Philip Isgar - Sunbeam

Michael Carrick has released a statement in which he thanks the Manchester United fans for supporting him during his time as head coach ❤️🔴

🚨 Sir Alex Ferguson on Manchester United sacking Michael Carrick: “Carrick is my boy. I know how much this club means to him. He has Manchester United in his heart, and I’ve always seen his commitment, passion and desire to take this club forward. But I honestly feel he was badly let down. He was let down by the board and, most importantly, by players who should have stood behind him when things became difficult. You cannot expect a manager to deliver miracles without giving him the tools, players and support he needs. Carrick was expected to compete at the highest level, but was he given the squad and backing to do that? I don’t think so. Look at what he achieved last season. You could see the potential, structure and direction he wanted to bring to this club. He had something special in him, but when consistency became necessary, everything started falling apart around him. Don’t tell me the pressure was too much for him. It wasn’t about him being too small for Manchester United. He was fighting a battle without enough weapons. A manager can only do so much when his players aren’t giving everything. When another manager comes in, watch how some of these players suddenly start running, fighting and giving everything on that pitch. That will tell you a lot about what happened under Carrick. People compare Carrick to me, but they forget that I had the support of the board. I could go out and sign players who fitted my system and understood what I wanted to build. I also had players who understood my demands, believed in my philosophy and were ready to fight for one another. I didn’t build my success with just any collection of players. And let me make one thing clear: you cannot fix a broken car by charging the driver. If the entire machine is damaged, blaming the person behind the steering wheel won’t solve the problem. Manchester United must look beyond the manager. Carrick deserved more patience, more backing and players willing to fight for him. Unfortunately, I don’t believe he got that opportunity. I wish Michael Carrick nothing but the very best in his future. He will always be one of my boys.”

Not my finest hour! But it shows the essence of what @BBCCiN Children in Need is all about: people coming together to help others. There’s a mildly amusing film about it on @BBCNWT on TV this evening at 1830. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c60e…

Leisurely preparation for @BBCNWT late shift: donating platelets! Helping others while lying back with ☕️&🍪💪 @GiveBloodNHS

Keely Hodgkinson has withdrawn from the women's 800 metres at Thursday's Diamond League meeting in Zurich.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people in this country hear the words no one wants to hear. What follows is a path that tests every part of who we are: physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. The challenges ripple outwards, touching families, friendships, work and the quiet moments we spend alone with our thoughts.   Cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life. I know this personally, and that the journey through and beyond treatment requires more than medicine alone.   I have taken on the National Three Peaks Challenge, not simply as a physical endeavour but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back. The Royal Marsden is a place that holds great meaning for me and whose care and expertise are life changing for so many people.   Through this challenge, I want to raise awareness for the deeper impact of serious illness and the importance of holistic healthcare. Every individual is different, and ensuring there is a whole person approach to care enables those living through cancer to manage the deeply personal challenge of diagnosis. Holistic therapies complement clinical pathways and support patients’ ability to maintain their wellbeing, resilience and quality of life during an exceptionally difficult time.     We have an opportunity to reshape what the future of holistic cancer care looks like, enabling more people, nationwide, to access the kind of personalised support that can help make a meaningful difference during and after medical treatment.   This challenge will support the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, helping to transform access to, and understanding of, holistic care that will enhance recovery and healing for patients across the UK.   Healing, whether personal or collective, is not just about fixing what is wrong. It is about finding balance in how we live. Between effort and acceptance, between control and trust, between thinking and simply being. Because in the end, bravery isn’t just about pushing forward. It is about knowing how to stay grounded, connected and present, no matter the terrain, or landscape you are walking through.   Together, we can stand alongside everyone navigating life with cancer, ensuring no one faces this disease feeling unseen or unsupported.   Please know you are not alone.   C

LONDON CALLED & SHE IS BACK 👑 Keely Hodgkinson, the Olympic champion, world indoor champion, and indoor 800m world record holder returns to London Stadium on July 18 - the same track where she ran 1:54.61 in 2024. She was due to compete at the meet last year but was forced to delay her much-anticipated season-opener due to injury. The London Diamond League will be streaming LIVE on FloTrack on July 18. You don't want to miss this! #DiamondLeague coverage presented by @on_running and @FleetFeetSports

Something new! I'm with Lewis for today's @BBCBreakfast Hope you can keep us company and hope your Sunday's going well 🌞

Watching on SkySports + But sound and NO picture ?

History-maker ✅ The former England rugby league international refereed Wigan Warriors' match against Huddersfield Giants.

Merry Christmas, everyone.