birminghammail--2020-09-13--Villa set to be handed Said Benrahma hammer blow - reports

Said Benrahma wo n't be following Ollie Watkins from Brentford to Aston Villa , according to reports .
Watkins joined Villa in a club-record £28million transfer earlier this week and it was hoped Benrahma would follow suit to reunite with former Bees boss Dean Smith .
Benrahama , who scored 17 goals and grabbed nine assists in the Championship last season , has been on Villa 's radar for some time but the club 's interest has cooled in recent weeks .
It now looks as though Kosovo winger Milot Rashica has been prioritised over Benrahma .
However , Benrahma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move to the Premier League with The Sun reporting that Crystal Palace have won the race to sign him .
According to the report , a £20million deal for Benrahma is close to being agreed between Palace and Brentford .
Benrahma , 25 , was left out of Brentford 's squad for their Championship opener at Birmingham City on Saturday with a move thought to be imminent .
Speaking on Friday , Bees head coach Thomas Frank said : `` If the price is right for [ Benrahma ] we 're open because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Benrahma has also been linked with moves to Arsenal and West Ham .

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Said Benrahma won't be following Ollie Watkins from Brentford to Aston Villa, according to reports.
Watkins joined Villa in a club-record £28million transfer earlier this week and it was hoped Benrahma would follow suit to reunite with former Bees boss Dean Smith.
Benrahama, who scored 17 goals and grabbed nine assists in the Championship last season, has been on Villa's radar for some time but the club's interest has cooled in recent weeks.
It now looks as though Kosovo winger Milot Rashica has been prioritised over Benrahma.
However, Benrahma is still set to complete his dream move to the Premier League with The Sun reporting that Crystal Palace have won the race to sign him.
According to the report, a £20million deal for Benrahma is close to being agreed between Palace and Brentford.
Benrahma, 25, was left out of Brentford's squad for their Championship opener at Birmingham City on Saturday with a move thought to be imminent.
Speaking on Friday, Bees head coach Thomas Frank said: "If the price is right for [Benrahma] we're open because that's the way the club operates."
Benrahma has also been linked with moves to Arsenal and West Ham.


birminghammail--2020-09-13--Fury over new childcare restrictions for Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull

New childcare restrictions which will come into force this week have been blasted by the public .
As of Tuesday , September 15 , rules will change meaning residents in Sandwell , Birmingham and Solihull will face a ban on mixing with people in their homes .
People will not be allowed to enter each other 's homes in the three areas or welcome anyone from the affected areas in their homes .
However , the new restrictions have caused chaos for childcare arrangements with parents who rely on grandparents to help out .
Parents may be forced to fork @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be allowed to enter their home during the lockdown , if family members and friends are not part of their support bubble .
Comments online sparked a furious debate over how a virus could differentiate between a paid childcare provider and a grandparent .
Ian Simpson said : `` So the virus can somehow differentiate between a paid nanny and a family friend who 's helping out with childcare ?
Makes no sense to me . ''
Patricia Loizou agreed : `` So basically we can do anything we want as long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chesters commented : `` And for those families who cant afford to pay for the extra childcare or grandparents do it for their mental health ? ''
Yvonne Webb added : `` Well that is going to cause chaos .
Working parents that rely on friends and family stuffed if they are not in a bubble .
`` This is shambolic I get we need to keep economy going but families need to work to put food on the table to keep it going lordy what next .
`` Clever virus can tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real nanny and it 's gone on holiday until Monday and Tuesday at the latest . ''
Sharon Sheffield said : `` So many people are not going be able to go or change hours of work so they can take children to school .
Hope employers are going to be flexible . ''
Jennie Platt commented : `` Lol this makes me laugh !
'You can still employe nannies ' , well great news for parents in the more affluent places , the rest of us ( if we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents for school drop-offs and pick-ups , as before and after school clubs often have waiting lists ! ''
The new restrictions will come into force from Tuesday and anyone caught flouting them could face hefty fines .

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New childcare restrictions which will come into force this week have been blasted by the public.
As of Tuesday, September 15, rules will change meaning residents in Sandwell, Birmingham and Solihull will face a ban on mixing with people in their homes.
People will not be allowed to enter each other's homes in the three areas or welcome anyone from the affected areas in their homes.
However, the new restrictions have caused chaos for childcare arrangements with parents who rely on grandparents to help out.
Parents may be forced to fork out for a registered childminder, who will be allowed to enter their home during the lockdown, if family members and friends are not part of their support bubble.
Comments online sparked a furious debate over how a virus could differentiate between a paid childcare provider and a grandparent.
Ian Simpson said: "So the virus can somehow differentiate between a paid nanny and a family friend who's helping out with childcare? Makes no sense to me."
Patricia Loizou agreed: "So basically we can do anything we want as long as we are paying!"
Kate Chesters commented: "And for those families who cant afford to pay for the extra childcare or grandparents do it for their mental health?"
Yvonne Webb added: "Well that is going to cause chaos. Working parents that rely on friends and family stuffed if they are not in a bubble.
"This is shambolic I get we need to keep economy going but families need to work to put food on the table to keep it going lordy what next.
"Clever virus can tell the difference between a paid nanny and a real nanny and it's gone on holiday until Monday and Tuesday at the latest."
Sharon Sheffield said: "So many people are not going be able to go or change hours of work so they can take children to school. Hope employers are going to be flexible."
Jennie Platt commented: "Lol this makes me laugh! 'You can still employe nannies', well great news for parents in the more affluent places, the rest of us (if we’re lucky to have them) use our parents for school drop-offs and pick-ups, as before and after school clubs often have waiting lists!"
The new restrictions will come into force from Tuesday and anyone caught flouting them could face hefty fines.


birminghammail--2020-09-13--M5 to stay closed until Monday after crash and vehicle fire in Gloucestershire

Motorists are being warned that the M5 has been closed - and will remain sealed off to traffic until tomorrow .
Highways England said the northbound M5 between junction 11 at Gloucester and junction 9 at Ashchurch has been shut following an earlier incident and vehicle fire .
It 's expected to remain closed until early tomorrow The southbound carriageway is currently also closed although it 's anticipated at least one lane of the southbound carriageway will be reopened shortly .
Our sister title Gloucestershire Live reports that a multi-vehicle crash at 5.20am caused an 'explosion ' to be heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , around three miles from the motorway .
Motorists are being advised to reconsider their journeys or find alternative routes .
Highways England Network Operations Manager Beverley Mears said : `` We are working at the scene with emergency service partners .
`` Due to extensive road surface damage which will require resurfacing the northbound carriageway is expected to remain closed until tomorrow morning so please bear this in mind when planning your journeys and consider alternative routes . ''
Check out latest traffic and travel news in your area by typing your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are advised to follow the solid triangle , leave M5 at junction 11 and take the A40 , then take the A417 onto the M50 at junction 2 .
You can then continue on the M50 and re-join at junction 9 .
Motorists heading southbound are advised to follow the solid circle , leave M5 at junction 9 and take the A38 and then take the A40 and re-join the M5 at junction 11 .

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Motorists are being warned that the M5 has been closed - and will remain sealed off to traffic until tomorrow.
Highways England said the northbound M5 between junction 11 at Gloucester and junction 9 at Ashchurch has been shut following an earlier incident and vehicle fire.
It's expected to remain closed until early tomorrow
The southbound carriageway is currently also closed although it's anticipated at least one lane of the southbound carriageway will be reopened shortly.
(Image: Highways England)
Our sister title Gloucestershire Live reports that a multi-vehicle crash at 5.20am caused an 'explosion' to be heard from as far as Bishop's Cleeve, around three miles from the motorway.
Motorists are being advised to reconsider their journeys or find alternative routes.
Highways England Network Operations Manager Beverley Mears said: "We are working at the scene with emergency service partners.
"Due to extensive road surface damage which will require resurfacing the northbound carriageway is expected to remain closed until tomorrow morning so please bear this in mind when planning your journeys and consider alternative routes."
Check out latest traffic and travel news in your area by typing your postcode in below:
Motorists heading northbound are advised to follow the solid triangle, leave M5 at junction 11 and take the A40, then take the A417 onto the M50 at junction 2. You can then continue on the M50 and re-join at junction 9.
Motorists heading southbound are advised to follow the solid circle, leave M5 at junction 9 and take the A38 and then take the A40 and re-join the M5 at junction 11.


birminghammail--2020-09-13--Sad state of MAC Birmingham as jobs go on top of year-long closure

It 's almost 60 years old and was the heartbeat of cultural life for thousands of families in south Birmingham .
On top of that it was named the country 's most popular free attraction outside of London just two years ago .
But on a visit to the deserted MAC Birmingham this week for the first time since the March lockdown , it looked a much more miserable sight .
And the cafe bar undergoing another redesign on the inside .
At the front door , there 's a notice to anyone making deliveries which said : `` NO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sic ) . ''
For a centre on the edge of Cannon Hill Park that has been dedicated to teaching people things from pottery to dance in a creative way that schools often ca n't , the error was unfortunate at best .
On what was otherwise a lovely evening though , it only added to the sense of gloom - especially as Birmingham was heading into a local lockdown next week just to compound matters .
The area around the Midlands Arts Centre has always felt relatively safe thanks to the numerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening , it felt less so with hooded youths hanging about and the isolating feeling of barely a dozen cars on the parade , one of which had been blaring out music with the windows down .
For an area with so many memories for so many families , it felt like times had changed - and not for the better .
The decision was nothing to do with MAC , but perhaps ordinary families have been further put off from visiting the area out of hours by the all-day car parking charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ago .
After MAC Birmingham confirmed a whistleblower 's Facebook post that staff were facing redundancy , those who love it have been reacting to the news in droves .
Former customer services assistant Jessica May , now claiming voluntary redundancy after almost a decade of service , posted on her Facebook page : `` Just as a matter of public interest ... '' I wanted to let people know that 41 people have been made compulsorily redundant out of 47 at risk , not including all the voluntary redundancies , all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work , and all the zero hours people . ''
She claims she was given her belongings back in a `` knotted black bin bag '' from a member of staff she did not know , who then felt like `` a stranger . ''
Chief Executive and Artistic Director Deborah Kermode issued a statement to BirminghamLive which confirmed staff were being made redundant but did not specify how many .
`` As we have not completed this process yet I am unable to comment on the scale of redundancies , other than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure it is a fair process for all staff , '' she said .
`` It is of the upmost importance to all of us at MAC that as a charity we will reopen for our community in a stronger position and work through this unprecedented financial pressure .
`` Sadly , this means when we do reopen , we will need to be a different organisation than when we closed some of our services may need to adapt - and the staff teams will not look the same . ''
Here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The following people were among those responding to Jessica May 's Facebook post .
Joe Whitehouse : `` This is so unbelievably sad .
I loved my , admittedly short , time at the mac and was looking forward to coming back now I ’ m in Birmingham again and seeing some familiar faces .
Maybe not .
I am so sorry ... '' Ann Burness : `` What on earth is happening here , really shocking . ''
Stephanie Florence : `` It makes me sad to say this does n't surprise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gervy : `` MAC will change its name to MBC - Midlands Business Centre .
RIP MAC . ''
David Smith : `` Sounds like the MAC doing what they did to us when they made us all redundant after it closed for the big refurb . ''
Alison Stevens : `` Maybe it lost something in the rebuild .
My heart goes out to you and all affected . ''
To which Jessica replied : `` Because it hasn ’ t been public staff have had none of the lovely support people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And many of you would have wanted to say goodbye to us . ''
Mousomi Charavorty : `` This is so sad . ''
Sara de Visser : `` I 've worked at MAC in the past and have many friends who work there too .
The financial and emotional implications of this will no doubt be dehabilitating for some . ''
Karen Urwin : `` If they had set up a crowd funder , I bet loads of people would have supported it . ''
What MAC did - and what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the centre has some of the city 's best gallery exhibition and theatre facilities as well as rehearsal and performance spaces and a bespoke cinema offering carefully-selected art house movies as well as mainstream hits .
It was used for everything from learning pottery , painting and music to dance and was popular with generations of families .
Writing on Facebook , Neicey Mann posted : `` This makes me incredibly sad .
The pottery classes changed my life and I 've been concerned about all the tutors cleaners technicians etc .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course fees for two of my three sessions to help . ''
If it was a surprise when MAC Birmingham announced on July 14 that it would not reopen this year , news of the job losses might be more expected - but are no less shocking given the city 's love for the centre .
In 2017 , it had a reported 1.13 million visitors - more than twice as the city 's next popular free attraction , the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery , which had 602,000 .
It was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Theatre which saw founder John Blundall - who died aged 78 in 2014 - providing puppets like Lady Penelope and chauffeur Parker for Gerry and Sylvia Anderson 's famous TV series Thunderbirds as well as other characters for Fireball XL5 .
The Midlands Arts Centre , as it used to be known , originally opened in 1962 .
After being closed for two years to facilitate a near total rebuild that ended up costing £15 million the centre reopened on May 1 , 2010 .
But it rained so hard in June 2012 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for flooding the foyer - even though the reason for the scale of the building 's refurbishment was to cure historic flooding problems at the site between Cannon Hill Park 's main boating lake and the River Rea .
To avoid causing too many problems to customers , the floor was not relaid in Bridges Cafe Bar until January 2013 .
Now the floor has been ripped up again , the bar taken out and the kitchen is said to be being refurbished .
Meanwhile , staff are set to be made redundant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job woes adds more misery to a city rocked by some of its most famous names suffering the most .
Ten days after lockdown was lifted on July 4 to allow pubs and restaurants to reopen , John Lewis announced five days later it was closing its Grand Central store for good after less than five years .
But even though Odeon Broadway Plaza reopened to screen films on July 4 - with Cineworld Broad Street following suit on August 2 - MAC Birmingham announced on July 14 that it would not reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birmingham Hippodrome cancelled its Christmas panto on August 6 after revealing to BirminghamLive in June that it was putting 62 staff on leave of notice .
And on September 9 , Birmingham City Council announced the cancellation of the annual Birmingham German Christmas Market At least Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery announced this week it was planning to reopen on Wednesday October 7 - the Ikon Gallery in Brindleyplace successfully reopened on August 20 .
The MAC 's website says : `` At Midlands Arts Centre ( MAC ) we believe that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no matter what your circumstance .
Behind-the-scenes we offer 1000 's of people the opportunity to take part in transformational projects and events every year .
`` We are a charity that relies on vital support from our visitors , audiences , trusts and businesses .
Without you , the breadth of work in our venue , impact on communities and nurturing future artists would not be possible .
`` Whilst we are closed to the public due to COVID-19 , we need your help more than ever .
`` Please become a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donation today . ''

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It's almost 60 years old and was the heartbeat of cultural life for thousands of families in south Birmingham.
On top of that it was named the country's most popular free attraction outside of London just two years ago.
But on a visit to the deserted MAC Birmingham this week for the first time since the March lockdown, it looked a much more miserable sight.
And the cafe bar undergoing another redesign on the inside.
At the front door, there's a notice to anyone making deliveries which said: "NO PUBLIC ACCESS - Unless by Appointement (sic)."
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
For a centre on the edge of Cannon Hill Park that has been dedicated to teaching people things from pottery to dance in a creative way that schools often can't, the error was unfortunate at best.
On what was otherwise a lovely evening though, it only added to the sense of gloom - especially as Birmingham was heading into a local lockdown next week just to compound matters.
The area around the Midlands Arts Centre has always felt relatively safe thanks to the numerous families in the area.
On Friday evening, it felt less so with hooded youths hanging about and the isolating feeling of barely a dozen cars on the parade, one of which had been blaring out music with the windows down.
For an area with so many memories for so many families, it felt like times had changed - and not for the better.
The decision was nothing to do with MAC, but perhaps ordinary families have been further put off from visiting the area out of hours by the all-day car parking charges introduced there by Birmingham City Council three years ago.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Jobs to go en masse
After MAC Birmingham confirmed a whistleblower's Facebook post that staff were facing redundancy, those who love it have been reacting to the news in droves.
Former customer services assistant Jessica May, now claiming voluntary redundancy after almost a decade of service, posted on her Facebook page: "Just as a matter of public interest...
"I wanted to let people know that 41 people have been made compulsorily redundant out of 47 at risk, not including all the voluntary redundancies, all the tutors who are not being given work, and all the zero hours people."
She claims she was given her belongings back in a "knotted black bin bag" from a member of staff she did not know, who then felt like "a stranger."
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Chief Executive and Artistic Director Deborah Kermode issued a statement to BirminghamLive which confirmed staff were being made redundant but did not specify how many.
"As we have not completed this process yet I am unable to comment on the scale of redundancies, other than to say we are working due diligently to ensure it is a fair process for all staff," she said.
"It is of the upmost importance to all of us at MAC that as a charity we will reopen for our community in a stronger position and work through this unprecedented financial pressure.
"Sadly, this means when we do reopen, we will need to be a different organisation than when we closed some of our services may need to adapt - and the staff teams will not look the same."
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Here's MAC Birmingham users have been saying
The following people were among those responding to Jessica May's Facebook post.
Joe Whitehouse: "This is so unbelievably sad. I loved my, admittedly short, time at the mac and was looking forward to coming back now I’m in Birmingham again and seeing some familiar faces. Maybe not. I am so sorry..."
Nicola Leadbetter: "This is awful."
Ann Burness: "What on earth is happening here, really shocking."
Stephanie Florence: "It makes me sad to say this doesn't surprise me in the slightest."
Miranda Ash: "It breaks my heart."
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Christophe Gervy: "MAC will change its name to MBC - Midlands Business Centre. RIP MAC."
David Smith: "Sounds like the MAC doing what they did to us when they made us all redundant after it closed for the big refurb."
Alison Stevens: "Maybe it lost something in the rebuild. My heart goes out to you and all affected." To which Jessica replied: "Because it hasn’t been public staff have had none of the lovely support people like yourself would have wanted to offer. And many of you would have wanted to say goodbye to us."
Mousomi Charavorty: "This is so sad."
Sara de Visser: "I've worked at MAC in the past and have many friends who work there too. The financial and emotional implications of this will no doubt be dehabilitating for some."
Karen Urwin: "If they had set up a crowd funder, I bet loads of people would have supported it."
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
What MAC did - and what it meant
First opened in 1962, the centre has some of the city's best gallery exhibition and theatre facilities as well as rehearsal and performance spaces and a bespoke cinema offering carefully-selected art house movies as well as mainstream hits.
It was used for everything from learning pottery, painting and music to dance and was popular with generations of families.
Writing on Facebook, Neicey Mann posted: "This makes me incredibly sad. The pottery classes changed my life and I've been concerned about all the tutors cleaners technicians etc.
"And by the way I donated my course fees for two of my three sessions to help."
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
If it was a surprise when MAC Birmingham announced on July 14 that it would not reopen this year, news of the job losses might be more expected - but are no less shocking given the city's love for the centre.
In 2017, it had a reported 1.13 million visitors - more than twice as the city's next popular free attraction, the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, which had 602,000.
It was also the home of the Cannon Hill Puppet Theatre which saw founder John Blundall - who died aged 78 in 2014 - providing puppets like Lady Penelope and chauffeur Parker for Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's famous TV series Thunderbirds as well as other characters for Fireball XL5.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
MAC Birmingham - a brief history
The Midlands Arts Centre, as it used to be known, originally opened in 1962.
After being closed for two years to facilitate a near total rebuild that ended up costing £15 million the centre reopened on May 1, 2010.
But it rained so hard in June 2012 that "horizontal rain" was blamed for flooding the foyer - even though the reason for the scale of the building's refurbishment was to cure historic flooding problems at the site between Cannon Hill Park's main boating lake and the River Rea.
To avoid causing too many problems to customers, the floor was not relaid in Bridges Cafe Bar until January 2013.
Now the floor has been ripped up again, the bar taken out and the kitchen is said to be being refurbished.
Meanwhile, staff are set to be made redundant.
Bad year all round
The news of MAC Birmingham's job woes adds more misery to a city rocked by some of its most famous names suffering the most.
Ten days after lockdown was lifted on July 4 to allow pubs and restaurants to reopen, John Lewis announced five days later it was closing its Grand Central store for good after less than five years.
But even though Odeon Broadway Plaza reopened to screen films on July 4 - with Cineworld Broad Street following suit on August 2 - MAC Birmingham announced on July 14 that it would not reopen this year.
Three weeks later, Birmingham Hippodrome cancelled its Christmas panto on August 6 after revealing to BirminghamLive in June that it was putting 62 staff on leave of notice.
And on September 9, Birmingham City Council announced the cancellation of the annual Birmingham German Christmas Market
At least Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery announced this week it was planning to reopen on Wednesday October 7 - the Ikon Gallery in Brindleyplace successfully reopened on August 20.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Financial help plea
The MAC's website says: "At Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) we believe that the arts should be available to everyone, no matter what your circumstance. Behind-the-scenes we offer 1000's of people the opportunity to take part in transformational projects and events every year.
"We are a charity that relies on vital support from our visitors, audiences, trusts and businesses. Without you, the breadth of work in our venue, impact on communities and nurturing future artists would not be possible.
"Whilst we are closed to the public due to COVID-19, we need your help more than ever.
"Please become a supporter circle member or make a one-off donation today."


birminghammail--2020-09-13--Pats and slaps - The startling change in Aitor Karanka's Blues

There ’ s been a worldwide pandemic and economic earthquake since Birmingham City last won a game of football .
Seven long months , 16 matches without really coming close to a victory , a managerial change – not that they ’ re particularly rare in these parts – and a huge squad overhaul .
Much Blue water has passed under the bridge since Barnsley away , Bellingham and Hogan the Destroyer .
But here we are again .
Tomorrow has finally dawned and Brentford have been beaten in Aitor Karanka ’ s first Championship match .
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Google Play Store and App Store The togetherness was clear to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sapped their self-belief last week – Jeremie Bela ’ s strike saw Aitor Karanka ’ s men grow an inch taller .
There was positive reinforcement throughout .
George Friend led the encouragement , such as giving Kristian Pedersen a hug when the Dane produced a piece of strong defending at the back post .
When Bela found the net , sparking a mini-celebration , Friend turned and beckoned for his team-mates to join in .
But he wasn ’ t the only one – Maikel Kieftenbeld was clapping and exhorting as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were pats , slaps , high fives , fist bumps all round .
Is there togetherness developing in the socially distanced era ?
Birmingham City started last season with a 1-0 victory over Brentford , courtesy of a 25-yard Kristian Pedersen header and 89 minutes of defending .
There was only one goal this time too , another set-piece effort – and while there was plenty of backs to the wall action , there was also some interesting attacking play .
Bela and Ivan Sanchez gave engaging displays as inverted wingers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and vision which made him such a hit the last time he was a Blue .
Adam Clayton passes the ball forward , even Ivan Sunjic made a couple of barrelling runs upfield .
The result might have been the same – and Thomas Frank was as unimpressed this time as he was last – though even the reluctant-to-praise Brentford boss admitted Blues had at least had one more shot this season .
This fresh start feels more sustainable than the last one though .
Not built on callow youth and unseasoned Spaniards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that – instead assembled around established Championship pros like Friend and Adam Clayton .
The signs are that this shouldn ’ t be another false dawn .
Toral played for Blues for the first time since being sent off in April 2016 against soon-to-be-promoted Burnley .
There was some nice stuff from the 25-year-old as he looks to re-find himself in what is his happy place .
He was quick to latch on to a loose ball outside the Brentford box in the opening exchanges , showed good strength to go past two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the first half .
And he did well to latch on to a Lukas Jutkiewicz knock-down and produce an acrobatic volley which Pontus Jansson charged down .
But just as often there were quizzical looks and outstretched arms as Jutkiewicz nodded the ball down but not in Toral ’ s vicinity .
Unsure to sit in the hole or gamble in the area the former Arsenal trainee didn ’ t slot in seamlessly .
It should come – as long as his body holds up and Saturday ’ s late wave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s introduction , was nothing to be worried about .
Speaking of Sanchez , the free signing from Elche gave an intriguing display playing on the right of Blues ’ attack .
He showed reasonable pace , quick feet , enticing delivery and imagination , all of which could see him become an established and effective part of Aitor Karanka ’ s new Blues .
“ He was dead because he didn ’ t realise how intense the training sessions are here – the games and everything , ” Karanka said afterwards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fly , it ’ s that playing him on the right means he always – but always , comes infield onto his left foot .
We ’ ve been here before with another Spanish winger , who found a home not too far from St Andrew ’ s , and it became tiresome .
That ’ s not to say that Sanchez is another Jota , he looks more assertive , bustling and busy , but it is to point out just how left-footed he is and that it would be nice to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or twice .
Promisingly he and Bela could swap wings quite comfortably .

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There’s been a worldwide pandemic and economic earthquake since Birmingham City last won a game of football.
Seven long months, 16 matches without really coming close to a victory, a managerial change – not that they’re particularly rare in these parts – and a huge squad overhaul.
Much Blue water has passed under the bridge since Barnsley away, Bellingham and Hogan the Destroyer.
But here we are again. Tomorrow has finally dawned and Brentford have been beaten in Aitor Karanka’s first Championship match.
Here’s what stood out.
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Smells like team spirit
The togetherness was clear to see – just as Cambridge’s goal sapped their self-belief last week – Jeremie Bela’s strike saw Aitor Karanka’s men grow an inch taller.
There was positive reinforcement throughout.
George Friend led the encouragement, such as giving Kristian Pedersen a hug when the Dane produced a piece of strong defending at the back post.
When Bela found the net, sparking a mini-celebration, Friend turned and beckoned for his team-mates to join in.
(Image: Birmingham Live)
But he wasn’t the only one – Maikel Kieftenbeld was clapping and exhorting as he warmed up on the touchline.
Indeed there were pats, slaps, high fives, fist bumps all round. Is there togetherness developing in the socially distanced era?
Lightning strikes twice
Birmingham City started last season with a 1-0 victory over Brentford, courtesy of a 25-yard Kristian Pedersen header and 89 minutes of defending.
There was only one goal this time too, another set-piece effort – and while there was plenty of backs to the wall action, there was also some interesting attacking play.
Bela and Ivan Sanchez gave engaging displays as inverted wingers and Jon Toral gave glimpses of the touch and vision which made him such a hit the last time he was a Blue.
Adam Clayton passes the ball forward, even Ivan Sunjic made a couple of barrelling runs upfield.
The result might have been the same – and Thomas Frank was as unimpressed this time as he was last – though even the reluctant-to-praise Brentford boss admitted Blues had at least had one more shot this season.
This fresh start feels more sustainable than the last one though. Not built on callow youth and unseasoned Spaniards – though there is a bit of that – instead assembled around established Championship pros like Friend and Adam Clayton.
The signs are that this shouldn’t be another false dawn.
Familiar face
Toral played for Blues for the first time since being sent off in April 2016 against soon-to-be-promoted Burnley.
There was some nice stuff from the 25-year-old as he looks to re-find himself in what is his happy place.
He was quick to latch on to a loose ball outside the Brentford box in the opening exchanges, showed good strength to go past two Brentford defenders in one run towards the end of the first half.
(Image: PA)
And he did well to latch on to a Lukas Jutkiewicz knock-down and produce an acrobatic volley which Pontus Jansson charged down.
But just as often there were quizzical looks and outstretched arms as Jutkiewicz nodded the ball down but not in Toral’s vicinity. Unsure to sit in the hole or gamble in the area the former Arsenal trainee didn’t slot in seamlessly.
It should come – as long as his body holds up and Saturday’s late wave to the bench which preceded Dan Crowley’s introduction, was nothing to be worried about.
Not so familiar face
Speaking of Sanchez, the free signing from Elche gave an intriguing display playing on the right of Blues’ attack.
He showed reasonable pace, quick feet, enticing delivery and imagination, all of which could see him become an established and effective part of Aitor Karanka’s new Blues.
“He was dead because he didn’t realise how intense the training sessions are here – the games and everything,” Karanka said afterwards.
If there is one slight ointment fly, it’s that playing him on the right means he always – but always, comes infield onto his left foot. We’ve been here before with another Spanish winger, who found a home not too far from St Andrew’s, and it became tiresome.
That’s not to say that Sanchez is another Jota, he looks more assertive, bustling and busy, but it is to point out just how left-footed he is and that it would be nice to see him go down the outside once or twice.
Promisingly he and Bela could swap wings quite comfortably.


birminghammail--2020-09-13--How to watch West Brom vs Leicester - TV and live stream info

West Bromwich Albion begin life back in the Premier League at the weekend as they welcome Leicester City to the Hawthorns Stadium on Sunday .
The Baggies earned promotion back to the top-flight after a second-place finish in the Championship last season .
Slaven Bilic ’ s men will have a tough task on the opening weekend , as they entertain the Foxes - who managed a fifth-place finish last season .
Here is all of the key information you need to know ahead of West Brom ’ s opening match of the campaign .
Is West Brom vs Leicester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is available to watch on Sky Sports Premier League ( with the fake crowd noise ) and Sky Sports Main Event ( without the crowd noise ) .
The pre-match coverage begins at 1pm - an hour before the match is scheduled to kick off .
Sky Sports subscribers will also be able to watch the match via the Sky Go app , or on the Sky Go official website .
West Brom are winless in their last four competitive matches against Leicester , with their last victory coming in November 2016 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , before Islam Slimani equalised for the hosts at the King Power Stadium .
However , Matty Phillips capitalised on a horrendous error from Danny Drinkwater to give West Brom all three points .
Their last meeting was in the Premier League back in 2018 , with the Foxes winning 4-1 despite Salomon Rondon ’ s opener for the Baggies .

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West Bromwich Albion begin life back in the Premier League at the weekend as they welcome Leicester City to the Hawthorns Stadium on Sunday.
The Baggies earned promotion back to the top-flight after a second-place finish in the Championship last season.
Slaven Bilic’s men will have a tough task on the opening weekend, as they entertain the Foxes - who managed a fifth-place finish last season.
Here is all of the key information you need to know ahead of West Brom’s opening match of the campaign.
Is West Brom vs Leicester on TV?
Yes. The match is available to watch on Sky Sports Premier League (with the fake crowd noise) and Sky Sports Main Event (without the crowd noise).
The pre-match coverage begins at 1pm - an hour before the match is scheduled to kick off.
Sky Sports subscribers will also be able to watch the match via the Sky Go app, or on the Sky Go official website.
Last meetings
West Brom are winless in their last four competitive matches against Leicester, with their last victory coming in November 2016.
James Morrison put the Baggies ahead that day, before Islam Slimani equalised for the hosts at the King Power Stadium.
However, Matty Phillips capitalised on a horrendous error from Danny Drinkwater to give West Brom all three points.
Their last meeting was in the Premier League back in 2018, with the Foxes winning 4-1 despite Salomon Rondon’s opener for the Baggies.


birminghammail--2020-09-13--Mourinho could rival Smith for transfer after missing out on Watkins

Tottenham Hotspur have found a new striker target after missing out on Ollie Watkins .
Spurs were one of the @ @ @ @ @ Watkins before Aston Villa made him their £28million club-record signing earlier this week .
The @ @ @ @ @ his debut to give Villa a 1-0 pre-season friendly win over Manchester United on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ transfer business wo n't end there and another forward is a priority before the window @ @ @ @ @ 's Bertrand Traore and Werder Bremen star Milot Rashica are being heavily linked with Villa @ @ @ @ @ King is believed to be another option .
Villa have reportedly made a £16million move @ @ @ @ @ face stern competition .
It 's now being reported that Spurs boss Jose Mourinho could @ @ @ @ @ put off by Watkins ' price tag .
Spurs are in the market for a @ @ @ @ @ linked with Callum Wilson before he joined Newcastle United .
Everton and Premier League newcomers @ @ @ @ @ with King .

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Tottenham Hotspur have found a new striker target after missing out on Ollie Watkins.
Spurs were one of the Premier League clubs linked with Watkins before Aston Villa made him their £28million club-record signing earlier this week.
The former Brentford forward netted on his debut to give Villa a 1-0 pre-season friendly win over Manchester United on Saturday.
But Dean Smith's transfer business won't end there and another forward is a priority before the window shuts next month.
Lyon's Bertrand Traore and Werder Bremen star Milot Rashica are being heavily linked with Villa, but Bournemouth's Josh King is believed to be another option.
Villa have reportedly made a £16million move for King - but they face stern competition.
It's now being reported that Spurs boss Jose Mourinho could move for King after being put off by Watkins' price tag. Spurs are in the market for a new forward and were also linked with Callum Wilson before he joined Newcastle United.
Everton and Premier League newcomers Fulham are also being linked with King.


birminghammail--2020-09-13--Solskjaer and United dressing room responds to Villa defeat

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has demanded his team find their killer instinct after Aston Villa defeated them in a pre-season friendly .
While their Premier League rivals kicked off their seasons on Saturday , Villa and United - who do n't begin their league campaigns until next weekend - played a friendly at Villa Park .
Villa grabbed the victory through a well-timed header from Ollie Watkins , who became the club 's record transfer on Wednesday after joining in a £28million deal from Brentford .
United had chances of their own through Jessie Lingard , who was twice denied by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Odion Ighalo and Daniel James could n't take advantage of a goalmouth scramble .
And Solskjaer has explained what he told his players in the dressing room at Villa Park .
`` That 's what we said at half-time , '' Solskjaer told MUTV ( via the MEN ) .
`` Some great football at times , get into some fantastic positions , and maybe that 's the lack of sharpness , lack of lungs , maybe , because it 's early doors - but we need to be more clinical and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lee Grant came on in the second half and believes United will take plenty of positives , despite their defeat .
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for Milot Rashica transfer updates Why should you sign up ?
Villa have been strongly linked with a move for the Werder Bremen star , with fans excitedly awaiting his possible arrival .
With that in mind , we will bring you all the news around the Albanian winger 's future .
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store '' You can look at the scoreline but I do n't think anyone is taking too much notice of that , even the Villa players and staff , '' he said .
`` We played really well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take away from it but most importantly - the gaffer stressed it to us before the game - it was a continuation of the work we 've been doing in training , especially from the physical aspect .
And some valuable minutes in the tank for quite a few players there .
`` It 's totally bizarre ( the pre-season ) , unlike any other .
Of course , it 's been sporadic in its makeup but we 've coped really well as a football club .
The staff have managed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work and , of course , be ready for next week , which is the most important thing . ''

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has demanded his team find their killer instinct after Aston Villa defeated them in a pre-season friendly.
While their Premier League rivals kicked off their seasons on Saturday, Villa and United - who don't begin their league campaigns until next weekend - played a friendly at Villa Park.
Villa grabbed the victory through a well-timed header from Ollie Watkins, who became the club's record transfer on Wednesday after joining in a £28million deal from Brentford.
United had chances of their own through Jessie Lingard, who was twice denied by Jed Steer, while Harry Maguire, Odion Ighalo and Daniel James couldn't take advantage of a goalmouth scramble.
And Solskjaer has explained what he told his players in the dressing room at Villa Park.
"That's what we said at half-time," Solskjaer told MUTV (via the MEN). "Some great football at times, get into some fantastic positions, and maybe that's the lack of sharpness, lack of lungs, maybe, because it's early doors - but we need to be more clinical and then you go home happy."
Goalkeeper Lee Grant came on in the second half and believes United will take plenty of positives, despite their defeat.
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for Morgan Sanson transfer updates Why should you sign up? Villa have been strongly linked with a move for the Marseille star, with fans excitedly awaiting his possible arrival. With that in mind, we will bring you all the news around the French midfielder's future. In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
"You can look at the scoreline but I don't think anyone is taking too much notice of that, even the Villa players and staff," he said.
"We played really well, lots and lots of good stuff to take away from it but most importantly - the gaffer stressed it to us before the game - it was a continuation of the work we've been doing in training, especially from the physical aspect. And some valuable minutes in the tank for quite a few players there.
"It's totally bizarre (the pre-season), unlike any other. Of course, it's been sporadic in its makeup but we've coped really well as a football club. The staff have managed to put together a really nice framework to work and, of course, be ready for next week, which is the most important thing."


birminghammail--2020-09-13--Aston Villa transfer news live

Aston Villa transfer news live

Hello and welcome to LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive on Sunday , September 13 .
We will be keeping @ @ @ @ @ key developments across today as Villa 's transfer window gathers pace .
We will be @ @ @ @ @ news , views and rumours to our live blog throughout the day , with new @ @ @ @ @ to the club .
Matty Cash arrived from Nottingham Forest to become the club 's @ @ @ @ @ window and Brentford striker Ollie Watkins completed his £28 million switch to Villa Park on @ @ @ @ @ also been agreed to bring Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martinez to Villa Park in a £20million @ @ @ @ @ us for today 's transfer blog , below , and be sure to check back @ @ @ @ @ transfer news and opinion .

Hello and welcome to LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive on Sunday, September 13.
We will be keeping you informed on all the key developments across today as Villa's transfer window gathers pace.
We will be adding all the latest Villa news, views and rumours to our live blog throughout the day, with new signings and transfers continually linked to the club.
Matty Cash arrived from Nottingham Forest to become the club's first senior signing of the window and Brentford striker Ollie Watkins completed his £28 million switch to Villa Park on Wednesday.
A deal has also been agreed to bring Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martinez to Villa Park in a £20million transfer.
So stay with us for today's transfer blog, below , and be sure to check back for all the latest Villa transfer news and opinion.


birminghammail--2020-09-13--Albion 'set to sign' Chelsea star Claude Makelele raved about

West Bromwich Albion are set to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher , according to reports .
Gallagher has been targeted by a number of Premier League clubs this summer after an excellent season in the Championship last term .
Albion boss Slaven Bilic is believed to be among Gallagher 's admirers and , according to our sister title The Mirror ( print edition ) , the 20-year-old is close to joining the Baggies on a season-long loan .
It 's claimed Gallagher is excited by the prospect of working under Bilic in the Premier League , with the playmaker poised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other top flight clubs .
Aston Villa , Leeds United and Newcastle United were also reportedly keen to land Gallagher after his impressive showings in the Championship last season .
The midfielder spent last year on loan in the second tier , firstly with Charlton Athletic before moving to Swansea City and helping them reach the play-offs .
Gallagher managed six goals and eight assists in 47 appearances to attract Premier League admirers .
Why should you sign up ?
In our daily Baggies bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store He 's a player who is highly thought of at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea legend Claude Makelele - who is now back coaching with the west Londoners - has raved about him in the past .
Speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ We check his whole game on video .
He has a lot of qualities .
“ Physically , technical , you can see a lot of progress in just six months .
He is becoming a leader in the starting team .
”

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West Bromwich Albion are set to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, according to reports.
Gallagher has been targeted by a number of Premier League clubs this summer after an excellent season in the Championship last term.
Albion boss Slaven Bilic is believed to be among Gallagher's admirers and, according to our sister title The Mirror (print edition), the 20-year-old is close to joining the Baggies on a season-long loan.
It's claimed Gallagher is excited by the prospect of working under Bilic in the Premier League, with the playmaker poised to shun interest from a host of other top flight clubs.
Aston Villa, Leeds United and Newcastle United were also reportedly keen to land Gallagher after his impressive showings in the Championship last season.
The midfielder spent last year on loan in the second tier, firstly with Charlton Athletic before moving to Swansea City and helping them reach the play-offs. Gallagher managed six goals and eight assists in 47 appearances to attract Premier League admirers.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
He's a player who is highly thought of at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea legend Claude Makelele - who is now back coaching with the west Londoners - has raved about him in the past.
Speaking about Gallagher last season, Makelele said: “We check his whole game on video. He has a lot of qualities.
“Physically, technical, you can see a lot of progress in just six months. He is becoming a leader in the starting team.”


birminghammail--2020-09-13--Every word from Karanka as Birmingham City make perfect start

Birmingham City are back to winning ways after Jeremie Bela 's first half goal gave Aitor Karanka victory in his first Championhip match in charge .
The French winger headed home Ivan Sanchez 's corner in the 37th minute and Blues battled bravely to hang on to what was their first win in 17 attempts .
Head coach Karanka was obviously delighted afterwards - and explained his reasoning behind backing rookie goalkeeper Zach Jeacock .
Here 's the transcript of his press conference .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter here A good game , a good win but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team , the commitment of the team improved .
It was a first step to see that commitment on the pitch .
I knew that we had five or six players on the pitch today who were not here last year .
I have been thinking all week how I could manage those players , start with them or keep them on the bench .
I decided to put them on from the beginning because we needed to change something .
The five players who weren ’ t here last year and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , really good .
The three substitutions went really well and the players who were on the bench were living the game which I think is important .
They understood the only way to win games is to be committed with everybody .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest transfer news and comment Why should you sign up ?
In our daily Birmingham City bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store For me the keeper should be a good goalkeeper but for me the most important thing for our ‘ keeper is he should transmit his calm .
I met Zach one month ago and if he has something it is that he is calm and confident .
Even when he is nervous you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Neil arrived yesterday , didn ’ t train with the team , he didn ’ t know his team-mates – for sure he will play but I did not have any doubts that Zach was going to be our ‘ keeper .
On Tuesday or Wednesday I had told the goalkeeper coach I didn ’ t care who was coming or not because he knew that Zach was going to play .
To have a calm keeper on the pitch you have to give him your confidence .
He has been on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the training ground .
He has a very bright future in front of him and now we need to think about the situation because we will decide the best for the kid .
Given you a headache now ?
In Spain we say ‘ Don ’ t allow the tree to hide the forest ’ , I think he can be a very good goalkeeper but we can ’ t make the mistake to think he is ready .
I think he needs to improve .
We are well covered in goal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see what is happening this week – for sure the decision we take as the club will be the best for the future of the person and the future of the player .
I can ’ t tell you today , it ’ s difficult .
I don ’ t want to tell you after an amazing performance he is going to go out on loan and the poor kid is go home and see that .
I don ’ t know yet .
We will decide as a club what is better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everybody if we can keep him to fight for the position .
I need to think with the club and take the best decision with everybody .
What was his reaction to being told ?
The same , he was calm .
That was important because a keeper who transmits he is nervous is difficult for the team .
The way he went to the pitch is the way he did in pre-season or every single day in training ground .
He did not surprise me .
When you have Jukey up front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every single ball .
He was desperate to play , I was joking with him in the week that he was ready to play for five minutes .
He was ‘ No , no , I am ready for 90 minutes ’ .
He is an amazing professional and the team really needs him .
Maybe he is an unsung hero , not just for our team but the respect he creates in other teams .
I used to be a central defender and I wouldn ’ t like to play against him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fights for every single ball and you look at him and think he is tired he appears again .
It ’ s good because his character is one thing we have towards that team spirit .
I hope , the changing room is like they have won something .
We have won just one game .
It is not how they arrive to the changing room , it is the way they have been competing for every single ball and how committed they have been for every second ball .
I am pleased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His first game here – he was dead because he didn ’ t realise how intense the training sessions are here – the games and everything .
It was good for him because I was concerned with him , with Jon Toral , with Jukey because I knew while we had energy on the field we were going to be good .
The problem was going to be when the fuel was finished and we had to keep playing because you could see on the bench they had players who wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on every single area , I think it is important to keep believing , when the player are working on the training ground and we score a set-piece , it ’ s good for everybody to keep believing and keep working .

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Birmingham City are back to winning ways after Jeremie Bela's first half goal gave Aitor Karanka victory in his first Championhip match in charge.
The French winger headed home Ivan Sanchez's corner in the 37th minute and Blues battled bravely to hang on to what was their first win in 17 attempts.
Head coach Karanka was obviously delighted afterwards - and explained his reasoning behind backing rookie goalkeeper Zach Jeacock.
Here's the transcript of his press conference.
Match reaction
A good game, a good win but epsecially the performance, the spirit of the team, the commitment of the team improved. It was a first step to see that commitment on the pitch.
I knew that we had five or six players on the pitch today who were not here last year. I have been thinking all week how I could manage those players, start with them or keep them on the bench.
(Image: Birmingham Live)
I decided to put them on from the beginning because we needed to change something. The five players who weren’t here last year and the six who were have been terrific, really good.
The three substitutions went really well and the players who were on the bench were living the game which I think is important. They understood the only way to win games is to be committed with everybody.
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest news and comment Why should you sign up? In our daily Birmingham City bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Zach Jeacock decision
For me the keeper should be a good goalkeeper but for me the most important thing for our ‘keeper is he should transmit his calm.
I met Zach one month ago and if he has something it is that he is calm and confident. Even when he is nervous you don’t feel he is nervous.
Neil arrived yesterday, didn’t train with the team, he didn’t know his team-mates – for sure he will play but I did not have any doubts that Zach was going to be our ‘keeper.
On Tuesday or Wednesday I had told the goalkeeper coach I didn’t care who was coming or not because he knew that Zach was going to play.
To have a calm keeper on the pitch you have to give him your confidence.
(Image: Getty Images)
Looked very calm?
He has been on the pitch today like he is on the training ground. He has a very bright future in front of him and now we need to think about the situation because we will decide the best for the kid.
Given you a headache now?
In Spain we say ‘Don’t allow the tree to hide the forest’, I think he can be a very good goalkeeper but we can’t make the mistake to think he is ready. I think he needs to improve. We are well covered in goal with Neil and Andres, let’s see what is happening this week – for sure the decision we take as the club will be the best for the future of the person and the future of the player.
Loan him out?
I can’t tell you today, it’s difficult. I don’t want to tell you after an amazing performance he is going to go out on loan and the poor kid is go home and see that. I don’t know yet. We will decide as a club what is better, with the goalkeeper coach and with everybody if we can keep him to fight for the position. I need to think with the club and take the best decision with everybody.
What was his reaction to being told?
The same, he was calm. That was important because a keeper who transmits he is nervous is difficult for the team. The way he went to the pitch is the way he did in pre-season or every single day in training ground. He did not surprise me.
Lukas Jutkiewicz performance
When you have Jukey up front, battling for 90 minutes, for every single ball. He was desperate to play, I was joking with him in the week that he was ready to play for five minutes.
He was ‘No, no, I am ready for 90 minutes’. He is an amazing professional and the team really needs him.
Maybe he is an unsung hero, not just for our team but the respect he creates in other teams. I used to be a central defender and I wouldn’t like to play against him because he is a warrior.
He fights for every single ball and you look at him and think he is tired he appears again. It’s good because his character is one thing we have towards that team spirit.
Inroads into losing mentality?
I hope, the changing room is like they have won something. We have won just one game.
It is not how they arrive to the changing room, it is the way they have been competing for every single ball and how committed they have been for every second ball.
Ivan Sanchez display
I am pleased, he can bring us something different. His first game here – he was dead because he didn’t realise how intense the training sessions are here – the games and everything.
(Image: Birmingham Live)
It was good for him because I was concerned with him, with Jon Toral, with Jukey because I knew while we had energy on the field we were going to be good.
The problem was going to be when the fuel was finished and we had to keep playing because you could see on the bench they had players who wanted to make an impact.
Set piece goal
We have worked on every single area, I think it is important to keep believing, when the player are working on the training ground and we score a set-piece, it’s good for everybody to keep believing and keep working.


birminghammail--2020-09-13--Villa target Conor Gallagher reportedly set for loan transfer

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is reportedly set to join Premier League new boys West Bromwich Albion on loan .
Gallagher , 20 , has been targeted by a number of Premier League clubs this summer after an excellent season in the Championship last term .
According to the Daily Mail , Aston Villa were interested in bringing Gallagher to the Second City .
Dean Smith and his coaching team , which includes Chelsea icon John Terry , enjoy a good relationship with the top brass at Stamford Bridge and reportedly wanted Gallagher on a season-long loan .
The midfielder spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tier , firstly with Charlton Athletic before moving to Swansea City and helping them reach the play-offs .
Gallagher managed six goals and eight assists in 47 appearances to attract Premier League admirers .
But it 's Albion who now hold the advantage in the race , with our sister title The Mirror ( print edition ) reporting that Gallagher is close to penning a season-long loan agreement at The Hawthorns .
Crystal Palace were initially thought to be front-runners for Gallagher 's signature but their loan signing of Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international must be abandoned due to the Premier League 's loan rules .

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Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is reportedly set to join Premier League new boys West Bromwich Albion on loan.
Gallagher, 20, has been targeted by a number of Premier League clubs this summer after an excellent season in the Championship last term.
According to the Daily Mail, Aston Villa were interested in bringing Gallagher to the Second City.
Dean Smith and his coaching team, which includes Chelsea icon John Terry, enjoy a good relationship with the top brass at Stamford Bridge and reportedly wanted Gallagher on a season-long loan.
The midfielder spent last season on loan in the second tier, firstly with Charlton Athletic before moving to Swansea City and helping them reach the play-offs. Gallagher managed six goals and eight assists in 47 appearances to attract Premier League admirers.
But it's Albion who now hold the advantage in the race, with our sister title The Mirror (print edition) reporting that Gallagher is close to penning a season-long loan agreement at The Hawthorns.
Crystal Palace were initially thought to be front-runners for Gallagher's signature but their loan signing of Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi means any move for the England under-21 international must be abandoned due to the Premier League's loan rules.


birminghammail--2020-09-13--How 14K Triad gang flooded Brum with heroin - via a barbers shop

A new book has revealed how heroin first flooded into Birmingham via a notorious Triad gang - and a barber shop .
The story detailing the explosion in the deadly trade in the West Midlands is told in a new book , Drug War - The Secret History .
For those who turn blood-red poppies into heroin , the soporific , numbing escape they offer comes in two colours and two numbers .
Number three , is granular , grey or beige .
It has the harsh scent of vinegar .
It is brown sugar , a title immortalised in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name .
It is for smoking .
Number four is snow white and smooth as talc .
It is China White .
It is for injecting .
In the late 60s , the UK crackdown on heroin began in earnest .
The war to weed out the poppies flourishing during flower power began .
And it began with the destruction of a trail that stemmed from the Asian fields of raw opium to a Black Country restaurant .
The incredible story is told in the new book , written by investigative journalist Peter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He chronicles the rise of heroin from its early foundations on the streets of Birmingham , the Black Country and the East Midlands .
In June , 1972 , restaurateur Li San Shun , from Walsall , and his employee Li Ma Fat flew to Hong Kong .
They returned burdened by a heavy , quilted bedroll .
A bedroll that concealed a staggering 50 packets of number three , brown sugar .
The first battle had begun .
Heroin , in industrial quantities , had arrived on our doorstep .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rock stars , artists and hippies .
The pair protested innocence and even denied knowing each other , a deaf and dumb stance that led Brian Clark , intelligence officer for Her Majesty 's Customs and Excise , on an evidence gathering mission to Hong Kong .
His hosts were the local Customs Service , the people he worked with were from the no-nonsense narcotics squad .
`` They were all colonials , '' he said , `` Aussies , tough Canadians , Northern Irish , very hard men .
They thought I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me out on the town the first night .
`` Fortunately in the toilets I overheard them saying , “ we ’ ll have some fun with this guy ' .
`` So I threw away every other drink , every flowerpot in Hong Kong had whisky in it .
`` The next morning at seven o ’ clock I had a litre of black coffee delivered to my hotel room .
I got down to their office at 7.30 , asking where they all were .
They left me alone after that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the snooty Hong Kong Customs and the red-meat narco squad , Clark brought home the evidence .
At trial , the pair changed their plea .
Li San Shun , aged 53 , was jailed for nine years and Li Ma Fat , aged 36 and from Redditch , for eight .
`` It was the first seizure , the first charge , the first successful prosecution , '' said Clark .
`` I was just pleased that I 'd pulled my weight . ''
Bolstered by the success , Clark was given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the roots , the cartels flourishing in inner cities .
As one Customs chief told him bluntly : `` Damage the buggers . ''
`` That ’ s precisely what we did , '' said Clark .
`` We caused them more grief than we made arrests , but that was the nature of the early days . ''
Two principle groups of heroin smugglers were identified - and , importantly , a main distributor linked to the feared 14K Triad gang , the most powerful in Hong Kong .
The first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Birmingham , Glasgow and , surprisingly , Hereford , a market town that exuded little menace .
The second group - its nerve-centre in a Manchester Chinatown eatery - imported its illicit wares in food cargoes .
Its depot was not a warehouse , but a Birmingham barber 's shop .
By the middle of the decade the campaign waged by Customs and Excise 's intelligence gathering arm was becoming more detailed .
An index of suspected heroin smugglers was enlarged on a daily basis , arrangements had been made to telex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here from Hong Kong .
Details of Chinese citizens arriving from Amsterdam - an increasingly important half-way house for European drug distribution - to Birmingham Airport were also forwarded .
Amsterdam muddied the waters and spawned par-time , weekend smugglers .
There was an increase in young people returning from European 's sin city with small amounts of heroin for personal use .
The Triads , however , meticulously protected their grubby assets and burgeoning business network .
They saw only money , not misery .
As Customs and Excise 's internal magazine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it at the time : `` They see it as a means to inject capital into their interests , rather than an injection into the veins of addicts . ''
While the spider 's web of importation to these shores proved tough to crack , the lowest link of the chain - when seller meets buyer - was far easier to dismantle .
In 1975 , a tip from an informant sparked an undercover operation by Custom 's intelligence development arm to locate a rare quantity of `` morphine base '' .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tony Rich , a `` flashy '' drug squad detective .
He posed as a wealthy distributor , complete with gold Rolex and white Merc , and managed to trap two brothers named Chung , one the manager of a Birmingham chop suey bar .
They were collared on the East Midlands stretch of the M1 .
To an extent , the government 's attempt to stem the tide of narcotics by weaning addicts off the Class A drug , through dedicated treatment centres , spectacularly backfired .
Those considered cleansed of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the heroin alternative offered by clinics - and there were nowhere near enough of them , was snubbed by many hardened junkies .
Peter Walker , responsible for gathering heroin intelligence , explained : `` You were starting to see the effects of the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act .
They were creating addiction clinics , addicts were going into there and being pronounced cured and then sent back out and not given their drugs .
`` Well , they weren ’ t cured , so a black market started to grow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to rise sharply and the size of individual seizures of heroin continued to break previous records .
To prove the point , September , 1978 , saw the biggest ever seizure .
The arrival , in London 's docklands , of a rusting Volkswagen car on a ship from Penang caused suspicion .
Why would someone pay so much to bring-in a rust-bucket vehicle worth only £200 Bizarrely , another similarly battered VW arrived from Penang soon after .
The London Port Mobile Task Force were informed and the rear wheels of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been cut open , filled with heroin and resealed with masking tape .
The powder weighed an eye-watering 32 kilos .
Replacement tyres of Malaysian manufacture were found , filled with a combination of cement dust and brick rubble , and refitted .
Customs intelligence officers then waited .
Three men from Penang were arrested .
Two of them claimed they were working for a dangerous boss known as the `` Big Head '' , but the third admitted the truth .
There was no Big Head and one of trio , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boss .
Goy and Tan King To were each jailed for the maximum sentence of 14 years , while Khoo Boon Pin received eight .
Despite the major swoops , the heroin market could not be wiped out .
It still can not be wiped out .
The source has changed - the poppy rich Golden Triangle , which borders Thailand , Laos and Myanmar , has been eclipsed by the Golden Crescent , which straddles Afghanistan , Pakistan and Iran .
But the book tells how the misery remains the same .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a call from police in rural Devon .
They had arrested two men on suspicion of bringing heroin to these shores .
`` I went down to a small town called Bovey Tracey .
One was a floor layer and the other was a roofer and they were about 21 .
`` They had been to Amsterdam , bought some heroin .
And I thought , if it ’ s in Bovey , Tracey , then it ’ s everywhere .
`` We haven ’ t got this licked at all .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we were way behind the game . ''
Tragically , those same words could be uttered today .
*Drug War - The Secret History , published by Milo Books , costs £11.99 and is available from most major bookshops or Amazon .

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A new book has revealed how heroin first flooded into Birmingham via a notorious Triad gang - and a barber shop.
The story detailing the explosion in the deadly trade in the West Midlands is told in a new book, Drug War - The Secret History.
For those who turn blood-red poppies into heroin, the soporific, numbing escape they offer comes in two colours and two numbers.
Number three, is granular, grey or beige. It has the harsh scent of vinegar. It is brown sugar, a title immortalised in the Rolling Stones hit of the same name. It is for smoking.
Number four is snow white and smooth as talc. It is China White. It is for injecting.
In the late 60s, the UK crackdown on heroin began in earnest. The war to weed out the poppies flourishing during flower power began.
(Image: Getty Images)
And it began with the destruction of a trail that stemmed from the Asian fields of raw opium to a Black Country restaurant.
The incredible story is told in the new book, written by investigative journalist Peter Walsh, a former Coventry Telegraph reporter.
He chronicles the rise of heroin from its early foundations on the streets of Birmingham, the Black Country and the East Midlands.
In June, 1972, restaurateur Li San Shun, from Walsall, and his employee Li Ma Fat flew to Hong Kong.
They returned burdened by a heavy, quilted bedroll. A bedroll that concealed a staggering 50 packets of number three, brown sugar.
The first battle had begun.
Heroin, in industrial quantities, had arrived on our doorstep. It was no longer the forbidden vice of rock stars, artists and hippies.
The pair protested innocence and even denied knowing each other, a deaf and dumb stance that led Brian Clark, intelligence officer for Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, on an evidence gathering mission to Hong Kong.
His hosts were the local Customs Service, the people he worked with were from the no-nonsense narcotics squad.
"They were all colonials," he said, "Aussies, tough Canadians, Northern Irish, very hard men. They thought I was a soft Englishman. They took me out on the town the first night.
"Fortunately in the toilets I overheard them saying, “we’ll have some fun with this guy'.
"So I threw away every other drink, every flowerpot in Hong Kong had whisky in it.
"The next morning at seven o’clock I had a litre of black coffee delivered to my hotel room. I got down to their office at 7.30, asking where they all were. They left me alone after that."
Tip-toeing a careful course between the snooty Hong Kong Customs and the red-meat narco squad, Clark brought home the evidence.
He delivered.
At trial, the pair changed their plea. Li San Shun, aged 53, was jailed for nine years and Li Ma Fat, aged 36 and from Redditch, for eight.
"It was the first seizure, the first charge, the first successful prosecution," said Clark. "I was just pleased that I'd pulled my weight."
Bolstered by the success, Clark was given a roaming brief to scythe down, at the roots, the cartels flourishing in inner cities.
As one Customs chief told him bluntly: "Damage the buggers."
"That’s precisely what we did," said Clark. "We caused them more grief than we made arrests, but that was the nature of the early days."
(Image: PA)
Two principle groups of heroin smugglers were identified - and, importantly, a main distributor linked to the feared 14K Triad gang, the most powerful in Hong Kong.
The first group scattered copious amounts of brown sugar in Birmingham, Glasgow and, surprisingly, Hereford, a market town that exuded little menace.
The second group - its nerve-centre in a Manchester Chinatown eatery - imported its illicit wares in food cargoes.
Its depot was not a warehouse, but a Birmingham barber's shop.
By the middle of the decade the campaign waged by Customs and Excise's intelligence gathering arm was becoming more detailed.
An index of suspected heroin smugglers was enlarged on a daily basis, arrangements had been made to telex the names of all Chinese passengers flying here from Hong Kong.
Details of Chinese citizens arriving from Amsterdam - an increasingly important half-way house for European drug distribution - to Birmingham Airport were also forwarded.
Amsterdam muddied the waters and spawned par-time, weekend smugglers. There was an increase in young people returning from European's sin city with small amounts of heroin for personal use.
The Triads, however, meticulously protected their grubby assets and burgeoning business network. They saw only money, not misery.
As Customs and Excise's internal magazine, "Investigation Review", put it at the time: "They see it as a means to inject capital into their interests, rather than an injection into the veins of addicts."
While the spider's web of importation to these shores proved tough to crack, the lowest link of the chain - when seller meets buyer - was far easier to dismantle.
In 1975, a tip from an informant sparked an undercover operation by Custom's intelligence development arm to locate a rare quantity of "morphine base".
The job of buying the drugs fell to Tony Rich, a "flashy" drug squad detective. He posed as a wealthy distributor, complete with gold Rolex and white Merc, and managed to trap two brothers named Chung, one the manager of a Birmingham chop suey bar.
They were collared on the East Midlands stretch of the M1.
To an extent, the government's attempt to stem the tide of narcotics by weaning addicts off the Class A drug, through dedicated treatment centres, spectacularly backfired.
Those considered cleansed of their habit were far from clean. Methodone, the heroin alternative offered by clinics - and there were nowhere near enough of them, was snubbed by many hardened junkies.
(Image: PA)
Peter Walker, responsible for gathering heroin intelligence, explained: "You were starting to see the effects of the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act. They were creating addiction clinics, addicts were going into there and being pronounced cured and then sent back out and not given their drugs.
"Well, they weren’t cured, so a black market started to grow."
The number of notified addicts continued to rise sharply and the size of individual seizures of heroin continued to break previous records.
To prove the point, September, 1978, saw the biggest ever seizure. The arrival, in London's docklands, of a rusting Volkswagen car on a ship from Penang caused suspicion.
Why would someone pay so much to bring-in a rust-bucket vehicle worth only £200
Bizarrely, another similarly battered VW arrived from Penang soon after.
The London Port Mobile Task Force were informed and the rear wheels of both vehicles removed.
The inner tubes had been cut open, filled with heroin and resealed with masking tape. The powder weighed an eye-watering 32 kilos.
Replacement tyres of Malaysian manufacture were found, filled with a combination of
cement dust and brick rubble, and refitted. Customs intelligence officers then waited.
Three men from Penang were arrested.
(Image: Getty Images)
Two of them claimed they were working for a dangerous boss known as the "Big Head", but the third admitted the truth.
There was no Big Head and one of trio, 60-year-old Goy Kok Poh, was the boss. Goy and Tan King To were each jailed for the maximum sentence of 14 years, while Khoo Boon Pin received eight.
Despite the major swoops, the heroin market could not be wiped out.
It still cannot be wiped out.
The source has changed - the poppy rich Golden Triangle, which borders Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, has been eclipsed by the Golden Crescent, which straddles Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran.
But the book tells how the misery remains the same.
One Custom's undercover officer recalled taking a call from police in rural Devon. They had arrested two men on suspicion of bringing heroin to these shores.
"I went down to a small town called Bovey Tracey. One was a floor layer and the
other was a roofer and they were about 21.
"They had been to Amsterdam, bought some heroin. And I thought, if it’s in Bovey, Tracey, then it’s everywhere.
"We haven’t got this licked at all. We thought we were on top of it and we were way behind the game."
Tragically, those same words could be uttered today.
*Drug War - The Secret History, published by Milo Books, costs £11.99 and is available from most major bookshops or Amazon.


birminghammail--2020-09-13--'Close bars and restaurants' plea over Birmingham lockdown

A ban on meeting up at home needs to be backed by curbs on bars , restaurants and gyms now - or risk a health emergency and a more draconian shutdown .
That was the stark warning from a leading city scientist and Covid expert who says the limited measures announced for Birmingham , Solihull and Sandwell are not enough amid soaring coronavirus rates .
Prof Alan McNally , director of Birmingham University 's world-class microbiology and infection institute , said bars , pubs , restaurants and gyms should close now , if only briefly , to arrest the dramatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He described the family clusters that had triggered the new local measures as `` the tip of the iceberg . ''
`` We are now at a crossroads in the city .
Schools are an absolute priority and to keep them open and protect them from Covid we have to reduce transmission and cases in the community .
`` That means closing bars , restaurants , clubs and gyms again to reduce our incidence back to much lower levels .
`` The limitation on household mixing ( at home ) is sensible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tip of an iceberg - it 's impossible that all of the infected people in Birmingham have not mixed beyond their families , and would have also used our local transport , bars and restaurants . ''
He had earlier tweeted about the national situation , expressing a similar view and pressing for more robust measures .
He wrote : `` 3.5k Covid cases today .
England is now without question in exponential phase of transmission .
Hospitalisations now coming through and sadly deaths will follow soon .
Time to close bars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to essential only .
Keep schools running as much as poss . ''
Prof McNally speaks from a position of expertise - he is a lifelong specialist in microbiology and infection and was the infectious disease lead at the Government ’ s first flagship Covid-19 testing facility .
His comments have been echoed across our social media as people highlight the personal difficulties the new restrictions will pose while , to their frustration , note that pub visits and other social interactions are still allowed .
Some have also expressed confusion that just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government will be launching its new 'rule of six ' , which means up to six individuals from up to six different homes can now meet up indoors or outdoors .
What are the new measures just for Birmingham , Solihull and Sandwell ?
The household mixing measures - the first local restrictions in the West Midlands - follow mounting anxiety about soaring rates of coronavirus infection .
The most recent data ( for the week up to Wednesday ) shows infection rates of 80 per 100,000 cases in Birmingham , 58.6 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a result , all three areas are now listed as requiring national intervention .
From Tuesday , the 1.5 million people who live in Birmingham , Solihull and Sandwell are not allowed to have any visitors in their home or garden , nor to visit anyone in their home or garden anywhere in the country .
West Midlands Police have been tasked with enforcing the rules , and regulatory fines can be imposed for those who refuse to comply .
With limited exceptions , it means any planned get togethers at home for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visits are prohibited from Tuesday .
Public health data reveals clusters of infection across the city between families and close friends , particularly focussed on some inner city areas .
However , the spread of cases is now escalating , with significant clusters of positive cases in most of the city 's neighbourhoods .
Dr Justin Varney , Birmingham 's public health director , said the decision to focus on at-home meetings was evidence based due to rising numbers of family clusters .
`` When we visit a pub or restaurant or other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we sanitise regularly , places have cleaning regimes and are risk assessed and , in some locations , people wear face coverings .
`` When at home we are more relaxed , it is easy to not religiously adhere to those guidelines - we forget or are just unable to keep our distance , exchange handshakes and hugs , pass around food and drinks , or forget to clean light switches or door handles .
`` We are seeing multiple cases linked to household transmission . ''
And those numbers are still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nationally .
He said the household restrictions might not be sufficient - but it was a positive , and rightly targeted , first step .
`` This measure will be in place for two to three weeks , at least .
The question now is whether it will help to flatten the curve or if we will require more measures .
Our message is to everyone to be sensible and to follow the guidance . ''
He added that household restrictions are not happening in isolation .
The city will undergo a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spot new cases early and keep people isolated - including a tranche of new walk-in test locations and a doorstep service starting this week .
This will also be allied to more enforcement and guidance for workplaces , pubs , restaurants and other venues to ensure they are Covid secure .

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Get the latest news from MySolihull straight to your inbox
A ban on meeting up at home needs to be backed by curbs on bars, restaurants and gyms now - or risk a health emergency and a more draconian shutdown.
That was the stark warning from a leading city scientist and Covid expert who says the limited measures announced for Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell are not enough amid soaring coronavirus rates.
Prof Alan McNally, director of Birmingham University's world-class microbiology and infection institute, said bars, pubs, restaurants and gyms should close now, if only briefly, to arrest the dramatic spike in cases across the city.
He described the family clusters that had triggered the new local measures as "the tip of the iceberg."
(Image: UoB)
"We are now at a crossroads in the city. Schools are an absolute priority and to keep them open and protect them from Covid we have to reduce transmission and cases in the community.
"That means closing bars, restaurants, clubs and gyms again to reduce our incidence back to much lower levels.
"The limitation on household mixing (at home) is sensible.
"However the family clusters are potentially a tip of an iceberg - it's impossible that all of the infected people in Birmingham have not mixed beyond their families, and would have also used our local transport, bars and restaurants."
He had earlier tweeted about the national situation, expressing a similar view and pressing for more robust measures.
He wrote: "3.5k Covid cases today. England is now without question in exponential phase of transmission. Hospitalisations now coming through and sadly deaths will follow soon. Time to close bars clubs restaurants. Limit travel and work to essential only. Keep schools running as much as poss."
Prof McNally speaks from a position of expertise - he is a lifelong specialist in microbiology and infection and was the infectious disease lead at the Government’s first flagship Covid-19 testing facility.
His comments have been echoed across our social media as people highlight the personal difficulties the new restrictions will pose while, to their frustration, note that pub visits and other social interactions are still allowed.
Some have also expressed confusion that just the day before (Monday) the Government will be launching its new 'rule of six', which means up to six individuals from up to six different homes can now meet up indoors or outdoors.
What are the new measures just for Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell?
The household mixing measures - the first local restrictions in the West Midlands - follow mounting anxiety about soaring rates of coronavirus infection.
The most recent data (for the week up to Wednesday) shows infection rates of 80 per 100,000 cases in Birmingham, 58.6 in Solihull and 48.6 in Sandwell.
As a result, all three areas are now listed as requiring national intervention.
From Tuesday, the 1.5 million people who live in Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell are not allowed to have any visitors in their home or garden, nor to visit anyone in their home or garden anywhere in the country.
West Midlands Police have been tasked with enforcing the rules, and regulatory fines can be imposed for those who refuse to comply.
With limited exceptions, it means any planned get togethers at home for lunch or prayer, parties or family visits are prohibited from Tuesday.
Public health data reveals clusters of infection across the city between families and close friends, particularly focussed on some inner city areas. However, the spread of cases is now escalating, with significant clusters of positive cases in most of the city's neighbourhoods.
Dr Justin Varney, Birmingham's public health director, said the decision to focus on at-home meetings was evidence based due to rising numbers of family clusters.
"When we visit a pub or restaurant or other Covid secure location, we are distanced, we sanitise regularly, places have cleaning regimes and are risk assessed and, in some locations, people wear face coverings.
"When at home we are more relaxed, it is easy to not religiously adhere to those guidelines - we forget or are just unable to keep our distance, exchange handshakes and hugs, pass around food and drinks, or forget to clean light switches or door handles.
"We are seeing multiple cases linked to household transmission."
And those numbers are still climbing, he added, both here and nationally.
He said the household restrictions might not be sufficient - but it was a positive, and rightly targeted, first step.
"This measure will be in place for two to three weeks, at least. The question now is whether it will help to flatten the curve or if we will require more measures. Our message is to everyone to be sensible and to follow the guidance."
He added that household restrictions are not happening in isolation.
The city will undergo a testing and community engagement frenzy designed to spot new cases early and keep people isolated - including a tranche of new walk-in test locations and a doorstep service starting this week.
This will also be allied to more enforcement and guidance for workplaces, pubs, restaurants and other venues to ensure they are Covid secure.