How would you remake Zelda: Ocarina Of Time? (Nintendo)
The Monday letters page is appalled at the idea of another PS5 price rise, as one reader questions how a Star Fox revival could work.
Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk
Too good to be true If the rumours hadn’t come from such good sources I wouldn’t believe the news of a Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake, simply because that seems far too straightforward and obvious. It’s exactly what fans want and that’s something Nintendo almost never does.
I would be amazingly happy if it did happen, but I’ll continue to be dubious until it gets an official annoucement. My dream is that they get Capcom’s Resident Evil remake team to make it. Can you imagine how good that would be? Especially after how well Requiem works on the Switch 2.
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The worst case scenario is if they get some no-name team, like the ones that did Link’s Awakening, to make it and it’s all some semi-cheap cash-in. I would not put this past Nintendo as they don’t like spending money and you would assume the main Zelda team is busy right now.
Of course, the question is why didn’t they announce this for Zelda’s 40th anniversary, especially with console sales on the slide, but I’m sure we’ll never get any sensible explanation for that. On balance, I believe the remake is real but I don’t yet believe it’s a good idea. Onibee
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Foxed again So it looks like Nintendo is pretty dead set on making a new Star Fox, huh? Even if you don’t believe the rumours, putting him front and centre in the new Mario movie is a very strange move if it’s not for a specific reason. I’m all for it but I am dubious as to what it will be and who’ll make it.
The problem with Star Fox is that the first two games – the good ones – are pretty simple updates of the old 2D shmup formula. Star Fox 64 had 3D movement with all-range mode, but it was very limited and I’m not sure how far you can push that and stay mainstream.
The reason the other games have failed is not so much that they were bad but that they diluted the formula so much it didn’t really mean anything anymore. What is Star Fox? Is it a 3D shmup or is it just any random game as long as you have the same characters in it?
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That second approach has clearly not worked and I hope Nintendo realise that and take things back to basics. Starch
Rich customers I don’t even know what to think about the PlayStation 5 price rises. It says it all when I’ve forgotten whether this is the second or the third one. I do think it’s probably not the last though.
It’s pointless saying it would be madness to release the PlayStation 6 anytime soon but despite that being how everyone else sees it Sony are not going to listen. The world does not need or want an even more expensive console that does nothing except add AI slop (I agree with the Reader’s Feature that a DLSS 5 style tech is very likely).
There’s absolutely no logic to it but it’s not going to stop them because they’ve just got it into their heads that as long as some (rich) people will buy it, it doesn’t matter how many poorer people they lose along the way. Well, count me out, that’s all I can say. Gritt
Quick reminder I recently downloaded Minishoot’ Adventures and whilst I initially enjoyed the game’s exploring, I soon gave up.
There seems to be little or no ability to know where you’ve been in the game. I don’t get to play games as frequently as others so it’s often a few days or a week between sessions, so I’ve completely forgotten where I’ve been and where I’ve got to go. It’s so frustrating.
Is this a shared frustration? You alluded to it in your review, but I just find it such an impediment to my enjoyment. It doesn’t help that the regions look very samey too.
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Do you have any tips to help with this? John
GC: There’s no real way round it, apart from making notes. We mentioned a feature in our re-review of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, that reminds you of the last four things you did when you load the game up again, after stopping. That’s the sort of useful idea that is still not commonplace 22 years later and there’s no reason why.
Better late than never I’m really glad that Silent Hill f has done so well, that now it’s getting crossovers with other horror series and manga with new endings and all the rest of it.
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I admit that I thought announcing all these games was a waste of time and the series was doomed but I’m happy to be wrong. I guess sometimes just throwing enough stuff at the wall until it sticks does work.
Although hopefully they have got into a grove now and Townfall will be good as well. If it is and that’s three good games in a row (maybe four with the remake of Silent Hill 1) that will be quite the comeback. Grackle
Balancing expectations With all the doom and gloom around Switch 2 sales, I think people are forgetting what Nintendo forecast when it launched the machine and actual sales figures.
When they launched the machine they predicated it would sell 15 million units by March 2026 and last official sales figures suggest it has already sold 17 million units by the end end of 2025, so it’s already best it’s own estimates by 2 million with three months to spare.
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Nintendo did increase the forecast to 19 million units after strong initial sales, so if you were to take that into consideration then they only need to sell 2 million between January and March 2026. And let’s not forget that it was only in February that they kept the 19 million forecast, by which time they would know if it’s tracking to hit their targets – they can’t knowingly mislead shareholders unless they are looking to get sued.
That’s not to say the Bloomberg reporter is flat out wrong – producing 6 million units a quarter means they would be looking to sell 24 million in any given year, which is crazy numbers in the current climate. And maybe Nintendo gave themselves a reality check that they are producing more than they need to, rather than suggest the Switch 2 is a sales flop.
Also, with the EU stating electronic devices need to have user replaceable battery going forward that could be another factor to slow down production of current model, to move capacity over to a revised model.
Basically, not everything needs to be doom and gloom all the time, and it’s OK to take reports with a pinch of salt if they are not backed by hard data.
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Either way we find out in a few weeks when the next set of financial results are released (and maybe I’ll have custard on my face). Anon
GC: It was Nintendo’s own president that admitted Christmas sales in the West had been ‘slightly weaker’ than expected. The question isn’t what’s happening but how serious a problem it is for Nintendo – and you’re right that, at the moment, the answer is probably not much at all.
The Elder Scrolls 6: Bohemia For anyone hankering after a new Elder Scrolls game can I recommend Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
Just picked it up in the PSN sale and while it starts out pretty difficult, I’m really enjoying the first person exploration and levelling up by doing. Definitely worth a look. Matt (he_who_runs_away – PSN ID)
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Life is strained In addition to Shahzaib Sadiq’s concern regarding the quality of Life Is Strange: Reunion, he said, ‘but if it is another disappointment from Deck Nine, that is the final nail in the coffin.’
Sadly, I think the damage has already been done, starting with Double Exposure.
I’ve written in to the Inbox three times regarding my love for Life Is Strange, Before The Storm, and True Colors but in one of those emails, I expressed my own worries around the time Double Exposure was being revealed officially.
I said having Max as the main protagonist – something some of the fans wanted, but not me – was probably a bad idea, as I felt it was watering down and taking away the magic of what we loved of the first game, à la Ellie in The Last Of Us. And now they’ve bought back Chloe, which looks like they have either run out of ideas or simply given in to fan demand, which in turn may leave a permanent bad mark on their character.
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The series now appears to be reliant on these two fan favourites, that they are now at risk of being overexposed, if you will.
I also mentioned in one of the aforementioned emails that some story characters are best confined to the one game/film they originated in, because actually sometimes, the wonder and speculation of what happened to them is better than what we actually know due to official canon.
I never played Double Exposure and just won’t ever, because I feel this game series has become a Donnie Darko/Ginger Snaps type thing where the first film was great but subsequent films told a story no one wanted to hear or cared for in the first place.
I sometimes feel we gamers don’t really know what we want… LeeDappa
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Inbox also-rans Excellent interview with Jesper Kyd, GC. He’s always been my favourite video game musician and I had no idea he, or half the companies he talked about, go back so far. Purple Ranger
GC: Thank you.
A £90 price increase for all PlayStation 5 console is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. I can’t believe that me buying one at launch turned out to be the cheapest option. And yet I still feel like I was conned somehow. Grendel
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According to new analysis by Rightmove, these towns still have relatively affordable homes compared to many other areas.
Peterlee took the top spot as the cheapest seaside town, with average asking prices of £120,657, while Seaham secured the tenth place in the list with an average price of £157,994.
These figures are well below the UK’s May average market price of £378,304, suggesting that coastal living remains affordable in several parts of the country.
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Rightmove’s analysis looked at around 100 seaside towns across Britain, and found that coastal towns still offered better value for money than other parts of the country.
Here are the top 10 cheapest seaside towns in Britain, with the average asking price:
1. Peterlee, County Durham, £120,657
2. Grimsby, Lincolnshire, £133,706
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3. Ashington, Northumberland, £133,775
4. Bootle, Merseyside, £141,680
5. Blackpool, Lancashire, £142,277
6. Fleetwood, Lancashire, £147,910
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7. Birkenhead, Merseyside, £148,942
8. Workington, Cumbria, £155,013
9. Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland, £157,754
10. Seaham, County Durham, £157,994
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In other parts of the analysis, seaside towns in Merseyside and Wales were named as coastal hotspots where house prices are rising the fastest, outpacing the wider UK market.
Bootle in Merseyside topped the chart with an 11 per cent increase in average asking prices, yet remained below the national average at £141,680.
Properties in Sandbanks, Poole commanded the highest average price tag at £1.12 million.
Rightmove’s property expert, Colleen Babcock, said: “The fastest-growing seaside markets this year show that demand for coastal homes remains resilient, even as overall price growth across the UK stays more modest.
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“While some locations are seeing strong price increases, there are still many areas where living by the sea is more affordable, giving buyers a wider range of options depending on their budget.
“We’re also seeing that homes priced realistically continue to attract interest, particularly in locations where price growth is being supported by buyer demand.”
Katie Price previously hit out at her daughter’s reality show The Princess Diaries (Picture: Getty Images)
Katie Price is set to appear on her daughter Princess Andre’s ITV2 series despite previously being ‘banned’.
The former glamour model, 48, previously hit out at Princess’ reality show and claimed that she is considered ‘trash’ who ruined her daughter’s brand.
Speaking to her sister Sophie Price on her podcast, The Katie Price Show, Katie alleged that she was deliberately cut out because it wasn’t a good look for the budding beauty influencer.
This came before a TV insider claimed that Princess was left ‘genuinely’ upset by her mum’s feud with dad Peter Andre, as it ‘ruined’ The Princess Diaries.
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Now, however, Katie is said to have filmed scenes with her 18-year-old daughter this week as it shoots its third season.
‘Princess loves her mum, regardless of what is going on. Katie filmed with Princess on Friday,’ a source told the Daily Mail this weekend.
A source claimed that Princess and Katie were seen filming together (Picture: Getty)
‘Other family members are featured in her show, so why shouldn’t Katie be allowed?’
Discussing her absence from the series, Katie previously said: ‘I want the best for Junior and Princess, and I would never get in the way of it.
‘Princess is taking that same path, trying to do the same as what I’ve done, which I absolutely love and adore [about] Princess.
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‘But I have not been allowed to go on any photoshoot, no signings or Superdrug openings or anything like that. Why? Because I’m not allowed and I’m not welcome.
‘And it puts Princess in a situation because I don’t want her to feel she has to choose between me and her work because I want her to do well.’
The Princess Diaries, which charts the teen’s endeavours and family life, has been a hit with audiences after becoming ITV2’s biggest launch outside of Love Island and Big Brother. It also appeared on the long list for the NTAs this year.
Princess has so far received glowing praise for her reality series (Picture: Princess Andre)
Princess lives with (L-R) Emily Andre, Peter Andre, and her brother Junior Andre (Picture: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
Katie added that it was her ex-husband and his management team who were stopping her involvement. Led by Claire Powell, CAN Associates also used to manage Katie.
‘Unfortunately, the management team and Pete won’t allow me to be near here. They have made it clear: they won’t allow Princess to do photoshoots with me, they won’t allow me to go to any events with Princess – because they think I am trash, basically.
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‘Now, everyone knows she’s my daughter. So what difference does it make? Like if it wasn’t for me or Pete, Princess and Junior wouldn’t be known anyway. And I find it an insult, as I’ve been in the industry for 30 years.’
Fortunately for Princess and older brother Junior, their parents have called a truce now, which even led to Katie featuring via phone calls in the second series of Princess’ show.
Releasing an unexpected joint statement after years of mudslinging in the press after divorcing in 2009, they said in February this year: ‘Katie Price and Peter Andre have decided to close the door on the past and move forward into a new chapter with positivity and respect.
‘We are both focused on creating a calm and supportive environment for our children. We have reached a mutual agreement, both legally and personally confirming that neither of us will speak negatively about the other going forward.’
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Katie and Peter were married from 2005 to 2009 (Picture: Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)
They added: ‘We want to stand united for our children. We are hoping this is the start of a positive relationship. We ask for understanding and support from both the media and the public as we move ahead.’
While pop star Peter has been married to NHS doctor, 36, since 2015. Katie is now famously married for the fourth time to Lee Andrews.
Their romance has made countless headlines since they met in January, with Katie being warned to ‘run’ from the so-called millionaire businessman after the truth over his disappearance emerged.
On Wednesday, Katie revealed that Lee was holed up in a Dubai prison and claimed he was being held on espionage charges after nearly two weeks of no contact from him.
However, this has been disputed, with other reports suggesting he had to pay a four-figure fine after being detained over a ‘private civil matter’.
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The Princess Diaries series 2 is available to watch on ITVX.
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Rogan summed up the thoughts of recent podcast guest Scott Horton, an author and anti-war activist, who argued that Israeli interests dragged the US into the conflict.
“Essentially, this is Israel wanting us to go to this war,” said Rogan, adding that the take “makes sense.”
The Joe Rogan Experience host said he doesn’t support the war and its lack of an exit strategy after the US spent 20 years and trillions of taxpayer dollars in Afghanistan, only for Williams to ask if Rogan doesn’t “like the concept that Iran can’t have nuclear weapons.”
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Williams, a Canadian-American actor best known for his roles in “Dumb and Dumber” and “Half Baked,” argued Trump’s war on Iran, ostensibly intended to prevent Iran from having nuclear weapons, is a more “positive agenda” than targeting Taliban-linked Afghans growing opium.
“That’s true if it made sense,” Rogan countered on Friday. “The problem is, I had Scott Horton on the podcast explaining what is actually involved in making depleted uranium, and making it weapons-grade, and what would have to be done in order to get it to a bomb level … It’s very difficult. It’s not as simple, and they weren’t nearly capable of doing that.”
“Not nearly, but pursuing,” Williams countered.
Rogan also said he understands why Israel would want war with Iran. If Mexico were building a nuclear weapon next door to America and was “constantly in conflict” with the US, Rogan said, “that would be a good reason” for America to “want to go fuck up” Mexico.
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“Like, ‘Hey, you can’t have a nuclear bomb,’” said Rogan.
“This is Israel’s position, and Israel is right there with Iran, they’re close enough to throw missiles at each other. I get why they want it,” he continued. “I don’t know if it’s a good thing for America. And I don’t know if there’s a way out of it.”
Rogan noted earlier in the show that he likes it when Trump does “wild shit” like organizing an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House South Lawn. He endorsed Trump in the 2024 election, but has also split with him and his administration on a number of issues.
Subscribe to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.
There will be chances of thundery showers in Manchester throughout the week
Greater Manchester is expected to face a week of rain and potential thunderstorms in a sudden shift following the recent heatwave.
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Forecasters have predicted ‘thundery showers’ and periods of heavy rain this coming week across the region, with the weather to take a sudden turn into Monday (June 1).
The Met Office said on Sunday that the thunderstorms and heavy downpours are due to hit much of the UK in a ‘big change’ in conditions after the end of the heatwave, which saw temperatures hit record-breaking levels.
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The change in conditions come after the UK baked earlier this week, with 35.1C measured in Kew Gardens, west London, and 32.9C recorded at Cardiff’s Bute Park, on Tuesday.
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In Manchester, according to BBC Weather, there will be chances of ‘thundery showers’ every day from Monday to Thursday. Temperatures will still be mild, between 16C and 18C, but there will be periods of heavy rain and cloud.
From Monday (June 1), a band of rain will move in from the west, and will continue for much of the day. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will then see the potential for thunderstorms, particularly in early evenings.
It comes after the Met Office said there was a ‘big change on the way’, with strengthening winds, rain and thunderstorms affecting much of the UK this coming week.
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Rebecca Mitchell, senior operational meteorologist at the weather service, said: “Going into next week, there is a big change on the way. We’ve got spells of rain, possible thunderstorms, and some strengthening winds through much of the week.
“The other part of the story is the temperatures will be much lower compared to the week just gone. They’ll be around average for the time of year, which typically is around 17 to 19 degrees in the north and around 18 to 21 degrees in the south, so about 14 degrees lower in some places compared to the previous week.”
On Monday, heavy rain is expected to cross the whole country. Ms Mitchell added: “We’re not expecting too many impacts from this because it has been so dry recently for many places, and actually for some areas the rain will be welcome, I think, for gardeners, farmers, anyone hoping for some rain.
“And then, following that, into Tuesday, we’ve got some heavy showers and potential thunderstorms. The main areas likely to see some thunderstorms would be central and southern areas, so Northern Ireland, northern England, southern England, and Wales.”
Booze, a secluded settlement in Arkengarthdale in the Yorkshire Dales, is home to only a small number of households but has become well known because of its quirky name and isolated location.
Despite what many visitors first assume, the name has nothing to do with alcohol.
The hamlet’s name actually comes from the Old English words “boga” and “hus,” meaning “house by the curved hill,” referring to the landscape overlooking Slei Gill and Arkle Beck.
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Perched above Langthwaite in upper Swaledale, Booze is reached only by a steep, narrow single-track road winding up the hillside.
Its remoteness became national news in 2008 when Royal Mail announced it would no longer deliver mail directly to the hamlet due to health and safety concerns over the road’s steep gradient and difficult access.
The decision meant residents were left facing a round trip of around an hour to collect their post from Richmond.
Postal deliveries were eventually restored after improvements were made to the road by North Yorkshire Council.
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Though tiny today, Booze was once much larger.
The 1851 census recorded 41 houses in the hamlet, with many residents employed in farming and lead mining, industries that shaped much of Arkengarthdale during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The surrounding hills are still marked by the remains of old mining levels and spoil heaps linked to the area’s industrial past.
Local legend also tells of a mining disaster near Boldershaw, where miners reportedly blasted into an underground lake, flooding the workings and drowning dozens of men and pit ponies.
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Although historians have questioned parts of the story, it remains one of the Dale’s best-known mining tales.
Today, Booze is better known for its peaceful scenery and unusual road sign than its industrial heritage.
Visitors travelling through Arkengarthdale often stop for photographs beside the village sign, while walkers and cyclists exploring the Yorkshire Dales pass through the hamlet on routes across the surrounding hills.
Ironically, despite the name, there is no pub in Booze itself.
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The nearest place for a pint is the nearby Red Lion Inn in Langthwaite, which has become famous in its own right after appearing in the television series All Creatures Great and Small.
Weather experts have warned of a ‘big change’ with rain, thunderstorms and strong winds
Husna Anjum Senior Reporter and Rosie Shead
21:34, 31 May 2026
A “big change” is predicted this week as thunder and heavy rain is set to replace the recent heatwave. The UK was scorched earlier this week with temperatures up to a record 35.1C measured in Kew Gardens, west London.
However, there will be a massive drop in temperatures going forward, including 17C to 19C in the North. The South, meanwhile, could see around 18C to 21C.
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Rebecca Mitchell, senior operational meteorologist at the weather service, said: “Going into next week, there is a big change on the way. We’ve got spells of rain, possible thunderstorms, and some strengthening winds through much of the week.
“The other part of the story is the temperatures will be much lower compared to the week just gone. They’ll be around average for the time of year, which typically is around 17 to 19 degrees in the north and around 18 to 21 degrees in the south, so about 14 degrees lower in some places compared to the previous week.”
On Monday, heavy rain is expected to cross the whole country, particularly in parts of Wales, Ms Mitchell said.
“We’re not expecting too many impacts from this because it has been so dry recently for many places, and actually for some areas the rain will be welcome, I think, for gardeners, farmers, anyone hoping for some rain,” she said.
“And then, following that, into Tuesday, we’ve got some heavy showers and potential thunderstorms. The main areas likely to see some thunderstorms would be central and southern areas, so Northern Ireland, northern England, southern England, and Wales.”
For the rest of the week, much of the county will see “unsettled weather” along with some sunny spells and highs of low-20Cs, she said. The cooler conditions come after at least 14 people died during the heatwave after getting into difficulties in bodies of water, prompting emergency services to issue safety warnings.
On Sunday morning, South Yorkshire Police said a search remained ongoing at the River Don in Mexborough after the force had received reports that an 11-year-old boy had entered the water on Saturday evening but had not been seen getting out.
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Officers were called to the scene at Ferry Boat Lane at 7.59pm on Saturday and emergency crews from the National Police Air Service, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services also responded, police said.
The boy’s family had been informed and were being supported by specially trained officers. Thousands of people in Kent were without drinking water or experienced disruptions to their supply over the weekend as South East Water continued to grapple with issues following the hot weather.
On Sunday evening, the company said drinking water supplies had been restored for “most customers” across the county, including those in Whitstable and Herne Bay.
Some 4,058 customers may still be experiencing low pressure or intermittent supply in areas including Whistable, Coxheath and Loose, South East Water said. The company apologised for the disruption and said it was working to resolve the issues.
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The BBC’s Paris correspondent, James Waterhouse, described the French capital as “jubilant” on Sunday as he reported from the Champ de Mars where fans greeted the Paris St-Germain (PSG) players after their Champions League win.
But celebrations were tainted on Saturday, as thousands of police officers were deployed to curb unrest that disrupted public services and left 219 people injured.
Eight people were in a serious condition following clashes between football fans and police, France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said.
French authorities said that 780 people were arrested in Paris after clashes.
Carl: If he doesn’t have us playing like crabs going side to side again for another season and understands that central midfielders don’t play right-back then he’ll be an improvement that’s for sure. It would be a gamble but his style of football at Bournemouth is much closer to what we loved under Jurgen Klopp than anything Slot could bring. A risk worth taking.
Mike: Very happy with the Iraola approach. His attitude and work-rate, and that of his teams, is a better fit for Liverpool and what we need to right the wrongs of this season.
Mez: No-brainer. He’s been the manager of the season.
Mark: I have always enjoyed how Bournemouth played under Iraola and feel a similar excitement to when we announced Klopp. Thanks, Arne, we will never forget the 20th title, but a change is needed.
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Alex: Iraola would be a gamble. Do Liverpool have the squad for heavy metal football now? We’re in a bit of a mess with last year’s signings still to settle in and older players leaving. Luis Enrique would be my choice. He might be tempted to take on a new challenge after Paris St-Germain’s Champions League victory.
Ken: I want Liverpool to take a bit of time to get this appointment right. Sporting director Richard Hughes needs to redeem himself by doing everything he can to persuade Luis Enrique to swap Paris for Liverpool. If that fails, then Iraola would be an acceptable alternative given his body of work in the Premier League.
David: I’ve got nothing against Iraola but this seems like a backwards step for Liverpool. I’d want a manager who has a proven track record of winning trophies, not one who delivers mid-table positions at the end of the season.
Paul: Iraola would be a risk. Bournemouth, and Brighton and Brentford, just seem to be a brilliantly run clubs and that no matter who comes in they punch well above their weight. When supposedly top managers leave these clubs they don’t do as well as is expected of them and this could also be the case for Iraola. I think we need to try and get a more experienced coach who will immediately command the respect of the dressing room.
Redcar and Cleveland Council hoped to save £55,000 a year by issuing youngsters attending Guisborough’s Laurence Jackson School with bus passes to use a timetabled Arriva service instead of their usual bespoke arrangement with Skelton Coaches.
But concerns were raised over child safety and there potentially being insufficient capacity on the 65 service, which would have dropped youngsters in the town centre instead of at the school, a 15 minute walk away.
Council leader Alec Brown scotched the officer proposal after mounting opposition from those affected, pledging that any future changes would have to be agreed by the council’s cabinet.
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Parents of pupils living in Lingdale, Boosbeck, Margrove Park and Charltons were sent letters by the council stating that from September they would be expected to use the 65 service, which runs between Lingdale and Middlesbrough.
Parent Kirsty Walton said youngsters would potentially have to stand if the service was crowded, or worse still be left behind and miss lessons if a bus was at maximum capacity with a wait of another hour for the next one.
She said: “This is our child’s nearest secondary school and school transport should be provided in a safe and suitable manner if the distance is beyond three miles, which it is.
“A public bus service cannot guarantee pupil safety, seating availability, punctuality, or safeguarding standards.”
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Another parent said: “The issue is capacity.
“This simply does not seem realistic, safe or reliable for the number of children expected to use the service.”
Lockwood ward councillor Steve Kay said parents had successfully fought the planned change and it was a “victory against bureaucracy”.
He said: “I just hope that the council will continue to see sense.
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“School transport is an underrated, yet vital service [and] our children deserve the best.”
Cllr Kay said typically about 60 children a day were provided with transport by Skelton Coaches on the route in question.
He said the proposal to switch to Arriva was a “money saving exercise”, adding: “Children are more important than the council’s bank account.”
Cllr Brown said the proposal came about as a result of an annual operational review.
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He said he feared a scenario, particularly during cold winter months, where youngsters missed the return bus home.
He said: “To be stuck there an hour in the dark and cold would be unacceptable.”
Cllr Brown added: “We [the council] care.
“They [the officers] said give it a go and we said no.”
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The council previously conducted a review of school transport, investigating the potential for savings to be made by examining existing arrangements, having overspent in this area by more than £1.5m in 2024/25.
Cllr Brown said officers had done “amazingly well” in this respect.
The local authority commissions transport from private providers, where appropriate, such as coaches, mini buses and taxis, as well as funding bus passes and in some instances contributing towards parents’ petrol expenses.
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