With the 2024 Paris Olympics right around the corner, Manchester is set to give Team GB a warm homecoming reception this summer.
Teaming up with the National Lottery, Team GB will be getting a hero’s welcome when they fly back from the games which kick off this Friday, 26 July.
Set to take place at Manchester’s legendary AO Arena, the event will be hosted by Emma Willis and Vernon Kay, with interviews and appearances from Olympic legends, rising stars and all those hoping to bring home the gold at Paris 2024.
With live music and entertainment from some big names as well as the all-around celebrations following what we already know is going to be another successful year for our Olympians, it’s set to be a very special occasion.
Featuring a stellar line-up of iconic UK artists including Clean Bandit, Jess Glynne, Pete Tong and Rag’n’Bone Man, the show will be a moment for the nation to party alongside the athletes and toast their incredible achievements, dedication and passion with pride.
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This year’s events are also to thank National Lottery players whose funding helps support Team GB and Paralympics GB athletes to be the best they can be.
A sister event for the Paralympics will also be hosted at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham on Thursday, 12 September, with coverage of both being broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer.
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Since the National Lottery began funding to help support elite sport in 1997, Team GB has never fallen out of the top 10 in the medal table and came fourth at the Tokyo Olympics, winning a stunning 22 golds.
During the Tokyo 2020 English swimmer Adam Peaty won Team GB’s landmark 100th gold medal since National Lottery funding began, with a total of 117 golds won so far.
TV presenter and host Vernon Kay said: “I’ve seen first-hand how amazingly dedicated and talented our athletes are and the difference the support of National Lottery players makes to their ability to be the best they can be.
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“The National Lottery’s Team GB Homecoming event will be a moment to recognise the achievements of the athletes and thank National Lottery players who have helped them on their journey to Paris. I can’t wait to celebrate together!”
National Lottery players in Manchester and all over the country are helping power the Paris 2024 team and their homecoming event.
Co-host Emma Willis added: “There’s a fantastic buzz during the Olympics and The National Lottery’s Team GB Homecoming event will be the perfect way to celebrate and welcome home our phenomenal athletes.
“The National Lottery plays a key role in supporting them all to get to the Games, so everyone involved is ready for a big old party packed with athletes, artists, and of course, the public! I’m super excited to be asked to host, along with Vernon. I have no doubt it’ll be a very fun and special evening.”
National Lottery players have the opportunity to enter a ballot to win a pair of free (barring a £2 booking fee). The ballot is now open with a total of 6,000 tickets up for grabs and those entering for tickets will be required to confirm they have a National Lottery ticket that they can present on the day of the event.
Team GB’s Manchester Olympic homecoming is due to take place on Saturday, 17 August with the broadcast set to go live the following day. Lottery players can grab their tickets HERE.
Paul Scholes blasts Ruben Amorim for ‘bull****’ response to Kobbie Mainoo question
Danny Jones
Club legend Paul Scholes has called out Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim for what he dubbed a “bull****” reaction to a question from a journalist regarding Kobbie Mainoo on Thursday.
The Portuguese coach saw his Premier League win rate clock in at just under 44% (the lowest of any Man United manager for, let’s just say, some time) after the 1-1 home draw against West Ham.
Conceding a late goal against the Irons, who are currently sat in the relegation zone, the Red Devils ultimately dropped another two points against a side that they should be beating, both based on present form and if they have any hopes of competing for the top spots.
Unsurprisingly, Amorim was pressed on why he didn’t make a more offensive substitution to try and claw back the victory, to which he then asked what looked to be a somewhat loaded question and gave this reaction after the response:
The laughter, in particular, hasn’t gone down well with everyone, especially the Class of ’92 graduate and retired midfielder.
Jumping on social media after the quotes from the Amorim press conference were out, Scholes posted on his Instagram story: Bull****. This kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can’t control a game of football.”
He went on to add: “Hate seeing homegrown players leave, but it’s probably best for him now – enough is enough.”
First off, Reds – do you agree?
It isn’t the first time Scholes has levelled criticism at Amorim, his tactics, management and overall coaching style, having said this of their previous appointment at Old Trafford.
Paul Scholes on Ruben Amorim's tactics against 10-man Everton which frustrated him 😬 pic.twitter.com/AgsESuH83h
Safe to say he isn’t his biggest supporter at the moment.
Fellow former teammate and England international turned pundit, Gary Neville, was also left not just confused but frustrated by the performance, telling Sky Sports in his post-match interview that he noted the camera picking up “real dejection” on the faces of the fans after the full-time whistle.
With an away trip against Wolves, a home match against Bournemouth, as well as travelling to face high-flying European place competitors, Aston Villa, before hosting Newcastle on Boxing Day, it’s anyone’s guess as to how the results will pan out.
You can see the highlights from Man United vs West Ham down below.
How many points do you see them picking up over the next four fixtures?
BBC releases first look of new drama series based on inspirational journey of England men’s football team
Emily Sergeant
First look images of a new BBC drama series based on award-winning play Dear England have been released.
The four-part series based on James Graham’s Olivier-award winning play of the same name tells the story of Gareth Southgate and the England men’s football team journey to renewed success, and it’s set to air on BBC One and iPlayer next year.
Dear England is a fictionalised account of the struggles and successes of England’s football teams, based on extensive research and interviews.
The stage play premiered at the National Theatre to five-star reviews, winning an Olivier award for ‘Best New Play’, and enjoying a sell-out run in 2023 before it returned to the National Theatre earlier this year and then embarked on a national tour.
The first look images of new BBC series Dear England have been released / Credit: BBC
With the worst team track record for penalties in the world when he takes over as manager, Gareth knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take England back to the promised land.
The country that gave the world football has delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t the England team win at their own game?
Joseph Fiennes will reprise his Olivier award-nominated role as Gareth Southgate in the new series.
Joseph Fiennes will star as former manager Gareth Southgate / Credit: BBC
The first look pictures see Fiennes in his role for the first time in scenes depicting England’s triumphant Euro 2024 Semi-Final celebrations, where the men’s team reached their first final of a major tournament on foreign soil.
Fiennes is joined by Jodie Whittaker as England men’s team psychologist Pippa Grange, and Daniel Ryan as Steve Holland the former assistant manager, whilst Will Antenbring stars as Harry Kane, joined by an ensemble cast of upcoming actors as the rest of the team.
Among the squad cast is Adam Hugill, Josh Barrow, and screen newcomer Lewis Shepherd, who are all reprising their respective stage roles as Harry Maguire, Jordan Pickford, and Dele Alli.
Danny Jones -
23rd July 2024 
