22/04/2014 North West Tonight

He was the man anointed to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester

United's first new manager in a quarter of a century. 296 days

later, David Moyes' reign is over ` ended in a 53`character posting on

Twitter. The manner of his dismissal has been

criticised in many quarters. But failure to maintain the standards

set by his predecessor, and failing to qualify for the Champions League

for the first time in a generation, forced his employers to act. Richard

Askam is live for us at Old Trafford tonight.

We knew when Alex Ferguson walked out after 26 years of unparalleled

success, just how difficult it would be for anyone to follow in his

footsteps, but perhaps David Moyes did not realise how difficult it

would be for him. His departure, just as his appointment, will split

opinion, but Manchester United are in line for their worst ever points

tally in the Premier League era. As he arrived home, David Moyes was

probably still trying to take in just how his dream job had

unravelled in less than ten months. Signed in as the chosen one, but

given no choice and no second season chance. I think it is a shame, I

think he could of done with more time. A season of underachievement

and uncertainty came to a head after defeat to Everton. The swag of his

former side in stark contrast to United's limp efforts.

I think he had the right to have a big job, but I think he seemed to

struggle with the size of the club, the kind of the ego of the players.

His dismissal may surprise some. And judging by his post`match interview

came as a shock to the man himself. We will try to make sure that we get

the next things `` right things in place for next season. The

statistics don't look good. Out of the Champions League at the

quarterfinals stage. Seventh in the Premier League with no chance of

qualifying for Europe's elite competition next season. Knocked out

of the FA Cup by Swansea. And dispatched in the semifinals of the

League Cup by Sunderland. Why wouldn't you trust Alex Ferguson. He

thought it was a good fit, it was probably the closest fit in many

ways to himself. I am sure he did it with the best will, but some people

may say his last signing was his worst signing. There are others who

view the decision as trigger happy. And for a club who last sacked a

manager in 1986, not the United way. It was my choice from day one before

the appointed David. You are judged on results today. Ryan Giggs, this

is him arriving at United's training ground this morning will now take

charge of the team until a permanent replacement is found.

Lets get some reaction. If I could ask you first, what are your

feelings now that you have had time to die just what happened? ``

digests. My thoughts turn to him the new manager is. I think we will all

be get behind range eggs as the interim coach, but our thoughts are

to the future. `` Ryan Giggs. We must build on success. We want to be

competing rather than also rans. That is a disappointment this.

Picking up on what Ian mentioned, do you think this job was too big in

terms of personality and character for David Moyes? I think he has been

unlucky. He has had injuries, but do agree that they need to go with

somebody who has a proven career and knows what the job entails. A big

personality, somebody with experience in Europe. In big

signings, two, and I think... Is that what went wrong for David

Moyes? The fact that to transfer windows, he could not bring in

players that made a difference. Whatever happened in the summer, we

did not strengthen to the extent that we probably should have done.

It is difficult to tell what went wrong. But the stuff on the pitch

drives the rest of the football. It wasn't good on the pitch. I think

more around football now, what is driving the football. That is what

drives the pitch. Thank you. We will be looking at more detail

about who will be taking over later on. Actor you. `` back to you.

BBC Radio Manchester is on air at the moment with a special phone`in,

assessing what happens next at Old Trafford. And we'll have more

football later including Burnley's dramatic promotion to the Premier

League yesterday. A mother has told the new

Hillsborough Inquests that her husband struggled to forgive himself

for failing to save his son during the disaster in 1989. Adam Spearitt

was just 14. His mother Hilda was one of several who made their

personal statements to the hearing in Warrington today. `` his mother,

Janet. As our Chief Reporter Dave Guest explains, others included a

son who recalled how, as a 17`year`old, he'd last seen his dad

a week before the ill`fated match. Philip Hammond was just 14, a

sensible, caring person. We will blessed to have such a

lovely boy, even though it was football team short years. Hilda

Hammond was amongst those who agreed to read their statements. That was

the last time that I saw my dad alive. David Hughes remembers his

father Eric, one of the 96 who lost their lives at Hillsborough. A man

that meant everything to me. He went with his dad, Eddie, it was the

first time his that had been to an away match. Today, his mum Janet had

told the hearing that Eddie had cradled his son in his arms. Eddie

could never forgive himself for failing to save his son. Sadly, he

died three years ago without ever knowing that the fresh inquests that

he and so many others have fought for had finally come to fruition.

Steve Fox was 21. His loss felt as keenly now as it was 25 years ago. A

great boy died on April 15. Along with the potential of a father, a

husband, and uncle and a friend. Carl Brown from Leigh was 17. His

mother Delia described him "the extrovert of the family." Ray

Chapman's wife recalled how his last words to her were "see you tonight,

love." Dave Rimmer's son and daughter read

a statement on behalf of their mum who described him as "My first

love." David Thomas was 23. His mum Valerie said he was just becoming a

man when he was taken from us. The judge in the Khuram Shaikh

murder trial in Sri Lanka has angrily dismissed defence claims the

Rochdale aid worker was "an uncultured white man". They were

questioning a hotel manager who described how he'd used a swear word

while breaking up a fight. Khuram Shaikh was stabbed and shot while on

holiday on Christmas Day 2011. Six men, including an associate of the

Sri Lankan president, are standing trial. It and your man has been

arrested after suspicion of attempted murder. The victim is

critically ill in hospital after an assault in St Peter's Square in the

early hours of Monday morning. Two horses have died in an arson

attack in Bolton. The fire was started deliberately between

four`thirty and five o'clock this morning at a stables off Ashworth

Lane. The animals died when their wooden stable block burned down.

Police say the owner is very distressed and are appealing for

witnesses. The BBC has learnt that a major

report into the near collapse of the Co`operative Bank will blame poor

governance at the organisation. Sir Christopher Kelly's report is the

most comprehensive attempt so far to determine what went wrong. Key was

the ill`fated purchase of the Britannia Building Society.

Christopher Kelly's report is vital in the run`up to the very important

AGM on May 17 when there is this big vote on governance on changing the

Co`op Group's management or the way is managed and making this business

fit for the 21st century. This is a great story.

A retired radiologist from Altrincham has become one of the

first people in the country to use a potentially life`saving procedure.

And it was his research which helped create it. 25 years ago, Dr John

Russell pushed the Government to pay more attention to the dangers of

aneurysms, small balloons of blood, which can gather in different parts

of the body. Now, at the age of 84, he has been completely cured. And

he's been speaking to our Health Correspondent.

25 years ago, Doctor John Russell wrote a paper that raised a national

awareness about the dangers of aneurysms, balloons of blood that

can grow in arteries and prove fatal. It was around that time that

he spotted his own. I had a tiny aneurysm. Over the decades, since I

retired, I have been following it. Treatment took him back to his old

stomping ground, the Manchester Royal nfirmary, where at 84, he has

become one the first people in the country to have his aneurysm treated

using a new technique. Previously, a mesh tube would have been sewn into

reduced blood flow to the problem area. This did not always work and a

slow recovery meant older patients were often ruled out. Using the new

technique, a filler is injected which normalises the blood flow,

effectively stopping the aneurysm from existing. You have been a

consultant surgeon for 15 years, how do you feel like something like this

comes along? I feel like a child in a toy shop. It is great fun to put

in. It is aesthetically pleasant, it is effective in areas that we don't

have another option for. I guess it is fair to say that if it was not

for people like Dr Russell, this research would not have happened.

No, it would be no purpose. `` have not had any purpose. John is modest

about the part he played. His one compaint, that his golf swing hasn't

improved at all. Did you expect it to? No, but one has hopes.

Let's go back to our top story now, the sacking of Manchester United

Manager David Moyes. He was chosen by Sir Alex Ferguson to be his

successor, but, after just ten months, United's board have decided

he's not the right man after all. So where did it all go wrong for the

man chosen to continue the dynasty and keep Fergie's legacy alive?

Let's return to Old Trafford and join Richard Askam.

I do understand that no decision was taken to sack David Moyes before the

match at Everton. Various things came together to convince the board

that they needed to make the change. What has gone wrong and what led to

his departure less than ten months after his? They were looking for the

nearest thing to Sir Alex Ferguson that they could find, David Moyes

was the chosen one. But not everybody was convinced. Was he the

badly chosen one? They should have been able to get anybody they

wanted, not someone who is as straightforward Ferguson clone. They

needed someone to have a complete clear out in terms of style and

coaches and transfer strategy. A bit like they do at City, frankly.

Manchester United have been here before. Matt Busby was replaced by

Wolf McGuinness who only lasted 18 months. I spoke to him this morning

I said whatever financial compensation they offer you, it is

no real consolation. Two days ago, the Grim Reaper appeared in the

crowd at Goodison Park. He's been waiting to strike all season.

Post`match comments sounded to many fans like nothing more than a plea

for more time. US have bad results, that is part of

the job. `` you will. It looks like we are a long way off

it, we are aware of that, but we will keep fighting.

We have not done as well as we would like to do recently, that is

obvious. I'm glad it gone as I did not want him manager. This is no

longer just a talking point in Manchester. It matters in Kenya. I

am happy, we needed results. And in Singapore. Most of my friends are

happy that he has been sacked. And that's why United's failure to

qualify for the Champions League is so important to the owners. There is

a revenue you generate from being in the competition, it also Hans is the

brand and allows Manchester United to sell themselves as one of the top

teams in Europe. That means commercial revenues follow. Not just

from Europe, but from around the globe.

United were prepared for a period of change, but when rival fans started

to ridicule Moyes, the manager's days were numbered.

Let's look at some of the names in the frame. Ryan Giggs in charge

until a permanent is made. Louis van Gaal, Diego Simeone, and Jurgen

Klopp, who has done well with Russia Dortmund.

It is one`way traffic at the moment, it is Louis van Gaal. We had a bit

of warning that this would happen, so we went up yesterday afternoon

and Louis van Gaal was 5`1 second favourite, here's been backed all

day long and is now evens favourites. I think there is a lack

of candidates and here's available after the World Cup. He is the

Holland manager, isn't he? He has a track record, he has won the

Champions League before. Jurgen Klopp is another name that has been

mentioned. It looks like he has ruled himself out of the job. Do you

take him at his word? Who knows? We have seen shocks in football. He

says he is not interested. Louis van Gaal is very strong. Ryan Giggs at

8`1, he will have the job for next four games. There is a rumour

Louis van Gaal with Ryan Giggs. Any surprise names? A bit of money

around for Laurent Blanc, Diego Simeone has been slightly

supportive, we will see in action tonight against Chelsea. But it is

one`way traffic, it is Louis van Gaal. If the punters are right, he

will lead Holland in the World Cup and then come here. There you are,

there are the possibilities at the moment for men who may replace David

Moyes. I understand that Manchester United are in no rush, they know how

important this next appointment will be and they will take their time.

I think they need a big giant of a man from the world of sport.

Happier times for Liverpool. They're five points clear at the top of the

Premier League after the Easter matches. Their home game with

second`placed Chelsea next weekend could give them one hand on the

title. Manchester City are still in the race after Pablo Zabelata got

them off to a flying start in a 3`1 win against West Brom. Sergio Aguero

then made in 2`0 with celebrated a return to the Premier

League. Some fans already saying that Sean

cannot go to Manchester United. here. How can a club that spends

less on players in two years and Wayne Rooney spends in two weeks

hope to compete in the Premier League. Most people have already

written us off. Sometimes there is a strength in that. But stick to your

principles. So this club fully intend to live the dream, but also

live within their means. Sean Dyche almost lost his voice

before the celebrations! Not much in the cricket because of

the weather. In Super League, a record`equalling

performance from Wigan yesterday, who thrashed bottom`placed Bradford

84`6. Ryan Hampshire scored 24 points, including two tries. A great

day for Widnes too who overcame St Helens by 40`16. And this try by

Warrington's Michael Monaghan made no difference as the Wolves went

down forty`six to Castleford Salford also suffered on their travels, they

were beaten by 32 points to four by Leeds.

Have a look at this handsome fellow. No offence to his owner, but I am

talking about Murphy the boxer dog. This is Murphy the Boxer dog six

days ago whilst on holiday with his owners in the Lake district and went

missing. His owners were so distraught they raised a thousand

pounds to hire a helicopter to find him.

The campaign to find missing Murphy went viral and with the help of

mountain rescue volunteers and some A`list celebrities Murphy was

eventually found. Elaine Dunkley reports.

Meet Murphy, a one`year`old boisterous Boxer and an expert in

giving his owners the slip. It was here at Angle Tarn in the Lake

District that he went missing turning a peaceful holiday into a

real pet rescue. We thought we would never see him again. We thought he

had been taken because he is such a friendly dog. Missing posters went

up and the search for Murphy went viral online. Celebrity canine lover

Jessical Biel got behind the campaign. Claire Balding and the

former England Rugby Captain Mike Tindall retweeted the missing

poster. Down on the ground, volunteers from Patterdale Mountain

Rescue went in search of Murphy. We didn't have masses of resources,

that we targeted the people who were keen and happy to go out. Who were

walking their own dogs. Time ticked on and hopes of finding Murphy were

fading determined not to give up the couple raised a thousand pounds to

hire a helicopter. We saw him after about 30 minutes, lying on a rock.

He looked up at us and when he stood up I knew. It wasn't quite the

relaxing trip to the lake and for now Murphy is back home and back on

the lead. He is happy to be home, isn't he?

It's been a gorgeous weekend. How is it looking now?

We got better days than we thought we were going to get, 17 Celsius

yesterday. The warm air sticks with us, as temperatures aren't an issue.

But the picture isn't pretty, many places are grey. In terms of

temperatures, if you watch the leak yellow hair, it is never far. ``

yellow hair. By the weekend, you may start to

lose it a bit. We have weather fronts most days which means rain

showers at least. Pity much every day through to Friday. Our fair

share of showers, most places have seen drizzle. MacLeod did try to

break `` the cloud. There could be thundery showers of that further

North, but that chance decreases as the sun goes down. A cloudy picture,

but not completely cloudy. Temperature is respectable. We go

into of the weather is probably mid`morning onward. You may have a

shower in Cumbria, the rest of us will have a lot of cloud cover. It

will break as the morning goes on with hair being quite mild. It will

feel quite nice and look quite nice out and about. Towards the tail end

of the day, the weather tries to get towards us, it hits the Isle of Man

first. By this tomorrow `` by this time tomorrow, it will be hitting

us. By the end of the day, I think many of us will see showers. I love

your better than we anticipated. It forecast, but not a guarantee. Thank

you for watching, Some people don't think real change

in Europe is possible. Some people don't think real change

is necessary. Some people don't think

it's worth fighting for. But we want to make Europe work

for Britain, and give you the final say

with an in-out referendum in 2017.