in the company
Purchasing new equipment
Marketing
Use outside these criteria would be classed as misuse of a Bounce Back Loan, which included:
Personal expenditure outside of business costs
Non-business-related investments
Paying dividends
Increasing employee or director salaries.
Bounce Back Loan misuse can result in the directors becoming liable for the debts accrued via the Bounce Back Loans’ funds. If the company becomes insolvent, it will need to enter a formal insolvency process. Which of these will be most appropriate will depend on the business’ circumstances, but could include a Company Voluntary Arrangement, wherein a company repays what it can afford in monthly instalments, or a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation, where the insolvent company is closed, with the unaffordable, unsecured debt written off.
In insolvency, the insolvency practitioner may pursue you for any misused coronavirus support loan funds.
Summary
While coronavirus support loans such as the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) have provided a lifeline for many businesses, directors may face some longer-lasting impacts now the loans need to be repaid.
The continued economic turbulence could still affect these businesses, potentially impacting their ability to repay their loans. Should that be the case, they should seek advice from a licensed insolvency practitioner before things further escalate.
The profound and often underestimated influence of football on individuals and communities takes the forefront in a compelling docuseries, “Beyond the Final Whistle.”
While international tournaments may dominate headlines, this production shifts the focus towards the raw, heartfelt narratives unfolding on local football pitches.
A collaborative effort between Footy Addicts, a football community platform connecting casual players for local matches, and Manchester-based film director Sam Kershaw, this series dives deep into the authentic stories that transcend the game’s surface.
View the series’ official trailer below.
Real Stories, Real Impact
“Beyond the Final Whistle” offers insights into:
Individuals who find solace and strength through football while battling health issues, notably cancer.
The pivotal role of football in aiding those dealing with ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
How football can serve as a powerful tool in healing emotional wounds stemming from grief, abuse, and complex family dynamics.
The sport’s influence in addressing societal issues like tribalism and gang culture.
Testimonies of individuals who once felt isolated but found a sense of belonging and purpose through football.
The unique challenges women face in the football landscape, as they break barriers and confront gender biases.
Football as a Healing Force
Every player has a story to tell, some triumphant, others marked by challenges. The series highlights how football becomes a lifeline for many, serving as a sanctuary amid health struggles and mental health battles. It transcends goals and tackles, exploring football’s therapeutic potential. From mending emotional wounds caused by grief and abuse to reconnecting fractured family dynamics, football emerges as a healing force, extending its influence far beyond the pitch.
A Force Against Adversity
Football’s universal appeal knows no boundaries. Whether it’s the historic Market Road Pitches in London, the iconic Mancunian Way in Manchester, or the blend of tradition and modernity at venues in Birmingham, the passion for the sport remains unwavering. This shared enthusiasm fosters understanding, mutual respect, and camaraderie among diverse groups of people.
Contributors from Football Beyond Borders play a vital role in the series, highlighting their commitment to using football as a catalyst for social change. The organisation’s efforts in empowering young people through football, promoting education, and nurturing leadership skills are truly commendable.
Fostering Mental Well-being
The therapeutic power of football cannot be overstated. For those grappling with mental health challenges, something as simple as kicking a ball can be life-altering. Being part of a team creates a sense of belonging, often providing the essential support system for individuals navigating personal turmoil. During a match, every player, regardless of their background or personal struggles, speaks the universal language of the game. The collective pursuit of a goal or the challenge of defending against an opponent can serve as a powerful distraction from overwhelming emotions and negative thoughts.
Luis Mackness from CALM and Maria Yianni from Outcome, Islington Mind, offer their expertise in the series, providing profound insights and expert perspectives on the intersection of football and mental health, emphasising the therapeutic potential of the sport.
Women’s Football
The series also addresses the challenges faced by women in football, a realm historically burdened by stereotypes and barriers. While professional women’s leagues gain global recognition, grassroots movements, particularly in casual football settings, tell an equally compelling story. Local training grounds, sports centres, and astroturf pitches in cities serve as empowerment zones where women of all ages come together. These arenas provide a respite from societal pressures, allowing women to showcase their football skills and challenge deeply ingrained gender norms. For many participants, these games offer an escape from societal expectations, allowing them to be athletes, teammates, and competitors. The football pitch offers a level playing field, both literally and metaphorically, where women can be their true selves without the weight of gender biases.
Helen Hardy, founder of Manchester Laces, and Bhavna Malkani, co-founder of She’s Got Skills, both featured in the series, have significantly impacted the landscape of women’s football. Their initiatives underscore the vital importance and dynamism of the women’s game.
Oliver Meade and Nicola Pacitti from Three UK have played an integral role in shaping the series behind the scenes. Their invaluable insights and work with the #WeSeeYou Network project highlight a commitment to advancing the representation of women in sports. This initiative focuses on building a community of role models and promoting broader recognition for women across all sporting levels.
Girls United, another pivotal entity in the realm of women’s football, has been instrumental in nurturing young talent. Their commendable efforts in providing training, mentorship, and resources have given countless young women opportunities to engage with the sport, challenge societal norms, and build a community around their passion.
Feedback from Manchester’s Screening
Following a memorable screening at Powerleague Manchester Central, a cornerstone in the football community, attendees shared their resonant feedback:
Sumith, a local football player, reflected, “People like you and me can’t always articulate how football benefits us, but a docuseries can do a good job of that.”
Leon added, “When my mum sees me play football, she goes mental because she thinks all I’m going to do is break things. But if you watch the docuseries and truly see the impact football has on society and other people’s lives, and you still think it’s such a violent game, then look at these episodes to see the good it has done in people’s lives.”
Bamo, another viewer, commended the series. “It’s a different perspective on football. Without watching the docuseries, you might never take the time to consider how diverse the communities are that come together through football, and the impact it has beyond the pitch. We often don’t think or reflect on that.”
A Broader Perspective and Potential Impact
Set within the context of the UK’s thriving football environment, “Beyond the Final Whistle” showcases the sport’s significant role in shaping personal narratives and strengthening community bonds. The series, with its in-depth narratives, conveys an essential message: individuals facing mental health challenges have access to support, with numerous charities ready to assist. Furthermore, it encourages viewers to engage in physical activity, drawing inspiration from football’s myriad positive effects on individuals. Each weekly episode delves into a fresh, captivating story, ensuring sustained viewer engagement while simultaneously shedding light on football’s deeper societal contributions.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag insisted “this is not us” after his team suffered a 3-2 defeat in the Champions League against a Galatasaray side that had not won away from home in the competition since 2013.
Despite United taking the lead twice and Galatasaray’s Mauro Icardi missing a penalty, the hosts left empty-handed and now sit bottom of Group A without a point from their opening two games.
The result increased the pressure on Ten Hag, but the Dutchman is adamant things will improve.
He said: “We are in a very difficult period, but we come out together, we fight together, we stick together – and that is me, the directors, the team.
“This is not us. We know we will do better.
“I have seen a team that was really connected, with a great spirit, and they played in stages of the game fantastic – twice up, totally in control.
“And all of a sudden, we made a mistake. I know football is a game of mistakes, but I have to give coaching instructions on how we deal with such situations, and we got punished.”
Boos rang around Old Trafford at full time, but Ten Hag hopes the players can use the current frustrations as “fuel” to improve.
He added: “Yes, I can understand [the boos]. In this moment, we don’t get the results, and they are disappointed; I can understand.
“We have to do better, but as I said, I have seen a team with a great spirit, and also a team was backed by a crowd from the start to the end and, in the end, the fans are disappointed as we are, but it has to be fuel.”
United goalkeeper Andre Onana suffered another calamitous evening, his sloppy pass prompting Casemiro to commit a foul that saw him red-carded.
Onana has endured a woeful start to his United career, but Ten Hag insisted he was happy with the Cameroonian.
He said: “We are happy with our goalkeeping group, definitely with Andre.
“Andre has been in one semi-final of the Champions League [with Ajax], he was in the final last season [with Inter], so he has the capabilities to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and he has shown that.
We have already seen in games his great capabilities and also his personality. He will bounce back.”
