Manchester Airport is about to be connected to one of Africa’s most ancient cities (Picture: Getty Images)
It’s a big year for Manchester Airport. As well as emerging from a decade-long £1.3 billion makeover, it’s got a slate of new routes that bring more choice to passengers than ever before.
The UK’s global gateway in the north already offers a network unparalleled outside London, with more than 200 destinations served by 50 airlines.
But that network is expanding further in 2026, with several new services confirmed from the likes of easyJet, Jet2and Ryanair.
Of most interest to Metro readers is likely to be Jet2’s inaugural route to Samos, which left Manchester for the first time on Friday, May 1.
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The Greek island, which lies just off the coast of Turkey in the Aegean Sea, is renowned for its golden beaches and lush, mountainous landscape.
Beautiful Samos (Picture: Getty Images)
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Like every part of Greece, Samos is steeped in history. The Ancient Greeks considered it to be one of the most spiritual places in the Mediterranean.
Beyond its low-key resorts and the lively capital, Vathy, there are off-the-beaten-track beaches and quiet spots in the forested inland mountains where traditional life continues.
Jet2 will operate twice-weekly services on Tuesday and Friday until the end of October.
Kokkari, a picturesque fishing harbour on Samos (Picture: Getty Images)
Elsewhere, Manchester Airport has announced a first-ever route to North Africa that bosses say will ‘make a huge difference to thousands of people’.
Algeria will soon be added to the list of more than 60 countries the airport offers direct flights to.
Air Algérie has announced a new twice-weekly service to the Algerian capital Algiers starting this summer, with the inaugural flight pencilled in for Sunday, June 14.
The airport said it would be the first ever direct flight from Manchester to Africa’s largest country.
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Manchester will become the only UK airport outside of London with a direct link to Algiers.
And there’s never been a better time to visit.
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Lonely Planet included Algiers as one of its top off-the-beaten-track Mediterranean destinations for 2026.
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Home to grand Roman ruins, historic cities and otherworldly landscapes, Algeria has all the ingredients for a classic bucket list adventure.
It’s just a short hop from Europe, with snow-flecked mountains and stunning coastline in the north, and surreal sand seas in the south.
It’s one of the few places in the world where you can go skiing in the mountains in the morning and hiking in the desert at night.
Travellers have previously been deterred by its famously complex visa system, but now, the ‘sleeping beauty’ of African tourism is finally waking up.
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The archeological Roman site of Tipasa in Algeria (Picture: Bruno Malfondet / Getty Images)
In recent years, Morocco has become popular with British holidaymakers.
But just two hours east lies comparatively undiscovered Algiers, the coastal capital known for its fascinating history, richly textured architecture and labyrinthine streets that spill down into the Bay.
Dubbed the ‘City of Bridges’, it is built across a deep gorge (a bit like Ronda in Spain) and connected by a network of walkways that earned the UNESCO-listed ancient city its name.
Enjoy the lot with barely another tourist in sight.
The RNLI came to the aid of the person who had fallen on the rocks on Monday afternoon
21:48, 25 May 2026Updated 21:52, 25 May 2026
One person was rescued by emergency services on Bank Holiday Monday after falling on rocks.
Larne RNLI came to the aid of the person who had fallen on the rocks on Monday afternoon, May 25.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat Terry at 2.03pm at the request of HM Coastguard following a report that someone had fallen on the rocks at Drains Bay near Larne, Co Antrim.
Helm Willie Evans and crew members Jack Healy, Jordan McIlhinneyand Scott Leitch made their way to the casualties last reported location.
Weather conditions at the time were described as good with a southerly breeze and smooth seas.
On arrival the casualty was located on the rocks close to Drains Bay beach. In a joint operation with HM Coastguard Larne, several crew members went ashore to assist with casualty care.
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Following an initial assessment by a member of HM Coastguard (an off-duty paramedic) the suspicion was that the casualty had broken their leg.
The casualty was then placed on a stretcher and taken aboard the lifeboat. They were then taken to a more accessible part of the shore where they were left in the care of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
Speaking following the call out, Larne RNLI Helm, Willie Evans said: “We would like to wish the casualty well.
“We would also like to commend the member of the public for raising the alarm, that is always the right thing to do’. Should you see someone in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”
WITH the internationally renowned Hay Festival happening about now, it’s timely that there are major developments taking place on the literary front in York.
The Press has kept readers up to date with the progress of Topping & Co and Lucius Books, exciting and significant enhancements to the book scene in York.
York has long been strong on bookshops, not just over the decades but over the centuries. Some readers may remember the characterful Pickering & Co, Booksellers, picturesquely situated at the junction of Shambles and Little Shambles, which had its origins in Victorian times.
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To jog or rekindle bookworms’ memories, a presentation on Pickering & Co, Booksellers of the Shambles (and Goodramgate) is planned for Friday June 5 at 10.30am. The venue is Dringhouses Church Community Hall (St Edward the Confessor) on Tadcaster Road.
The event is run under the auspices of Dringhouses Memories, a group which meets from time to time in the church hall for an informal look at local history. At their meeting on Friday, June 5 they will be recalling some experiences from three decades of Pickerings bookshop in Shambles.
Many York people had part time jobs in the bookshop and former staff who might be interested would be very welcome. It’s informal and there’s no charge. The church has a small car park and several local buses stop close by.
Dorothy Reed,
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Dorothy Reed (former Director of Pickering & Co),
Middlethorpe Drive,
York
—
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Put effort elsewhere
IT is not often I agree with Christian Vassie but he and Nigel Cummings are correct in stating history cannot be changed and altering plaques isn’t something that should be undertaken.
The energy and effort put into futile efforts to erase links with the former Duke of York would be better spent addressing other issues in this city.
“At Children First, we are committing to do everything we can to protect children from online harm by campaigning for a public health approach that includes stronger regulation, delayed access to devices, better advice and support for parents and caregivers and investment in play, creativity and sport so children have real alternatives to being online.
Earlier on Monday, thousands of City fans lined the streets of Manchester to bid a final farewell to the departing Guardiola.
This season’s successful men’s, women’s and academy teams were driven on buses to Etihad Stadium, where they were greeted by a waiting crowd, before the entourage made its way to Co-Op Live for the ‘after party’.
All three teams celebrated their trophy victories on stage, with City women’s striker Khadija Shaw making the shock announcement that she has signed a new four-year contract to remain at the club.
Guardiola’s three children, as well as former captain Fernandinho, ex-sporting director Txiki Begiristain and goalkeeper Ederson – who left last summer – helped bring out all 20 trophies won under Guardiola.
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Surprise appearances by current Bayern Munich boss Kompany and midfielder Jack Grealish, who spent a season-long loan spell at Everton, were loudly cheered by those in attendance.
Guardiola said goodbye for the final time in an interview with Oasis star Noel Gallagher.
“First of all, thank you so much for coming tonight to say bye,” said Guardiola.
“I feel tonight that really shows the connection this club has. [City chairman] Khaldoon Al Mubarak and all the people and all the City fans that were connected from the first minute.
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“Thank you so much, I don’t have enough gratitude. Always, for the rest of my life, I will have you in my heart.”
Tributes were also paid to captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones, who will also be leaving the club this summer upon the expiry of their contracts.
Striker Erling Haaland said on stage: “It has been a pleasure to play with Bernardo and John – and of course Pep.
“We won a lot of trophies and I was happy to play with Bernardo and John because they are amazing footballers but even better people deep down.
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“It has been an amazing journey, but we need to keep pushing and fighting even without them.”
Conde Nast Traveller shared the list, saying: “From traditional fishing villages to faded Victorian resorts to RSPB reserves, deserted coves and teetering cliffs, the charm of the coastal north can be found in the allure of the bracing walks, excellent seafood and prices that make Brighton seem positively larcenous in comparison.
“From Northumberland to Cumbria, these are the seaside towns and villages worth knowing now.”
Morecambe has been highlighted as one of the best seaside towns in the north of England by CN Traveller.
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It’s around an hour and 10 minutes away from Bolton by car.
Morecambe offers the perfect coastal escape
The travel publisher shared: “Morecambe has staged one of the north’s quietest comebacks.
“Its sweeping bay, all shifting sands and improbable light with views of the Lakeland fells beyond, is the real draw, particularly at sunset when the sky seems to double in scale.
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“The long promenade is made for ambling, punctuated by Eric Morecambe’s statue and a growing number of independent cafés like The Bow Window, which serves up fantastic pan-fried kippers with butter during the daytime.
“There’s a gentle, slightly nostalgic feel to the place, but it’s no longer stuck in the past.
5 perfect spots for a summer staycation
“One of the most pleasing strolls in any northern seaside town is along Morecambe’s Stone Jetty.
“Formerly a railway and shipping terminal, it’s now a walking route speckled with sculptures of gannets, razorbills, cormorants and even a Mythical Auk; rendered from marble and looking suitably haughty on its own stone plinth.”
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Recommended reading:
Things to do and places to visit in Morecambe
Visit Lancashire has shared some recommendations for things to do while you’re in Morecambe:
Go to the beach – fly kites, build sandcastles, and have a picnic
Walk along the Promenade with an ice cream
Visit the Eric Morecambe statue
Check out The Tern Project
Visit the Midland Hotel for a bite to eat and to see the art in the foyer
Children can enjoy playing at Happy Mount Park
Enjoy a show at The Platform theatre
Shop along the Promenade or at Central Drive Retail Park
Other places in the list include Seahouses in Northumberland, St Bees in Cumbria, and Saltburn-by-the-Sea in Teesside.
What’s your favourite thing about Morecambe? Let us know in the comments below.
The Tuesday letters page has a hopeful theory on the new Kingdom Come game, as a reader is worried what Epic isn’t saying about Unreal Engine 6.
Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk
New Horizons Nice Reader’s Feature at the weekend, about Forza Horizon 6, that I pretty much all agreed with. I’d say the problem with Xbox is that not only did they not nurture the franchises they had but they didn’t create enough new ones. It was obvious for years that Halo was fighting a losing battle against Call Of Duty, and Gears Of War hasn’t been something anyone cares about since the third one.
That’s not unusual, nothing stays popular forever, but Forza Horizon’s success seemed to come by accident and had very little to do with Xbox who has instead spent all their time with weird little indie type games and stuff with not much mass appeal.
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What they needed was an army of Forza Horizon type games: a mainstream idea done really well and with no equivalent on PlayStation. It all seems a bit late now but, like the reader says, maybe Fable with be good too. But for me Forza Horizon 6 is definitely game of the year so far and I’ll be interested to see if it stays that way. Carlton
Dam it That Unreal Engine 6 reveal was indeed very weird. All those amazing tech demos going back decades and the one for the next gen engine is Rocket League with slightly better grass. If that’s not a sign of things to come, in terms of the new consoles not having graphics that are much better, I don’t know what it is.
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I am very grateful there didn’t seem to be any sign of AI nonsense but I’m secretly worried that the reason it was so low-key is because they’re not talking about all that yet. We’ll see, but I have this nasty feeling the AI floodgates are going to open soon and at the moment nobody wants to be the one that goes first. Microsoft will be the first, I’m willing to bet, but at the moment not even they’re brave enough to put their head above the trench. Campbell
Sleeping giant I have a hard time imagining Take-Two will release as many games as they say, but I hope it’s true because they seem like they could be a much bigger deal than they are. I know with Rockstar you don’t need to do anything else, but they easily could put out many more games than they do.
Three new IP in the next few years? And all those sequels and remakes? We’ll see but with nothing on the schedules at the moment I’m not that hopeful, especially as I seem to remember them saying this before and nothing happened but more NBA and wrestling games. Corton
Tortoise and the hare I’m kind of surprised that Red Dead Redemption 2 has sold as well as it has. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s an amazing game and well deserves its place as the third best-selling game of all time. And surely any game by Rockstar is likely to do very well.
However, Red Dead Redemption 2 is not easily accessible given its length and the fact the violence and adult themes are likely to exclude younger players. It’s also a game that requires a certain level of dedication. I, myself, found it to be a bit of a slog at first and for a long while wasn’t convinced.
It’s only after really committed to it that I was able to appreciate what the game had to offer. Personally, I think the game is a masterpiece but from some of the online chatter opinion seems divided so it’s slightly crazy to see how well it’s sold and how it continues to sell. matc7884
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GC: The secret to its success is that it’s consistently sold well over time, even if it’s never been a chart topper to the same degree as GTA. It’s also been dirt cheap for the last several years.
Adult humour Been playing Lego Batman over the weekend, with the boy, and it’s a riot. I don’t think he got a lot of the jokes, but he likes playing with his dad and smashing things to pick up Lego studs.
I think the success of these games is not just down to the co-op and the cute graphics but the fact that there’s a lot there for adults as well. Not only has my boy not seen any Batman film that isn’t a cartoon he definitely hasn’t seen American Psycho, but I got that visual gag and had a good old chuckle about it.
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So well done on the game and I hope it doesn’t take too long for the next one (Harry Potter related, I would guess). Loader
Sequel deliverance There’s no way that new Kingdom Come game is Deliverance 3. You can tell just by the way they’re talking about it, let alone the fact that they can’t make two big games at the same time, between that and Lord of the Rings.
I am very interested to see what the game is though. Not just because I liked the previous games, but it’ll be interesting to see if they can make a good, and different, game but in a short period of time. Presumably it’ll be using the Deliverance 2 game map and probably a lot of other stuff from the game, and that really feels like something games should be doing a lot more in general.
This whole generation we’ve seen nothing but talk about how games take too long to make now, and I haven’t seen even the slightest attempt to try and fix this from any publisher. They just seem to be ignoring it and being happy with putting out far less games than they used to (well, they’re probably not exactly happy about it, but they’re not upset enough to do anything about it).
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Maybe I’m expecting too much from Warhorse but if they can show that using an existing game to make another similar but different one works that could be a trend. So you basically make one game per franchise per generation and then lots of spin-offs from that.
Zelda: Majora’s Mask was basically that, so if the idea’s been around that long I’m not really sure what’s taking so long. Kiff
Silent pessimism Good luck to Bloober Team in making the Switch a haven for horror games but I can’t see it happening. The Switch does have horror games but I don’t get the impression many people buy them on Switch, it’s just not the sort of thing you get the console for.
But then again, I’ve never seen Bloober Team do anything good that isn’t Silent Hill related, so while I’m looking forward to their remake of the first game I’d need a lot more convincing about anything else they did, Switch or otherwise. Bloodye
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Long version Good tidings. I haven’t showered in two days in this sweltering heat, a potential biohazard in the making? But in less grim news, I’ve just completed my second playthrough of Resident Evil Requiem and what a triumph it was. I can’t stop thinking about it. Requiem is quite comfortably the best original entry in the series since the seminal Resident Evil 4 on the GameCube for me.
Rhodes Hospice is such a memorable location, I’d even go as far as predicting that gamers will look back on it down the years as an iconic setting in the series, alongside the Spencer Mansion, Racoon City Police Department, and Valdelabos (the Spanish village) and Salazer Castle from Resident Evil 4.
And I just love how idiosyncratic and reinvigorated the resident zombies are this time around. Capcom should be applauded for the fact that they’ve injected their classical infected with a renewed blood.
I can almost overlook the lack of traditional puzzles in the game due to the strategic puzzle-like element that permeates the hospice – in the way you can manipulate the zombies by observing their quasi-human routines and interacting with the environments to divert them from their mindlessly repetitive, and frankly tragic, behavioural patterns.
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Weaponising the zombie patient with the splitting headache, for instance, to cause havoc on the other walking dead never loses its comical lustre. I read in the in-game lore that one of the singing zombies with the sonic attack shrieks was diagnosed with ‘main character syndrome’, and was in direct competition with the other performer of rather beautifully haunting singing, which made me laugh. Such a lovely worldbuilding detail that encapsulates the refreshingly campy and endearing personality of Resident Evil Requiem.
As for the Girl, she/it’s a genuinely ghastly and frighteningly adversary, and even more terrifyingly unpredictable in the Insane difficulty mode. Chunks, also known as the grotesque Michelin Man, inspires both awe and pity at how it miraculously writhes through the constrictive corridors of the care centre. Blister eads particularly fill me with dread, their agility and aggression is so ferocious they make the Crimson Heads from the original Resident Evil remake seem rather tame by comparison!
Whilst Leon’s secluded campaign doesn’t quite reach the lofty heights of Grace’s opening portion of the game, I vehemently disagree with some of the sentiments out there that Leon’s parts dilute the overall quality of the package.
I thought My Kennedy’s section was exquisitely engineered for the most part and very entertaining throughout. With some tense and very interesting tactical moments in the level design that were up there with Resident Evil 4 for inspired game design for me. And considering how fantastic the shooting mechanics were I never once felt fatigue from dispatching the zombies in the bombed out and depleted Raccoon city ruins.
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I will concede, however, that had Leon’s parts adhered throughout the campaign to the incredible short burst, explosive catharsis of his supporting roles in the first half of the game, then Resident Evil Requiem would’ve easily been in the running for the best Resident Evil game for me.
But I must reiterate that I still admired the more open-ended design in Raccoon City and how audacious and pretty ambitious it was in the grand scheme of things, probably because I’m such a big fan of the critically under-appreciated The Evil Within 2. The high octane action set pieces and the return to the famous police station were also just… chef’s kiss.
I also don’t quite understand the complaints regarding the bosses, for me they were just fine, not amazing, other than an excellent close quarter fight towards the end, but certainly fun and roughly similar in quality with the bosses in Resident Evil 2 and 3 remake, Resident Evil 7, and Resident Evil Village.
The only exception to the standard really was Resident Evil 4, which I felt had some of the best boss design in gaming period – the Del Lago lake monster, El Gigante, Chief Mendez, Ramon Salazar, Verdugo, Jack Krauser, etc. – and the remake certainly reinforced that position.
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So all in all, I was utterly enthralled by Resident Evil Requiem, and I can’t wait to see what the major DLC has in store for us. Also, PlayStation VR2 compatibility please! GG
Inbox also-rans Liked your review of R-Type Dimensions 3 but I though there was a R-Type Final 3? I never got around to getting it, but I’m sure I saw it listed. Bonzo
GC: R-Type Final 3 Evolved is not really a sequel but a remastered PlayStation 5 version of R-Type Final 2, with some new levels. R-Type Final 2.5 would’ve been a more accurate name.
Is it true they’ve renamed Fairgame$ to Br€ak In? That would be hilarious. Tom
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GC: Sony registered the name Break In but it’s not clear what for, so it might be the new name for Fairgame$. Adding the euro symbol was just an online joke.
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Ruud, a two-time runner-up at Roland Garros, said: “As we know, there’s a bit of a heatwave at the moment and that can sometimes cause problems.
“It felt like it was a bit of a kind of heatstroke feeling. I experienced something similar some years ago when I played in Washington DC and I had to retire in the third set because I had that – that’s the only time I had that same feeling as I had today in the fourth set where I felt at times really dizzy, really tired and walking around like a zombie almost.
“Luckily, I was 2-1 up still and allowed myself to kind of lower the intensity a bit to get my pulse and body temperature down as much as possible in the fourth to see if there was any chance to finish in the fifth and have some extra energy. Luckily, that ended up working.”
Asked if he felt it was a mental victory or physical victory, the 27-year-old said: “It feels like a mental win.
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“At times in the fourth [set] I was thinking ‘I have to book the flight home tomorrow and I’ll be watching from home on the sofa the next two weeks’. Luckily, that’s not the case.
“Physically, also, I’m proud because I never really gave in. I didn’t give up.”
The hall was once rented out by royalty to stay in while studying at the University of Cambridge
A historic hall in Cambridgeshire known for its peaceful grounds could be worth visiting with your family this summer. Madingley Hall and Gardens has a storied history and is open to the public, who can walk around its old corridors and gardens.
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The hall was built in 1543 after John Hynde acquired the Shire Manor of Madingley. He built the hall to feature the south wing containing domestic buildings, a kitchen, and a garderobe. The east wing had a few rooms for sleeping and two large halls.
In 1861, the hall was rented out by Queen Victoria for her son, Edward, Prince of Wales, to stay in while he studied at Cambridge University. However, his stay was fairly short, as he returned home after the death of Prince Albert.
The hall, along with the surrounding park and farmland, was sold to Cambridge University in 1948 for £50,000. Today, the hall is open to the public to take a look around with tours available. It is also a popular venue for celebrations and corporate events.
If you are lucky with the weather, you could also spend some time in the extensive gardens with winding gravel paths. In 1756, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown was commissioned to design the garden with lawns and meadows.
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The formal terraces and Croquet Lawn were added by Colonel Walter Harding between 1908 and 1914 with many of the trees he planted still a part of the estate’s tree collection to this day. In 1927, Ambrose Harding added the Yew Topiary Gardens.
After looking around the hall and gardens, you might want to treat yourself to an afternoon tea. This can be enjoyed in one of the hall rooms, at the terrace bar, or overlooking the gardens in the summer. The afternoon tea comes with finger sandwiches, fresh scones, and a range of sweet treats such as mini Victoria sponge cakes and macaroons.
A traditional afternoon tea costs £21.50 per person or £30 if you want a glass of sparkling wine with your meal. The afternoon teas are available on the last Sunday of each month and need to be booked in advance.
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You could also visit the café where you can enjoy a coffee and a slice of homemade cake or a more substantial meal like a steak and ale pie or classic fish and chips. The terrace bar is also open for you to have a beer or glass of wine during your trip.
Madingley Hall and Gardens is around a 22-minute drive away from Cambridge via the A603. There is a car park on site that is free for visitors to use.
It was far from a convincing performance against Thistle, hardly surprising given what was at stake, and the relief from fans and players alike was obvious after the game.
“We wanted to make sure the players were remembered as legends at this club after winning the League Cup,” McLeish said.
“We didn’t want that black mark against our name.
“First half was nervy, cagey and full of mistakes. It wasn’t really tactical, just us controlling our emotions. We did that better in the second half.”
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McLeish won three of his nine league matches after Robinson left, but he was unable to keep St Mirren out of the play-off spot as Kilmarnock shone after the split.
A change of approach initially yielded an upturn in performances, but results started to slide and a run of four defeats without scoring cost them.
The 36-year-old stand-in boss was unable to completely solve the goalscoring issues that plagued their season.
Key defender Alex Gogic says McLeish could do more with greater time, though, and would be happy for him to stay on.
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“Yeah, of course, whatever the club chooses,” Gogic said.
“If he has a pre-season, it will probably be better than what it is. If the club decide to go his way, we’ll all be behind that.”
Former Dundee United and Partick Thistle boss Ian McCall says McLeish has done his chances no harm by steering St Mirren to safety.
“I don’t think he had any chance of getting the job if St Mirren were relegated,” McCall said.
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“What he has done is conducted himself really well and given himself a real chance of the job.
“The power-that-be here took a real chance appointing a young lad like that. But he has come through it really well. He has talked really well.
“He came through one dodgy moment when Kilmarnock won here 3-0. But he’s come back from that really strongly.
“It didn’t just plummet when Craig McLeish took over. It was a bad run of results when Stephen Robinson was there after the cup final which brought this on. He certainly has a chance.”
In the summer of 2024, driver Brian Kelly picked up Tam Hewitt for what would prove to be a fateful trip across Glasgow.
A Scots taxi driver has thanked one of his passengers for saving his life after a chance encounter led to a discovery that he had prostate cancer. Driver Brian Kelly picked up Prostate Cancer UK volunteer Tam Hewitt in the summer of 2024 – for what would prove to be a fateful trip across Glasgow.
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The now 76-year-old spoke to him about the risks of prostate cancer and the importance of getting checked. Brian later became concerned about his own health and went to see a GP, recalling his passenger’s advice to seek a PSA blood test which can detect prostate cancer.
Despite not feeling any symptoms, Brian felt compelled by the conversation in the taxi and asked his doctor to carry this out. The PSA results led to further tests which ultimately revealed two sites of prostate cancer, one of which was aggressive.
The taxi driver, 66, would go on to receive brachytherapy treatment in June 2025, just after his youngest daughter’s graduation. The early intervention meant the cancer was dealt with at stage two, before it could progress further.
He was back at work within a week and is still feeling fit. Brian, who is from East Ayrshire, credits Tam for his life-changing decision to seek the test, but it was not until another chance encounter in December 2025 that he got the chance to properly thank him.
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In a complete coincidence, Brian’s cab was called to the Prostate Cancer UK volunteer’s house, where the pair were reunited. Speaking to the Press Association, Brian said: “I knew the address, I knew where Tam lived. Again, he had material that we wanted to take with him, we were putting it into the back of the car.
“Once we had done that, I then broke the news to him. I just shook his hand and said ‘by the way, I just want to thank you for saving my life’.”
As they spoke further, Brian discovered that Tam had also undergone brachytherapy to treat prostate cancer some 20 years ago. He said: “Anyone who gets into my car who’s over a certain age, I have the conversation with them. I just throw out, ‘You’re of a certain age, have you had this PSA blood test?’”
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Tam regularly gives talks to raise awareness about prostate cancer, often organising pop-up stalls in hospitals and other venues. The 76-year-old, from Glasgow, said: “Although it’s not the first time someone has thanked me for having the conversation that has led them choosing to get a PSA test and an early diagnosis I was completely taken aback when Brian asked to shake my hand.
“If his treatment and journey works as well as mine he will be delighted. I have been raising awareness for over 20 years and currently average over 50 awareness stands per year before the talks and presentations.”
He added: “Results like this make it all worthwhile and I’m sure all our volunteers will feel exactly the same.” Joseph Woollcott, Prostate Cancer UK’s head of health policy, said: “Brian and Tam’s story is wonderful, and it shows the power of men talking and looking out for each other.
“I’m so grateful to all our incredibly dedicated volunteers like Tam, who have lifesaving conversations all the time. One in eight men will get prostate cancer, and your risk doubles if you’re Black, so most of us will know someone living with or after the disease.
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“It’s curable if found early, but it’s also a complex disease that leaves many feeling confused about the right path to take. Men need people like Tam in their corner, and at Prostate Cancer UK we are here to help men at every step of their journey from diagnosis to treatment and with what comes next.”
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