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Heung-min Son Praised by Ange Postecoglou for Leadership Qualities

Heung-min Son Praised by Ange Postecoglou for Leadership Qualities

Tottenham Manager Defends Captain Amid Controversial Incident with South Korea Teammate

Tottenham Hotspur manager, Ange Postecoglou, has expressed his strong support for club captain Heung-min Son, describing him as a true leader following an altercation during South Korea’s recent Asia Cup campaign. The incident involved Son dislocating his finger in a clash with teammate Lee Kang-in before their unexpected defeat to Jordan.

Son, who has been in superb form this season, scoring 12 goals and contributing six assists, has led Spurs to a solid position in the Premier League, currently sitting in fourth place. Despite his positive, friendly persona, Postecoglou highlighted that Son is much more than just a likable figure; he is a player who holds himself and others to high standards.

“I don’t need all the details about the incident, and frankly, I don’t want to know because it’s an internal matter for the national team,” Postecoglou stated. “What’s important is that Son showed leadership by standing up for what he believed was right. Leadership isn’t about being liked or pleasing everyone. It’s about doing what’s best for the team, even if it’s not the popular choice.”

Postecoglou also explained that Son’s leadership comes not only from his professionalism but his desire to ensure high standards within the team. “He doesn’t tolerate slipping standards, and I’ve seen him push that in our squad,” the manager said. “If something’s wrong, he’s not afraid to speak up, even if it means being unpopular.”

While Son’s natural demeanor is one of respect and kindness, Postecoglou stressed that this does not diminish his fierce competitiveness. “Son’s drive to win and his discipline are vital in such a competitive environment, especially in the Premier League,” the manager added. “His leadership is rooted in his authenticity. He’s not trying to be anyone else—he’s being himself, and that’s why people respect him.”

The Spurs boss concluded by reaffirming that the best leaders are those who remain true to themselves, as players naturally respond to honesty and integrity.

David Moyes Claims West Ham’s Poor Form Not Linked to Future Uncertainty

David Moyes Claims West Ham’s Poor Form Not Linked to Future Uncertainty

Manager downplays contract situation as Hammers face Nottingham Forest in search of first win of 2024

David Moyes has dismissed suggestions that the uncertainty surrounding his future at West Ham is contributing to the team’s disappointing run of form. Ahead of their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, the Hammers are still searching for their first victory of 2024 after a dismal start to the year.

Moyes, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has faced growing speculation regarding his position due to the team’s poor performances. The club’s board is reportedly keen to assess the team’s progress before deciding on a new deal for the 60-year-old. However, Moyes has insisted that the lack of clarity over his future has not affected the players’ focus.

“I’ve got such a good relationship with the players,” Moyes said. “I’ve been around with them for a while, and there’s nothing in that. If I thought it was affecting them, I would soon make sure it was sorted.”

West Ham’s recent struggles were highlighted by a 6-0 home defeat to Arsenal, following a 3-0 loss at Manchester United. Fans have voiced concerns over Moyes’s cautious playing style, with some calling for a change in management. Despite the criticism, Moyes admitted that his biggest concern is the team’s defensive fragility, having conceded nine goals in their last two matches.

“I’ve been really disappointed with it,” Moyes commented. “Defensively we’ve not been as strong as my teams have been used to. There’s responsibility that falls on the players to stand up and be counted.”

In addition to their defensive woes, West Ham have struggled in attack, scoring just three goals in their last five matches. Key forwards, including Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus, and Michail Antonio, have been unavailable at times, but Moyes believes the team’s defensive issues cannot be blamed solely on their lack of attacking options.

“Conceding those goals is something we don’t do,” he said. “Normally, we have a good defensive record and maybe don’t score as many goals. We’ve had our goal-scoring issues, but defensively we should still have the steel to at least keep clean sheets or fight for narrow draws.”

Government to Allocate £66 Million for Increased Police Patrols in Anti-Social Behaviour Hotspots

Government to Allocate £66 Million for Increased Police Patrols in Anti-Social Behaviour Hotspots

Funding aims to reduce crime and boost public safety with additional patrol hours across England and Wales.

The UK government has announced a £66 million funding initiative to help police forces across England and Wales increase their patrol presence in areas suffering from high levels of anti-social behaviour. The funding will enable each of the 43 police forces to carry out additional uniformed patrols, providing up to 20,000 hours per year in key “hotspot” areas affected by crime and disorder.

Each police force will receive a minimum of £1 million, with larger allocations going to high-priority areas. The Metropolitan Police will receive over £8 million, while West Midlands will get at least £3 million. Other areas like Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and West Yorkshire are set to receive over £2 million each. The government aims to tackle violence and improve public confidence in local policing.

This initiative follows successful trials in areas such as Essex and Lancashire, where more than 80,000 patrol hours led to hundreds of arrests and a noticeable decrease in anti-social behaviour. Officials are also targeting the closure of an additional 1,000 county lines drug networks by August, further supporting the effort to reduce crime.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stressed the importance of combating anti-social behaviour, stating that it “destroys communities and takes away the public’s right to feel safe.” He expressed confidence in the plan’s effectiveness, declaring that the government will continue its investment in police forces to ensure everyone feels safe in their communities.

Home Secretary James Cleverly added that the increased police presence would be crucial for maintaining public confidence. He highlighted that the strategy had proven successful and would further ensure that people not only feel safe but are safe in their local areas.

The funding announcement is part of the government’s broader action plan against anti-social behaviour, launched in March of the previous year, which focuses on a zero-tolerance approach to drug-related offences, loitering, and fly-tipping.

Police leaders have welcomed the funding, with Deputy Chief Constable Andy Prophet of the National Police Chiefs’ Council noting that residents often request a more visible police presence. This funding will help forces focus their resources on areas most in need, targeting criminal activity where it is most concentrated.

Steve Turner from the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners also praised the initiative, noting the success of pilot schemes which have demonstrated the effectiveness of concentrating efforts in high-priority areas. He emphasised that tackling anti-social behaviour is a key public priority, with local communities eager to see action taken.

Jack Saunders to Host Brits Red Carpet Show, Fulfilling Lifelong Dream

Jack Saunders to Host Brits Red Carpet Show, Fulfilling Lifelong Dream

The 2024 Brit Awards will feature performances from Jungle and Rema, with Jack Saunders and Yinka Bokinni hosting the red carpet.

Radio presenters Jack Saunders and Yinka Bokinni have been named as the hosts for the Brits red carpet show ahead of the 2024 Brit Awards, which will take place at The O2 in London on March 2. The show will air live from 7:30 PM on ITV2, where Saunders, 31, and Bokinni, 34, will bring their unique energy to the red carpet, interviewing artists and celebrities as they arrive for the iconic event.

This announcement is a dream come true for Saunders, who shared his excitement: “Being a presenter for the Brit Awards on the night has been a lifelong dream of mine. I can’t wait to rock the red carpet with Yinka and bring a bit of fun and chaos to the night.” Bokinni also expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “It’s an honour to be back so soon and host the red carpet show for ITV2. I’m super excited to do this alongside my mate Jack Saunders too. I honestly can’t wait to catch up with the nominees and to be part of such an iconic evening celebrating the world’s biggest talent.”

In addition to the red carpet show, Saunders and Bokinni will also host The Brits Aftershow on ITVX, taking viewers backstage for a closer look at the night’s highlights. The main Brit Awards ceremony will feature performances from top artists such as Raye, Dua Lipa, and Kylie Minogue.

The Brit Awards have also revealed that British electronic music collective Jungle and afrobeats star Rema will perform during the event. Both artists expressed their excitement about the opportunity. Jungle stated, “It’s an honour for us to be asked to perform at this year’s Brit Awards. We’re really excited to be part of such an amazing showcase for British music.” Rema added, “I am honoured to be returning to The O2 to perform at the Brit Awards this year.”

This year’s Brit Awards will be hosted by Maya Jama, alongside radio personalities Roman Kemp and Clara Amfo. The event will be broadcast live on ITV1, STV, ITVX, and STV Player.

Health Board Faces ‘Fundamental Challenges’ a Year After Special Measures

Health Board Faces ‘Fundamental Challenges’ a Year After Special Measures

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is making progress, but ongoing issues remain, says public sector watchdog.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), the largest health board in Wales, is still grappling with “fundamental challenges” a year after it was placed into special measures. The move came after serious concerns about its performance, leadership, and culture, as well as financial irregularities. In February of last year, the Welsh government removed the entire board and placed the health board under special measures. Staff members from the finance team were also suspended following the discovery of significant accounting errors.

While the public sector watchdog in Wales, led by Auditor General Adrian Crompton, has acknowledged improvements within the organisation since a “dysfunctional year,” he emphasised that further actions are required. Crompton stressed that vacancies on the board need to be filled promptly and that ongoing issues within the finance department must be addressed. Investigations into the suspended finance staff are still ongoing, with previous reports indicating that the finance team had deliberately misreported spending, incorrectly allocating expenses to a single financial year rather than spreading them across multiple years.

Crompton noted, “It’s reassuring to see that the dysfunction within the health board’s senior leadership that we described last year is no longer present. However, the board must continue to build on this progress to provide the strong organisational leadership necessary to tackle the significant and ongoing challenges.”

The chairman of BCUHB, Dyfed Edwards, welcomed the report, recognising the progress made in the past year but acknowledging there is still much work to be done. “We have created stability and a positive, supportive culture, with a focus on improving service quality and connecting with the people we serve,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of the new leadership, with a new chief executive and board members now in place, providing a “firm foundation” for future improvements.

This is the second time the health board has been placed under special measures, following a similar period of increased scrutiny between 2015 and 2020. Last October, Welsh Secretary David TC Davies called for an independent inquiry into BCUHB, but the Welsh government rejected the suggestion, arguing that it would divert attention and resources from the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare services in North Wales.

Taylor Swift Arrives at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas to Support Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift Arrives at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas to Support Travis Kelce

Pop superstar Swift attends the highly anticipated game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers.

Taylor Swift has arrived at the 2024 Super Bowl to cheer on her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, as they take on the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. After completing four consecutive shows in Japan as part of her Eras Tour, the pop megastar flew in to support Kelce and the Chiefs in their quest for another championship.

Swift, who was seen in an all-black outfit with a red jacket draped over her shoulder, was joined by her mother Andrea Swift, actress Blake Lively, and rapper Ice Spice at the game. The star-studded event also saw NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell chatting with Swift, while Kelce’s mother, Donna, was seated in the VIP box. The field was also graced by the presence of actor Paul Rudd, rapper Jay-Z, and his daughters, Blue Ivy and Rumi, as well as celebrities like singer Luke Combs and basketball legends LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal.

The Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, are making their fourth Super Bowl appearance in five years, aiming to secure back-to-back titles for the first time since Tom Brady’s New England Patriots in 2005. Swift’s relationship with Kelce has drawn increased attention to the NFL, particularly among female fans.

On the entertainment front, Usher is set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, with the eight-time Grammy winner teasing an exciting performance that will include roller skating and appearances from “special guests” he has collaborated with. Among the speculated guests are Alicia Keys, Lil Jon, Ludacris, Beyonce, and Justin Bieber. Usher’s performance comes as he celebrates 30 years since the release of his debut album and follows the success of his recent album Coming Home.

As Usher gears up for his highly anticipated halftime show, fans are eager to see what surprises he has in store, especially after his recent announcement of new North American tour dates, with speculation about upcoming international shows, including in the UK.

James Norton, Nicole Scherzinger, and Stranger Things Win Big at WhatsOnStage Awards

James Norton, Nicole Scherzinger, and Stranger Things Win Big at WhatsOnStage Awards

Top honours at the 24th annual ceremony include wins for Scherzinger, Norton, and a Stranger Things stage play

The 24th annual WhatsOnStage Awards saw major victories for some of the biggest names in theatre, with Nicole Scherzinger, James Norton, and a stage adaptation of Stranger Things among the standout winners. The ceremony, held at the London Palladium, was hosted by Bonnie Langford and Melanie La Barrie.

Scherzinger, who was nominated for an Olivier Award, took home the Best Performer in a Musical award for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard at the Savoy Theatre. The musical, an adaptation of the 1950s black comedy about a faded Hollywood star, dominated the night, claiming seven awards. However, it lost out on Best Musical Revival to Guys & Dolls at the Bridge Theatre.

James Norton earned the Best Performer in a Play award for his role in the stage adaptation of A Little Life, which is based on the Booker Prize-nominated novel by Hanya Yanagihara. A Little Life also saw Luke Thompson winning Best Supporting Performer. The acclaimed adaptation of Uncle Vanya, starring Andrew Scott, took home Best Play Revival.

In other awards, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, set 20 years before the events of the hit Netflix series, won Best New Play after its West End debut at the Phoenix Theatre. Meanwhile, Operation Mincemeat, a Second World War comedy, triumphed as Best New Musical.

The evening also saw special accolades for outstanding contributions to theatre, with the Services to UK Theatre Award presented to National Theatre director Rufus Norris. Best Regional Production went to The Lord of the Rings at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury, while Cabaret star Aimee Lou Wood received the Best Takeover award for her role as Sally Bowles at the Playhouse Theatre.

Other highlights included the presentation of the Best West End Show award to Cabaret, which will soon see Cara Delevingne making her stage debut in the iconic role of Sally Bowles.

Ivory Coast Triumphs in Thrilling AFCON Final with Haller’s Late Goal

Ivory Coast Triumphs in Thrilling AFCON Final with Haller’s Late Goal

Hosts Seal Third Africa Cup of Nations Title After Stunning Comeback

In a dramatic AFCON final that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Ivory Coast secured a 2-1 victory over Nigeria to win their third continental title. The Elephants, who faced a turbulent path to the final, overturned a 1-0 deficit with two goals in the second half, including a last-minute strike by Sebastian Haller.

Despite a shaky start to their campaign, with two losses in the group stage and a managerial change, Ivory Coast defied the odds. After surviving a penalty shootout and a tense extra-time win, they emerged as champions in front of their home crowd in Abidjan.

The match began with Ivory Coast on the offensive, but Nigeria struck first with a header from William Troost-Ekong in the 38th minute, giving the Super Eagles a 1-0 lead at halftime. However, the hosts came alive in the second half. Franck Kessie equalized in the 60th minute with a powerful header, and Haller completed the comeback with a composed finish in the 80th minute, after a pinpoint cross from Simon Adingra.

The win was particularly poignant for Haller, who had overcome testicular cancer to play a pivotal role in Ivory Coast’s title run. His goal in the final capped an incredible personal and team achievement.

This triumph marks the third AFCON title for Ivory Coast, with previous victories in 1992 and 2015. Despite Nigeria’s solid defensive record throughout the tournament, they were unable to withstand Ivory Coast’s resurgence in the final. The win also brought immense joy to the Ivory Coast fans, who celebrated their team’s resilience and determination.

Tory MSP Steps Down from Holyrood to Join Scotland Office

Tory MSP Steps Down from Holyrood to Join Scotland Office

Lord Donald Cameron appointed as Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Scotland in the House of Lords

Lord Donald Cameron has stepped down from his position as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Highlands and Islands, taking up a new role as Parliamentary Undersecretary of State at the Scotland Office. The King approved the appointment on Friday, granting Cameron a life peerage, which will see him swap his seat in Holyrood for a position in the House of Lords.

Having served as a list MSP since 2016, Lord Cameron expressed his honour at being appointed to the UK Government role. He remarked, “I am honoured to have been appointed as a UK Government minister and to the House of Lords. As part of the Scotland Office team, I look forward to continuing our work representing Scotland at the heart of Whitehall, upholding the devolution settlement, and ensuring Scotland continues to benefit from the UK Government’s ambitious levelling up agenda.”

Lord Cameron, who is a qualified lawyer, also thanked the voters in the Highlands and Islands for the opportunity to serve them at Holyrood, as well as his colleagues in the Scottish Conservative Party. “It’s been a great honour to be a member of the shadow cabinet under Douglas Ross,” he added.

Alister Jack, the Secretary of State for Scotland, welcomed Lord Cameron’s appointment, praising his legal expertise and parliamentary experience. He stated, “Donald will do a great job helping us to deliver on the priorities of people in Scotland.”

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross also paid tribute to Lord Cameron’s contributions, saying, “He has been a superb MSP and a hugely valued member of my shadow cabinet team, covering many crucial portfolios. The knowledge, wisdom, and decency he has displayed at Holyrood ensure he will be a great addition to the Scotland Office team.”

Tim Eagle will now take over Lord Cameron’s position as MSP for the Highlands and Islands. Ross welcomed Eagle, highlighting his experience in agriculture, rural consultancy, and local government, stating that Eagle would be an excellent advocate for the region.

However, the move was criticised by SNP MP Tommy Sheppard, who argued that it demonstrated the Tories’ “contempt for democracy” and described Cameron’s departure from an elected position as “shameful.” Sheppard criticised the House of Lords as “undemocratic” and “outdated,” calling for a vote for the SNP to end the influence of the Tories and the Lords.

John Bruton Remembered as ‘A Great Statesman’ at Removal Mass in Co Meath

John Bruton Remembered as ‘A Great Statesman’ at Removal Mass in Co Meath

Former Taoiseach hailed for his vision, commitment to peace, and dedication to Ireland and the EU

John Bruton, the former Taoiseach of Ireland, was remembered as a “visionary” and “great statesman” during his removal mass in his hometown of Dunboyne, County Meath, on Friday. The service was held at Saints Peter and Paul’s Church ahead of his state funeral on Saturday.

Mr. Bruton’s remains were brought to the church by his younger brother, former minister Richard Bruton, for the ceremony, which began at 7pm. During the mass, parish priest Pat O’Connor reflected on Mr. Bruton’s significant contributions to Ireland, particularly his leadership within the European Union. O’Connor described him as a “great ambassador for the EU and for Ireland” and praised his tireless dedication in every position he held, from TD to Taoiseach.

“John Bruton was a man who gave his all, whether as a TD, minister, or Taoiseach,” O’Connor said. “He was a visionary whose far-sighted ideas helped shape the future of the EU, and a great statesman who always stayed connected to his roots in Dunboyne.”

EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys, and Justice Minister Helen McEntee were among the dignitaries attending the mass, with several other senior politicians present for the local service. The funeral on Saturday is expected to draw further politicians and public figures. Mr. Bruton will be buried at Rooske Cemetery in Dunboyne following the service.

John Bruton, who served as Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997 and led Fine Gael from 1990 to 2001, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76 after a prolonged illness. He died surrounded by his family in hospital.

Born and raised in Dunboyne, Mr. Bruton studied at University College Dublin before qualifying as a barrister. During his tenure as Taoiseach, one of his first major initiatives was advocating for a referendum to amend the Irish constitution to allow divorce. He also played a key role in the Northern Ireland peace process, working alongside UK Prime Minister John Major on the Anglo-Irish Framework Document.

His legacy is marked by his intellect, his passion for reform, and his deep connection to his family and faith. His brother Richard Bruton remembered him as a “pioneer of reform” and someone who brought forward “a lot of ideas.”

“John always believed that every person counts. He lived by that in his interactions with others,” Richard Bruton said, speaking in the Irish Parliament during a tribute.

John Bruton is survived by his wife Finola, children Matthew, Juliana, Emily, and Mary-Elizabeth, and his grandchildren. Parish priest Pat O’Connor acknowledged the central role that family played in Mr. Bruton’s life, particularly his wife, Finola, who was described as his “guardian angel” during his illness.

“John was very proud of his children, and he cherished the fun and laughter his grandchildren brought him,” O’Connor added. “And of course, John had a great, infectious laugh. We can still hear it now.”