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​Leicester City make £3.5m bid for Lokomotiv Moscow striker Dame N'Doye.

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Leicester City are in talks to sign Lokomotiv Moscow striker Dame N'Doye.

City are believed to have made a bid in the region of £3.5million for the Senegal international and discussions are said to be positive.

The 29-year-old has scored 24 goals in 57 appearances for the Russian side since joining from FC Copenhagen in 2012.

N'Dame is a physical and athletic forward, renowned for his tireless work-rate, which would suit City's style of pressing from the front.

​Leicester City make £3.5m bid for Lokomotiv Moscow striker Dame N’Doye.


Firefighters tackle bungalow blaze in Leicester

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Firefighters were called out after a fire broke out in the lounge of a semi-detached bungalow this afternoon.

Smoke was pouring out of the front window when crews arrived at the property in Plymstock Close, Dane Hills, Leicester, shortly after 3.15pm.

Two fire engines from the city's Western Station attended the incident.

The blaze was put out by 3.49pm.

A spokeswoman for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said the majority of the property suffered heat damage.

The cause of the fire is now under investigation, but the incident has been passed on to Leicestershire Police to look into.

The fire spokeswoman said: "The incident has been handed over to the police."

Firefighters tackle bungalow blaze in Leicester

Leicester City sign Esteban Cambiasso on one-year deal

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Leicester City have completed the signing of Esteban Cambiasso.

The former Inter Milan and Real Madrid midfielder has finally put pen to paper on a one-year deal, joining as a free agent following weeks of negotiations.

Cambiasso will wear the number 19 shirt but City will not know until tomorrow whether Cambiasso will be eligible for the visit of Arsenal on Sunday.

Reports had suggested that City were hoping to sign the Argentinian on a two-year deal but Cambiasso was quoted earlier this week saying his preference would be a one-year contract.

The deal to sign Cambiasso had initially stalled due to issues with the players' representatives.

But Pearson said earlier this week that progress has been made over the weekend and it is believed Cambiasso later contacted the club to confirm his desire to join.

Cambiasso is the most decorated Argentinian footballer in history, winning more trophies than any other player, including the Champions League with Inter in 2010 under Jose Mourinho.

The deal is likely to leave any potential move for Wigan midfielder James McArthur in doubt.

City were understood to have had a second bid, of around £7m rejected as there were some issues over the structure of the payment.

Crystal Palace are now said to be interested in the Scotland international.

Leicester City sign Esteban Cambiasso on one-year deal

Young gay woman injured in homophobic attack determined to join police at Leicester Pride march

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A woman who was beaten unconscious because of her sexuality will join police on Leicester's Pride parade tomorrow.

Kerry Byrnes will walk alongside members of Leicestershire Police's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) network in the event's centrepiece parade through the city centre.

Pride takes places a fortnight after two men taunted the 23-year-old about her sexuality before punching her in the head until she lost consciousness.

Kerry, who is recovering from injuries including a fractured cheekbone, took up an invitation to take part from Assistant Chief Constable, Phil Kay.

She said it had taken several days to consider the offer because she still feels nervous leaving her home and believed she would feel uneasy in a large crowd.

On Wednesday, she left her house for the first time since the attack, which happened in her home town of Oakham early on Sunday, August 17.

Kerry, who moved from Leicester to Oakham seven years ago, said: "I go to Pride every year and was planning to go to go this time, too, but I cancelled my plans after the attack.

"I didn't want to be around a crowd of people, even if it was Pride. But the police have said they will look after me.

"It's good to know there are people out there supporting me.

"I went out of the house for the first time on Wednesday and that was a big step for me.

"I'm feeling better physically, but mentally I'm still getting there."

Martyn Parker, chairman of Leicester Pride, said: "Some people have said Pride is no longer necessary, but then an assault like this will happen and remind us there are still people like these men out there."

Mr Parker, who has worked with police on the force's Stamp It Out campaign against hate crime, said he would give Kerry a pass to go backstage at the Pride event in Victoria Park.

Kerry shared a photograph of her injured face on social media in the days after the attack and urged people to help police find the two attackers.

Police in Oakham printed a leaflet featuring the photograph and showed it to people in the town's bars last weekend.

The suspects are white, in their 20s and about 5ft 7in.

One wore a hooded top. The other had spiky blond hair.

Sergeant Joanne Hodson, of Oakham police, said: "The response from the community has been 'this is a terrible incident and we will do whatever we can to help'.

"We've also had a wonderful response from the media.

"We are happy the message has gone far and wide because we needed as many people as possible to see it.

"We are quite a small band of people at this police station and we are all pulling together to do our bit for this young woman."

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Pc Mark Barlow on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Young gay woman injured in homophobic attack determined to join police at Leicester Pride march

Skeleton found by workers digging at Blaby council offices

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Workers discovered human remains while installing a lift at a council office.

The men came across the bones on Wednesday as they worked at Blaby District Council's offices in Desford Road, Narborough.

Police officers and a forensic team were called and the area was cordoned off for most of the day.

Analysis confirmed the bones are at least 70 years old. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

A spokeswoman for the council said part of the building was situated over a former rectory, which could explain the find.

However, Tom Seaton and Adam Bride, who found the remains, said it was still quite a shock.

Tom, 20, from Cleethorpes, said: "We started digging the hole and we found bones. We kept digging and found more.

"The first thing we found was part of a leg and we then found fingers, ribs, a skull, a pelvis, arms and legs.

"We thought it was a human, definitely.

"We probably found about half a bin bag full of bones."

The pair discovered the bones at 8am on Wednesday.

"The police sent some forensics staff who said they were definitely human bones, but they were too old to be anything untoward," said Tom.

"I thought it was quite exciting."

Adam, 44, also from Cleethorpes, said finding bones was fairly common when digging. "However, as we went a bit further we realised the bones were definitely human," he said.

"You could see that by the size of them. Then we dug up a skull."

The bones are being stored in the council building until they can be buried at a church.

A spokeswoman for the council said a hospital professor attended the scene along with the forensic officers.

She said: "Due to the condition of the bones and the building's location in relation to the nearby church and graveyard, the case isn't being treated as suspicious.

"There were no marks on the bones to suspect foul play and forensics have been unable to date them other than they are at least 70 years plus.

"Because they can't date them, as they're in fragments and without any teeth, they are not able to go any further.

"They are currently being stored here, but the church is being contacted."

She said as the builders were not digging any deeper, they were unlikely to come across any other human remains.

A police spokesman said: "We were called at 9.16am on Wednesday after pieces of bone were found during building work at a premises in Desford Road, in Narborough.

"Scenes of crime officers attended.

"There were no suspicious circumstances and the coroner has been informed."

Skeleton found by workers digging at Blaby council offices

Dad signed me up for Leicester Marathon before he died

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A man will be running the Leicester Marathon in memory of his father – after discovering he had signed him up before he died.

Simon Wood-Nolan, of Ratby, received a confirmation e-mail for the event a few weeks after the death of his dad, John.

The 32-year-old will now be raising money for Loros hospice as a tribute.

John, who had lung cancer, died at the Groby Road hospice on May 5, aged 62.

Simon said the marathon was his father's way of thanking the charity for the care he received in his final days.

"Dad had put me forward for it without me knowing," he said. "He had always wanted to repay Loros for what it had done for him and I suppose this was his way."

Simon said he felt "honoured and privileged" to be running the marathon for his dad.

He has had a pair of trainers made especially for the event, in Loros' yellow and red colours.

"It makes it even more special to know he's trusted me to raise this money for him," Simon said. "On the tongue of the trainers I've had 'this is for you, Dad,' stitched in."

John was diagnosed with lung cancer in April last year.

He had been suffering with severe back pain but had put it down to working as a mechanic for 40 years.

One day, Simon said his father was in so much pain he was "practically paralysed" on the floor.

He was rushed to hospital, where it was confirmed he had several large tumours growing in his lungs.

"The tumours had grown so big they had fractured his back in three places and broken five of his ribs," said Simon. "It was devastating."

Despite responding well to the first stint of chemotherapy, John became ill during the second.

In April this year, doctors stopped the treatment and said there was nothing more they could do.

Eventually, he made the decision to go to Loros and spent six days there before his death.

"For all they did for Dad and our family, I will forever be in Loros's debt," said Simon. "It is absolutely outstanding what they do."

As well as signing Simon up for the marathon, John also left behind a list of wishes he asked his son to complete.

This included ensuring his wife, Christine, received her 40th wedding anniversary card on June 22. John wrote the card before he died and Simon delivered it to his mum, along with a red rose, on the day.

John also instructed Simon to teach his own son, Isaac, how to play snooker and pool and asked him to make sure he takes his mum and family to Southend – John's favourite place – every year.

Another wish is for Simon to take his family to watch West Ham United play.

He has also asked his son to take care of his mum, to make sure he has a beer with his Uncle Terry as often as he can and to keep cutting his carefully mowed lawn.

Simon said he put together the list with his father during the last few days of his life.

"I became so close to Dad when he was ill – the bond we developed was incredible," he said.

To help Simon raise money for Loros, visit:

www.justgiving.com/runforjohn

Dad signed me up for Leicester Marathon before he died

How the police are getting it right

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Police record crime accurately and ethically, according to national watchdog.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) examined the Leicestershire force's handling of all crime reports received between October 2012 and November 2013.

With a few exceptions, it found the force had recorded the incidents correctly.

HMIC issued reports into several forces in England and Wales yesterday as part of an investigation into the accuracy of recorded crime statistics.

The report concluded: "It was evident the force is focused on the accurate, ethical recording of crime, with no management pressure being applied to under-record or mis-record crimes to hit performance targets.

"The consistent, ethical crime recording messages from chief officers are reaching front-line staff and creating a culture where the victim is at the centre of all crime investigative decisions."

Assistant Chief Constable Roger Bannister, said: "Effective policing depends on the trust the public have in us.

"It is imperative that our crime figures paint an accurate and reliable picture of what is happening in our communities.

"This report demonstrates the significant lengths we go to record crime accurately and, thereafter, in verifying and checking that those records are right.

"I hope this report serves to reassure anyone who had any doubts that, in the vast majority of cases, we get it right."

Driver who "lost it" bit one police officer and tried to head-butt another

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A man who bit a police officer on the arm has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Eric Hands sank his teeth into the officer's left arm after threatening to head-butt another officer.

He pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm.

Victoria Rose, prosecuting at Leicester Crown Court, said officers stopped Hands in a car in Station Road, Broughton Astley, at 12.34am on April 21.

She said their roadside breath test machine was not working properly and Hands was "abusive and aggressive".

Miss Rose told the court: "He was arrested due to his behaviour and with a view to a breath test procedure being carried out a the police station.

"He was shouting and swearing at officers and repeatedly smashed his head against the van's (interior) cage door."

After being removed from the van, Hands "lunged" at the victim and one of his colleagues, who restrained him.

She said Hands was "threatening to head-butt the colleague," but the victim put his hand on the back of his neck to push his face away.

The officer "suddenly felt a bite to his right arm, causing a burning sensation," Miss Rose said.

"The other officer had to make distraction strikes on his head to get him to release his bite."

The injured constable received immediate medical treatment to a "large wound" on his forearm.

Although the victim did not have stitches, the wound was dressed and he had to have a variety of blood tests, with the final results due in October.

Hands (34) of Jubilee Road, Broughton Astley, was given a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months.

He was ordered to attend a thinking skills programme and do 50 hours of unpaid work.

Recorder Sam Mainds said: "You lost it on that night and behaved in an appalling way – and it was out of character.

"I've not heard any satisfactory explanation for that, or any remorse, although I understand you've written to the officer to apologise.

"Assaulting police officers and biting them is always serious. I'm suspending the sentence because of what's been said on your behalf."

Michael Garvey, mitigating, said: "He can't explain his actions with any clarity.

"He was in a low mood and on anti-depressants.

"He doesn't recall drinking particularly, but did have something to drink and possibly had more tablets than he should have done."

Hands was said to have been depressed due to breaking-up with his partner. They are reconciled.

Driver who


Natural world photo competition: A stag in silhouette

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Bradgate Park is a Mecca for amateur photographers hoping to shoot the perfect wildlife shot.

Linsey Williams' picture of a stag in silhouette is one of the hundreds of entries in our Natural World photography competition.

She said she knew it was a great shot as she took it.

Linsey, 57, of Kirby Muxloe, said: "I go to Bradgate Park regularly with my camera and I got this shot quite early in the morning during the rutting season when there are always lots of deer about.

"I loved the picture and it's one of my favourites.

"I think the stag looks so magnificent, the way he's standing."

The top prize in the Natural World competition is £100 with £50 prizes for runners-up.

See today's paper for more entries and details on how to enter.

Natural world photo competition: A stag in silhouette

Objections to 20mph speed limit debated

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Councillors will meet next week to discuss objections to a proposed 20mph speed limit zone.

Leicester City Council has drawn up an £82,000 scheme to cover Aylestone village.

Highways officials received two complaints about the proposal, which means the issue will have to be debated by members of the authority's planning committee on Wednesday.

The first objection was to plastic speed humps which, it was argued, would be unattractive.

The objector also raised concerns that no engineering works were planned to prevent unauthorised right turns from Old Church Street into Middleton Street.

A second objection suggested nobody wanted the work to be carried out in the first place.

The council said speed calming would enhance the character of the area and that a 48-name petition was submitted in June 2008 calling for traffic calming and 20mph limits.

The council said the emergency services had been advised of the proposals and had made no objections.

Escaped snake causes a stir in Wigston

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An escaped snake caused a stir when it was spotted slithering along the pavement in a quiet residential street.

Puzzled bystanders called the police at about 9.35pm on Wednesday, after coming across the rogue 1.5ft-long snake in Roehampton Drive, opposite the Stage Hotel in Wigston.

Unaware that the brightly-coloured reptile was harmless, the group gathered and waited for local beat bobby, Pcso Vince Preston, to arrive – equipped with gloves and a secure container.

He said: "There were about eight or nine people standing round – parents and kids – and they were more intrigued then scared.

"I thought I was going to find a piece of garden hose – but it turned out to be an actual snake.

"It was on the footpath. I'd brought a pair of gloves and box with me just in case the call turned out to be real!"

Pcso Preston had no idea as to whether the snake was venomous and approached it with caution.

It was only later, when the Mercury sent a picture of the animal to experts at Twycross Zoo for identification, that Pcso Preston learned it was a harmless king snake.

Dr Charlotte Macdonald, head of life sciences at the zoo, said there was nothing to fear from the creature.

The king snake is native to north America and Mexico, but is commonly kept as a household pet in the UK.

She said: "The king snake – lampropeltis getula – is recognisable by its distinct yellow and black markings, and is a species that is quite commonly kept as a pet."

But Pcso Preston said it was quite a tense situation as he scooped up the snake and put it into a box.

"I had no idea what it was," he said. "I did think about taking a selfie with it, but I had no idea whether it was poisonous. I didn't want to take the chance of it biting me in the face!"

Pcso Preston has been working the Oadby and Wigston patch for about nine years and said he had come across some "weird" things in that time.

"I've had some strange calls," he said.

"I found a lamb wandering through South Wigston once and the other week I had to deal with an injured squirrel – it's definitely an interesting job."

Psco Preston eventually took the snake to The Park Veterinary Group, in Dominion Road, Glenfield.

A spokeswoman for the vets said: "We did take care of it, but we've handed it to a charity now. If anyone wants to be put in touch with the charity, give us a call."

If you think the snake is yours, call The Park Veterinary Group on 0116 231 1635.

Escaped snake causes a stir in Wigston

Police appeal after woman is indecently assaulted in Primark, Leicester

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Police are searching for a man who indecently assaulted a woman in Leicester city centre's Primark store. The man indecently touched the 28-year-old woman while she was in a queue for the tills at the Humberstone Gate shop. The man then followed the woman out of the shop to nearby Clarence Street and spoke to her while he touched himself. The incident happened at 5.25pm on Wednesday August 13. Pc Heather Brown said: "We believe this to be an isolated incident and would appeal to anyone who recognises the description of the suspect or who saw him acting inappropriately to come forward and speak to us as soon as possible. "We would particularly like to speak to a woman who walked past the suspect as he walked away onto Humberstone Gate." The suspect is Asian appearance, in his early-30s, approximately 5ft 2ins and of slim build. He has short dark straight hair and was wearing a green top and dark jeans. Contact Pc Brown on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Police appeal after woman is indecently assaulted in Primark, Leicester

On this day: 50 years ago

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Hundreds of Beatles' fans who spent Saturday night sleeping on the pavement outside Leicester's De Montfort Hall waiting to buy tickets for the Liverpool group's performance in October, might as well have been in bed at home.

Leicester Corporation Entertainment's Manager, Mr Ted Goddard, who is responsible for the sale of tickets, admitted today that he still had between 400 and 500 left.

"All the cheapest tickets and all the most expensive ones were sold yesterday morning, but we still have quite a few left for both houses," he said.

Armed with sleeping bags, coffee flasks, waterproofs and enthusiasm, teenagers began arriving outside De Montfort Hall as early as 6.30pm.

The advertised time for the box office opening had been 9.30am, but on Saturday night, it was decided to advance the time by one hour to enable the teenagers to disperse as soon as possible.

By 10.30am, two hours after the box office opened, most of the fans had dispersed. A few hung about in groups, and one or two, exhausted by the night's vigil, lay down on the grass in Victoria Park and went to sleep.

Leicester City bid accepted for QPR defender Danny Simpson

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Leicester City have had a bid accepted for QPR right-back Danny Simpson.

Rangers manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed that the club have received the bid for the 27-year-old and said he is confident of a deal going through.

"I think it's going to happen. Danny's a good lad, good player. He did a great job for us last year," said Redknapp.

Leicester City bid accepted for QPR defender Danny Simpson

Leicester City fanzone: A red-letter day - despite the result

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What a trip to Stamford Bridge that was. The lads did us proud, and put one of the title favourites into a real sweat for the best part of an hour.

The whole day was special, including our fans who once again showed their support for our lads throughout. It was lovely to hear all the positive comments from people who felt City did themselves great justice in what could have been a really tricky afternoon's work against Chelsea.

And yes, our boys really were out there in red. I've heard mixed opinions about us opting for a red third kit this season, but the 1,000-issue limited-edition replica stock vanished from the shelves in hours.

I've also been told that the club have no stock left for the red kit. Let's hope they ask Puma to produce a few thousand more so all who want one can get their hands on it.

It was a bit of an cup upset in the week against League Two side Shrewsbury. Our mixture of senior and development squad players didn't seem to gel, and it was just not our night.

I don't blame Nigel Pearson for protecting a lot of his key starters though. With injuries to several first-teamers, it would have been a gamble to play them with the might of Arsenal looming on Sunday.

When you think back to our magical memories of League Cup success, it does make your heart sink a little that we are out so soon, but I think we'd almost all take Premier League survival over a cup run.

There are some stories in football that make you so pleased to be a City fan.

Just look at the pickle Crystal Palace have got themselves into lately, with Tony Pulis walking away just hours before the season started.

And the recent instability at Fulham has seen them fall to the bottom of the Championship from being a regular Premier League side for years.

I know the recent transfer sagas have had some fans' frustrations rising, but I can't help feeling that these things only take time because the owners and management of our club are trying to do deals that in our best interests.

There's a big upside to all of what is going on at King Power Stadium lately for me. Good owners and good man-management will see us a lot further than wild spending and knee-jerk changes of management at the drop of a hat.

I hope we can all stick with it and get behind the lads, even if Arsenal give us the runaround for a bit on Sunday. Here's hoping for a shock City victory in front of the TV cameras!

Simon Mack is the chief writer for www.100lcfc.com

Leicester City fanzone: A red-letter day - despite the result


Premier League predictions - with Foxes one-day captain Josh Cobb

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What is the score going to be when  Leicester City welcome Arsenal to the King Power Stadium on Sunday?

That's the question we are asking Leicester Mercury sports writer James Sharpe, who gives us his prediction and casts his eye of the rest of the weekend's action.

It's three points for a correct score and just one point for getting the right result. Don't agree? Think you can do better? Have a go yourself. Put your predictions in the comments section and see if you can beat them.

This year our man is going head-to-head with some of Leicestershire's biggest sporting names. Last week, Sharpe came out on top  against City legend Steve Walsh.

This week, the man in the hot seat is Leicestershire Foxes one-day captain Josh Cobb.

Cobby is not the most optimistic for City's chances against the Gunners on Sunday. The big-hitting opener is predicted a 3-1 defeat for Nigel Pearson's men.

Premier League Score Sharpe Cobb
SATURDAY
Burnley v Man Utd x-x 1-2 0-1
Man City v Stoke x-x 4-0 2-0
Newcastle v Crystal Palace x-x 1-0 1-1
QPR v Sunderland x-x 1-2 1-2
Swansea v West Brom x-x 2-0 0-1
West Ham v Southampton x-x 1-1 1-1
Everton v Chelsea x-x 1-2 0-2
SUNDAY
Aston Villa v Hull x-x 0-0 0-0
Tottenham v Liverpool x-x 2-2 2-1
Leicester v Arsenal x-x 2-2 1-3

Leicester City v Arsenal King Power Stadium, Sunday, 4pm

Verdict: The tough tests just keep on coming for Nigel Pearson's men. A lot will depend on the fitness of his key players – Jamie Vardy, Danny Drinkwater, Marc Albrighton…even Dean Hammond.

It is unknown, as yet, whether new signing Esteban Cambiasso will be eligible for the game but I doubt he would feature anyway, as I can't imagine he is up to match fitness yet.

If City can put on the sort of performance as they did against Chelsea last week, and not the awful display that lost to Shrewsbury, they will prove a stern test for an Arsenal side that hasn't been convincing in their first two Premier League, despite picking up four points from a possible six.

With Olivier Giroud out for four months with a broken tibia, it will mean Alexis Sanchez is likely to start up top. He bagged his first goal for the club in the Champions League qualifier on Wednesday.

The Gunners' game against Everton showed that they are still shaky at the back and City could well open them up on the counter. I really think they will give them a good game.

Prediction: 2-2


Burnley v Man Utd Turf Moor, Saturday, 12.45pm

Verdict: If City thought their Capital One Cup defeat was bad, that was nothing compared to Man United's – a 4-0 defeat at MK Dons. They didn't have a bad side out either.

Just watching Louis van Gaal's side play, there is no pace, no tempo, all their passing is sideways with no penetration at all. Let's see if Angel Di Maria, just the £60million, can rejuvenate the side.

Turf Moor is never an easy place to go, but with the Clarets having now lost three in a row, with their own disappointing cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, I think United should still be a smidgen too strong.

Prediction: 1-2


Man City v Stoke Etihad Stadium, Saturday, 3pm

Verdict: I can only see one winner here. Man City were absolutely rampant once they got going against Liverpool. Before they scored the opener, it was pretty level-pegging but once City got going they showed the quality and ruthlessness that took them to the title last season.

Stevan Jovetic scored two, and it took Sergio Aguero just 23 seconds to find the net after coming off the bench. It was quite scary.

Stoke have been a little below what people expected of Mark Hughes' side before the season started and I give them little hope here.

Prediction: 4-0


Newcastle v Crystal Palace St James' Park, Saturday, 3pm

Verdict: Neil Warnock is the man tasked with filling the very successful shoes of Tony Pulis. To be fair, Warnock's style of play will not be too dissimilar to that of Pulis. Organised, disciplined, hard to beat. Some might say, boring.

Newcastle are yet to score in the league this season but, haven't actually looked too bad. They grabbed a goal at Gillingham in midweek and I think they will be too strong at home to Palace.

Prediction: 1-0


QPR v Sunderland Loftus Road, Saturday, 3pm

Verdict: QPR have made a terrible start to the season. They were absolutely dreadful at Tottenham last week, and the most concerning thing for Harry Redknapp was his side just seem to lack all effort. There was no hard work, no desire and no application. You can't survive in the Premier League like that.

Sunderland have drawn both their games so far, including against United last week, but have shown signs of replicating the form they showed at the end of last season. I rate Connor Wickham very highly and think he, and his Sunderland team-mates, could enjoy themselves.

Prediction: 1-2


Swansea v West Brom Liberty Stadium, Saturday, 3pm

Verdict: Swansea have made a cracking start to the season with a thoroughly deserved victory over United on the opening day following by an expected one over Burnley last week.

Bafetimbi Gomis grabbed his first goal for the club in the cup in midweek and should form quite a partnership with Wilfried Bony.

West Brom have shown themselves to be tough to break down but I think will struggle for goals. I think Swansea's frontline will be a bit too strong.

Prediction: 2-0


West Ham v Southampton Upton Park, Saturday, 3pm

Verdict: West Ham are the side that has surprised me most so far. I know they lost to Spurs first week, but they did not play too badly, and they looked really good in their 3-1 victory over Palace last week.

Southampton, meanwhile, have also performed much better than expected despite the departures of most of last season's key players – Lambert, Lallana, Lovren and Shaw.

I expect this one to be tight.

Prediction: 1-1


Everton v Chelsea Goodison Park, Saturday, 3pm

Verdict: For the best part of an hour, City held their own against a Chelsea side many think will go on to win the title. But, as expected, they ultimately proved to have just a bit too much when it mattered.

The problem Everton face against a side with the attacking prowess of Chelsea is that they have shown, in their first two games, that they concede goals pretty easily. Four in two games, so far.

With Cesc Fabregas now pulling the strings, and Eden Hazard now off the mark and looking good, I do fear for Everton's defence.

Prediction: 1-2


Aston Villa v Hull Villa Park, Sunday, 1.30pm

Verdict: Villa are a side that many tipped to struggle this season but, so far, have surprised a few. Their defence looks a lot sturdier that last season with Ron Vlaar taking his World Cup form into the season. The problem is, again, up top and the ability to find goals with Christian Benteke on the sidelines.

Hull will be without Robert Snodgrass for much of the season, Shane Long has been sold and the capture of Jordan Rhodes as his replacement has fallen through. That's an awful lot of firepower that's missing.

Prediction: 0-0


Tottenham v Liverpool White Hart Lane, Sunday, 1.30pm

Verdict: Liverpool were going toe to toe with Man City last week until the first goal went in. Then they were powerless to stop City's relentless quality.

Spurs had the simple task of dispatching an almost non-existent QPR last week but will face a much sterner test here. Everyone will have their eyes on one man: Mario Balotelli. What difference will he make to Liverpool's attack?

Liverpool won 5-0 at White Hart Lane last year but Spurs look a completely different prospect under Mauricio Pochettino.

Both teams have goals in them, though, so it could be a close, exciting game.

Prediction: 2-2

Premier League predictions - with Foxes one-day captain Josh Cobb

Russian man who 'couldn't handle his vodka' drunkenly climbed house scaffolding to get in through upstairs window

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A Russian man who could not handle his vodka ended up drunkenly climbing up scaffolding to get in through a house window, a court heard.

Alexander Misket (29) entered the first floor upstairs and looked around, whilst a female resident was downstairs.

She was alerted by neighbours and confronted Misket on the pavement outside her home in Clifford Street, Loughborough, at 9 pm on September 26 last year.

James Thomas, prosecuting, told Leicester Crown Court: "He'd left without stealing anything.

"There was an exchange of words between him and the woman and he ran off.

"The police detained him nearby.

"He told the officers he had recently lost his job."

In interview, he said he got drunk at a friend's house nearby and was merely climbing the scaffolding outside the victim's home for "amusement."

"He couldn't remember going inside the property," said Mr Thomas.

Misket, formerly of Clarence Street, Loughborough, admitted burglary with intent to steal.

Isabel Wilson, mitigating, said: "Whilst the occupant was downstairs and there was no confrontation inside the property.

"He now lives in Fort William, Scotland, with his partner, and works at a prawn processing plant."

Misket was sentenced to a two year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £250 compensation to the victim for distress suffered.

He also was told to pay £100 costs.

Recorder Sam Mainds said: "It must have been upsetting for the woman concerned at the time.

"In normal circumstances there'd be a prison sentence.

"Being drunk on vodka, or anything, is no excuse for entering someone's house.

"You, as a Russian, should be able to take your vodka rather better than you did on that occasion.

"I'm impressed by the fact you're in a proper job, have sorted your life out and are earning good money.

"I'm prepared to pass this (lenient) sentence as you're a man of previous good character.

"It's an exceptional course, and I do that because a suspended prison sentence isn't possible in Scotland, where you're now living.

"But if you commit another offence in the next two years you will be back before the court and dealt with again for this.

"Next time you drink a lot of vodka make sure you've got someone to keep an eye on you."

Russian man who 'couldn't handle his vodka' drunkenly climbed house scaffolding to get in through upstairs window

TOWIE star Joey Essex getting ready for Leicester nightclub appearance

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The Only Way is Essex star Joey Essex will be making an appearance in Leicester tonight.

The reality TV celebrity, who also appeared on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here, is hosting an event at the Venom nightclub in Belgrave Gate, Leicester city centre.

He tweeted: "Catch me in Leicester this Friday at Venom Nightclub for the Cosmo Leicester Launch Party!"

TOWIE star Joey Essex getting ready for Leicester nightclub appearance

Esteban Cambiasso hopes to bring a "great history" to Leicester City

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Esteban Cambiasso said he hopes to bring a "great history" to Leicester City in the Premier League.

The 34-year-old midfielder signed a one-year deal at the club last night following weeks of speculation.

Cambiasso has won pretty much all there is in the game, including La Liga with Real Madrid, Serie A with Inter Milan, as well as the Champions League under Jose Mourinho in 2010. This is his first time in the Premier League.

"I need to play in the Premier League," said Cambiasso. "This is a great possibility. I am very, very happy because it is the beginning of my history in the Premier League.

"I hope in the future this is a great history. I hope to make good matches for me, for the club and for the fans."

City boss Nigel Pearson said he was "delighted" to have secured the signing of one of the game's most decorated players.

"Cambiasso is not a bums-on-seats signing. He is here to be a footballer and play football," said Pearson.

"I am delighted that we have been able to do the deal. If Cambiasso was younger, he would not be playing for us."

The club are still waiting on Cambiasso's international clearance and the decision on whether he will be available, or not, for Sunday's visit of Arsenal should come later today.

Pearson confirmed that Matty James and Matthew Upson are the only two players ruled out of the game through injury.

Danny Drinkwater, Marc Albrighton and Jamie Vardy are all in contention after returning to full training.

Esteban Cambiasso hopes to bring a “great history” to Leicester City

Great British Bake Off champion Frances Quinn hoping to see comeback from eliminated contestant Iain Watters

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Bake Off champion Frances Quinn has said she hopes her favourite Iain Watters could still win the current series, despite his elimination last week.

The bearded hipster was ejected from Wednesday's show after his baked Alaska went horribly wrong.

Some have accused his fellow Great British Bake Off contestant Diana Beard of sabotaging his pud by taking it out of the freezer for 40 critical seconds.

The dramatic episode led to more than 800 complaints to the BBC, despite neither contestant thinking the 40 unfrozen seconds had caused the catastrophe. Diana, speaking to her local BBC radio station this week blamed the editing of the show.

At the end of Wednesday's show Iain was eliminated after presenting the judges with his baked Alaska in the bottom of a bin.

But it emerged that 69-year-old Diana had also appeared in her last show due to health reasons, having had a fall before episode five was filmed that had left her with no sense of smell or taste.

Now Frances, of Market Harborough, hopes Iain could make a return.

She said: "The programme was filmed several months ago but I don't know how it ends, although everyone seems to think I must.

"When the programme started I thought Iain could be the dark horse who could win it.

"I think Iain could come back now Diana's gone because they're one person short."

She said she had been surprised by the level of controversy about the show.

"As the show gets bigger so does the reaction to it.

"Who would have thought cake and ice cream could cause so much drama?

"Everyone's reactions are just fanning the flames.

"When we go on the show we go there to bake. It's the downside to the popularity of the show if it affects people's lives in bad ways."

Frances, who said the only negative affect from taking part for her was on her blood sugar levels, said she did not blame Diana for Iain's exit.

"The real enemy in that situation was just time and lack of freezer space," she said.

"Baked Alaska isn't easy when it's 30C outside and people don't normally have to make their own ice cream when they do it.

"But the show keeps on raising the bar and I suppose next year they'll make the contestants bring their own chickens to lay their eggs!"

After the media storm erupted the BBC released a statement from Iain, saying: "I have seen all the controversy and I don't hold Diana responsible in any way."

Co-host Sue Perkins said the situation was "getting a little inflamed for my liking", adding: "This is a show about cakes. Let's save the ire for real stuff."

The next episode will be shown at 8pm on Wednesday on BBC One.

Great British Bake Off champion Frances Quinn hoping to see comeback from eliminated contestant Iain Watters

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