5 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Premier League’s worst spenders revealed with Man Utd spending FOUR TIMES as much as Liverpool on flop signings
MANCHESTER UNITED are the Premier League’s worst spenders – and the club have absolutely nothing to show for it.
In fact, United’s horrendous recruitment decisions are one of the main reasons that the club—who sit 15th in the Prem—is going through their worst period since the 1973-74 relegation campaign.
ReutersRuben Amorim has inherited an expensively poor squad[/caption]
Prem leaders Liverpool are 10th on the spending list after clever transfer movements
To make matters worse, the Red Devils have spent FOUR TIMES more than Prem leaders Liverpool – who are running away with the title.
United’s hierarchy, both before and afterIneos came on board a year ago, have spent recklessly and without direction.
Put into numbers, United have spent, since 2019, a net amount of £810m – compared to Liverpool’s £212m.
Old Trafford chiefs meanwhile can boast one Carabao Cup and one FA Cup, but a closer look will tell you those successes covered for some dire Prem campaigns – including a record low of eighth last season.
The once-feared Manchester outfit have actually spent more than £1 billion since 2019, with only £285m raised in departures.
That period has seen several different managers take the helm and includes some of the worst transfer business ever.
Jadon Sancho was a £72m capture from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, but will permanently join Chelseathis summer for around £25m having massively underwhelmed in M16.
United madeHarry Maguirethe most expensive centre-half in theworldwhilst Erik ten Hag spent a combined £140m to sign Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund in successive summers.
Ten Hag pushed to splash millions on former Ajax players and even handed over £60m to Chelsea for Mason Mount, whose injury record has seen him play just 32 games for United since June 2023.
The truth is, the net spend is the worst in the league because United are struggling to flog players.
Ironically, the money banked for Mason Greenwood (£26.6m) and Scott McTominay (£25m) in the summer are among the biggest United sales of all time.
Gary Nevillepreviously declared Old Trafford a “graveyard” for players with so many of their big name signings failing to deliver while others have been moved on for huge losses.
That takes into consideration £884m spent on new signings and £308m in sales, but Spurs have gone trophy-less for 17 years.
Fans will also look back on the club-record fee received forHarry Kaneand wonder how it was, once again, so poorly invested.
Ange Postecoglou‘s lack of squad depth is currently front and centre as the lack of quality beyond the starting XI is evident as they’re working towards solving a hefty injury list.
Spurs’ rivals and title challengers Arsenal are fourth on the ‘worst spent’ list, with £563m in the red.
David Raya (£27m), Riccardo Calafiori (£42m), and Mikel Merino (£31m) were the major arrivals but Emile Smith Rowe (£27m), Aaron Ramsdale (£18m) and Eddie Nketiah (£25m) all departed.
Newcastle, West Ham and Newcastle make up fifth through to seventh respectively.
Arsenal’s total is £563m in the red
Seven-time champions Manchester City being down in ninth on the list would be a surprise to some.
In total, the Etihad giants are third for outlays on around £986m.
Omar Marmoush’s arrival is fourth in their all-time list, just behind Ruben Dias and then a way off Josko Gvardiol (£77m) and record-signing Jack Grealish who cost £100m.
As with Chelsea, though, City fetch huge sales for selling off a wave of youngsters good enough for many teams but just not quite at Pep Guardiola’s required elite level.
The Julian Alvarez deal could rise to £81.5m while the money for Taylor Harwood-Bellis (£20m), Liam Delap (£15m), Sergio Gomez (£8.4m) and Tommy Doyle (£4.3m) racks up.
Top City striker Julian Alvarez was sold to Atletico Madrid in the summer
After Alvarez, City’s other biggest sales in the period are Raheem Sterling, Ferran Torres, Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane and Cole Palmer (all between £47.5m and £40m).
Nottingham Forest even crept above City on the spending chart because their net spend is marginally higher.
Last summer, Forest went all out with their signings in an effort to ensure that they remained in the top-flight at the first time of asking, bringing in dozens of new players.
Sales have been much harder to come by though, with their most notable departure being that of Matty Cash to Aston Villa in 2020.
But it’s paid off as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are enjoying a breakthrough season as the club sit third in the table.
Lastly, Liverpool’s brilliantly astute and clever recruitment practices speak for themselves.
Perhaps it is no surprise to see Liverpool with the best net spend of the ‘Big Six’ on a mere £282m over the past nine seasons.
In fact, the Reds have actually made a profit in the 2024-25 campaign by only buying Federico Chiesa for £10m and raising £50m in sales from Fabio Carvalho (£20m), Sepp van den Berg (£20m) and Bobby Clark (£10m).
It continued a wise – and successful – transfer strategy that has seen Liverpool sell big and then wait to find the right players at the right time for the right price.
Man Utd ratings v Spurs
MANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.
Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.
Andre Onana – 3
United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.
His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.
At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.
Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6
His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.
Harry Maguire – 5
A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.
Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.
Diogo Dalot – 6
A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.
Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.
Patrick Dorgu – 4
A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.
Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.
Casemiro – 5
Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.
Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.
Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.
Alejandro Garnacho – 4
Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.
A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.
Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.
But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.
Rasmus Hojlund – 3
Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?
The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.
He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen?
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LONGSHOT
SOI DAO (8.00 Wolverhampton)
She has won over this course and distance off this mark and looks a big price on this all-weather comeback.
THIEF
DUFFRY TRIXS (3.05 Taunton)
He showed promise when second on his hurdles debut at Plumpton last time and has more to come.
BLUE FORCE ONE (5.30 Wolverhampton)
He showed promise on his all-weather handicap debut at Lingfield.
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5 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Sun Motors car of the Month: The BEST all-around used car available on Sun Motors now & the 2021 “Most Loved Car” winner
AFFORDABLE, reliable, practical and available at a good price. That pretty much defines our pick of the best all-around car on Sun Motors right now.
Searching for a new car is a whole lot easier with Sun Motors. There’s no need to drive around to dealers, you can search from a hand-picked selection of fair-priced, high-quality cars from trusted dealerships.
The Ford Puma 1.0T EcoBoost MHEV Vignale is a star model.
Every Sun Motors car has been checked by an expert to ensure it’s in tip-top condition and safe to drive.
You can also access finance, too – even if you’ve been refused elsewhere.
The best place to buy a car in the UK? We think so, especially when you can pick up a bargain like our choice of the best all-round car available.
What is Sun Motors?
Sun Motors is on a mission to make buying a new car fast, fun and easy. How? We put the power in your hands, enabling you to search through thousands of used cars, all being sold by a trusted dealer.
All used car dealers have been pre-approved to ensure they meet our standards.
That means the cars they sell have all been checked before being advertised for sale. You can buy with complete confidence.
We’re also making it easier to apply for finance. You’ll see a range of repayment options, including the chance to buy the car outright or apply for HP or PCP.
Our choice of the best all-round car: 2021 Ford Puma
Model: Ford Puma 1.0T EcoBoost MHEV Vignale
The Ford Puma 1.0T EcoBoost MHEV Vignale was picked as our experts favourite model this month for a multitude of reasons
We’re old enough to remember the original Ford Puma with the Steve McQueen advert.
We reckon that this 2021 facelift Ford Focus is just as cool. This fantastic Ford has a huge number of fans, including Whatcar?, who awarded the Puma it its “Most Loved Car” award in 2021.
The Ford Puma looks great. The 5-door ST-Line version here is big enough for a growing family, but when you’ve dropped the kids off at school, it’s stylish enough to make a statement wherever you end up.
The Puma has a good reliability record and with Ford’s strong dealer network, you’re not going to need to travel far for a tune-up, service or repair.
Mileage
With just 51,000 Miles, this Ford Puma is barely broken in. These cars can operate for high mileages, as long as they’re well maintained.
The highly economical EcoBoost engine works well with the 6-speed gearbox to make short city trips, or long motorway journeys a pleasure in the Puma.
Initial problems with the Ecoboost engine have been ironed out on the 2021 models, FordOwnersClub members say.
Buying a used car? Find cars for under £200 on Sun Motors here.
Model
The Ford Puma 1.0T EcoBoost MHEV is described as a ‘mild hybrid’. As well as a powerful, but economical 155bhp engine, there’s also a small electric motor and battery.
This works in combination with the petrol-powered engine to improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
We’ve selected the Vignale version of the Ford Puma because we think it delivers a huge amount of value for a (relatively) small uplift in price.
Come on, you deserve a little luxury – even while ferrying the kids to and from school, football or endless birthday parties.
Upholstery
This is where things get exciting. The Vignale trim provides you with a whole host of upgrades, including leather seats, front massaging seats and an impressive in-car entertainment system.
The front massaging seats are a massive plus for this model.
It’s about as top-of-the-range as you’ll get from Ford, which is good enough for us.
Engine size
The 1.0 litre EcoBoost engine may not sound powerful, but it’ll take you from 0-62mph in 9.0 seconds. That’s not to be sniffed at, especially with fuel economy averaging over 50mpg.
The mild-hybrid engine provides enough of a push, with Auto Express saying she will reach a top speed of 118mph.
Safety features
The Ford Puma is a great family car that’s packed with advanced safety features, including blind-spot assist monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition.
You‘ve also got a whole host of airbags and a rearview camera to ensure no reversing bumps or blunders.
Overall opinion
We love the Ford Puma 1.0T EcoBoost Vignale. Even better than the fantastic performance is the price tag, with this one coming in at a reasonable £15,995.
If you prefer, you can stick down a small deposit and pay it back at less than £250 per month.
It’s a really smart, feature-packed and fun car that’s suitable for all circumstances. Sure, the Vignale trim is an indulgent extra, but we think you’re worth it.
As well as great performance, filling the tank of the Ford Puma won’t cause you too much pain at the pump either, with the EcoBoost mild hybrid delivering an impressive 50mpg.
This Ford Puma won’t hang around for long, but don’t worry, Sun Motors is packed full of competitively priced cars. Don’t fancy a Ford? You can search all cars, makes and models in seconds.
Buying a used car? Find cars for under £150 on Sun Motors here.
How does Sun Motors make buying a used car easy?
Firstly, it’s simple to search for the car you want using the intelligent search function.
You can type the make and model and then add other information, like your top monthly payment amount. Click enter and let the intelligent algorithm do the rest.
When you’ve found a car you like, you can use WhatsApp to message your car dealer to discuss anything, from the essential specs to fuel economy, engine performance and price.
Don’t worry, there’s no pressure or pushy salespeople. You can ask questions when you want over WhatsApp.
Sun Motors can even help those with poor credit or people who may have struggled to access finance in the past. You can buy a car and even apply for flexible finance, all from the comfort of your armchair.
Some dealers will even deliver your car to you (for a fee, obviously).
Buying a used car is the best way to pick up a bargain.
New cars depreciate the moment your foot touches the accelerator, with some vehicles like the Vauxhall Corsa Electric losing an eye-watering 70% in just three years.
The used car market enables you to choose from literally thousands of motors, from nearly new cars with that fresh smell to high-mileage, low-cost bargains.
You’ll also find that accessible financing options like PCP and HP enable more people than ever to get the cars they want with affordable monthly repayments.
Is it easy to insure a used car?
Insuring a used car is simple. In fact, you can search for insurance for a new vehicle in a few minutes using online comparison sites.
This enables you to get a no-obligation quote, which means no surprises when it comes to protecting your new car once you’ve paid the deposit and arranged the finance.
Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you’re looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
5 days agoworld NewsComments Off on 16 best pillows tried and tested to help you sleep better
If you’re on the hunt for the best pillow, we’ve tried and tested a whole horde to suit a variety of sleep styles and requirements.
From cooling, to firm support, made from the most luxurious materials, to the best pillows for side sleepers – no pillow is the same and we find out why below.
Picking the right pillow can help you sleep like a baby
I’m at that stage in my life where getting a good nights kip is high up on my list of priorities, and many sleep experts praise the importance of it on your overall health.
While mattresses usually get the spotlight – we know this because we also tried and tested a whole best mattress review – pillows shouldn’t be something you overlook either.
Since testing the best pillows on the market, my whole perspective has changed and the importance of a good quality pillow is not lost on me.
However, does paying more guarantee better sleep? Do budget-friendly pillows give premium priced pillows a run for their money? And as a self-professed wriggler in my sleep, can a single pillow offer enough support? Find out below.
How we tested?
The Sun Shopping team tried and tested a variety of pillows – getting down to the nitty gritty to decide if the comfort and performance of pillows from popular retailers is worth the investment.
Each pillow was evaluated against its marketing claims, such as whether it suits side sleepers or provides proper head and neck support during sleep.
The team considered various price points to determine if cost reflected quality, ensuring options catered to different budgets.
Factors like material, firmness, and overall value were considered to provide a well-rounded review.
We wanted to identify if each pillow delivers on their promises, offering shoppers a reliable recommendations tailored to individual sleep needs and preferences.
Pros: Customisable firmness, luxurious to sleep on, supportive
Cons: Expensive!
Rating: 8.5 / 10
As a self-professed wriggler in my sleep: I didn’t realise how important a firm pillow is until I tried this Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow.
Even though it has a hefty price tag, I genuinely couldn’t fault it.
Admittedly, I didn’t know I was a firm pillow fan – which now explains my previous need to have 3 or 4 crappy pillows on top of each other to feel supported.
Testing it for a week, I was sceptical to only use a single pillow, but a night in and I was converted.
Firm yet adjustable, its three removable layers allowed me to customise the height and firmness of the pillow – I chose to keep it packed with Simba’s sleep tech which felt perfect to me.
The Stratos cool-touch layer is beyond luxurious to sleep on, and the Aerocoil micro-springs provided delicious support – whether I was on my back, side, or stomach.
It has definitely replaced my usual ‘princess-and-the-pea’ setup of multiple subpar pillows.
Admittedly, the £159 price tag is eye-watering, but if my girl math is correct, it works out at just 29p a night for a year – which feels more justifiable.
Plus, the pillow’s sustainable packaging and luxurious storage bag are nice touches and the novelty was not lost on me.
While I docked half a point for the cost, it’s a worthwhile investment for serious sleep improvement.
If you can afford it, I’d struggle to find fault this Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow but are all Simba pillows worth the investment?
Pros: Luxurious, improved the quality of my sleep, next-level comfort, cute Panda branding
Cons: Genuinely couldn’t find one!
Rating: 9 / 10
I loved it so much I’ve not taken it off my bed!
I am not a pillow expert, but we all spend hours in the sack and know a good pillow when we try one – this pillow is incredibly comfortable and I love it.
The Panda Hybrid Pillow is Orthopaedic grade, has bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam (not that I could tell what this would look like) and has been designed with sleep tech to regulate your body temperature while in the land of nod.
Spunky marketing lingo aside; since sleeping on this pillow I haven’t woken up during the night feeling unsupported or uncomfortable and whether I am sleeping on my back, side or front, this pillow provided ample support.
It has made a considerable difference to the quality of my sleep and I genuinely wake each morning feeling ready to start the day, having had good quality rest.
With the cute Panda logo embellishing the pillow, considerate and well-designed packaging – I really would say this is worth the cash.
Pros: Price point, novelty, comfortable to sleep on, proposed health benefits
Cons: Very squishy – might not be suitable for those that want ample support
Rating: 7.5 / 10
I didn’t try this pillow long enough to honestly comment on its positive health benefits advertised, but overall it was a lovely pillow to sleep on and I really liked the novelty of it.
Copper infused pillows is new territory for me, but apparently the copper is naturally anti-bacterial and can help prevent skin breakouts.
I no longer suffer in this department, but it did feel breathable and luxurious to sleep on.
Features I really like about this pillow is its UK made, its completely machine washable and if you’re not happy with it, Silentnight offers a 2 year manufacturer’s peace of mind guarantee.
Silentnight deliver on an affordable price points, overall comfort and an extensive product line to cater for a wide range of sleepers and I would recommend this pillow for those reasons alone.
Look don’t shoot the messenger – but I didn’t enjoy sleeping on this pillow.
Having discovered I am a firm pillow girly, I was looking forward to trying this pillow – especially as the price point was more inline with the amount of cash I would ordinarily drop on a pillow.
But I lasted one night on it.
The Silentnight Geltex Premier Pillow is advertised as being ideal for back/side sleepers, because it has a reactive geltex inner lining but it just felt too rigid.
Difficult to say, but this could maybe ease with extended use, but I wasn’t willing to commit to that because it disrupted my much needed sleep.
After waking in the middle of the night in discomfort – which is something I hadn’t experienced with the other pillows tested – I slung this one onto the floor and went back to sleep.
Silentnight is a great brand – and I was gutted to not like this pillow.
I had high hopes because unzipping its storage bag (a touch not lost on me) and giving the pillow quick try before popping it in a pillowcase, all got my seal of approval.
However, the proof is in the pudding and as a mover and groover in my sleep, this didn’t offer me the comfort I would want.
But, its firmness could be considered supportive – which may be beneficial if you are after something firmer.
If you’re not a sleep wriggler and love really, really firm pillows for a fair price point, don’t write off considering it as this could be the pillow for you.
Pros: High thread count cover, really does feel like down, come as a pair
Cons: I cannot think of one!
Rating: 8.5 / 10
Want down, but without the down? Well, this Feather and Black offering could be the one for you. And as I lay my head on the pillow, it literally melted into the fake down filling, which really does feel like the real thing.
This pillow is filled with synthetic fillings that feel like natural fillings, so it’s great for allergy sufferers who might not cope well with animal-based pillow fillings.
Feather and Black says that the super-soft microfibre fillings are ‘wonderfully cushioning, with a medium comfort grade to ensure your neck and shoulders are well-supported’.
Yes, they are cushioned wonderfully. They feel quite luxurious, a bit like hotel-style pillows.
Oh, and another bonus is that the cover is a pure cotton 233 thread count cover.
I love the fact that these pillows come as a pair; it just makes more sense, and it seems cheaper too.
6. George Duck Feather Pillows (pack of 2)
George Home Luxury Duck Feather Pillow 2-Pack, £25
Pros: Luxury, at a great price, comes as a pair, super soft and comfy
Cons: Might be too flat for some, not good for those with allergies
Rating: 6.5 / 10
OK, now we’re talking. These George Home pillows are affordable luxury with their duck feather filling and super soft cotton covers.
My head sank into these and I really did feel comfortable and at ease.
I love the fact that these aren’t overly thick – I like flatter pillows and these George Duck feather pillows are flatter than many of the others I have tried.
Although you can feel the duck feathers inside, it’s not too bad and with a pillow cover on so you’d never know about the feathers. George says these are made for back sleepers, which may explain why I was so comfortable resting on them, as a side sleeper myself.
Also, there really is no arguing that the price of these pillows is brilliant especially as you get a two-pack. This might just prove that you don’t need to spend a total fortune on duck feather-filled pillows.
The foam is not solid, but incorporates holes to help dissipate the heat that builds up while you sleep and together with the mesh sections of the bamboo cover, help the air to circulate.
Whenever I’ve used memory foam pillows in the past, I’ve found them too hard and too high.
This one is more structured than my regular pillows, but it’s not so high it makes my neck ache.
It’s also soft – in a memory foam kind of way – and is comfortable whether I’m sleeping on my side or my back.
However, I would say it does take a bit of getting used to if like me, you’re used to squishy, synthetic pillows bought from the local supermarket.
It took a good one to two weeks for me to get used to it and even now at times I still swap it out during the night for a flatter alternative.
It’s good to know though that while I’m sleeping on it my spine and neck are in alignment and properly supported.
I think it’s because of that – and because of the Panda mattress I’ve been testing – that I’ve suffered from fewer aches and pains on getting up in the morning recently.
This pillow is pricey, but at the same time, it comes with a 10-year guarantee.
I have no doubt it will last ages and when I think about how much money I’ve spent on cheap pillows over the years, I’m not convinced it won’t actually work out to be less expensive.
I’d say this was great for women who are struggling with menopausal or general hormonal night sweats.
There’s a layer that gives extra support thanks to HRX (high Resiliency Extra) Foam.
Then there’s the softest foam later which Emma says is ‘comfortable and breathable’. These layers were easy to remove and replace.
I like that the knitted white fabric of the pillow is nice and breathable. There’s nothing worse than a hot, sweaty sleep.
There’s also some serious memory foam action here – I felt so supported on my side, with all three of the layers.
Because of the memory foam though, you may find this pillow a little harder than others, so whether you enjoy the pillow or not is really down to personal preference.
This pillow is stuffed with Simba’s Renew Bio filling which is a fancy-named breathable fibre that helps to regulate your body temperature while you’re busy catching Zzz’s.
It’s also anti-allergenic, which could be good a good choice for those who suffer from allergies caused by fillings of animal-origin.
Admittedly, I don’t suffer from any allergies but having slept on this pillow for a week, I can vouch that you do wake feeling fresh and it is like sleeping on a cloud.
I also liked that despite its fabrication, it doesn’t smell plasticky either.
I reckon long term I would need to add another pillow, as this doesn’t offer a huge amount of support and as a side sleeper, I found myself actively replumping to give me a good height – something important to consider.
A novelty that isn’t lost on me – the Simba Stratos Pillow has a convenient removable cover that can be slung in the wash after extended periods of use.
Its a proper nice pillow – but would I pay 60 quid for it? Probably not because there are some great cheaper alternatives included in this article.
Pros: Used by 5-star hotels, super soft, feel really crisp
Cons: Sold individually
Rating: 7 / 10
Hotel pillows rock. So for a taste of hotel life at home, you need to get your hands on this pillow which is made with a blend of 70% duck feather and 30% duck down. These pillows are used by some of the swankiest hotels including Claridge’s and The Pig Hotels.
I was warned that as this is a natural product, it may have a slight odour, so 48 hours of airing was recommended. I didn’t notice an odour however. What I did notice was how crisp and clean these felt; yes, I can definitely sense that hotel vibe from these pillows.
I like the fact that the cover is Dust Mite Proof with a 230 Thread Count; it really does feel luxurious.
The pillows come in white cotton tie bags (again, useful bags for storage!), and the pillows themselves are just the right level of firmness. You can’t really feel the feathers inside which is great, and the cover is super soft.
The only pitfall is that yet again, they’re sold individually, so expect to pay double for a pair.
Pros: Hypoallergenic, comes in a great big canvas bag, designed and made in the UK
Cons: Comes as a single
Rating: 7 / 10
I opted for the regular size of this pillow in soft. FYI: There’s a choice of soft or medium.
It’s hypoallergenic (ideal for anyone who suffers from asthma and allergies) and temperature-regulating (great if you’re a hot sleeper) according to Floks. Plus, it’s made from soft British wool and organic cotton whilst also being designed, manufactured and finished in the UK, so not only is it comfy but it’s 100% sustainable too.
The pillow is super soft and when I lay down, my head slowly sunk down. It’s pretty blissful, to be honest, plus the pillow is nice and cooling. However, for £60, I should hope it’s incredibly comfy!
The bag that this pillow comes in is one of the highlights of the overall thing; it’s a huge canvas-style bag with a pull cord and straps. It’s such a handy bag for storing this and that – I am super impressed.
Pros: Great for anyone suffering from neck and shoulder pain, super support for the spine, ergonomic dips
Cons: Very different to a regular pillow so might not fit so well on your bed
Rating: 8 / 10
The Groove memory foam pillow came rolled up in a plastic wrapper, inside a small box, which I liked as there was minimal packaging.
Upon opening the pillow, I didn’t really understand what the hype was; it just looked like a rectangular, memory foam pillow.
But then I lay down on it and oh wow.
Firstly I lay on my back. The special groove for the head meant that my neck, head and spine were totally aligned.
It actually felt really comfortable straight away. I also tried lying on my side.
For side sleepers, the slightly raised sides of the pillow have small grooves underneath for shoulders, again meaning that the entire spine is aligned.
Groove says that not only does this pillow help with posture thanks to the well placed ergonomic dips, but it also helps to reduce headaches and shoulder pain by properly supporting your spine.
Groove Pillow also does a 100-night free trial, so if it doesn’t work for you, simply return it and get your money back.
I’m a big fan of this, however, my only bugbear is that it doesn’t look like other pillows…so when it’s sitting on my bed, it does look out of place.
But, I guess I would rather have a good night’s sleep and a pain-free back then a bed of perfectly proportioned pillows.
This pillow is also well-priced I reckon, considering how good it is.
Pros: Silk is kinder on skin and hair, super soft, silver piping around the edge
Cons: Very expensive for one
Rating: 9 / 10
If it’s luxury you’re after, then I’d recommend this one.
I love silk pillowcases; ever since I heard that they’re kinder to your facial skin and hair, I’ve enveloped my pillows in silk cases.
Yes, they undoubtedly cost more, but honestly, they do feel different when you’re sinking into a deep sleep.
And, as someone who sweats in the night, I will do anything to ensure my facial skin doesn’t feel clammy.
Opera Beds says this pillow is thermo-regulating and made with lightweight Mulberry silk.
Sensitive skin?
This might be a good option as this pillow is naturally hypoallergenic and moisture-absorbent.
I like how my head sank into the pillow, to the point where I was pretty flat against the bed, and my spine felt super aligned.
This is important for posture and to avoid that awful pain you get after sleeping in a weird position.
The only thing that really stops this from being a full 10 out 10 is the price… it’s very expensive and you only get one in a pack which is slightly annoying.
Pros: Good for pregnancy and nursing, washable cover
Cons: High price point, takes up a lot of space on the bed
Rating: 4 / 5
I’ve been a Simba fan for a while, ever since I invested in one of their memory foam mattresses and realised what true comfort was.
This long, slightly curved body pillow is often seen on the bed of pregnant women who need the extra support; however, side sleepers can also benefit from this. Simba says this pillow has been designed to provide ‘comfortable hip and spinal alignment’, as well as offering great back support if you sit up in bed.
It’s also got a removable, washable cover which contains Stratos cool-touch technology, AKA, tech that stops you overheating. In fact, I could definitely feel the cool touch on one side of this pillow.
And, the down-like clusters within the pillow of Simba Renew Bio fibres are breathable, and so cushioned.
Simba says that to use this pillow, it’s best to hug it with your arms and arrange your legs around the bottom with one leg on top, knee slightly bent, and the other underneath and a little straighter. I got into position and really felt full support from this pillow. It’s super soft to hold and very comfortable. The only real problem with one of these pillows is where to store it!
Pros: Come as a pair, super soft, just the right height off the mattress
Cons: Expensive, you might feel the feathers, not ideal for allergy sufferers
Rating: 6 / 10
OK, so if you want some real fancy-pants pillows, then these duck feather-filled pillows might be your best bet.
These come as a pair, which is something I really rate, especially for the cost. I’d be pretty peeved to pay this much for one pillow!
They also come in a lovely zip bag, useful for storage.
I noticed straight away that the pillows themselves are very soft and my head really did sink down into them.
They’re also not too ‘big’, so my head wasn’t raised too high off the mattress when I lay down.
I find that having my head too lifted can lead to neck pain.
Plus, these pillows aren’t too firm either, which I like, and they have just the right amount of plumpness about them.
However, in saying this, I think I prefer the pillows filled with down as you can feel the feathers inside this pillow which gets a little off-putting.
However, I am incredibly sensitive to everything so this might just be me.
This pillow set also includes a high 233 thread count; it’s like a little bit of bedtime luxury.
Pros: Comes in handy zip bag with handles, great for allergy sufferers
Cons: Comes a single, not a pair, expensive
Rating: 7 / 10
Another ‘just like down’ pillow, that mimics a down filling, and in my opinion, does a great job at it. Although I should hope so as the price of this single pillow made my eyes water slightly.
Anyway, the fake down means that allergy sufferers can sleep peacefully but also have the same level of comfort as those sleeping on a real down pillow.
As I lay my head on this pillow I really did feel like I could fall asleep. Honestly, it is incredibly soft; my head sunk down but my head and neck also felt supported. I got that feeling you get after a long day at work, where you melt into bed and just drift off into a deep slumber.
This pillow maintains its quality feel with a 233 thread count and a piped case, which Terry’s rightly describes as ‘ultimate elegance’.
Best pillow for side sleepers
“This position is at risk of spine misalignment and pain without the right support,” says Theresa. She recommends a pillow created from firm material to avoid sinking into the pillow.
“You need a firm and tall pillow, as thick as the distance between your shoulder and ear so that your head, neck and spine are all held in the proper alignment.”
Best pillow for front sleepers
Rarely sleeping on my front this was news to me, but front sleepers may not even need a pillow, says Theresa Schnorbach the sleep expert for sleep brand Emma.
“Anything too high will cause neck straining and extra pressure on the lower back and abdomen.”
She recommends a very soft pillow – or to try a pillow under the stomach and pelvis instead of under your head.
Best pillow for back sleepers
Theresa, Emma Sleep Expert reveals: “Back sleepers need a pillow of medium height and softness.”
She goes on to suggest that back sleepers could benefit Memory foam pillows.
A great choice because the material conforms to the pressure of your neck and shoulders.
Memory foam is great for supporting your neck and shoulders so you don’t wake up with tight or knotted shoulders. Lovely jubbly!
How to wash pillows
Keeping your pillows clean is essential for maintaining a fresh and hygienic sleeping environment.
Why not consider choosing a brand that offers pillows with removable, washable covers or clearly states that their products are designed to be washed?
Keeping your pillows fresh does prolong the lifespan of them which is a plus if you’re forking out for a premium one.
I would recommend heading over to the manufacturers product F&Qs to see how best to wash your pillow because not all pillows are designed the same and each brand has different rules.
How often should you replace pillows?
I am not a sleep expert, but online advice suggests looking out for physical signs such as discolouration, odour, rips and limp stuffing.
Another consideration is whether you wake feeling unsupported and uncomfortable.
“Your pillow helps to align your spine as you sleep which is why a bad one can cause neck pain and tightness elsewhere in the body,” explains Theresa.
If your current pillow isn’t helping you drift off into the land of nod for a full 8-hours, then it might be time to buy a new pillow.
How to pick the best pillow for you?
“From cotton to latex, pillows can be made of various materials, however, some of the best known are probably down, feather, microfibre and memory foam,” says Theresa Schnorbach is the sleep expert at The Sleep Company, Emma.
“Down pillows are filled with the soft fibres close to the skin of birds such as geese, ducks or swans. Similarly, feather pillows use feathers from the wings and backs of ducks and geese as filling.”
Theresa adds that due to their animal origin, these types of pillows might not be right for everyone.
“Vegans, for example, may prefer another choice and for some, these types of pillows could potentially cause allergic reactions.”
“There are synthetic alternatives to down, such as microfibre pillows, which offer the same level of comfort but can also be machine-washable. Memory foam is another popular choice thanks to its cushiony support.”
We would recommend doing your research before buying and would advise against buying because of a deal.
It is important to consider how you sleep, your budget and what the pillow is made from.
5 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Trinity College Dublin chiefs issue AI & Gen AI essay guidelines as ‘impossible to ban’ tech deemed ‘the future’
TRINITY College wants its students to use AI and Gen AI to write their essays for them – as long as they don’t try to pass it off as their own.
University chiefs keen to mould the workforce of the very near future have issued AI guidelines after admitting is is “impossible to ban their use”.
It means students can use the likes of Chat GPT to generate text and words in their projects with the college’s blessing once they credit the machines for it.
As a result, work counting for a sizeable portion of a person’s final grade can lean heavily on the output of machine learning.
A source said: “It’s the future, a future where people don’t have to use their brains as much.”
A college statement on AI and Gen AI reads: “Where the output of GenAI is used in a document or work output, this usage should be acknowledged and appropriately cited.
“Where GenAI content is used verbatim (e.g., in the form of unedited text or image), this should be accompanied by a full citation, with text-based content included in quotation marks.”
However it’s not a free-for-all, as anyone seen to be overdoing it might be seen in a poor light.
It tells students: “Note any long verbatim quotation (eg more than one paragraph), even with citation, may be considered inappropriate or poor practice in student assessment documents and publications.”
They could also be done for plagiarism if passing it off without due credit.
In its advice to staff it says: “GenAI will be used by students, researchers and staff. Given the ubiquity of GenAI tools within everyday devices and platforms, it is impossible to ban their use.
“From an academic integrity perspective, if a student generates content from a GenAI tool and submits it as his/her/their own work, it is considered plagiarism, which is defined as academic misconduct.
“If a sentence or quotation from GenAI content is used by a student in their academic work, it must be referenced.”
A spokesperson for Trinity College said the new appreoach is not a blanket go-ahead for students to use AI as there are new guidelines and caveats.
Trinity College’s new AI policy requires students and staff to fact check information generated by Gen AI and to seek out the primary source of the information – such as research papers or publications.
The College also highlights that any student that generates content from an AI tool and submits it as his or her work, it will be considered plagarism.
Trinity College has issued AI guidelines to studentsGetty - Contributor
5 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Golfer and pilot who’s heir to $1bn fortune misses out on win by one shot after flying himself to Genesis Invitational
A GOLFER missed out on a $4million winner’s prize by just one shot – after flying himself to the tournament.
Maverick McNealy, 29, produced a thrilling performance in the final round of the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines.
GettyMaverick McNealy came within a shot of winning the Genesis Invitational[/caption]
InstagramThe PGA golfer is also a qualified pilot and flew himself to the tournament[/caption]
ReutersLudvig Aberg birdied the last to clinch the trophy[/caption]
He shot a superb eight-under-par 64 to finish on -11 – going eight under through the first 11 holes.
But the American was pipped by Swedish sensation Ludvig Aberg who birdied four of the final six holes including the 18th to snatch the prestigious title by one shot.
And Aberg was handed over the trophy by none other than host Tiger Woods.
As for McNealy, though, he had to settle for second and a mere $2.2m [£1.75m].
His epic fortune places him above legends such as Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Rory Mcllroy and Phil Mickelson on the golfing rich list.
But former world No1 amateur McNealy is certainly making a name for himself and boosting his bank balance on the golf course with £12m in career earnings.
But as well as his management science and engineering degree, custom-made irons and rise to 14th in the world rankings, McNealy is a qualified pilot.
The Californian, who has one PGA Tour win at the RSM Classic in November, secured his license in 2023 at the age of 27 – the same year he married wife Maya.
And he even flew his own private plane to Torrey Pines for the Genesis Invitational.
Speaking about his unique arrival to the famous course, McNealy told Golfweek: “It was a really fun way to get here. Kind of unique for me on the PGA Tour.
“I’m going to use it a ton to get to La Quinta for better weather practice and up north to Tahoe in the summer when it gets too hot in Las Vegas.”
On his narrow miss behind Aberg at Torrey Pines, he added: “It [second] is more than I could have asked for to start the day.
“It was one of those things where I got on a roll early and there were some gettable flags.
“When you get on a roll you just don’t want to get off it and I tried to keep it going as long as possible.
“I had a few poor shots and an unlucky break or two at the end but definitely had a few things go my way early in this round and it was just a ton of fun to be up there, to have a chance.
“Ludvig played awesome.”
GettyMcNealy was eight under through 11 holes on Sunday[/caption]
InstagramHe secured his pilot license and married Maya in 2023[/caption]
5 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Ukraine pins hopes on ‘INVINCIBLE’ drone to turn tide of war as it ramps up production of weapon once thought impossible
UKRAINE hopes its “invincible” drones could change the trajectory of the war as production of the lethal weapon ramps up.
New fiber-optic drones have excited Ukraine, with the deadly weapons capable of transforming into unjammable flying bombs, evading electronic shields and delivering precision strikes.
APA Ukrainian made FPV fiber-optic drone flies at a military market place at an undisclosed location in the Kyiv region[/caption]
Ukraine’s Ministry of DefenceA fiber-optic drone in action[/caption]
Ukraine’s Ministry of DefenceThin fiber-optic cables pictured[/caption]
Fiber-optic drones are first-person-view weapons that carry a small explosive payload.
Unlike previously where drones relied on a radio frequency connection that was vulnerable to electronic signal jamming, they’re now built with thin cables that provide a stable connection across several miles.
And, due to the cables being able to maintain a reliable link between the drone and the operator, they’re resistant to conventional electronic warfare practices that have troubled Ukraine previously.
On top of this, the drones provide high-quality video transmissions, granting troops the power to not only receive early warning for incoming FPV drones, but destroy them too.
The breakthrough drones have emerged as a response to electronic warfare – which both Ukraine and Russia use to decimate each others weapons.
Electronic systems interference has become a key part of the war – and consequently the technologyrace.
Russia had introduced fiber-optic drones in the bloody war last year, with the weapons having a prominent place in the conflict by winter.
Initially there was some scepticism from those who work within the efforts to scale up the drone production in Ukraine, especially surrounding how the tech would perform.
But now the weapons are in very high demand and are seen as a main part of a rapidly evolving battlefield.
Ukrainian developers began working on the tech in 2023, according to senior executive in Ukraine’s defence industry Nataliia Kushnerska.
Ukraine’s Ministry of DefenceSpools of fiber-optic cable in different sizes[/caption]
GettyA Ukrainian servicewoman in a VR set operates an FPV drone controlled via a fiber-optic cable during a test flight[/caption]
GettyA fiber-optic-controlled drone is designed for the Ukrainian Armed Forces[/caption]
She told Business Insider: “That year saw the creation of the first prototypes and initial testing conducted by the manufacturers themselves.
“Today, Ukrainian producers have already transitioned to serial production of these systems.”
Kushnerska added that dozens of teams across Ukraine were now working on fiber-optic drones – and the numbers continue to increase.
She explained how companies could produce thousands of the deadly drones each month.
Other company CEO’s and founders shared their hesitations with the drones initially, but as time went on and knowledge of the drones continued to expand, manufacturers realised the addition of fiber-optic cables would be a modification to their drones.
And by halfway through last year, it was clear that the weapons were an essential on the battlefield.
Despite there being various manufacturing and production challenges due to the demand not being high enough for the drones, electronic warfare tactics began to interfere with typical communication channels.
This marked the beginning of fiber-optic drones becoming a necessity in the war.
APA serviceman, callsign Omar, demonstrates a Ukrainian made FPV fiber-optic drone[/caption]
APA serviceman launches a Ukrainian made FPV fiber-optic drone[/caption]
GettyAn FPV drone controlled via a fiber-optic cable flies during Ukrainian military training[/caption]
Representative Oleksii of Warbirds of Ukraine, which produces drones, revealed that the fiber-optic weapons “are essential because they remain operational in electronic warfare environments”.
He told Business Insider: “When used with the right technology, they can significantly improve the accuracy of strikes.
“This is one of the evolutionary steps in developing new approaches to counter electronic warfare systems.”
At Warbirds of Ukraine alone, the drones can now be produced at a whopping 700 systems a moth.
Fiber-optic drones are just one part of Ukraine’s ever-changing defence industry, with the country also producing homemade artillery and missiles to help the frontline troops.
What is a fiber-optic drone?
A FIBER-OPTIC drone is a first-person-view weapon that carries a small explosive payload.
Unlike previously where drones relied on a radio frequency connection that was vulnerable to electronic signal jamming, the drones are now built with thin cables.
These provide a stable connection across several miles.
Due to the cables being able to maintain a reliable link between the drone and the operator, they’re resistant to conventional electronic warfare practices that have troubled Ukraine previously.
On top of this, the drones provide high-quality video transmissions, granting troops the power to not only receive early warning for incoming FPV drones, but destroy them too.
GettyA fiber-optic-controlled drone is designed for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kyiv region[/caption]
ReutersA first-person view (FPV) drone is seen in flight at a training location of the 113th Territorial Defence Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces[/caption]
The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said: “I want spades in the ground.
“I want people to see in their areas, things happening, growth happening, their children and their grandchildren in the future having the opportunity to work in high-skilled high-paid jobs contributing to the economy with more money in their pockets.”
She added that she hopes “sustainable aviation fuel” would help cut the increased emissions, which will be caused by the bigger influx of planes at Heathrow.
M25 Spring Closures
The M25 - Britain’s busiest motorway - will face closures over the Spring.
As this will throw journeys into chaos, find out which junctions will be closing here.
February 21-February 24
The J10 entry and exit slip roads will be closed between February 21-February 24.
Drivers will be able to travel on the M25 through the junction, but will not be able to rejoin.
7-10 March and 21-24 March
J10 will be closed in both directions on 7-10 March and 21-24 March.
Closures will begin at 9pm on each Friday and the roads will reopen at 6am each Monday.
11-14 April
The A3 Northbound will be closed between J10 and the Cobham Roundabout between 11-14 April.
5 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Swansea part company with Luke Williams after horror run but fans left fuming at choice of caretaker manager
SWANSEA have sacked manager Luke Williams.
The move comes with the club 17th in the Championship and after a horror run of seven defeats on the spin.
GettySwansea have sacked manager Luke Williams after a seven-game losing run[/caption]
A club statement said: “Swansea City can confirm the club has parted ways with head coach Luke Williams.
“Assistant head coach Ryan Harley and first-team coach analyst George Lawtey have also left the club with immediate effect.”
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5 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Anton Ferdinand breaks silence on Dancing on Ice backlash as trolls argue he ‘doesn’t deserve’ to be in the competition
ANTON Ferdinand has shrugged off backlash from trolls who are targeting him on Dancing on Ice.
The former footballer, 39, has faced criticism for still being in the competition after former fan favourites were sent home.
Anton Ferdinand and his Dancing on Ice partner Annette DytrtErotemeRexCharlie Brooks left the competiton at the end of Sunday night’s show[/caption]
Novice skater Anton finished in second place on the leaderboard on Sunday night in joint place with The Traitors star Mollie King, just behind Towie’s Dan Edgar.
It led to vicious tweets on X, with one viewer saying: “Can we just skip the skate off? The judges already know exactly who they’re sending home. Anton could fall on his a**e through the ice and they’d still save him.”
Another added: “Are the judges blind? They voted the best skaters out. Anton was like a wooden plank on the ice same as last week.”
Despite fears he’s been struggling behind the scenes, Anton’s rep insisted: “He is focused on the Dancing on Ice journey, he’s loved every minute.
“The comments aren’t fazing him, he’s faced much worse over the years during playing in the Premier League.”
Anton went up against Charlie during last night’s skate-off.
Ashley, Oti and Jayne opted to eliminate Charlie meaning that no vote from Chris was required.
As this week’s head judge, he had the responsibility of making the casting vote and although it was not required, he insisted that he would have voted to axe Charlie as well.
