Viral train enthusiast and internet personality turned Gucci model, Channel 4 and now one-time Metrolink driver, Francis Bourgeois, was given the honour of driving a tram through Manchester city centre this past week.
Teaming up with the Bee Network as Greater Manchester’s brilliant public transport network continues to reinvigorate itself and better connect locals across all 10 boroughs, Francis Bourgeois decided to swap railways with tramlines for a change and help operate a real-life Manc route.
After a day out in the city, exploring Manchester and driving trams at the depot with Transport for Greater Manchester, Bourgeois got a feel for the driver’s seat before pulling into Victoria Station on the Bee Network tram to see none other than his mate Niall Horan at the AO Arena.
The Bee Network is genuinely the easiest way for most Mancs to get to the AO for any gig or event as the Victoria, Rochdale, Bury and Shaw lines pull right into the station.
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From there, guests and gig-goers have to walk no more than a few metres up the stairs into the integrated arena entrance. It literally could not be easier and it’s also the most environmentally friendly way of travelling.
As a cultural landmark here in 0161, the Bee Network and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) are buzzing to be strengthening their partnership with the AO Arena more than ever this year.
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Better still, we are absolutely here for cool little collaborations like this — especially when it means we get to bump into people such as Francis out in the wild, who we also got to see on our way to see Niall Horan ourselves.
It was only a matter of time before we saw Francis Bourgeois in control of some kind of locomotive, we’re just glad it ended up being a Manchester tram.
As the unofficial train guy of the internet (rivalled only by Bob Mortimer’s funny online character, maybe), we couldn’t think of a better person to help big up the Bee Network.
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As part of our trip to see the ‘Slow Hands’ singer, we also went to try out the AO Arena’s brand-new on-site bar and restaurant, The Mezz, and wow were we impressed.
Manchester United’s statement in full as Michael Carrick is sacked as manager
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United has now released a formal statement following the news that Michael Carrick has been sacked with immediate effect.
Carrick – who initially played for Manchester United as a midfielder between 2006 and 2018 – was first appointed as a caretaker manager in 2021, before he went on to become the interim manager and then men’s first team head coach earlier this year.
Unfortunately though, United have struggled to find form this season – with the team winning only three of their first 15 games across all competitions.
The club’s statement reads in full: “Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.
“Michael rejoined the club in January and guided the team to a third-placed Premier League finish by winning 12 out of the remaining 17 games of the 2025/26 season, accumulating the highest points tally in the league during that period.
“After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions.
“Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered.
“The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.”
Featured Image – Sky Sports (via YouTube – screenshot)
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‘First-of-its-kind’ reward offered to help find Salford man who went missing 10 years ago
Emily Sergeant
A first-of-its-kind reward is being offered for information on the whereabouts of a Salford man who went missing 10 years ago.
Michael Martin, from Salford – who was 25 when he disappeared – was first reported missing on Monday 8 August 2016 and was last seen at a petrol station on Bolton Road in Kearsley at 7:30am on Sunday 7 August 2016, but since then, there have been no further reported sightings him.
Following immediate enquiries, detectives launched a murder investigation the following week, and the investigation then became what is known as a ‘no-body murder’.
Over the past decade, detectives have been working to try and bring Michael’s body back to his family so they can lay him to rest.
But now, a first-of-its-kind reward of £50,000 is being offered for any information.
Micheal Martin went missing in 2016 / Credit: GMP (Family Handout)
“The not-knowing is gut wrenching every day,” Micheal’s father, Greg Martin, said as he appealed to the public. “We know he’s dead but it’s just not knowing where he was, where he is and what happened to him. It’d give the family some closure – a form of sort of peace.
“My message to the people is to do the right thing. Tell someone or indirectly let the police know what happened to Michael so we can get some peace of mind and closure.”
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes, added: “We are appealing directly to help his family lay their loving son to rest. Michael’s family have not been able to bury their son to bring an element of closure to this heartbreaking tragedy.
“The reward we are offering has never been offered before and that is how much we want to bring Michael home. His family deserve to bring their boy home.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP’s Major Incident Team via the dedicated Major Incident Public Portal here, or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Danny Jones -
11th March 2024 
