Tottenham are looking to appoint a lead psychologist for their men’s first team after boss Roberto de Zerbi said they need to “change the mentality”.
Spurs have slipped into the Premier League’s bottom three, having gone 15 league games without a win.
De Zerbi was appointed as Tottenham‘s third head coach of the season at the end of March but has picked up just one point from two games.
The Italian said his job is to give the players the “right mentality” and it appears the club is taking steps to help him achieve that goal.
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In an advert posted by Spurs on social media platform LinkedIn, external, the club said they are seeking an “outstanding performance psychologist” to deliver “evidence-based psychological support to elite players”.
“The role encompasses individual player support, systemic work across the coaching and performance staff, and the ongoing development of a psychologically informed performance culture throughout the team,” the advert added.
“This role demands a practitioner who is credible, discreet, and highly effective in a Premier League environment, capable of building trust with players and coaches while operating with the professional rigor expected at the highest level of the game.”
Geo-Structural Ltd has lodged a planning application seeking approval for 940-square metre building which would store plant and equipment at Drumbreck Farm.
North Lanarkshire Council has been asked by a construction company to grant planning permission for a storage building at its base in Caldercruix.
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Geo-Structural Ltd, which specialises in the maintenance and preservation of bridges and viaducts, has lodged a planning application seeking approval for 940-square metre building which would store plant and equipment at Drumbreck Farm.
The new building would be located in an area of currently unused land and the proposals do not include the creation of new parking facilities.
The company’s website states that it has worked on several well-known structures including the Forth Rail Bridge, Clyde Viaduct and numerous wind farms.
For further information on the application, or to leave comment for consideration, visit North Lanarkshire Council’s website and search for planning reference 26/00352/FUL.
It will surprise everyone, after the pair sensationally announced that last series would be their final one, in the middle of the autumn run.
They bid a tearful farewell to the BBC viewership at the end of Strictly’s Christmas Day special, leading the room in one last call of the show’s catchphrase: “Keeeep dancing!”
Since then, a string of the top presenting names in the biz have been pitched as potential replacements, with no official announcement as of yet.
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But new odds from the bookmakers over at William Hill suggest that there’s a possibility Winkleman and Daly could be back yet, albeit in a different capacity.
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The pair said ‘Keeeep dancing’ for the last time during the Christmas special (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
It’s currently 16/1 for either Claudia Winkleman or Tess Daly to return as contestants (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
So they would be partnered up with one of the show’s professional dancers and trained in all the moves they’ve been watching from the sidelines.
Lee Phelps said on behalf of William Hill: ‘Claudia and Tess have been loyal servants to Strictly Come Dancing over the last twenty years, so it wouldn’t surprise anyone if they made a comeback to the ballroom in some capacity.
‘The pair are 16/1 with us for either to compete in this year’s series, so we’re certainly not ruling anything else for the ex-hosts.
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‘As for who steps into the hosting role this year, Emma Willis, Bradley Walsh, and Rylan Clark are the latest frontrunners, but expect some further twists ahead of this autumn’s latest edition.’
Who are the favourites to host Strictly next?
These are the latest odds according to William Hill…
In the race to host, Emma Willis, Bradley Walsh, and Rylan Clark have developed a three-way race to be awarded the role at 5/4, with Zoe Ball (9/4) close behind.
Elsewhere, La Voix completes the list of leading contenders at 3/1, with Alex Jones and Alison Hammond each 5/1.
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Emma Willis and Rylan have already proven a popular duo on This Morning (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Strictly is reportedly running auditions for new hosts this week (Picture: ITV)
We’re said to be down to the final nine in the quest to replace Daly and Winkleman, with chemistry tests in the diary for this week to determine who will follow in their footsteps.
The auditions will reportedly mimic a Strictly show, with judges and even a live band, to see who has what it takes to cope with the pressures of live television.
A source told The Sun that the presenters in contention have signed non-disclosure agreements to keep all the details about the auditions top secret.
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Given the prestige of the ballroom dancing show for the BBC, they’ve reportedly got the broadcaster’s top bosses overseeing proceedings, including incoming director general Matt Brittin.
Metro contacted Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s representatives for comment.
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She said: “There is hope still, we pray. My dear family and friends. I’m asking from the deepest place in my heart – please keep my beautiful daughter Klaudia in your prayers right now. She is my angel, my world, my everything, and she needs all the love, strength, and healing we can send her.
The parliamentary stalemate over the Government’s pension reforms continues, after MPs voted to press the Lords to accept new laws on the Government’s ability to direct pension investments.
The House of Commons backed an amendment by 272 votes to 149, majority 123 to send the Pensions Scheme Bill back to the House of Lords containing laws that could allow the Government to tell pension funds how they should invest a certain amount of their funds, so-called “mandation”.
Amendments by the Government limit the portion of pension funds in line with a voluntary agreement by 17 of the UK’s largest defined contribution schemes in the Mansion House Accord last year.
They would be limited to 10%, by value, of all assets of the scheme in main default reserves, or 5% of assets to be held in UK-specific description.
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It comes amid aims to increase the amount of investment in the UK, which it is hoped will lead to economic growth.
Treasury minister Torsten Bell said the law is “designed to make clear on the face of the Bill that the power can only be used in line with what the industry itself has committed to”.
He added: “The cap prohibits any move beyond the accord targets.
Mr Bell told MPs the rule is “highly constrained and narrowly focused” (Joe Giddens/PA)
“The neutrality requirement rules out the possibility that any government could direct any investment into a particular asset or asset classes.”
Mr Bell told MPs the rule is “highly constrained and narrowly focused”.
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He said: “The Government cannot direct investments, and it explicitly only applies to main default funds, more explicitly matching the language used in the accord.”
Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately criticised the move and said: “He said this is a natural extension of the Mansion House Agreement, it is not.
“A voluntary agreement between willing participants is one thing, a legal requirement imposed across an entire sector is another.
“Secondly he has said that it is merely a reserve power, one the Government has no intention of using.
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“A reserve power does not sit harmlessly on the shelf, it shapes behaviour.
“I think in truth the minister accepts that, he has said as much to me before that the power will achieve its ends without even needing to be turned on.”
Labour MP and former Treasury minister Liam Byrne said: “The measures the minister has set out this afternoon really are essential if we are to pursue the long-term interests of pension savers in this country, because it is in their fundamental interest that they live and retire in an economy that is growing faster in the years to come.
“The only way in which we are going to collectively achieve that is if we raise the investment rate in this country.”
Abi Tierney held court with the Welsh press this afternoon
Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney insists her position is not untenable and is determined to see through the reduction from four to three professional teams.
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Many supporters on social media are calling for Tierney to follow WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood through the exit door following the collapse of the Y11 deal to buy Cardiff Rugby. After months of uncertainty the WRU have offered PRA 25 to both the Ospreys and Scarlets, which means they will retain four clubs until 2028 before reducing to three teams.
But despite the toxicity thrown her way, Tierney is determined to continue in her role.
“Yes, I am,” said Tierney when asked whether she was committed to her role as CEO for the long term.
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“In my position, you wouldn’t not challenge yourself about whether it’s the right thing to personally from a family and a health perspective.
“In the last year, it has been emotionally draining and exhausting and very stressful.
“But actually, there’s something really powerful about knowing that I choose to do this job.
“I don’t have to do this job. I choose to do it. I think I reflect on the instability that would come if you change the chair and the chief executive at the same time.
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“I think that would bring more instability into Welsh rugby, which I don’t think is needed but I’m also very aware of the fact that a new chair may have a different view on that. And I will listen and obviously respect that view.”
Despite the ongoing uncertainty and the sense the WRU have kicked the can down the road when it comes to cutting the number of teams Tierney insists her position is not untenable.
“It depends how you define delivering a deal,” she said.
“If delivering a deal is to sell Cardiff at any price when it doesn’t make commercial sense then to me that’s not the right measure of whether you’ve been successful.
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“I think as a CEO you’ve got to take the difficult decisions as well and I think there’s as many people out there who are pleased with the result.
“I don’t think delivering a deal for the sake of delivering a deal is a reason to go. We always said 28 (going down to three years). We’ve been really clear it was going to be in 28.”
Here is every word of our interview with Tierney.
Abi, just explain what’s happened and perhaps more importantly, why?
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“We went into a process to sell Cardiff. We started that process last autumn.
“We went out openly to the market. At the time we got two bids which were credible and one of those bids we took through to the second phase.
“It’s a big decision and it’s a complex decision. It’s not a small little business. It’s a big business.
“And we went through that process very collaboratively and constructively with Y11. It was a joint decision at the end that this wasn’t the right time to sell Cardiff.”
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A lot of time and effort went into that. What was the breaking point or breaking points?
“There wasn’t really a breaking point, I would say. We talked a lot during that period.
“We looked at what they would be able to do and what we felt we wanted to be able to do. And it was generally a really transparent and collaborative process where two parties reached the conclusion that now wasn’t the right time.
“Some of it’s commercially sensitive as well. So, I wouldn’t want to talk about the commercial sensitivities around it.”
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What’s Y11’s commitment to the Ospreys going forward and what’s the future? Is it to stick with four teams?
“I just recently met with James (Davies-Yandle). They are committed.
“They want to get the PRA 25 signed as soon as possible. So, we’re in that process.
“That’s their focus at the moment and they’re already turning their minds to what that means in terms of the investment that they can put in and that will take them through till 2028.
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“They’re committed to doing that, and I know that they’re really excited about where Ospreys can go.”
Are you hopeful the Scarlets will also sign PRA 25?
“Yes, I am hopeful that the Scarlets will as well.”
So, the plan is still to reduce to three teams by 2028?
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“Yes, there is. My board remains committed to reducing to three teams from an affordability and a performance perspective.”
What does the future look like for the Ospreys and Scarlets?
“I would say wait till June. I know that’s hard and people would like to have all the answers now, but we’re going to now work collaboratively with the professional rugby board to look at what the process will be post-June and then we’ll be very open about explaining what the next steps will be.
“I would just encourage fans to continue to support their teams, buy the tickets, cheer them along, because that’s actually the kind of the thing that will help the most.”
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But you are back to the same state of play as when Cardiff went into administration last year?
“I don’t think we’ll ever pretend the last 12 months haven’t happened. I think we’ve all learned a huge amount along the way.
“And actually, I think it was really interesting. We met as a PRB this morning and a number have said just how constructive and collaborative the PRB is feeling at the moment.
“I think everybody is determined. Nobody wants to keep fighting and nobody wants to keep the uncertainty. So, I’ve got a level of confidence that we will continue to work together.”
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Will you still be able to make the improvements in the pathway?
“That’s all protected under this model. We have sufficient finance to fund the PRA on four teams to 2028 plus the £28million in the pathway.”
What happens if the pathway starts to produce more and better players over the next couple of years? Will you then consider sticking with four?
“The number of players was one element. The finances was another really big element.
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“We can have four teams, but we don’t have sufficient funding for those four teams to be competitive. And in order for us to succeed as a smaller rugby nation, I still firmly believe that we need a competitive professional rugby system.
“We’ve got other countries that will continue to loop ahead of us in that. It’s not just the player pathway, but it’s an affordability bit too.”
How long does PRA 25 last for?
“What we are saying to the clubs at the moment is it’s until 2028 because basically what they’ve got is fixed, guaranteed funding until 2028 and then at that point, we can change that.
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“So, the actual whole agreement is till the end of 30. It’s essentially a break clause at 2028.”
Is this just a case of you saving face and it’ll be a case of the WRU scrapping the plan to go to three in 2028?
“That’s not true.”
Does the Martyn Ryan consortium come back into equation to buy Cardiff?
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“No they don’t. We’re not selling Cardiff.
“It’s not the right time to sell Cardiff now with where we are in the market, so we’re taking Cardiff off the market.”
Can you afford to have four teams, own Cardiff and do the pathway funding of £28million?
“Yes, because of the improvement in our finances. We can do that.
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“We’ve had a tough year financially because of ticket sales etc but we’re still performing a level higher than what we had been previously, so we can afford all four on the pathway investment.”
It seemed that previously, the pathway investment was only possible with going to three teams?
“I think that’s why we have to look at 2028, so that’s what we’re saying. We can’t keep the four on PRA 25 for longer than that and do the pathway.”
You still think you can do three? This was the easy way of doing it?
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“It was never our way of going from four to three. I know I said that at the time and questioned that. They were completely independent processes.
“I never saw that as an easy option of getting from four to three. I think people assumed that’s what was happening. But Y11 remained committed to Ospreys as well as wanting to potentially purchase Cardiff.”
Can you still get to three by consensus? Or do you have to out to tender?
“I think that’s the conversation I need to have with the Professional Rugby Board over the next few weeks and see. I won’t rule anything out.
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“I’ve learned that in this job. If there was still a consensus that could be reached, that route would be preferable.”
Why don’t you just shut Cardiff down and go to three? You could do it tomorrow and get what you wanted?
“I don’t believe it’s the right thing for Welsh rugby. I talk about my job as chief executive of the national governing body.
“I have to make decisions based on the whole system. That is often really hard, because it doesn’t necessarily mean individual bits of the system all benefit from it in the same way and equally.
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“But that’s my job and I do not believe that shutting Cardiff is the right answer.”
So you’re valuing Cardiff ahead of the Scarlets and ahead of the Ospreys. That’s the only interpretation?
“No, I’m not.”
Well, one of the west Wales clubs is going to go?
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“There are other options in the west. It doesn’t mean that one club is going to go.”
So, that means a new team will get set up in the west?
“Let us work that one out and we’ll come to you in June. But I’m saying I do not believe and the board does not believe it’s the right answer to shut Cardiff.”
What happens to the Cardiff debt now held by the WRU?
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“I won’t comment on the numbers for Cardiff right now. We’ve taken them on as a separate subsidiary and that debt remains in that subsidiary. We’re not writing that debt off.”
Debts could keep rising from Cardiff. How long can you keep swallowing that?
“No, the debts don’t keep going up. The debts are as they are.
“We have modelled in our financial plan for the next couple of years – the forecast commercial and operational plans. We get to see that and we’ve allowed for that. We’re not increasing the debt to do that.
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“That’s part of the decisions we’ve needed to make. Do you sell it now at this price or potentially keep it and know that there might be some losses, but you build and you improve the commercial prospects over that period?”
Why not close them or Scarlets down due to debt?
“That’s not the right answer for the system. There are two really positive things that came out of the PRA 25 and you’ll all probably recall this from a year ago.
“So one is that we’re doing a debt for equity swap. So that takes three million of that debt that we swap for equity.
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“So that reduces the debt for Ospreys and Scarlets which is really important. We also refinanced which was really important for us be able to do PRA 25.
“We’re looking to try and bring some stability in the system by reducing their financial outlays.”
So how much equity will you have in them?
“So it’s through preferential shares. That’s how we’re doing it. So they swap three million of debt for that.”
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What if the new chair disagrees with the direction of travel and wants to stick with four teams?
“No, because Richard finishes on the 16th of July so that would be shared before the new chair comes in.”
Do the west Wales clubs have to commit £5m in expenditure when they sign PRA25?
“I don’t have that to the top my head, because it varies by club. It’s basically what each club has to do. Each RPI, the owner funding, is basically to cover the losses of that club after we have paid our money.
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“So I don’t have kind of at the top of my head.”
Can the Scarlets afford to do that?
“We have to go through that process over the next few weeks. You’d have to ask them that question.
“Different clubs have different losses. So we have to go through a process and one of the things we put in place after Helford was much more stringent due diligence, and we’ll have to go through that process.”
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When does the URC contract end?
“So, the URC are working collaboratively with us at the moment, and they’re waiting for us to confirm timings, and then they will look to us. The URC contract is in perpetuity.”
You as a governing body can’t own any franchise in PRL if you want to go down that road in the future?
“I don’t think you need to have an investor model.
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“If we ever got to the point, and at the moment, we’re committed to URC, where an Anglo-Welsh league then you’d hope that actually, that will be very attractive to investors.”
It appears more likely the St Helen’s redevelopment will happen now?
“Yes, it’s a great venue but you’d have to ask Swansea Council.”
Is it still the case the three licences will be one in Cardiff, one in the east and one in the west?
Prosecutors claimed the abusive control was so severe that she left Northern Ireland in fear of him and is now “a shell of a woman”
A man allegedly struck his partner in the face with a laughing gas cylinder and ripped off her toenails as part of a campaign of extreme domestic violence, the High Court heard today.
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Suleyman Erdogan, 24, is also accused of threatening her with a kettle of boiling water amid repeated outbursts which inflicted permanent injuries.
Prosecutors claimed the abusive control was so severe that she left Northern Ireland in fear of him and is now “a shell of a woman”.
Details emerged as Erdogan, of Mourne View Terrace in Bessbrook, Co Armagh, was refused bail.
He denies charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, domestic abuse, multiple counts of common assault, possessing Class B and C drugs, and criminal damage.
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Police were alerted after the woman went to a station in a distraught state last month, claiming he had subjected her to a series of attacks since they moved in together two years ago.
Crown counsel Sarah Minford said the allegations against Erdogan include:
Throwing a nitrous oxide cylinder at the woman’s face, leaving her with a swollen jaw, blurred vision and requiring four stitches to her eyebrow and cheek.
Pulling out hair extensions and causing her to lose a promotion at work because of absence.
Dragging the woman about during a separate attack where her elbow was split open and had to be glued back together in hospital.
Wielding a baseball bat to smash her work laptop, a mirror and walls in the house.
Pushing the woman against a wardrobe and cutting her leg open and leaving a scar.
Throwing a bottle in the woman’s face and splitting her eyebrow in an alcohol-fuelled outburst.
Isolating her from family and friends and demanding that she switches on mobile ohone location services to track her movements.
The court heard Erdogan also scraped the side of the complainant’s face with his nails and accused her of being unfaithful.
“He stood on her toe until her nail ripped off, and she said he had done it before.” Ms Minford disclosed.
“The injured party no longer has a nail on either of her big toes.”
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During another alleged assault, Erdogan chased the woman about the living room with a kettle full of boiling water, threatening to throw it over her.
On Valentine’s Day this year violence flared again while the couple were staying at a hotel on the outskirts of Belfast, according to the woman’s account.
Counsel said: “He was drinking and inhaling gas, and he slapped the injured party on a number of occasions.
In the most recent incident she woke up in the early hours of March 17 after Erdogan allegedly kicked her in the back of the head and tried to pull her out of bed by the hair.
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The woman stated that she contemplated jumping out of an upstairs window to escape, but instead quietly left by the front door and drove to a police station.
“She says she has endured extreme physical and mental abuse and controlling behaviour, suffering several injuries, some of them with permanent effects,” Ms Minford submitted.
“She could not maintain any kind of social life, go to gym or socialise with friends, he told her what she has to wear and eat, and that she has lost between two and three stone (in weight) owing to the stress.”
During the relationship the complainant feared making any noises or dropping anything in the house, it was claimed, and endured being called vulgar names and told she must have slept with someone to progress at work.
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The court heard she missed her grandmother’s funeral and a number of family funerals, with Erdogan said to have checked her bins and smelt her clothes while making accusations of infidelity.
“The injured party by her own admission is a shell of a woman, she was in constant fear of upsetting Mr Erdogan,” counsel added.
“She has left Northern Ireland and relocated her family for fear of reprisals.”
Police arrested the defendant at his home, locating four four containers of nitrous oxide along with 26 empty containers in the living room beside him.
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Bail was opposed on grounds of protecting a vulnerable alleged victim and amid claims that Erdogan could flee.
The judge, His Honour Neil Rafferty KC, was told he is currently wanted in the Republic of Ireland on three separate bench warrants.
Defence counsel confirmed Erdogan intends to contest the charges.
She argued that he has lived in Northern Ireland for over two years without committing any previous offences..
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“By his own admission he has issues with substance misuse and alcohol consumption,” the barrister acknowledged.
But refusing bail amid concerns the defendant could re-offend or attempt to track down the alleged victim of his coercive control, Judge Rafferty ruled: “It is a hopeless application.”
At around 5.05pm, one fire engine from Bolton Central Community Fire Station attended the incident on Snydale Way.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Crews arrived quickly and extinguished the blaze using a hose reel, breathing apparatus and a thermal imaging camera.
“Firefighters worked alongside Greater Manchester Police to make the area safe before leaving after approximately 45 minutes at the scene.
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Eyewitnesses said diversions were put in place to redirect traffic while crews dealt with the incident.
According to AA Traffic, the road has since cleared and traffic is now moving freely with no delays.
Brew York, in Walmgate, marked its tenth anniversary with its annual Birthday Bash – a now firm fixture on beer-lovers’ calendars.
Visitors – some of whom travelled from northern Scotland to attend the event – were treated to a selection of over 130 beers.
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Among the highlights were a series of special drinks created in collaboration with ten European breweries.
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More than 2,000 people attended the event (Image: Brew York)
These included Velvet Starfall, a Pastéis de Nata Imperial Stout brewed in collaboration with Frontaal Brewery from the Netherlands, and Tropic Touch, a guava, mango and apricot pastry sour produced alongside Prizm Brewing of France.
They were complimented by three additional exclusive beers – Rum & Bourbon BA Imperial Stout, Satuernes BA Golden Sour and Brandy & Bourbon Barley Wine.
Lee Grabham, Brew York’s co-founder and production director, said the weekend was a proud moment for the team.
A selection of more than 130 beers were on offer (Image: Brew York)
He added: “From the moment we welcomed our guests into this wonderful city we call home we’ve been non-stop.
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“Full credit goes to not only the Brew York team, but also the volunteers who really enable us to put the event on.
“A mammoth task by anyone’s standards – and we all did it! Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
The event is now an annual one, with plans already in place for the 11th birthday celebrations (Image: Brew York)
Brew York transformed its space in its Osbaldwick brewery site to accommodate the crowds at the event.
All available space was converted to make room for eight additional bars, a beer van, two marquees hosting special tastings and live music, and four food vendors.
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The company said: “Demand was high throughout the weekend, with visitors queuing hours before the doors opened at 5pm on Friday, and again ahead of both Saturday sessions.”
Organisers have already pencilled in a date for the 11th birthday celebrations, which will take place on Friday (April 16) and Saturday (April 17).
More than 2,000 extra seats have been added for LNER services between Leeds and London King’s Cross in both directions on Sunday, with a limited amount remaining.
Leeds United fans are preparing for their first FA Cup Semi Final in close to 40 years.
To help as many Whites fans as possible get to Wembley to watch Leeds United play Chelsea for a place in the FA Cup Final, LNER has added extra trains and seats throughout the day.
As the fixture coincides with the London Marathon on Sunday, the train operator has also issued some key travel tips to help keep travelling supporters smoothly on the move.
Colette Casey, customer experience director at LNER, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of Leeds United fans onboard LNER services this coming weekend as they travel to Wembley.
“A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes at LNER to allow us to safely transport thousands of Whites fans to and from London for this exciting fixture.
“As trains are expected to be very busy, these travel tips will help all our customers to enjoy a comfortable journey. Everyone at LNER sends their best wishes to Leeds United and we hope that they all have a great journey with us.”
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With trains expected to be very busy, fans are encouraged to:
Check before you travel: Be sure to regularly check the Travel Alerts page on the LNER website for the latest information on train services.
Arrive in plenty of time: With many thousands of fans expected to travel, please arrive at your departure station in good time to get to the correct platform.
Travel on your booked service: Services are expected to be very busy, so please travel on your booked train and only occupy your reserved seat. If you haven’t got a seat reservation, you may have to stand for some, or all, of your journey.
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Be aware of those around you: While many customers will be travelling to Wembley, there will also be customers who are travelling for other reasons, including the London Marathon which is taking place on Sunday. Please be aware of and considerate to all customers while onboard and at stations and give up seats for those who have reservations.
Be kind: LNER and other rail industry colleagues will be working hard throughout the day to keep fans safely on the move. Please be kind and respectful to all colleagues.
NCL’s Open Days offer the chance to explore a wide range of courses, meet staff, and find a path that fits around real life.
New College Lanarkshire is inviting anyone that is considering a fresh start to attend it’s May Open Days with events taking place in Coatbridge, Cumbernauld and Motherwell.
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NCL’s Open Days offer the chance to explore a wide range of courses, meet staff, and find a path that fits around real life.
Iain McMillan, 50, from Wishaw, enrolled into NCL’s NQ Sound Production course last year.
Iain had spent years working in HMV, doing what he loved – surrounded by music. Learning the back catalogues of every artist on the shelves, knowing who produced what and why, but then everything changed.
What he had put down to tiredness and a chest infection turned out to be something far more serious. After struggling through Christmas shifts at HMV, barely able to breathe, his GP took one look at him and knew something was wrong.
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Within weeks, Iain had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and was facing six months of intensive chemotherapy.
Thankfully as recovery began and the fog of recovery began to lift, something else took over a restlessness need for purpose. Sitting at home on sick pay, Iain knew he needed something to aim for.
He always had a small home studio. Samplers, hardware equipment, the lot and it had kept him company through the thick of it.
He had always been curious about what went into making music, not just listening to it.
So, he Googled sound production courses and saw NCL did one.
Iain said: “The course lecturer James [Savage] has been great – really supportive, he understands my circumstances. It’s creative but professional at the same time.”
What surprised Iain most was how much the course changed the way he thinks about music, not just makes it.
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He said: “I’d worked in a record shop, and I liked what I liked. But the course gets you critically thinking.
“What went into that music, the politics, the ideologies behind it, who was in the studio, who influenced it.
“What instrumentation was used, what recording techniques. You learn about how drums were recorded in Stairway to Heaven. It’s very nerdy but it’s good.”
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Now 50, ‘getting into the golden years,’ as he puts it, Iain is planning to continue into the HNC/D.
He has gone from a man who could barely walk through a door to someone who can professionally present his work, build beats, and network with labels and artists.
He added: “I can now present myself professionally and send examples of my work. The course got me to that stage.”
“If you’ve got a genuine interest in music and want to learn it, the pieces will fall into place.
“Everything on the course is there for a reason. They’ve thought it out very well. And it’s what I feel I’ve always wanted. The stars aligned for me.”
The open days will take place at the Motherwell campus on Monday, May 12; at the Cumbernauld campus on Wednesday, May 14, and in Coatbridge on Tuesday, March 20. All events run from 2pm to 5pm.
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