birminghammail--2020-04-15--Former Birmingham City star trolls Newcastle United over takeover

Former Birmingham City midfielder Curtis Woodhouse has taken aim at Newcastle United fans amid reports of a takeover at St James ' Park .
A bid by Middle East consortium PCP Capital Partners is reportedly being looked at by the Premier League with the group undergoing the owner 's and director 's test .
Newcastle have maintained a `` no comment '' status on all enquiries , but a 31-page charge agreement has been lodged at Companies House which lays out the legal framework for a deal to be completed .
It would see current owner Mike Ashley , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buying the north-east club in 2007 , ousted .
Supporters have protested against his ownership on several occasions with Newcastle having been relegated twice during his reign .
But Woodhouse , who made over 50 appearances for Blues , posted on Twitter : `` Be good for Newcastle United to get this takeover through , gives them somebody new and fresh to moan at and blame .
`` This lot take deluded to a whole new level !
A massive club , in Newcastle .
Absolutely nowhere else . ''
The tweet attracted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Woodhouse , now Gainsborough Trinity manager having previously turned to boxing during the end of his playing career , continued the war of words .
He then said : `` It ’ s been fun guys !
Newcastle fans never let me down !
Goodnight . ''
Woodhouse played under Newcastle manager Steve Bruce during his time at St Andrew 's .

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Former Birmingham City midfielder Curtis Woodhouse has taken aim at Newcastle United fans amid reports of a takeover at St James' Park.
A bid by Middle East consortium PCP Capital Partners is reportedly being looked at by the Premier League with the group undergoing the owner's and director's test.
Newcastle have maintained a "no comment" status on all enquiries, but a 31-page charge agreement has been lodged at Companies House which lays out the legal framework for a deal to be completed.
It would see current owner Mike Ashley, who has grown increasingly unpopular with fans since buying the north-east club in 2007, ousted.
Supporters have protested against his ownership on several occasions with Newcastle having been relegated twice during his reign.
But Woodhouse, who made over 50 appearances for Blues, posted on Twitter: "Be good for Newcastle United to get this takeover through, gives them somebody new and fresh to moan at and blame.
"This lot take deluded to a whole new level! A massive club, in Newcastle. Absolutely nowhere else."
The tweet attracted hundreds of responses from Newcastle fans and Woodhouse, now Gainsborough Trinity manager having previously turned to boxing during the end of his playing career, continued the war of words.
He then said: "It’s been fun guys! Newcastle fans never let me down! Goodnight."
Woodhouse played under Newcastle manager Steve Bruce during his time at St Andrew's.


birminghammail--2020-04-15--Lotto results: Winning National Lottery numbers for Wednesday

Tonight 's winning National Lottery numbers have been revealed - and the draw means you could be winning BIG .
Camelot , the operator of the National Lottery , conducted the Lotto and Thunderball draws this evening .
Birmingham residents looking for a life-changing sum of money can also play the EuroMillions , with draws twice a week taking place on Tuesday evenings and Friday nights .
The main UK Lotto draw will take place at 8pm .
There will also be the Thunderball draw at 8.15pm where could win £500,000 .
To play , you simply select five numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lucky Star numbers from 1-12 .
If you really can ’ t choose and you ’ re finding the pressure too much , you can always select a Lucky Dip and let the machine choose a random selection for you .
Lotto draws take place on Wednesday and Saturday evenings from approximately 8.30pm .
Ticket sales for both Tuesday and Friday EuroMillions draws close at 7.30pm on the evening of the draw .
If you ’ ve missed out , you can buy your ticket for the next draw almost straight away - @ @ @ @ @

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Tonight's winning National Lottery numbers have been revealed - and the draw means you could be winning BIG.
Camelot, the operator of the National Lottery, conducted the Lotto and Thunderball draws this evening.
Birmingham residents looking for a life-changing sum of money can also play the EuroMillions, with draws twice a week taking place on Tuesday evenings and Friday nights.
The main UK Lotto draw will take place at 8pm. There will also be the Thunderball draw at 8.15pm where could win £500,000.
Lottery Tickets cost £2 per line, and include a raffle Millionaire Maker entry code. Thunderball Tickets cost £1.
To play, you simply select five numbers between 1 and 50, plus two Lucky Star numbers from 1-12.
If you really can’t choose and you’re finding the pressure too much, you can always select a Lucky Dip and let the machine choose a random selection for you.
Lotto draws take place on Wednesday and Saturday evenings from approximately 8.30pm.
EuroMillions draws happen on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Ticket sales for both Tuesday and Friday EuroMillions draws close at 7.30pm on the evening of the draw.
If you’ve missed out, you can buy your ticket for the next draw almost straight away - sales re-open at 9pm.
Tonight's National Lottery Lotto winning numbers are: 25, 37, 38, 43, 54, 57.
The Bonus Ball is 17.
Tonight's estimated jackpot is £4.9 million.
Tonight's National Lottery Thunderball winning numbers are: 07, 21, 26, 28, 36.
The Thunderball is 08.


birminghammail--2020-04-15--Aston Villa news updates and transfers live

Hello and welcome to Wednesday 's LIVE coverage of Aston Villa from Birmingham Live .
We will be keeping you @ @ @ @ @ the latest Villa news and views .
Dean Smith 's team have had their season @ @ @ @ @ are currently being asked to stay at home by the government .
There will be @ @ @ @ @ situation and any transfer updates and rumours from B6 right here on today 's live @ @ @ @ @ our rolling live blog below for all the action ...

Hello and welcome to Friday's LIVE coverage of Aston Villa from BirminghamLive.
We will be keeping you up to date with all the latest Villa news and views.
Dean Smith's team have had their season suspended indefinitely and staff members and players are currently being asked to stay at home by the government.
There will be all the latest on that situation and any transfer updates and rumours from B6 right here on today's live blog.
Follow along on our rolling live blog below for all the action...


birminghammail--2020-04-15--Who is Steve Hopcroft? The West Brom guru set to join Aston Villa

Aston Villa look set to announce the back-room signing of Steve Hopcroft after poaching West Bromwich Albion 's head of academy recruitment .
The top talent-spotter announced his departure from The Hawthorns last week and will link up with Villa 's academy manager Mark Harrison .
Harrison worked alongside Hopcroft at Albion for many years and , since moving to Bodymoor Heath , made it a priority to tempt Hopcroft to join .
And it 's worked out well with Hopcroft replacing Tom Brady , Aston Villa 's head of academy recruitment who 's recently departed after four years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ start his role in due course , here 's a little bit more about Hopcroft .
Prior to Albion , Hopcroft was at Birmingham City where he held a similar youth recruitment role .
He was at Wast Hills at the same time Nathan Redmond and Demarai Gray signed for the club as young boys .
Hopcroft 's work was picked up by Albion in 2006 and he soon headed up their academy recruitment .
During his time at Albion he set up a brand-new community football club called Soho Albion which would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Back in September 2016 , the proud Brummie turned down an academy job at Manchester United .
`` I turned down the Man United job because I thought about why I started , '' Hopcroft said in a video three years ago .
`` And it was n't to find players in Manchester or all around the world for Man United , it was to find players for West Brom in the Birmingham area who can play in our first team .
`` It was very difficult to turn down Man United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy very happy at West Brom . ''
Did you know ?
Hopcroft tried ever so hard to snap up a bright-eyed Jack Grealish for Albion at under-7s .
Villa 's superstar skipper was desperate to play for Villa , though , and snubbed Hopcroft and Albion .
After Grealish lit up Wembley in the 2015 FA Cup semi-final , Hopcroft said on Twitter : `` Tried to sign Jack Grealish at U7/8 .
`` Was only EVER going to sign for AVFC .
He and his Dad loved Villa .
He must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What players has he picked up ?
Hopcroft 's list of players he snapped up for Albion really is endless , but he did make a mistake when he turned down a young Callum Wilson .
Back to Hopcroft 's success stories , though , and they consist of Louie Barry , Izzy Brown , Rekeem Harper , Kyle Edwards , Nathan Ferguson , Saido Berahino , Kemar Roofe , Sam Field , Jonathan Leko , Yan Dhanda , George Thorne , Sam Mantom , Chris Wood and Romaine Sawyers .
Why did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harrison set a clear vision when he arrived at Bodymoor last summer .
`` We want to be clear about what an Aston Villa player of the future looks like , '' Harrison said after arriving .
`` We want to make Aston Villa 's academy well-respected throughout the country , competing with the big academies like Chelsea and Man City .
`` Equally , locally , we 've got to make sure Aston Villa 's the club everyone wants to come to . ''
Villa 's chief executive Christian Purslow has hopes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talent from north London right to south Manchester .
And Hopcroft falls into all of the above , helping to source the cream of the crop from an early age with Villa nurturing potentially first-team talent .
In short , Aston Villa want to be the best academy around and what they 've done is got the best man for the job .
The signing of Hopcroft will be seen as a massive coup by Harrison , the man who went all-out to get Barry in from Barcelona .
`` A player left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Harrison famously said , speaking of the teenage striker prior to signing him .
`` He lives in Sutton Coldfield .
He 's a Villa fan , his dad 's a Villa fan and that just ca n't happen ! ''

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Aston Villa look set to announce the back-room signing of Steve Hopcroft after poaching West Bromwich Albion's head of academy recruitment.
The top talent-spotter announced his departure from The Hawthorns last week and will link up with Villa's academy manager Mark Harrison.
Harrison worked alongside Hopcroft at Albion for many years and, since moving to Bodymoor Heath, made it a priority to tempt Hopcroft to join.
And it's worked out well with Hopcroft replacing Tom Brady, Aston Villa's head of academy recruitment who's recently departed after four years.
The Villa's new man set to start his role in due course, here's a little bit more about Hopcroft.
What's his background?
Prior to Albion, Hopcroft was at Birmingham City where he held a similar youth recruitment role. He was at Wast Hills at the same time Nathan Redmond and Demarai Gray signed for the club as young boys.
Hopcroft's work was picked up by Albion in 2006 and he soon headed up their academy recruitment.
During his time at Albion he set up a brand-new community football club called Soho Albion which would act as a talent pool in Handsworth.
Back in September 2016, the proud Brummie turned down an academy job at Manchester United.
"I turned down the Man United job because I thought about why I started," Hopcroft said in a video three years ago.
"And it wasn't to find players in Manchester or all around the world for Man United, it was to find players for West Brom in the Birmingham area who can play in our first team.
"It was very difficult to turn down Man United, very difficult. But I'm happy very happy at West Brom."
Did you know?
Hopcroft tried ever so hard to snap up a bright-eyed Jack Grealish for Albion at under-7s.
Villa's superstar skipper was desperate to play for Villa, though, and snubbed Hopcroft and Albion.
After Grealish lit up Wembley in the 2015 FA Cup semi-final, Hopcroft said on Twitter: "Tried to sign Jack Grealish at U7/8.
"Was only EVER going to sign for AVFC. He and his Dad loved Villa. He must have dreamt of this day."
What players has he picked up?
Hopcroft's list of players he snapped up for Albion really is endless, but he did make a mistake when he turned down a young Callum Wilson.
Back to Hopcroft's success stories, though, and they consist of Louie Barry, Izzy Brown, Rekeem Harper, Kyle Edwards, Nathan Ferguson, Saido Berahino, Kemar Roofe, Sam Field, Jonathan Leko, Yan Dhanda, George Thorne, Sam Mantom, Chris Wood and Romaine Sawyers.
Why did Aston Villa want him?
Academy manager Harrison set a clear vision when he arrived at Bodymoor last summer.
"We want to be clear about what an Aston Villa player of the future looks like," Harrison said after arriving.
"We want to make Aston Villa's academy well-respected throughout the country, competing with the big academies like Chelsea and Man City.
"Equally, locally, we've got to make sure Aston Villa's the club everyone wants to come to."
Villa's chief executive Christian Purslow has hopes of Villa cherry-picking the very best in talent from north London right to south Manchester.
And Hopcroft falls into all of the above, helping to source the cream of the crop from an early age with Villa nurturing potentially first-team talent.
In short, Aston Villa want to be the best academy around and what they've done is got the best man for the job.
The signing of Hopcroft will be seen as a massive coup by Harrison, the man who went all-out to get Barry in from Barcelona.
"A player left West Bromwich Albion to go to Barcelona," Harrison famously said, speaking of the teenage striker prior to signing him.
"He lives in Sutton Coldfield. He's a Villa fan, his dad's a Villa fan and that just can't happen!"


birminghammail--2020-04-15--Baker creates sweet treats for NHS staff to beat self-isolation boredom

A kind-hearted Black Country baker is keeping busy during self-isolation by mixing up sweet treats for hardworking NHS staff .
Annette , an independent cake maker from Dudley , has been lovingly making cupcakes and donating them to health care workers across the West Midlands .
The 55-year-old , who runs A Box Full of Happiness , decided to use her skills to give frontline staff a much-needed boost in the midst of the coronavirus crisis .
She said : `` We ’ ve stopped baking since lockdown .
I have son who ’ s waiting for open heart surgery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a family we are self isolating .
`` As we are spending so much time in the house , we wanted to do our bit to help at this awful time and baking is something I enjoy . ''
There has been a huge demand for the free cupcakes , keeping Annette occupied in the kitchen .
So far , boxes packed with colourful cakes have made their way to West Midlands Ambulance Service , plus hospital wards and care homes in Dudley , Sandwell , Wolverhampton , Birmingham and Telford .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week , '' she said .
`` People message our Instagram and Facebook pages and request cupcakes for a certain department , then we place them on the doorstep before they arrive to collect , so we have no contact .
`` Every time people come to collect cakes , they are leaving bits of ingredients for us to use on the doorstep to keep us going . ''
To place an order , email aboxfullofhappiness @ hotmail.com or visit @ abox_fullofhappiness over on Instagram .

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A kind-hearted Black Country baker is keeping busy during self-isolation by mixing up sweet treats for hardworking NHS staff.
Annette, an independent cake maker from Dudley, has been lovingly making cupcakes and donating them to health care workers across the West Midlands.
The 55-year-old, who runs A Box Full of Happiness, decided to use her skills to give frontline staff a much-needed boost in the midst of the coronavirus crisis.
She said: "We’ve stopped baking since lockdown. I have son who’s waiting for open heart surgery for a valve replacement, so as a family we are self isolating.
"As we are spending so much time in the house, we wanted to do our bit to help at this awful time and baking is something I enjoy."
There has been a huge demand for the free cupcakes, keeping Annette occupied in the kitchen.
So far, boxes packed with colourful cakes have made their way to West Midlands Ambulance Service, plus hospital wards and care homes in Dudley, Sandwell, Wolverhampton, Birmingham and Telford.
"We are roughly doing around 250 cupcakes a week," she said.
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"People message our Instagram and Facebook pages and request cupcakes for a certain department, then we place them on the doorstep before they arrive to collect, so we have no contact.
"Every time people come to collect cakes, they are leaving bits of ingredients for us to use on the doorstep to keep us going."
To place an order, email aboxfullofhappiness@hotmail.com or visit @abox_fullofhappiness over on Instagram.


birminghammail--2020-04-15--New Premier League talks pave way for West Brom's promotion

Premier League clubs have joined forces for the 2019/20 season to come to an end by June 30th rather than delaying the finish indefinitely - while keeping promotion and relegation in place .
Football across the UK is currently suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic and as things stand there is no agreed plan for how to complete the campaign .
West Bromwich Albion are monitoring any developments closely as they bid to secure promotion to the Premier League .
Albion and league leaders Leeds United are eagerly awaiting the green light from the footballing authorities that they may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is nationwide acceptance that the hyper infectious nature of the virus means matches would be played behind closed doors .
While the Premier League and Football Association are keen to conclude the campaign by extending the season into the summer months , several Premier League clubs have united with a different stance .
The Mirror reports that at least nine clubs have had serious discussions among themselves and will come together to present their case to the Premier League on Friday , as they call for the season to be curtailed - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and utter chaos ” of allowing it to drag on for months beyond the summer .
Their proposal is to find a formula to finish the season as they know declaring the campaign null and void is off the table .
It involves agreeing on a scenario which would allow Liverpool to be crowned champions , European spots to be decided and the relegation battle to be settled , with three Championship sides coming up to replace the top-flight 's bottom clubs at the end of June .
The concerns stem around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expire on June 30 , while a number of clubs have commercial deals that are coming to a close on the same date .
FIFA have been discussing ways round the huge contract issue for players who become free agents but clubs fear it would not stand up to a legal challenge , while believe that could seriously affect the whole integrity of the League if clubs suddenly lose a number of their players .
The clubs are insisting that it is time for a serious debate to allow them to plan with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as there is currently huge question marks about the end date of the 2019/20 season , the start of the new campaign and how the summer transfer window fits in .
It is not only player contracts and transfers that are affected though , as the uncertainty is causing strain for ticket sales , sponsorship and TV payments - which many clubs rely on to keep above water .
They believe a deal could be brokered with TV companies to offset the cost of the current contract by showing more games next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadcasters Sky and BT Sport .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Josh Challies, Shane Ireland)

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Premier League clubs have joined forces for the 2019/20 season to come to an end by June 30th rather than delaying the finish indefinitely - while keeping promotion and relegation in place.
Football across the UK is currently suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic and as things stand there is no agreed plan for how to complete the campaign.
West Bromwich Albion are monitoring any developments closely as they bid to secure promotion to the Premier League.
Albion and league leaders Leeds United are eagerly awaiting the green light from the footballing authorities that they may conclude their respective promotion pushes, while there is nationwide acceptance that the hyper infectious nature of the virus means matches would be played behind closed doors.
(Image: Getty Images)
While the Premier League and Football Association are keen to conclude the campaign by extending the season into the summer months, several Premier League clubs have united with a different stance.
The Mirror reports that at least nine clubs have had serious discussions among themselves and will come together to present their case to the Premier League on Friday, as they call for the season to be curtailed - rather than risk the “huge uncertainty and utter chaos” of allowing it to drag on for months beyond the summer.
Their proposal is to find a formula to finish the season as they know declaring the campaign null and void is off the table.
It involves agreeing on a scenario which would allow Liverpool to be crowned champions, European spots to be decided and the relegation battle to be settled, with three Championship sides coming up to replace the top-flight's bottom clubs at the end of June.
The concerns stem around the fact that numerous players see their contracts expire on June 30, while a number of clubs have commercial deals that are coming to a close on the same date.
FIFA have been discussing ways round the huge contract issue for players who become free agents but clubs fear it would not stand up to a legal challenge, while believe that could seriously affect the whole integrity of the League if clubs suddenly lose a number of their players.
The clubs are insisting that it is time for a serious debate to allow them to plan with some degree of certainty for next season, as there is currently huge question marks about the end date of the 2019/20 season, the start of the new campaign and how the summer transfer window fits in.
It is not only player contracts and transfers that are affected though, as the uncertainty is causing strain for ticket sales, sponsorship and TV payments - which many clubs rely on to keep above water.
They believe a deal could be brokered with TV companies to offset the cost of the current contract by showing more games next season or reaching a compromise with key broadcasters Sky and BT Sport.


birminghammail--2020-04-15--Birmingham WWE star released by company in huge cull amid coronavirus

A Birmingham WWE star is among eight wrestlers released by the sports entertainment company today .
Drake Maverick , a star of WWE 's main roster , where he managed the Authors of Pain ( or AOP ) has been left go by the company .
WWE has come to terms with the Brummie performer over his release .
His departure from WWE will come as a shock to many , after he was only recently announced as a competitor in the forthcoming tournament to crown an interim Cruiserweight Champion .
The 37-year-old , real name James Michael Curtin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , serving as the former General Manager of the latter brand .
He was in his role as GM of the purple ropes brand , which airs on Friday evenings after WWE Smackdown , from January 2018 until April 2020 .
The performer is best known for his time in TNA as `` Rockstar Spud '' .
He was among eight superstars released by the company as WWE feels the impact of coronavirus .
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic , WWE was forced to host WrestleMania - its flagship event - behind closed doors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SmackDown without any fans at the WWE Performance Centre .
Other stars let go by the company , which is owned by Vince McMahon , include popular tag team The Club , aka Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson .
Fan favourites Curt Hawkins and Heath Slater were also cut , as well as former Cruiserweight Champ Lio Rush .
Aiden English , Eric Young and EC3 were also let go .

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A Birmingham WWE star is among eight wrestlers released by the sports entertainment company today.
Drake Maverick, a star of WWE's main roster, where he managed the Authors of Pain (or AOP) has been left go by the company.
WWE has come to terms with the Brummie performer over his release.
His departure from WWE will come as a shock to many, after he was only recently announced as a competitor in the forthcoming tournament to crown an interim Cruiserweight Champion.
The 37-year-old, real name James Michael Curtin, is an NXT and 205 Live regular, serving as the former General Manager of the latter brand.
He was in his role as GM of the purple ropes brand, which airs on Friday evenings after WWE Smackdown, from January 2018 until April 2020.
The performer is best known for his time in TNA as "Rockstar Spud".
He was among eight superstars released by the company as WWE feels the impact of coronavirus.
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, WWE was forced to host WrestleMania - its flagship event - behind closed doors.
It has also aired RAW and SmackDown without any fans at the WWE Performance Centre.
Other stars let go by the company, which is owned by Vince McMahon, include popular tag team The Club, aka Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.
Fan favourites Curt Hawkins and Heath Slater were also cut, as well as former Cruiserweight Champ Lio Rush.
Aiden English, Eric Young and EC3 were also let go.


birminghammail--2020-04-15--Another major European country is lifting coronavirus lockdown

Germany plans to let smaller shops reopen next week after the coronavirus shutdown , and to start reopening schools in early May .
But Europe 's biggest economy is keeping strict social distancing rules in place for now .
After much-anticipated talks with Germany 's 16 state governors , Chancellor Angela Merkel set out a plan for the first steps of a cautious restart of public life - following neighbouring Austria and Denmark and other countries in launching a slow loosening of restrictions .
New infections in Germany have slowed in recent weeks , but Ms Merkel cautioned that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intermediate success '' so far and does not have `` much room for manoeuvre . ''
She said a ban on gatherings of more than two people in public and an obligation to keep at a 1.5-metre distance from others , which has been in place since March 23 , will remain in place beyond Sunday when it was previously set to expire .
Nonessential shops , which have also have been closed for nearly four weeks , will be allowed to start reopening , with hygiene precautions , if they are up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So will car showrooms , bike shops and bookshops , irrespective of their size .
Ms Merkel said the decisions apply to the period from Monday though May 3 , and officials will review the situation again on April 30 .
She said authorities also will recommend that people wear face masks on public transport and when shopping , but are stopping short of making their use obligatory for now .
Schools have been closed since mid-March .
Ms Merkel said preparations will be made for them to reopen step by step from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning first .
Hairdressing salons also should prepare to reopen starting May 4 , officials said .
State governors and Germany 's interior minister will hold talks this week with religious communities on what to do about religious gatherings , which have not been allowed in recent weeks , Ms Merkel said .
It remains unclear when bars , cafes and restaurants - which also are closed , apart from for takeouts - will be allowed to reopen .
`` We are moving forward in small steps and must see what effect they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany has confirmed more than 130,000 coronavirus infections , according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University .
It has recorded over 3,500 deaths , but that is a lower number than in countries with comparable case figures and Germany 's health system has not been overwhelmed .

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Germany plans to let smaller shops reopen next week after the coronavirus shutdown, and to start reopening schools in early May.
But Europe's biggest economy is keeping strict social distancing rules in place for now.
After much-anticipated talks with Germany's 16 state governors, Chancellor Angela Merkel set out a plan for the first steps of a cautious restart of public life - following neighbouring Austria and Denmark and other countries in launching a slow loosening of restrictions.
New infections in Germany have slowed in recent weeks, but Ms Merkel cautioned that the country has achieved only "a fragile intermediate success" so far and does not have "much room for manoeuvre."
She said a ban on gatherings of more than two people in public and an obligation to keep at a 1.5-metre distance from others, which has been in place since March 23, will remain in place beyond Sunday when it was previously set to expire.
(Image: Getty Images)
Nonessential shops, which have also have been closed for nearly four weeks, will be allowed to start reopening, with hygiene precautions, if they are up to 800 square metres in area. So will car showrooms, bike shops and bookshops, irrespective of their size.
Ms Merkel said the decisions apply to the period from Monday though May 3, and officials will review the situation again on April 30.
She said authorities also will recommend that people wear face masks on public transport and when shopping, but are stopping short of making their use obligatory for now.
Schools have been closed since mid-March. Ms Merkel said preparations will be made for them to reopen step by step from May 4, with the oldest students returning first.
Hairdressing salons also should prepare to reopen starting May 4, officials said.
State governors and Germany's interior minister will hold talks this week with religious communities on what to do about religious gatherings, which have not been allowed in recent weeks, Ms Merkel said.
It remains unclear when bars, cafes and restaurants - which also are closed, apart from for takeouts - will be allowed to reopen.
"We are moving forward in small steps and must see what effect they have," Ms Merkel said.
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Germany has confirmed more than 130,000 coronavirus infections, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.
It has recorded over 3,500 deaths, but that is a lower number than in countries with comparable case figures and Germany's health system has not been overwhelmed.


birminghammail--2020-04-15--What Solskjaer has told Man Utd board about Villa's Jack Grealish

The midfielder 's performances have been a major positive in an otherwise difficult season for Villa , who have spent much of their first campaign back in the Premier League bouncing around the bottom six .
Grealish reserved one of his best showings this term for Villa 's trip to Old Trafford in December , where he was man-of-the-match by some distance .
He curled in a delightful strike to open the scoring in the 2-2 draw and harassed United 's defence from the first minute to the last .
Solskjaer was so impressed that at full-time he told Grealish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitch and raved about him in the press conference afterwards .
The United boss told reporters : `` I ca n't talk too much about other teams ' players , if they 're Man United calibre or targets .
“ But fantastic goal , I think he hit one of them corners I hit a couple of times .
It was a great finish , but we should defend better , show him down the left .
But what a goal and he played a good game . ''
Villa are braced for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know they will be able to command a significant fee if they fight off the threat of relegation .
At least one approach from Old Trafford has already been knocked back with ESPN reporting Solskjaer personally told executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to enquire about Grealish in the January window and last summer .
Dean Smith was asked about the 24-year-old 's future prior to the Carabao Cup final defeat against Manchester City .
The head coach said : “ Obviously staying in this league is probably one of the biggest things that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He wants to play at the highest level and win trophies .
`` We have to work hard on Sunday to try and win that trophy .
Winning a trophy , well , you can say we have just won one .
“ But Jack 's future like all the rest of the players is down to what happens over the next three months .
What we can do is assess it then .
”

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Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish has a big fan in Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The midfielder's performances have been a major positive in an otherwise difficult season for Villa, who have spent much of their first campaign back in the Premier League bouncing around the bottom six.
Grealish reserved one of his best showings this term for Villa's trip to Old Trafford in December, where he was man-of-the-match by some distance.
He curled in a delightful strike to open the scoring in the 2-2 draw and harassed United's defence from the first minute to the last.
Solskjaer was so impressed that at full-time he told Grealish he was the best player on the pitch and raved about him in the press conference afterwards.
The United boss told reporters: "I can't talk too much about other teams' players, if they're Man United calibre or targets.
“But fantastic goal, I think he hit one of them corners I hit a couple of times. It was a great finish, but we should defend better, show him down the left. But what a goal and he played a good game."
Villa are braced for interest when the transfer window opens but know they will be able to command a significant fee if they fight off the threat of relegation.
At least one approach from Old Trafford has already been knocked back with ESPN reporting Solskjaer personally told executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to enquire about Grealish in the January window and last summer.
Dean Smith was asked about the 24-year-old's future prior to the Carabao Cup final defeat against Manchester City.
The head coach said: “Obviously staying in this league is probably one of the biggest things that will help us to keep Jack Grealish. He wants to play at the highest level and win trophies.
"We have to work hard on Sunday to try and win that trophy. Winning a trophy , well, you can say we have just won one.
“But Jack's future like all the rest of the players is down to what happens over the next three months. What we can do is assess it then.”


birminghammail--2020-04-15--Fire crews leave scene of huge blaze at recycling plant

Firefighters have left the scene of a massive blaze that broke out at a Willenhall recycling plant .
Huge flames engulfed the skyline at the business on Ezekiel Lane when 1,000 tonnes of mixed recycling equipment - including cardboard , clothing and pallets - caught fire at around 12.45pm on Tuesday , April 14 .
Residents were urged to keep their doors and windows closed as a plume of black smoke , which could be seen for miles , filled the sky .
Around 60 firefighters batted the blaze at its height , pumping water from a nearby canal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fast-moving inferno from above .
A team also remained at the scene today to dampen down hot spots .
An investigation is now under way to establish the cause of the fire , which has not yet been confirmed .
West Midlands Police and the Environment Agency will also be involved .
Keep up-to-date with all things Walsall on our Walsall Facebook page - where you 'll get the latest news , travel , weather and events in your area .
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said : `` The last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene of the large fire in Willenhall , more than 24 hours after it started .
`` Joint investigations into the cause continue .
`` We are working closely with colleagues from Environment Agency and West Midlands Police . ''

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Firefighters have left the scene of a massive blaze that broke out at a Willenhall recycling plant.
Huge flames engulfed the skyline at the business on Ezekiel Lane when 1,000 tonnes of mixed recycling equipment - including cardboard, clothing and pallets - caught fire at around 12.45pm on Tuesday, April 14.
Residents were urged to keep their doors and windows closed as a plume of black smoke, which could be seen for miles, filled the sky.
Around 60 firefighters batted the blaze at its height, pumping water from a nearby canal and using hydraulic platforms to help tackle the fast-moving inferno from above.
A team also remained at the scene today to dampen down hot spots.
An investigation is now under way to establish the cause of the fire, which has not yet been confirmed.
West Midlands Police and the Environment Agency will also be involved.
Keep up-to-date with all things Walsall on our Walsall Facebook page - where you'll get the latest news, travel, weather and events in your area.
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "The last of our crews have now left the scene of the large fire in Willenhall, more than 24 hours after it started.
"Joint investigations into the cause continue.
"We are working closely with colleagues from Environment Agency and West Midlands Police."


birminghammail--2020-04-15--The key Aston Villa signings that would bolster Dean Smith's squad

The nation remains gripped in a pandemic with Aston Villa 's Premier League future remaining very much uncertain .
The most-recent murmurings coming out of Premier League HQ suggests football could resume as early as June .
Villa , of course , have 10 games left to save their top-flight status .
Fast-forward to the end of the 2019/20 campaign and , if Dean Smith 's side do survive , then the start of next season and the summer transfer window will be pushed back .
Looking ahead to future business , BirminghamLive picks out what Villa 's perfect 25-man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ window .
So , without further ado , let 's get to it , starting with the goalkeepers ... On paper , Villa 's goalkeeping department looks solid .
Tom Heaton should be back for next season - and so too should Jed Steer following his Achilles tendon tear .
Elsewhere , Orjan Nyland will be banging on the door for the No.1 shirt after proving himself throughout Villa 's run to the Carabao Cup final .
Villa appear well-stocked in goal .
Pepe Reina , meanwhile , will of course be let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loan deal .
We 've gone for two transfers here to provide better competition for current first-choice full-backs Matt Targett and Frederic Guilbert .
Ahmed Elmohamady and Neil Taylor have seemingly struggled in the Premier League and , with that in mind , Smith could look at bringing in a right-back and a left-back .
We 've gone with Liverpool youngster Ki-Jana Hoever .
The 18-year-old could move on an initial loan deal given the fact Jurgen Klopp has Andy Robertson .
At right-back and to provide stiff competition for Guilbert , Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once more and sign 22-year-old Dane Joakim Maehle .
Maehle played with Mbwana Samatta at Genk and , this season , provided four assists from 25 games .
It 's crazy to suggest Villa have some good centre-back options at their disposal yet they 've conceded a Premier League-high 56 goals from just 28 games .
Whether Villa 's frailties have been down to tactics is another matter but in Tyrone Mings , Bjorn Engels and an upcoming Ezri Konsa , it appears rock-steady on paper .
Smith , though , could look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and one he knows well , Axel Tuanzebe .
The Manchester United man has revealed his frustration at a lack of playing time and a deal could just be in the offing to bring the 22-year-old back to B6 .
Now the engine room has arguably been Villa 's weakest position ever since John McGinn sustained that nasty ankle fracture .
Fast-forward to the next transfer window and what Villa need is some added steel which could come in the shape of Leeds United general Kalvin Phillips .
Both Marvelous Nakamba and Douglas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while Smith could do no harm by drafting in Jacob Ramsey as back-up given his exploits at Doncaster Rovers .
Again , not a position Villa have been blessed with other than superstar Jack Grealish .
Anwar El Ghazi , Trezeguet and Jota have failed to pull up any trees and drastic action would be needed in the next burden to ease the burden on Grealish and Villa 's strikers .
Brentford winger Said Benrahma was strongly linked with a transfer last summer so a move could materialise this time around .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tempt Joe Lolley into a dream move to Villa Park ?
We shall see .
Lastly and , given interest from the likes of Man City and Bayern Munich , Villa could roll the dice and promote the jet-heeled Jaden Philogene-Bidace , a teenager who has been training with the first-team anyway .
The proposition of Wesley and Mbwana Samatta playing together is a frightening one .
However , what Villa must be wary of is the Brazilian 's return from a ruptured ACL and a return could take time .
Up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking price for Colombian hot shot Alfredo Morelos which could put Villa on alert .
The 23-year-old has scored 18 goals in all comps for Steven Gerrard 's side and could favour a move to the Premier League .
And finally , Louie Barry turns 17 in September and Villa will no doubt have a look at him in pre-season to see if he can make the step up from youth-team football .
Again , like Philogene-Bidace , Barry could just be an Ace card in the pack that could come up trumps @

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The nation remains gripped in a pandemic with Aston Villa's Premier League future remaining very much uncertain.
The most-recent murmurings coming out of Premier League HQ suggests football could resume as early as June.
Villa, of course, have 10 games left to save their top-flight status.
Fast-forward to the end of the 2019/20 campaign and, if Dean Smith's side do survive, then the start of next season and the summer transfer window will be pushed back.
Looking ahead to future business, BirminghamLive picks out what Villa's perfect 25-man squad could look like after the next window.
So, without further ado, let's get to it, starting with the goalkeepers...
Goalkeepers: Tom Heaton, Jed Steer, Orjan Nyland
On paper, Villa's goalkeeping department looks solid. Tom Heaton should be back for next season - and so too should Jed Steer following his Achilles tendon tear.
Elsewhere, Orjan Nyland will be banging on the door for the No.1 shirt after proving himself throughout Villa's run to the Carabao Cup final.
Villa appear well-stocked in goal. Pepe Reina, meanwhile, will of course be let go after coming in on a short-term loan deal.
Full-backs: Matt Targett, Frederic Guilbert, Ki-Jana Hoever, Joakim Maehle
We've gone for two transfers here to provide better competition for current first-choice full-backs Matt Targett and Frederic Guilbert.
Ahmed Elmohamady and Neil Taylor have seemingly struggled in the Premier League and, with that in mind, Smith could look at bringing in a right-back and a left-back.
(Image: Getty Images)
We've gone with Liverpool youngster Ki-Jana Hoever. The 18-year-old could move on an initial loan deal given the fact Jurgen Klopp has Andy Robertson.
At right-back and to provide stiff competition for Guilbert, Villa could look to raid the Belgian league once more and sign 22-year-old Dane Joakim Maehle.
Maehle played with Mbwana Samatta at Genk and, this season, provided four assists from 25 games.
Centre-backs: Bjorn Engels, Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, Axel Tuanzebe
(Image: Getty Images)
It's crazy to suggest Villa have some good centre-back options at their disposal yet they've conceded a Premier League-high 56 goals from just 28 games.
Whether Villa's frailties have been down to tactics is another matter but in Tyrone Mings, Bjorn Engels and an upcoming Ezri Konsa, it appears rock-steady on paper.
Smith, though, could look to add another centre-back to his ranks and one he knows well, Axel Tuanzebe. The Manchester United man has revealed his frustration at a lack of playing time and a deal could just be in the offing to bring the 22-year-old back to B6.
Midfielders: Marvelous Nakamba, John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey, Kalvin Phillips
Now the engine room has arguably been Villa's weakest position ever since John McGinn sustained that nasty ankle fracture.
Fast-forward to the next transfer window and what Villa need is some added steel which could come in the shape of Leeds United general Kalvin Phillips.
Both Marvelous Nakamba and Douglas Luiz will be better players next season, while Smith could do no harm by drafting in Jacob Ramsey as back-up given his exploits at Doncaster Rovers.
Wingers: Anwar El Ghazi, Jack Grealish, Said Benrahma, Joe Lolley, Jaden Philogene-Bidace
(Image: PA Wire)
Again, not a position Villa have been blessed with other than superstar Jack Grealish.
Anwar El Ghazi, Trezeguet and Jota have failed to pull up any trees and drastic action would be needed in the next burden to ease the burden on Grealish and Villa's strikers.
Brentford winger Said Benrahma was strongly linked with a transfer last summer so a move could materialise this time around.
Staying in the Championship, could Smith tempt Joe Lolley into a dream move to Villa Park? We shall see.
Lastly and, given interest from the likes of Man City and Bayern Munich, Villa could roll the dice and promote the jet-heeled Jaden Philogene-Bidace, a teenager who has been training with the first-team anyway.
Strikers: Wesley, Mbwana Samatta, Alfredo Morelos, Louie Barry
The proposition of Wesley and Mbwana Samatta playing together is a frightening one. However, what Villa must be wary of is the Brazilian's return from a ruptured ACL and a return could take time.
Up in Scotland, Rangers have reportedly dropped their asking price for Colombian hot shot Alfredo Morelos which could put Villa on alert. The 23-year-old has scored 18 goals in all comps for Steven Gerrard's side and could favour a move to the Premier League.
And finally, Louie Barry turns 17 in September and Villa will no doubt have a look at him in pre-season to see if he can make the step up from youth-team football. Again, like Philogene-Bidace, Barry could just be an Ace card in the pack that could come up trumps.


birminghammail--2020-04-15--Plastic straw and cotton bud ban delayed over coronavirus pandemic

A ban on plastic straws , stirrers and cotton buds in England has been delayed by six months as a result of the coronavirus pandemic .
The throwaway items were due to be banned from April to tackle pollution and protect the environment , after a consultation revealed `` overwhelming '' public support for the move .
The ban has exemptions allowing those who need to use plastic straws for medical reasons or a disability to buy them from registered pharmacies or request them in restaurants , pubs and bars , and the use of plastic-stemmed cotton buds for medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed more than 80 % of respondents backed a ban on the distribution and sale of plastic straws , 90 % a ban on drinks stirrers , and 89 % a ban on cotton buds .
It is estimated that 4.7 billion plastic straws , 316 million plastic stirrers and 1.8 billion plastic-stemmed cotton buds are used each year in England , with around 10 % of cotton buds flushed down toilets , often ending up in waterways or oceans , the Government said .
It is hoped millions of pounds could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plastics .
But the Environment Department ( Defra ) has now delayed the introduction of the ban due to the Covid-19 outbreak .
A Defra spokesman said : `` Given the huge challenges posed to businesses by coronavirus , we have confirmed we will delay the introduction of our ban on plastic straws , stirrers and cotton buds until October 2020 .
`` We remain absolutely committed to turning the tide on the widespread use of single-use plastics and the threat they pose to our natural environment .
`` This ban is yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plastic so we can better protect our precious wildlife and leave our environment in a better state for future generations . ''
The delay was criticised by campaigners against plastic pollution .
Sian Sutherland , co-founder of A Plastic Planet said : `` If the demand for this delay actually came from the NHS and frontline workers rather than the plastics industry ; of course every plastic activist would be in agreement .
`` But no , the plastic lobbyists have been working overtime and have succeeded here .
`` Let 's hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slippery slope when the UK public have made it very clear that they want industry to protect nature , not continue to pollute and destroy it . ''

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A ban on plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds in England has been delayed by six months as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The throwaway items were due to be banned from April to tackle pollution and protect the environment, after a consultation revealed "overwhelming" public support for the move.
The ban has exemptions allowing those who need to use plastic straws for medical reasons or a disability to buy them from registered pharmacies or request them in restaurants, pubs and bars, and the use of plastic-stemmed cotton buds for medical and scientific purposes.
The public consultation showed more than 80% of respondents backed a ban on the distribution and sale of plastic straws, 90% a ban on drinks stirrers, and 89% a ban on cotton buds.
It is estimated that 4.7 billion plastic straws, 316 million plastic stirrers and 1.8 billion plastic-stemmed cotton buds are used each year in England, with around 10% of cotton buds flushed down toilets, often ending up in waterways or oceans, the Government said.
It is hoped millions of pounds could be saved annually on clean-up efforts of used plastics.
But the Environment Department (Defra) has now delayed the introduction of the ban due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
A Defra spokesman said: "Given the huge challenges posed to businesses by coronavirus, we have confirmed we will delay the introduction of our ban on plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds until October 2020.
"We remain absolutely committed to turning the tide on the widespread use of single-use plastics and the threat they pose to our natural environment.
"This ban is yet another measure to clamp down on unnecessary plastic so we can better protect our precious wildlife and leave our environment in a better state for future generations."
The delay was criticised by campaigners against plastic pollution.
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Sian Sutherland, co-founder of A Plastic Planet said: "If the demand for this delay actually came from the NHS and frontline workers rather than the plastics industry; of course every plastic activist would be in agreement.
"But no, the plastic lobbyists have been working overtime and have succeeded here.
"Let's hope this isn't the beginning of a slippery slope when the UK public have made it very clear that they want industry to protect nature, not continue to pollute and destroy it."


birminghammail--2020-04-15--Rules around saying goodbye to dying loved ones amid coronavirus are changing

Close relatives will be able to say goodbye to their loved ones as they die from coronavirus , the Health Secretary has said , as he stopped blanket do not resuscitate agreements being put in place for the elderly and vulnerable .
Matt Hancock announced a package of measures aimed at combating the spread of coronavirus in care homes following huge criticism of the Government 's response to the growing crisis .
Those running care homes have accused the Government of forgetting staff and the elderly , citing inadequate stocks of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) alongside a lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` wherever possible '' people will be given the `` chance to say goodbye '' to loved ones dying with coronavirus , after reports of the elderly dying alone in care homes and some hospitals banning all visitors .
He said `` wanting to be with someone you love at the end of their life is one of the deepest human instincts '' , and said as a father himself he wept at reports of 13-year-old Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab , from Brixton , south London , dying without a parent at his bedside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that working with Public Health England , the care sector and many others , we are introducing new procedures so we can limit the risk of infection while wherever possible giving people 's closest loved ones the chance to say goodbye , '' he said .
Mr Hancock said a supply network of `` unprecedented scale '' would also help get PPE to care home staff .
And he announced a new `` single brand '' with a badge for care workers , which he said may help them access similar perks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a badge of honour in a very real sense , allowing social care staff proudly and publicly to identify themselves , just like NHS staff do with that famous blue and white logo .
`` I know that many businesses will want to offer the same recognition and benefits as they do wonderfully to the NHS .
`` Supermarkets have been asked to give the same priority access to care workers as NHS staff . ''
But Rehana Azam , national officer of the GMB union , said : `` Our care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pat on their head to define their precious role in society .
`` They need the protective equipment and testing on the front line now to protect their lives .
Ministers should be moving mountains to support our care sector to get the kit workers need available where and when they need it .
`` Care workers are serially undervalued , highly skilled and massively underpaid .
It will take far more than branding to get them the recognition and support they deserve and that battle will continue until care workers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Hancock said the Government was making `` crystal clear '' that it is unacceptable for advanced care plans - including do not resuscitate orders - to be applied in a blanket fashion to any group of people .
`` This must always be a personalised process , as it always has been , '' he said .
As previously announced , staff and residents from care homes with symptoms will be tested , as Mr Hancock insisted there is enough capacity in the system to cope with the extra testing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in a care home has been scrapped , so all those who need a test and have Covid-19 symptoms get one .
Anyone being discharged from hospital to a care home will also be tested and quarantined until the results come through .
It comes as it emerged a pregnant nurse has died at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital after testing positive for coronavirus .
Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong , who worked as a nurse on a general ward at the hospital , died on Sunday .
The baby was successfully delivered and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital .
David Carter , chief executive of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , said : `` Mary worked here for five years and was a highly valued and loved member of our team , a fantastic nurse and a great example of what we stand for in this trust .
`` Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mary 's family and friends at this sad time . ''

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Close relatives will be able to say goodbye to their loved ones as they die from coronavirus, the Health Secretary has said, as he stopped blanket do not resuscitate agreements being put in place for the elderly and vulnerable.
Matt Hancock announced a package of measures aimed at combating the spread of coronavirus in care homes following huge criticism of the Government's response to the growing crisis.
Those running care homes have accused the Government of forgetting staff and the elderly, citing inadequate stocks of personal protective equipment (PPE) alongside a lack of testing.
Mr Hancock said that "wherever possible" people will be given the "chance to say goodbye" to loved ones dying with coronavirus, after reports of the elderly dying alone in care homes and some hospitals banning all visitors.
He said "wanting to be with someone you love at the end of their life is one of the deepest human instincts", and said as a father himself he wept at reports of 13-year-old Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, from Brixton, south London, dying without a parent at his bedside.
"I'm pleased to say that working with Public Health England, the care sector and many others, we are introducing new procedures so we can limit the risk of infection while wherever possible giving people's closest loved ones the chance to say goodbye," he said.
Mr Hancock said a supply network of "unprecedented scale" would also help get PPE to care home staff.
(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
And he announced a new "single brand" with a badge for care workers, which he said may help them access similar perks to NHS staff.
"This badge will be a badge of honour in a very real sense, allowing social care staff proudly and publicly to identify themselves, just like NHS staff do with that famous blue and white logo.
"I know that many businesses will want to offer the same recognition and benefits as they do wonderfully to the NHS.
"Supermarkets have been asked to give the same priority access to care workers as NHS staff."
But Rehana Azam, national officer of the GMB union, said: "Our care workers need more than a badge and a pat on their head to define their precious role in society.
(Image: Sky News)
"They need the protective equipment and testing on the front line now to protect their lives. Ministers should be moving mountains to support our care sector to get the kit workers need available where and when they need it.
"Care workers are serially undervalued, highly skilled and massively underpaid. It will take far more than branding to get them the recognition and support they deserve and that battle will continue until care workers are treated the same as NHS workers."
Mr Hancock said the Government was making "crystal clear" that it is unacceptable for advanced care plans - including do not resuscitate orders - to be applied in a blanket fashion to any group of people.
"This must always be a personalised process, as it always has been," he said.
As previously announced, staff and residents from care homes with symptoms will be tested, as Mr Hancock insisted there is enough capacity in the system to cope with the extra testing.
The previous rule of testing just five people in a care home has been scrapped, so all those who need a test and have Covid-19 symptoms get one.
Anyone being discharged from hospital to a care home will also be tested and quarantined until the results come through.
It comes as it emerged a pregnant nurse has died at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital after testing positive for coronavirus.
Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, who worked as a nurse on a general ward at the hospital, died on Sunday.
The baby was successfully delivered and is doing well, according to the hospital.
David Carter, chief executive of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Mary worked here for five years and was a highly valued and loved member of our team, a fantastic nurse and a great example of what we stand for in this trust.
"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mary's family and friends at this sad time."


birminghammail--2020-04-15--Premier League clubs revolt in new talks with implications for Wolves

Premier League clubs have joined forces for the 2019/20 season to come to an end by June 30th , rather than delaying the finish indefinitely .
Football across the UK is currently suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic and as things stand there is no agreed plan for how to complete the campaign .
Wolves have nine league matches remaining as they hunt for a top-four finish .
Nuno Espirito Santo 's side are also eyeing success in the Europa League and drew 1-1 in the first leg of their last 16 tie away at Olympiakos before the shutdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association are keen to conclude the campaign by extending the season into the summer months , several Premier League clubs have revolted with a different stance .
The Mirror reports that at least nine clubs have had serious discussions among themselves and will come together to present their case to the Premier League on Friday , as they call for the season to be curtailed - rather than risk the “ huge uncertainty and utter chaos ” of allowing it to drag on for months beyond the summer .
Their proposal is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they know declaring the campaign null and void is off the table .
It involves agreeing on a scenario which would allow Liverpool to be crowned champions , European spots to be decided for clubs such as Wolves and the relegation battle to be settled , leaving Aston Villa and other sides at risk of going down to the Championship .
The concerns stem around the fact that numerous players see their contracts expire on June 30 , while a number of clubs have commercial deals that are coming to a close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been discussing ways round the huge contract issue for players who become free agents but clubs fear it would not stand up to a legal challenge , while believe that could seriously affect the whole integrity of the League if clubs suddenly lose a number of their players .
The clubs are insisting that it is time for a serious debate to allow them to plan with some degree of certainty for next season , as there is currently huge question marks about the end date of the 2019/20 season , the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer transfer window fits in .
It is not only player contracts and transfers that are affected though , as the uncertainty is causing strain for ticket sales , sponsorship and TV payments - which many clubs rely on to keep above water .
They believe a deal could be brokered with TV companies to offset the cost of the current contract by showing more games next season or reaching a compromise with key broadcasters Sky and BT Sport .

Premier League clubs have joined forces for the 2019/20 season to come to an end by June 30th, rather than delaying the finish indefinitely.
Football across the UK is currently suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic and as things stand there is no agreed plan for how to complete the campaign.
Wolves have nine league matches remaining as they hunt for a top-four finish. Nuno Espirito Santo's side are also eyeing success in the Europa League and drew 1-1 in the first leg of their last 16 tie away at Olympiakos before the shutdown.
While the Premier League and Football Association are keen to conclude the campaign by extending the season into the summer months, several Premier League clubs have revolted with a different stance.
The Mirror reports that at least nine clubs have had serious discussions among themselves and will come together to present their case to the Premier League on Friday, as they call for the season to be curtailed - rather than risk the “huge uncertainty and utter chaos” of allowing it to drag on for months beyond the summer.
Their proposal is to find a formula to finish the season as they know declaring the campaign null and void is off the table.
It involves agreeing on a scenario which would allow Liverpool to be crowned champions, European spots to be decided for clubs such as Wolves and the relegation battle to be settled, leaving Aston Villa and other sides at risk of going down to the Championship.
The concerns stem around the fact that numerous players see their contracts expire on June 30, while a number of clubs have commercial deals that are coming to a close on the same date.
FIFA have been discussing ways round the huge contract issue for players who become free agents but clubs fear it would not stand up to a legal challenge, while believe that could seriously affect the whole integrity of the League if clubs suddenly lose a number of their players.
The clubs are insisting that it is time for a serious debate to allow them to plan with some degree of certainty for next season, as there is currently huge question marks about the end date of the 2019/20 season, the start of the new campaign and how the summer transfer window fits in.
It is not only player contracts and transfers that are affected though, as the uncertainty is causing strain for ticket sales, sponsorship and TV payments - which many clubs rely on to keep above water.
They believe a deal could be brokered with TV companies to offset the cost of the current contract by showing more games next season or reaching a compromise with key broadcasters Sky and BT Sport.


birminghammail--2020-04-15--Aston Villa fans would not begrudge John McGinn transfer - Hutton

Alan Hutton believes the club 's supporters `` would not hold it against '' John McGinn if he ever left Aston Villa .
McGinn has previously been linked with a big-money move to Manchester United but , this week , was said to be a £30m target for Newcastle .
According to former teammate Hutton , the retired Scot says the Villa fans would n't begrudge McGinn if he ever left for Old Trafford .
`` They would be gutted if he was to leave but they would not hold it against him if he went to a big team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They would be more disappointed if he went to Newcastle .
Newcastle and Villa are in the same bracket so they would not see that as a step up but , if we are talking Man U , I do not think you can hold it against him . ''
Hutton added : `` I think he has given his all .
Every fan would know that .
He is a fans ' favourite .
Every time he goes onto the pitch he gives 110 per cent – always .
`` He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hutton added of Newcastle 's interest in McGinn : `` It would be good for Newcastle .
Whether he would want to go to Newcastle is a different story .
`` He has been unbelievable .
A great guy and very down to earth .
I would imagine some big teams will be watching him because he has everything .
He can run all day , he is strong and can score goals .
`` I can see why Steve Bruce wants him because he brought him to Villa and he knows how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It does not surprise me that they are interested . ''

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Alan Hutton believes the club's supporters "would not hold it against" John McGinn if he ever left Aston Villa.
McGinn has previously been linked with a big-money move to Manchester United but, this week, was said to be a £30m target for Newcastle.
According to former teammate Hutton, the retired Scot says the Villa fans wouldn't begrudge McGinn if he ever left for Old Trafford.
"They would be gutted if he was to leave but they would not hold it against him if he went to a big team," Hutton told Football Insider.
"They would be more disappointed if he went to Newcastle. Newcastle and Villa are in the same bracket so they would not see that as a step up but, if we are talking Man U, I do not think you can hold it against him."
Hutton added: "I think he has given his all. Every fan would know that. He is a fans' favourite. Every time he goes onto the pitch he gives 110 per cent – always.
"He gives everything for the shirt."
Hutton added of Newcastle's interest in McGinn: "It would be good for Newcastle. Whether he would want to go to Newcastle is a different story.
"He has been unbelievable. A great guy and very down to earth. I would imagine some big teams will be watching him because he has everything. He can run all day, he is strong and can score goals.
"I can see why Steve Bruce wants him because he brought him to Villa and he knows how good he is and can be. It does not surprise me that they are interested."


birminghammail--2020-04-15--Ex-Wolves star forced to cancel £1m Tour de France cancer fundraiser

Ex-Wolves star Geoff Thomas has made the 'devastating ' decision to cancel his mammoth Tour de France fundraising challenge .
The former footballer was due to be joined by 18 amateur cyclists for ‘ GT15 ’ , which would have seen them ride the full route - one day ahead of the professionals - with the aim of raising £1 million for Cure Leukaemia .
It was was due to be the 55-year-old 's fifth and and final time completing the tour route , marking 15 years since he was declared in remission from chronic myeloid leukaemia .
But due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis , Geoff has been forced to put the brakes on proceedings until next year - despite the Tour de France organisers announcing the main event would be postponed until August 29 .
The former England midfielder said : “ I am devastated to cancel this event which was due to be my final Tour de France challenge .
`` Whilst the official organisers have announced the new date there is still too much uncertainty and risk from a logistical and operational perspective for our event to take place .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the team have already assured me they will complete the event in 2021 .
“ Our aim was to raise £1 million for Cure Leukaemia to fund our amazing research nurses across the UK , many of whom have been redeployed to directly fight Covid-19 on the front-line and I am so proud that , as a team , we have already raised over £350,000 .
`` I want to thank everyone involved in GT15 for the hours of training and fundraising they have already dedicated to this challenge and we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as close to our £1m target this year .
“ I also want to thank our fantastic sponsors for their support , especially our official headline sponsor Farr Vintners , who have committed to the event in 2021 .
We have made this decision with a heavy heart , but we are now even more determined to go well beyond the £1 million target when this event can take place in 2021.
” Cure Leukaemia 's chief executive , James McLaughlin , added : “ After careful consideration and communication with Geoff and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement , we decided that it is the sensible and right decision to cancel this year ’ s event .
I am immensely grateful to all of our major sponsors and event director Andy Cook for their understanding of the situation and their continued support .
“ In cancelling the event , this inevitably creates a potential significant shortfall and we will be doing everything we can for the remainder of the year to ensure we can provide vital funds for the amazing research nurses we fund at 12 blood cancer centres across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help save lives .
“ I want to thank all of the GT15 riders for their phenomenal dedication to training and fundraising for Cure Leukaemia and their understanding of this decision .
”

Ex-Wolves star Geoff Thomas has made the 'devastating' decision to cancel his mammoth Tour de France fundraising challenge.
The former footballer was due to be joined by 18 amateur cyclists for ‘GT15’, which would have seen them ride the full route - one day ahead of the professionals - with the aim of raising £1 million for Cure Leukaemia.
It was was due to be the 55-year-old's fifth and and final time completing the tour route, marking 15 years since he was declared in remission from chronic myeloid leukaemia.
But due to the unprecedented global impact from the coronavirus crisis, Geoff has been forced to put the brakes on proceedings until next year - despite the Tour de France organisers announcing the main event would be postponed until August 29.
The former England midfielder said: “I am devastated to cancel this event which was due to be my final Tour de France challenge.
(Image: Cure Leukaemia)
"Whilst the official organisers have announced the new date there is still too much uncertainty and risk from a logistical and operational perspective for our event to take place. However, I am so grateful that the majority of the team have already assured me they will complete the event in 2021.
“Our aim was to raise £1 million for Cure Leukaemia to fund our amazing research nurses across the UK, many of whom have been redeployed to directly fight Covid-19 on the front-line and I am so proud that, as a team, we have already raised over £350,000.
"I want to thank everyone involved in GT15 for the hours of training and fundraising they have already dedicated to this challenge and we will still do what we can to get as close to our £1m target this year.
“I also want to thank our fantastic sponsors for their support, especially our official headline sponsor Farr Vintners, who have committed to the event in 2021. We have made this decision with a heavy heart, but we are now even more determined to go well beyond the £1 million target when this event can take place in 2021.”
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Cure Leukaemia's chief executive, James McLaughlin, added: “After careful consideration and communication with Geoff and the team and despite today’s announcement, we decided that it is the sensible and right decision to cancel this year’s event. I am immensely grateful to all of our major sponsors and event director Andy Cook for their understanding of the situation and their continued support.
“In cancelling the event, this inevitably creates a potential significant shortfall and we will be doing everything we can for the remainder of the year to ensure we can provide vital funds for the amazing research nurses we fund at 12 blood cancer centres across the UK so they can continue to help save lives.
“I want to thank all of the GT15 riders for their phenomenal dedication to training and fundraising for Cure Leukaemia and their understanding of this decision.”


birminghammail--2020-04-15--City-born gran dies hours before husband after 60 'joyous' years

A Birmingham-born grandmother died hours before her husband of 60 years as they were being treated for coronavirus .
Pat Howells was evacuated to Wales from the city as a baby during the Second World War and never left .
She was 80 when she died in hospital at 2am on Easter Monday , April 13 .
Her 86-year-old husband Bryn died at 7pm the same day .
The couple had not left their home in Gelli , in the Rhondda , for weeks because of the threat of coronavirus , but Pat started feeling unwell on Saturday , April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bryn also fell ill , they were taken to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant last Thursday .
Both tested positive for coronavirus .
Their devastated family paid tribute to the `` pillars of the community '' and thanked everyone for the outpouring of the support they had received .
Their relatives were not allowed to be with them , but grandson Elliot Howells said the doctors and nurses had been fantastic at keeping the close family informed .
He said : `` We are trying to take some comfort in the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of joyous marriage .
`` Nanny , especially , was so well .
We always said she was a very young 80-year-old , and she had decades left in her .
`` It is just horrific and such a shock .
Just over a week ago , I spoke to her and she was pressure washing her garden and painting her hallway .
`` When she first started feeling ill she thought it was because she had overdone it a bit . ''
Pat attended Hope Chapel in Gelli at the age of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever since – 76 years – as the treasurer , deacon and caretaker .
She also worked as a lunchtime supervisor at Gelli School from 1988 until a few years ago , having fought to continue working beyond retirement .
Bryn worked as a financial advisor for Legal & General in his early years .
But his pride and joy was being a life member of Treorchy Male Voice Choir , having joined as a first tenor in 1970 .
In a moving tribute , Gareth Evans and Stewart Roberts , from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very sad day as the Treorchy Male Choir mourn the passing of Bryn and Pat who have been a big part of our family for a very long time .
`` They were a lovely couple who will be sadly missed .
To the family , we offer our deepest sympathy and would like to thank Bryn and Pat for being part of our lives . ''
Elliot added : `` He travelled the world with the choir and made friendships and memories .
He was so proud of being in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the family . ''
The couple first met when Pat was 16 , and Bryn was 22 .
They got engaged in 1957 and married in Salem Chapel , Porth , on November 14 , 1959 .
They had four sons - Andrew , Barrie , Keith and Bleddyn - as well as two honorary daughters , Carolyn and Claire , who they had helped to look after from the age of six months , 11 grandchildren , 12 great-grandchildren , with another two on the way .
Elliot said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their house was so full of love .
They took such pride in their family and we loved celebrating their diamond anniversary just a few months ago .
`` Nanny was elated to receive a card from the Queen .
We are such a close family .
`` Most of the family live within a short drive of their home .
I live in London , but spoke to them every day and saw them every couple of weeks .
`` It was heartbreaking that we could n't see them in hospital , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hospital were brilliant .
`` We were never kept in the dark and knew they were getting the best care .
We just want to warn people to stay at home , and to be extremely careful of anything coming into the house .
`` Make sure you disinfect anything , and wash down the surfaces .
We have to be so careful . ''
The messages of support that the family have received are helping them at this difficult time .
Elliot said : `` Tributes and messages from everyone are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wonderful their life was . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Cathy Owen, James Cartledge)

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A Birmingham-born grandmother died hours before her husband of 60 years as they were being treated for coronavirus.
Pat Howells was evacuated to Wales from the city as a baby during the Second World War and never left.
She was 80 when she died in hospital at 2am on Easter Monday, April 13. Her 86-year-old husband Bryn died at 7pm the same day.
The couple had not left their home in Gelli, in the Rhondda, for weeks because of the threat of coronavirus, but Pat started feeling unwell on Saturday, April 4, Wales Online reported.
When Bryn also fell ill, they were taken to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant last Thursday. Both tested positive for coronavirus.
Their devastated family paid tribute to the "pillars of the community" and thanked everyone for the outpouring of the support they had received.
Their relatives were not allowed to be with them, but grandson Elliot Howells said the doctors and nurses had been fantastic at keeping the close family informed.
He said: "We are trying to take some comfort in the fact they died together, after 60 years of joyous marriage.
"Nanny, especially, was so well. We always said she was a very young 80-year-old, and she had decades left in her.
"It is just horrific and such a shock. Just over a week ago, I spoke to her and she was pressure washing her garden and painting her hallway.
"When she first started feeling ill she thought it was because she had overdone it a bit."
Pat attended Hope Chapel in Gelli at the age of five in 1944 and had been there ever since – 76 years – as the treasurer, deacon and caretaker.
She also worked as a lunchtime supervisor at Gelli School from 1988 until a few years ago, having fought to continue working beyond retirement.
Bryn worked as a financial advisor for Legal & General in his early years.
But his pride and joy was being a life member of Treorchy Male Voice Choir, having joined as a first tenor in 1970.
In a moving tribute, Gareth Evans and Stewart Roberts, from the choir, said: "Today is a very sad day as the Treorchy Male Choir mourn the passing of Bryn and Pat who have been a big part of our family for a very long time.
"They were a lovely couple who will be sadly missed. To the family, we offer our deepest sympathy and would like to thank Bryn and Pat for being part of our lives."
Elliot added: "He travelled the world with the choir and made friendships and memories. He was so proud of being in the choir and to be at the helm of the family."
The couple first met when Pat was 16, and Bryn was 22. They got engaged in 1957 and married in Salem Chapel, Porth, on November 14, 1959.
They had four sons - Andrew, Barrie, Keith and Bleddyn - as well as two honorary daughters, Carolyn and Claire, who they had helped to look after from the age of six months, 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, with another two on the way.
Elliot said: "Their home had an open door and their house was so full of love. They took such pride in their family and we loved celebrating their diamond anniversary just a few months ago.
"Nanny was elated to receive a card from the Queen. We are such a close family.
"Most of the family live within a short drive of their home. I live in London, but spoke to them every day and saw them every couple of weeks.
"It was heartbreaking that we couldn't see them in hospital, but the healthcare staff and everyone at the hospital were brilliant.
"We were never kept in the dark and knew they were getting the best care. We just want to warn people to stay at home, and to be extremely careful of anything coming into the house.
"Make sure you disinfect anything, and wash down the surfaces. We have to be so careful."
The messages of support that the family have received are helping them at this difficult time.
Elliot said: "Tributes and messages from everyone are truly touching and help us remember how wonderful their life was."


birminghammail--2020-04-15--Celtic fans loving comments from West Brom striker Charlie Austin

West Bromwich Albion striker Charlie Austin has admitted he would jump at the chance to sign for either Celtic or Rangers .
The 30-year-old , who has netted nine goals in his first season at The Hawthorns , is hoping to help Albion secure promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking .
With time on his hands because of the coronavirus crisis suspension , Austin was invited to be a guest on Open Goal ’ s Get The Ball On The Ground podcast .
The impact the pandemic is having on football was understandably high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ It ’ s a strange one .
I can ’ t see how they ’ re going to do it , voiding the whole season .
What happens to football clubs and players financially ?
“ Obviously the bottom three in the Premier League are all going ‘ void it , yeah , no problem ’ and avoid relegation , but then what happens to the Championship teams , and in League One and Two ?
” Scottish football also came up as a topic on the podcast , which features @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Austin ’ s ex-Swindon teammate Simon Ferry .
Austin was quizzed about the prospect of one day playing north of the border and the forward spoke of a desire to experience one match in particular , also revealing Celtic were interested in him earlier in his career .
“ The Old Firm derby is the pull isn ’ t it to play in Scotland , ” he said .
“ You want to win things as such too .
If the opportunity came up would I go ?
I think so yeah.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Celtic fans , one of whom said : `` Better than Bayo and Klimala by the looks of it , I ’ d have him at Celtic . ''
`` Would definitely take if Bayo or Kilmala left , '' said another .
`` If Eddy left I ’ d sign him and someone else . ''
A third added : `` Charlie Austin would rip that league clean up . ''

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West Bromwich Albion striker Charlie Austin has admitted he would jump at the chance to sign for either Celtic or Rangers.
The 30-year-old, who has netted nine goals in his first season at The Hawthorns, is hoping to help Albion secure promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking.
With time on his hands because of the coronavirus crisis suspension, Austin was invited to be a guest on Open Goal’s Get The Ball On The Ground podcast.
The impact the pandemic is having on football was understandably high on the agenda, with Austin saying: “It’s a strange one. I can’t see how they’re going to do it, voiding the whole season. What happens to football clubs and players financially?
“Obviously the bottom three in the Premier League are all going ‘void it, yeah, no problem’ and avoid relegation, but then what happens to the Championship teams, and in League One and Two?”
Scottish football also came up as a topic on the podcast, which features former pros Kevin Kyle, Paul Slane and Austin’s ex-Swindon teammate Simon Ferry.
Austin was quizzed about the prospect of one day playing north of the border and the forward spoke of a desire to experience one match in particular, also revealing Celtic were interested in him earlier in his career.
“The Old Firm derby is the pull isn’t it to play in Scotland,” he said. “You want to win things as such too. If the opportunity came up would I go? I think so yeah.”
Austin's comments were picked up Celtic fans, one of whom said: "Better than Bayo and Klimala by the looks of it, I’d have him at Celtic."
"Would definitely take if Bayo or Kilmala left," said another. "If Eddy left I’d sign him and someone else."
A third added: "Charlie Austin would rip that league clean up."


birminghammail--2020-04-15--Premier League clubs unite in calls to end 2019/20 season by June

Several Premier League clubs are expressing a desire for the 2019/20 season to come to an end by June 30th , rather than delaying the finish indefinitely .
Football across the UK is currently suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic and there is no clear plan for how the 2019/20 season can be completed , if at all .
However , while the Premier League and Football Association are keen to conclude the campaign by extending the season into the summer months , several Premier League clubs are uniting with a different stance .
The Mirror reports that at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amongst themselves and will come together to present their case to the Premier League on Friday , as they call for the season to be curtailed - rather than risk the “ huge uncertainty and utter chaos ” of allowing it to drag on for months beyond the summer .
Their proposal is to find a formula to finish the season as declaring the campaign null and void is off the table , with the plan to find a scenario that would allow Liverpool to be crowned champions , European spots to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settled .
The concerns stem around the fact that numerous players see their contracts expire on June 30 , while a number of clubs have commercial deals that are coming to a close on the same date .
FIFA have been discussing ways round the huge contract issue for players who become free agents but clubs fear it would not stand up to a legal challenge , while believe that could seriously affect the whole integrity of the League if clubs suddenly lose a number of their players .
The clubs are insisting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate to allow them to plan with some degree of certainty for next season , as there is currently huge question marks about the end date of the 2019/20 season , the start of the new campaign and how the summer transfer window fits in .
It is not only player contracts and transfers that are affected though , as the uncertainty is causing strain for ticket sales , sponsorship and TV payments - which many clubs rely on to keep above water .
They believe a deal could be brokered with TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current contract by showing more games next season or reaching a compromise with key broadcasters Sky and BT Sport .

Several Premier League clubs are expressing a desire for the 2019/20 season to come to an end by June 30th, rather than delaying the finish indefinitely.
Football across the UK is currently suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic and there is no clear plan for how the 2019/20 season can be completed, if at all.
However, while the Premier League and Football Association are keen to conclude the campaign by extending the season into the summer months, several Premier League clubs are uniting with a different stance.
The Mirror reports that at least nine clubs have had serious discussions amongst themselves and will come together to present their case to the Premier League on Friday, as they call for the season to be curtailed - rather than risk the “huge uncertainty and utter chaos” of allowing it to drag on for months beyond the summer.
Their proposal is to find a formula to finish the season as declaring the campaign null and void is off the table, with the plan to find a scenario that would allow Liverpool to be crowned champions, European spots to be decided and the relegation battle to be settled.
The concerns stem around the fact that numerous players see their contracts expire on June 30, while a number of clubs have commercial deals that are coming to a close on the same date.
FIFA have been discussing ways round the huge contract issue for players who become free agents but clubs fear it would not stand up to a legal challenge, while believe that could seriously affect the whole integrity of the League if clubs suddenly lose a number of their players.
The clubs are insisting that it is time for a serious debate to allow them to plan with some degree of certainty for next season, as there is currently huge question marks about the end date of the 2019/20 season, the start of the new campaign and how the summer transfer window fits in.
It is not only player contracts and transfers that are affected though, as the uncertainty is causing strain for ticket sales, sponsorship and TV payments - which many clubs rely on to keep above water.
They believe a deal could be brokered with TV companies to offset the cost of the current contract by showing more games next season or reaching a compromise with key broadcasters Sky and BT Sport.