birminghammail--2020-10-14--An open letter to the Premier League, Sky Sports, Villa, Wolves & Albion on PPV

Ever since the global coronavirus pandemic shook up the footballing schedule , every single top flight game has been added to existing TV subscription packages .
There is a belief held by top flight clubs that Premier League matches were being given away for free - despite the need for subscription packages to access the matches .
These additional matches - usually locked behind a 3pm blackout - have added to the TV schedule .
The solution ?
A pay-per-view model , utilised for games falling outside the regular TV pics .
This coming weekend a number of top-flight games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a cost being charged of £14.95 per viewing .
And fans are not happy .
We surveyed supporters of a number of Premier League teams - and the answers are unanimous .
On average , 70 % of fans we asked would not pay at all , with Manchester United fans feeling strongly on the matter ; 89 % of their supporters would not be willing to pay an extra £14.95 to watch their team play .
What 's more , 95 % of our surveyed fans believed the 'product ' - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £14.95 per game , while 87 % of supporters think it unfair to charge one-off fees for each game .
When we asked our surveyed supporters to sum up the PPV plan in a short sentence , you can guess what happened .
'Greed ' , 'top club bias ' , 'extortionate ' , 'rip-off ' , 'disgraceful ' were the most-used words and phrases by Aston Villa , Burnley , Newcastle United , Leeds and Liverpool fans .
We 'll leave some of the other words to your imagination ; but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £14.95 for a lot of football fans , supporters and their families goes a long way .
According to the Trussell Trust , there has been an 81 % increase in food bank usage compared to the same point of time in 2019 .
People have struggled due to impacts of the coronavirus in the UK - having lost family members , suffered serious illnesses or losing their jobs .
Consider it a little bit rich that the Premier League will now be asking to be subsidised outside of their sponsorship deals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a thing , but everyone outside of football is being asked to adapt , retrain and rethink their approach to continue .
Why can one of the most established brands in the world see it fit to ask for more money from the stretched pockets of fans for an 'empty calories ' version of the sport we all know and love ?
Of course , this is a league that was backed when push came to shove .
When the actions of players and the league were brought under the spotlight by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backed their players , they backed their clubs , they backed the league .
This may affect some clubs more than others .
While some supporters may face a one-off fee every month to watch their team , others could be left paying out multiple times .
It adds up , and one monthly bill could end up at around £45 - or more .
Affordable for some , even for perhaps many - but not everyone .
The beautiful game has required a cost for entry for some time , and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe the Premier League should reconsider the PPV plan .
Despite their absence , supporters remain at the heart of football .
It is about time they are rewarded for their constant & undying backing , rather than being hit with the bill .
We will voice our concerns to the league , and urge you - the supporter - to back our open letter to the Premier League .
If the PPV plan goes ahead and makes shareholders happy , what comes next ?
Hand sanitiser suppliers are not the only opportunists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ladies and gentlemen , let me give you the Premier League - a money-grabbing monolith that would take a metal detector to a wishing well ( and leave a stranded child stuck down it ) if it meant getting their grubby mitts on a few more pounds and pence .
Oh and then screen the entire over-hyped event behind a paywall .
1495 is the new 39th game when it comes to numbers synonymous with the grotesque greed associated with our out-of-touch top flight .
Nobody was expecting every single game to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why could n't the cost be pitched at something more reasonable than 5p short of £15 ?
Charge a fiver and there would have been much more enthusiastic buy-in rather than a price-point that will have many fans diving into illegal streams .
Ca n't see the form above ?
Sign our open letter here Aston Villa women 's sporting director Eni Eluko claimed last weekend that a charge of around 50 per cent of her club 's standard men 's match tickets was reasonable as supporters were getting the same 'product ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her that us football fans prefer to refer to it as 'our game ' rather than a 'product ' and , in any case , a 30 quid ticket probably consists of 29 quid for the atmosphere and 1 quid for the football .
The only choice we all have is to stand firm , not pay it and tune in via radio commentaries or text services instead .
It 's grim but as the sanitiser suppliers will tell you there really is only one way to stop this and that 's to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We all wondered how long Sky Sports would continue to screen every Premier League fixture available .
The big games which draw national attention are an easy win , but selling the run-of-the-mill matches that only die-hard supporters tune in to was never going to last forever .
The news that they would be stopping their blanket coverage didn ’ t really come as a surprise and , sadly , the £14.95 alternative didn ’ t either .
For far too long the Premier League and the clubs within it have viewed it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - at the height of a global financial crisis - decided to hike the price of it .
They have done so knowing full well that working class people will continue to follow their clubs and will be forced to pay the money .
Given all that 's going on in the world , a person 's football team has never been more important to offer a brief break from the coronavirus-filled screens and pages we 're being forced to consume .
In the same way Liverpool and Manchester United have sensed an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League has ruthlessly decided to rinse supporters for a bit of extra cash .
The recent transfer window saw clubs spend millions of pounds , yet they ca n't give loyal fans a break ?
It ’ s just plain wrong .
It ’ d be quite easy to have a foot in both camps on this matter .
Clubs need money , but at what cost ?
To not so much bite the hand that feeds you , but tear the entire arm clean off ?
For me , I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s audacity , in this current climate and with countless , unprecedented aspects of change in the general public ’ s collective way of living .
It ’ s a business , indeed , where money is king and forever will be , but read the room .
I for one am not surprised in the slightest at the backlash that the league has received on the back of the announcement that , on top of their Sky Sports and BT Sport subscriptions , they ’ ll have to fork out another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For the club I cover , West Bromwich Albion , that means 45 British pounds within a month .
For a side whose position in the division is likely under threat if the ‘ Project Big Picture ’ , and the accompanying 18-team league idea , gets the go ahead , they ’ ve got three games on the spin that kick off at 17:30 on a Monday evening .
For many hardworking people who support Albion , that ’ s not even a reasonable time of day on what is a midweek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ d have to part with their cash to see it .
Yes , the extra games in lockdown were appreciated .
It kept football fans sane and entertained in a truly difficult time .
Yet down the line , and fans are being milked once more .
My only worry is that thousands will bow to the demands .
The final word goes to Leicester City .
Kudos for bucking the trend .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (James Rushton, Mat Kendrick, Joseph Chapman, Alex Dicken)

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Ever since the global coronavirus pandemic shook up the footballing schedule, every single top flight game has been added to existing TV subscription packages.
Until now.
There is a belief held by top flight clubs that Premier League matches were being given away for free - despite the need for subscription packages to access the matches.
These additional matches - usually locked behind a 3pm blackout - have added to the TV schedule.
The solution? A pay-per-view model, utilised for games falling outside the regular TV pics. This coming weekend a number of top-flight games will be placed behind a paywall, with a cost being charged of £14.95 per viewing.
And fans are not happy. We surveyed supporters of a number of Premier League teams - and the answers are unanimous.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
On average, 70% of fans we asked would not pay at all, with Manchester United fans feeling strongly on the matter; 89% of their supporters would not be willing to pay an extra £14.95 to watch their team play.
What's more, 95% of our surveyed fans believed the 'product' - the PPV plan - is overpriced at £14.95 per game, while 87% of supporters think it unfair to charge one-off fees for each game.
When we asked our surveyed supporters to sum up the PPV plan in a short sentence, you can guess what happened.
'Greed', 'top club bias', 'extortionate', 'rip-off', 'disgraceful' were the most-used words and phrases by Aston Villa, Burnley, Newcastle United, Leeds and Liverpool fans. We'll leave some of the other words to your imagination; but it was not pretty.
The price of £14.95 for a lot of football fans, supporters and their families goes a long way. According to the Trussell Trust, there has been an 81% increase in food bank usage compared to the same point of time in 2019. People have struggled due to impacts of the coronavirus in the UK - having lost family members, suffered serious illnesses or losing their jobs.
Consider it a little bit rich that the Premier League will now be asking to be subsidised outside of their sponsorship deals. Yes, gate revenue is no longer a thing, but everyone outside of football is being asked to adapt, retrain and rethink their approach to continue. Why can one of the most established brands in the world see it fit to ask for more money from the stretched pockets of fans for an 'empty calories' version of the sport we all know and love?
Of course, this is a league that was backed when push came to shove. When the actions of players and the league were brought under the spotlight by the UK Government in the spring, fans backed their players, they backed their clubs, they backed the league.
This may affect some clubs more than others. While some supporters may face a one-off fee every month to watch their team, others could be left paying out multiple times. It adds up, and one monthly bill could end up at around £45 - or more.
Affordable for some, even for perhaps many - but not everyone. The beautiful game has required a cost for entry for some time, and now there is an additional one. We believe the Premier League should reconsider the PPV plan. Despite their absence, supporters remain at the heart of football. It is about time they are rewarded for their constant & undying backing, rather than being hit with the bill. We will voice our concerns to the league, and urge you - the supporter - to back our open letter to the Premier League.
If the PPV plan goes ahead and makes shareholders happy, what comes next?
Mat Kendrick - Football Editor
Hand sanitiser suppliers are not the only opportunists rubbing their hands together right now.
Ladies and gentlemen, let me give you the Premier League - a money-grabbing monolith that would take a metal detector to a wishing well (and leave a stranded child stuck down it) if it meant getting their grubby mitts on a few more pounds and pence.
Oh and then screen the entire over-hyped event behind a paywall.
1495 is the new 39th game when it comes to numbers synonymous with the grotesque greed associated with our out-of-touch top flight.
Nobody was expecting every single game to be broadcast for free for evermore, but why couldn't the cost be pitched at something more reasonable than 5p short of £15?
Charge a fiver and there would have been much more enthusiastic buy-in rather than a price-point that will have many fans diving into illegal streams.
Can't see the form above? Sign our open letter here
Aston Villa women's sporting director Eni Eluko claimed last weekend that a charge of around 50 per cent of her club's standard men's match tickets was reasonable as supporters were getting the same 'product'.
It was soon pointed out to her that us football fans prefer to refer to it as 'our game' rather than a 'product' and, in any case, a 30 quid ticket probably consists of 29 quid for the atmosphere and 1 quid for the football.
The only choice we all have is to stand firm, not pay it and tune in via radio commentaries or text services instead.
It's grim but as the sanitiser suppliers will tell you there really is only one way to stop this and that's to wash your hands with it all.
Alex Dicken - Wolves reporter
We all wondered how long Sky Sports would continue to screen every Premier League fixture available.
The big games which draw national attention are an easy win, but selling the run-of-the-mill matches that only die-hard supporters tune in to was never going to last forever.
The news that they would be stopping their blanket coverage didn’t really come as a surprise and, sadly, the £14.95 alternative didn’t either.
For far too long the Premier League and the clubs within it have viewed it as a product and they have now - at the height of a global financial crisis - decided to hike the price of it.
They have done so knowing full well that working class people will continue to follow their clubs and will be forced to pay the money.
Given all that's going on in the world, a person's football team has never been more important to offer a brief break from the coronavirus-filled screens and pages we're being forced to consume.
In the same way Liverpool and Manchester United have sensed an opportunity with Project Big Picture, the Premier League has ruthlessly decided to rinse supporters for a bit of extra cash.
The recent transfer window saw clubs spend millions of pounds, yet they can't give loyal fans a break? It’s just plain wrong.
Joseph Chapman, West Brom reporter
It’d be quite easy to have a foot in both camps on this matter.
Clubs need money, but at what cost? To not so much bite the hand that feeds you, but tear the entire arm clean off?
For me, I can’t quite believe the Premier League’s audacity, in this current climate and with countless, unprecedented aspects of change in the general public’s collective way of living.
It’s a business, indeed, where money is king and forever will be, but read the room.
I for one am not surprised in the slightest at the backlash that the league has received on the back of the announcement that, on top of their Sky Sports and BT Sport subscriptions, they’ll have to fork out another fifteen quid to see their team.
For the club I cover, West Bromwich Albion, that means 45 British pounds within a month. For a side whose position in the division is likely under threat if the ‘Project Big Picture’, and the accompanying 18-team league idea, gets the go ahead, they’ve got three games on the spin that kick off at 17:30 on a Monday evening.
For many hardworking people who support Albion, that’s not even a reasonable time of day on what is a midweek day, never mind the fact that they’d have to part with their cash to see it.
Yes, the extra games in lockdown were appreciated. It kept football fans sane and entertained in a truly difficult time. Yet down the line, and fans are being milked once more. My only worry is that thousands will bow to the demands.
The final word goes to Leicester City. Kudos for bucking the trend.


birminghammail--2020-10-14--MP fights anti-social behaviour caused by poor housing regulation

Birmingham MP Preet Kaur Gill has set up a group to tackle problems caused by the poor regulation of housing provided to people who are considered to be vulnerable .
Typical tenants can include people who used to be homeless .
The housing is known as exempt accomodation - because it is exempt from the usual rules which cap the level of housing benefit that tenants can claim - and landlords provide care and support .
However , the local council is not involved , and there is little regulation of this sector .
Ms Gill , MP for Edgbaston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constituents who are witness to , or the victims of , anti-social behaviour caused by the high concentration of these properties in a small area .
She has announced the formation of an Exempt Accommodation Working Group to tackle the dramatic rise in the number of poorly managed exempt accommodation properties in the city .
The new group , comprised of local residents , will also lobby government to allow local Councils to have more powers over these properties and the landlords who are “ running rogue ” in the city and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents .
The city has seen a dramatic growth in exempt accommodation properties in the last year alone , with the number rising sharply by 5,000 since 2019 to 19,000 properties today .
Ms Gill last week hosted an online housing conference with Sharon Thompson , Birmingham Council 's Cabinet Member for Housing , which gave the more than 50 constituents on the call an opportunity to hear about the current state of the private rented sector in their area and raise their concerns directly with the Council ’ s housing team .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustrated with the lack of oversight and control the Council has over landlords providing supported exempt accommodation , the sharp increase in this type of accommodation in a concentrated area and the rise in anti-social behaviour this has brought with it .
`` Landlords are running rogue in our city and despite wanting to intervene , Birmingham City Council can not act because the UK government holds the relevant powers .
`` Although there are clearly additional costs involved in providing support to vulnerable tenants , there is currently no legislative link between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the support they provide – creating a loophole that many landlords are all too willing to exploit .
`` That ’ s why I am pleased to announce that I am setting up an Exempt Accommodation Working Group for Birmingham Edgbaston residents , giving them a platform to provide local intelligence to the Council and an opportunity to be part of the solution in improving conditions for the vulnerable residents in exempt accommodation and the surrounding community . ''

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Birmingham MP Preet Kaur Gill has set up a group to tackle problems caused by the poor regulation of housing provided to people who are considered to be vulnerable.
Typical tenants can include people who used to be homeless. The housing is known as exempt accomodation - because it is exempt from the usual rules which cap the level of housing benefit that tenants can claim - and landlords provide care and support. However, the local council is not involved, and there is little regulation of this sector.
Ms Gill, MP for Edgbaston, said she regularly receives complaints from constituents who are witness to, or the victims of, anti-social behaviour caused by the high concentration of these properties in a small area.
She has announced the formation of an Exempt Accommodation Working Group to tackle the dramatic rise in the number of poorly managed exempt accommodation properties in the city.
The new group, comprised of local residents, will also lobby government to allow local Councils to have more powers over these properties and the landlords who are “running rogue” in the city and not providing adequate support for hundreds of vulnerable residents.
The city has seen a dramatic growth in exempt accommodation properties in the last year alone, with the number rising sharply by 5,000 since 2019 to 19,000 properties today.
Ms Gill last week hosted an online housing conference with Sharon Thompson, Birmingham Council's Cabinet Member for Housing, which gave the more than 50 constituents on the call an opportunity to hear about the current state of the private rented sector in their area and raise their concerns directly with the Council’s housing team.
She said: “Residents are rightly frustrated with the lack of oversight and control the Council has over landlords providing supported exempt accommodation, the sharp increase in this type of accommodation in a concentrated area and the rise in anti-social behaviour this has brought with it.
"Landlords are running rogue in our city and despite wanting to intervene, Birmingham City Council cannot act because the UK government holds the relevant powers.
"Although there are clearly additional costs involved in providing support to vulnerable tenants, there is currently no legislative link between how much a landlord can claim and the support they provide – creating a loophole that many landlords are all too willing to exploit.
"That’s why I am pleased to announce that I am setting up an Exempt Accommodation Working Group for Birmingham Edgbaston residents, giving them a platform to provide local intelligence to the Council and an opportunity to be part of the solution in improving conditions for the vulnerable residents in exempt accommodation and the surrounding community."


birminghammail--2020-10-14--Watch cops arrest pair after woman's finger bitten in fight

Dramatic mobile phone footage has captured the moment cops arrested two people after a woman was hit on the head and had her finger bitten in a West Bromwich street fight .
Hernak Singh Johal , who filmed the footage , told BlackCountryLive that around nine emergency vehicles dashed to Thynne Street on Tuesday , October 13 , after the drama unfolded .
`` I heard screaming and shouting and when I walked towards incident up the road , '' he said .
`` I saw the girl swing at the bloke .
`` A police car arrived within one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine cars and van .
`` About seven to eight officers were around the male .
He he cooperating and they grabbed and dragged him into a vehicle . ''
A 21-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of affray following the incident at around 10pm , a spokesman for West Midlands Police said .
The video , which can be viewed above , shows one of the suspects being taken into the back of the police car .
A spokesman for the force said they remain in custody today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` A 21-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of affray after a woman was hit in the head and had her finger bitten on Thynne Street , West Bromwich , just after 10pm yesterday ( Tuesday , October 13 ) .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Stephanie Balloo, Jordan Coussins)

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Dramatic mobile phone footage has captured the moment cops arrested two people after a woman was hit on the head and had her finger bitten in a West Bromwich street fight.
Hernak Singh Johal, who filmed the footage, told BlackCountryLive that around nine emergency vehicles dashed to Thynne Street on Tuesday, October 13, after the drama unfolded.
"I heard screaming and shouting and when I walked towards incident up the road," he said. "I saw the girl swing at the bloke.
"A police car arrived within one or two minutes and there were around nine cars and van.
"About seven to eight officers were around the male. He he cooperating and they grabbed and dragged him into a vehicle."
A 21-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of affray following the incident at around 10pm, a spokesman for West Midlands Police said.
The video, which can be viewed above, shows one of the suspects being taken into the back of the police car.
A spokesman for the force said they remain in custody today (October 14).
They added: "A 21-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of affray after a woman was hit in the head and had her finger bitten on Thynne Street, West Bromwich, just after 10pm yesterday (Tuesday, October 13).
"They remain in police custody today."


birminghammail--2020-10-14--Student convicted of killing pensioner in his own home

An aspiring actor has been convicted of killing a beloved grandfather-of-eight at his home in Sutton Coldfield .
Rhys Reynolds offered to help Tony McCorry , who had lost his walking stick , back to his home in Stonehouse Road , Boldmere , on December 11 last year from the Sutton Park Hotel .
But less than half an hour later Mr McCorry lay dying on his bedroom floor with serious injuries to his head , neck and chest after being attacked by Reynolds .
Mr McCorry had been laying seriously injured for around one hour and 40 minutes before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court heard .
The 72-year-old was later pronounced dead at Good Hope Hospital after suffering heart failure .
Reynolds later gave ELEVEN different accounts of what had happened to friends and medical staff .
A jury at Birmingham Crown Court acquitted the 20-year-old , of Landswood Close , Kingstanding , of murder but convicted him of manslaughter .
Judge Francis Laird QC adjourned sentence until November 27 when he will decide whether to pass an extended sentence on the defendant .
Richard Atkins QC , prosecuting , said there were aggravating features which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' because of his age and had been under the influence of drink when he was attacked .
The attack had been in his own home and a weapon had been used , he said .
During the trial , the defendant 's friend Katie Veal took to the witness stand .
She told the court that Reynolds had made a `` manic '' call to her and told her `` I hit him .
I think he is dead . ''
She said he told her he had hit the victim with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they had met while students at Sutton College and had studied drama together .
She said before the trial he had phoned her and said he had made a joke that his impending murder trial had made him famous before his other drama studying friends .
Paying tribute , Mr McCorry 's family said after his death : `` Tony grew up in a Glasgow orphanage , moving to Birmingham as a young man in the late 1960s to the city he grew to love .
`` His working life was spent helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the homeless .
`` He leaves two sons and eight grandchildren ; the world now feels a colder place without Tony who had nothing but generosity in his heart . ''

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An aspiring actor has been convicted of killing a beloved grandfather-of-eight at his home in Sutton Coldfield.
Rhys Reynolds offered to help Tony McCorry, who had lost his walking stick, back to his home in Stonehouse Road, Boldmere, on December 11 last year from the Sutton Park Hotel.
But less than half an hour later Mr McCorry lay dying on his bedroom floor with serious injuries to his head, neck and chest after being attacked by Reynolds.
Mr McCorry had been laying seriously injured for around one hour and 40 minutes before an ambulance was called, Birmingham Crown Court heard.
The 72-year-old was later pronounced dead at Good Hope Hospital after suffering heart failure.
Reynolds later gave ELEVEN different accounts of what had happened to friends and medical staff.
(Image: Sutton Coldfield Observer)
A jury at Birmingham Crown Court acquitted the 20-year-old, of Landswood Close, Kingstanding, of murder but convicted him of manslaughter.
Judge Francis Laird QC adjourned sentence until November 27 when he will decide whether to pass an extended sentence on the defendant.
Richard Atkins QC, prosecuting, said there were aggravating features which included Mr McCorry being "particularly vulnerable" because of his age and had been under the influence of drink when he was attacked.
The attack had been in his own home and a weapon had been used, he said.
During the trial, the defendant's friend Katie Veal took to the witness stand. She told the court that Reynolds had made a "manic" call to her and told her "I hit him. I think he is dead."
She said he told her he had hit the victim with an ash tray.
Miss Veal said they had met while students at Sutton College and had studied drama together.
She said before the trial he had phoned her and said he had made a joke that his impending murder trial had made him famous before his other drama studying friends.
Paying tribute, Mr McCorry's family said after his death: "Tony grew up in a Glasgow orphanage, moving to Birmingham as a young man in the late 1960s to the city he grew to love.
"His working life was spent helping those less fortunate than himself, caring for the homeless.
"He leaves two sons and eight grandchildren; the world now feels a colder place without Tony who had nothing but generosity in his heart."


birminghammail--2020-10-14--Pundit makes Diangana claim as West Ham close in on Benrahma

Former West Ham United forward Frank McAvennie can ’ t believe that his former club have parted with a player of Grady Diangana ’ s ability , only to make moves for Said Benrahma who is almost twice the price of the winger they sold to West Bromwich Albion .
The Irons , who have won their last two games , faced a backlash after parting with academy product Diangana ; he returned to West Brom earlier this summer after an excellent loan campaign , in a deal that will eventually be worth up to £18m to the London club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replacing Diangana , who would appear to be a real coup for Albion and very much West Ham ’ s loss .
With the transfer deadline close to shutting , they ’ ve turned their attentions to Brentford playmaker Benrahma .
The Algerian is particularly talented in his own right , but McAvennie doesn ’ t understand the logic of selling Diangana for a fraction of the price .
“ Is he that different from the boy that they let go , Diangana ?
A player who came through the ranks at West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I am not sure if Benrahma is that much better than Diangana , ” he told Football Insider .
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It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ App Store “ Only time will tell if that is good business .
I would not have sold Diangana for £18m and then gone and spent £30m on a winger because I believe Diangana could have done that job .
“ Whether that decision has come from David Moyes , I do not know but they needed cover on the left-side after letting [ Felipe ] Anderson go .
They look like they have got that now .
”

Former West Ham United forward Frank McAvennie can’t believe that his former club have parted with a player of Grady Diangana’s ability, only to make moves for Said Benrahma who is almost twice the price of the winger they sold to West Bromwich Albion.
The Irons, who have won their last two games, faced a backlash after parting with academy product Diangana; he returned to West Brom earlier this summer after an excellent loan campaign, in a deal that will eventually be worth up to £18m to the London club.
They’ve been weighing up replacing Diangana, who would appear to be a real coup for Albion and very much West Ham’s loss. With the transfer deadline close to shutting, they’ve turned their attentions to Brentford playmaker Benrahma.
The Algerian is particularly talented in his own right, but McAvennie doesn’t understand the logic of selling Diangana for a fraction of the price.
“Is he that different from the boy that they let go, Diangana? A player who came through the ranks at West Ham. I do not get it. I am not sure if Benrahma is that much better than Diangana,” he told Football Insider.
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 .
“Only time will tell if that is good business. I would not have sold Diangana for £18m and then gone and spent £30m on a winger because I believe Diangana could have done that job.
“Whether that decision has come from David Moyes, I do not know but they needed cover on the left-side after letting [Felipe] Anderson go. They look like they have got that now.”


birminghammail--2020-10-14--Aston Villa and Leeds United 'vying' for Emi Buendia ahead of Friday deadline

Aston Villa and Leeds United are reportedly jostling for the signature of Norwich City playmaker Emi Buendia before Friday 's 5pm transfer deadline .
Deals can still be done until Friday at 5pm between Premier League and English Football League clubs .
Villa have been credited with an interest in Watford 's Ismaila Sarr , striker Josh King at AFC Bournemouth and Brentford winger Said Benrahma .
Buendia , who is said to be worth around £20 million , has also been linked with a move to Villa as well as Leeds and Turkish side Fenerbahce .
The Daily Mail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pre-deadline day interest from Villa and Leeds with both sides said to be battling to seal a move for the 23 year-old .
Buendia , who has four years remaining on the deal he signed at Norwich when he moved to Carrow Road from Getafe two seasons ago , impressed for Daniel Farke 's strugglers last season .
Only Villa captain Jack Grealish , Liverpool 's Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City created more chances than Buendia 's 86 in his debut campaign in the English top flight .
Buendia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the season last time out in a 1-0 defeat to Derby County , spoke of interest in him a month ago .
`` Until the day I leave the club I will fight for them .
I 'm thinking about playing well and helping the team .
My head is here , '' he told the PA news agency .
`` I see clubs are interested in me .
I love to hear that because it means Premier League teams want to get me in their team .
I 'm happy with that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pressure and to feel important .
I 've played here for two years and I feel like an experienced player in the team .
I feel important because my team-mates give me that feeling .
`` They know how I like to play , I 'm feeling good within my role .
I am still here , but if a very good offer arrives for me they 're open .
We 'll decide what ’ s best for everyone .
`` From the first day I 've been happy with my relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they know my dream is to be in a Premier League team .
`` Me and my family have loved this city since we arrived but I want to play in the best league in the world and would like to stay in a Premier League team . ''

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Aston Villa and Leeds United are reportedly jostling for the signature of Norwich City playmaker Emi Buendia before Friday's 5pm transfer deadline.
Deals can still be done until Friday at 5pm between Premier League and English Football League clubs.
Villa have been credited with an interest in Watford's Ismaila Sarr, striker Josh King at AFC Bournemouth and Brentford winger Said Benrahma.
Buendia, who is said to be worth around £20 million, has also been linked with a move to Villa as well as Leeds and Turkish side Fenerbahce.
The Daily Mail are reporting that the Argentinian is attracting pre-deadline day interest from Villa and Leeds with both sides said to be battling to seal a move for the 23 year-old.
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Buendia, who has four years remaining on the deal he signed at Norwich when he moved to Carrow Road from Getafe two seasons ago, impressed for Daniel Farke's strugglers last season.
Only Villa captain Jack Grealish, Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City created more chances than Buendia's 86 in his debut campaign in the English top flight.
Buendia, who made his first appearance of the season last time out in a 1-0 defeat to Derby County, spoke of interest in him a month ago.
"Until the day I leave the club I will fight for them. I'm thinking about playing well and helping the team. My head is here," he told the PA news agency.
"I see clubs are interested in me. I love to hear that because it means Premier League teams want to get me in their team. I'm happy with that.
"I'm happy to feel the pressure and to feel important. I've played here for two years and I feel like an experienced player in the team. I feel important because my team-mates give me that feeling.
"They know how I like to play, I'm feeling good within my role. I am still here, but if a very good offer arrives for me they're open. We'll decide what’s best for everyone.
"From the first day I've been happy with my relationship with them. They know my situation and they know my dream is to be in a Premier League team.
"Me and my family have loved this city since we arrived but I want to play in the best league in the world and would like to stay in a Premier League team."


birminghammail--2020-10-14--Gourmet Burger Kitchen to close West Mids restaurant while axing jobs

Gourmet Burger Kitchen will close a West Midlands store while it axes hundreds of jobs and closes other restaurants across the UK .
The move comes as the chain is sold to Boparan Restaurant Group ( BRG ) which also bailed out Carluccio 's which faced insolvency earlier in the year .
The news means that the owner will close 26 restaurants , one located in Worcester , and axe 362 jobs in the process .
However , burger fans in Birmingham will be pleased to know that the chain will be keeping open its Birmingham stores in Resorts World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started to see improvements in trading last year after a major restructuring process in 2018 , which saw it shut a raft of sites , reports the Mirror .
However , the company , which had been owned by South African group Famous Brands , said it slid into administration after the virus impacted upon its liquidity and potential to be sold as a solvent business .
The group has now been sold in a pre-pack administration deal after working with insolvency specialists at Deloitte .
It said the move will save 35 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ network of 61 restaurants and 1,031 employees .
The announcement comes after pub chain Greene King announced plans to close 79 outlets due to new lockdown restrictions .
Around 800 employees have been placed on consultation amid new three-tier restrictions that will force hundreds of pubs to close in areas where transmission rates are highest .
All the GBK restaurants confirmed for closure

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Emma Munbodh, Chris  Harper)

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Gourmet Burger Kitchen will close a West Midlands store while it axes hundreds of jobs and closes other restaurants across the UK.
The move comes as the chain is sold to Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG) which also bailed out Carluccio's which faced insolvency earlier in the year.
The news means that the owner will close 26 restaurants, one located in Worcester, and axe 362 jobs in the process.
However, burger fans in Birmingham will be pleased to know that the chain will be keeping open its Birmingham stores in Resorts World and Brindleyplace.
GBK said it had started to see improvements in trading last year after a major restructuring process in 2018, which saw it shut a raft of sites, reports the Mirror.
However, the company, which had been owned by South African group Famous Brands, said it slid into administration after the virus impacted upon its liquidity and potential to be sold as a solvent business.
The group has now been sold in a pre-pack administration deal after working with insolvency specialists at Deloitte.
(Image: PA)
It said the move will save 35 sites and 669 jobs from its original network of 61 restaurants and 1,031 employees.
The announcement comes after pub chain Greene King announced plans to close 79 outlets due to new lockdown restrictions.
Around 800 employees have been placed on consultation amid new three-tier restrictions that will force hundreds of pubs to close in areas where transmission rates are highest.
All the GBK restaurants confirmed for closure
Angel
Aylesbury
Baker Street
Berner Street
Brunswick
Canterbury
Cardiff Library
Chichester
Clink Street
Covent Garden
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Maidstone
Nottingham
Richmond
Sheffield
Southampton
Spitalfields
Tower Bridge
Walton on Thames
Wandsworth
Battersea
Bayswater
Brighton Marina
Watford
Windsor
Worcester
Full list of restaurants staying open
Basingstoke
Bath
Belsize Park
Birmingham Resorts World
Brindley Place Birmingham
Bluewater
Bracknell
Brighton
Bristol Cabot Circus
Bristol Cribbs Causeway
Bromley
Cambridge
Chiswick
Clarks Village Somerset
Ealing
East Dulwich
Greenwich
Guildford
Kingston
Lakeside
Leamington Spa
Liverpool
Norwich
O2 Greenwich
Oxford
Putney
South Kensington
St Pauls
Staines
Trafford Centre
Waterloo
West Hampstead
Westfield London
Westfield Stratford
Wimbledon


birminghammail--2020-10-15--All the lockdown changes announced today - and one which could be later

London has moved to tier two of the tiered system as coronavirus cases and deaths continue to rise across the country .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has delivered an oral address to MPs in Parliament on Thursday as the pandemic continues .
The Health Secretary spoke out amid calls for a two week circuit breaker lockdown from the likes of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer .
London Mayor Sadiq Khan and leaders of the affected regions have been in dialogue with the government , reports suggest .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the three tier approach earlier this week with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two .
Tier two is the middle band , representing a high risk , with very high as tier three , and medium risk in tier one .
Today , Mr Hancock told the Commons : `` Working with local leaders in Essex and Elmbridge , we ’ re also moving them into local alert level high and I want to pay tribute to the leadership of Essex County Council and in Elmbridge where they have been working so hard to suppress the virus . ''
Mr Hancock added : `` Infection rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in York , in North East Derbyshire , in Erewash and Chesterfield .
`` In all of these places , cases are doubling in less than a fortnight .
`` For all of the areas entering the high alert level , the change will come into effect one minute past midnight on Saturday morning and this includes Barrow-in-Furness , York , North East Derbyshire , Erewash and Chesterfield too . ''
So the changes are : Matt Hancock had been expected to tell the House of Commons that the conurbation , along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules .
But when leaders sat down with Downing Street adviser Ed Lister at 10am , he did not say that the move would be imposed .

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London has moved to tier two of the tiered system as coronavirus cases and deaths continue to rise across the country.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has delivered an oral address to MPs in Parliament on Thursday as the pandemic continues.
The Health Secretary spoke out amid calls for a two week circuit breaker lockdown from the likes of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan and leaders of the affected regions have been in dialogue with the government, reports suggest.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the three tier approach earlier this week with swathes of the West Midlands in tier two.
Tier two is the middle band, representing a high risk, with very high as tier three, and medium risk in tier one.
(Image: PA)
Today, Mr Hancock told the Commons: "Working with local leaders in Essex and Elmbridge, we’re also moving them into local alert level high and I want to pay tribute to the leadership of Essex County Council and in Elmbridge where they have been working so hard to suppress the virus."
Mr Hancock added: "Infection rates are also rising sharply in Barrow-in-Furness, in York, in North East Derbyshire, in Erewash and Chesterfield.
"In all of these places, cases are doubling in less than a fortnight.
"For all of the areas entering the high alert level, the change will come into effect one minute past midnight on Saturday morning and this includes Barrow-in-Furness, York, North East Derbyshire, Erewash and Chesterfield too."
So the changes are:
Moving to tier two
Barrow-in-Furness
York
North East Derbyshire
Erewash
Chesterfield
London
Essex
Elmbridge
Matt Hancock had been expected to tell the House of Commons that the conurbation, along with Lancashire, would be brought under the rules.
But when leaders sat down with Downing Street adviser Ed Lister at 10am, he did not say that the move would be imposed.


birminghammail--2020-10-15--Mum's SEVEN MONTH Covid nightmare which left her fighting for life

`` It is really frightening .
I never thought I 'd actually pull through ... the only thing that kept me going was thinking about my daughter and that I had to be there for her wedding . ''
A Walsall mum who has been battling against the after effects of Covid-19 for seven months after it hospitalised her for nine days is urging people to take extra care against the virus .
Sukie Aujla 's life was turned upside down when she tested positive for coronavirus in March and was left fighting for her life .
But despite overcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffer from the symptoms of the virus .
Last month , she thought it had returned but tests showed up negative and doctors told her she had a different virus .
As a result of lockdown , a family holiday in April was cancelled while her 27-year-old daughter Manisha 's wedding - due to take place in August - has been postponed until next year .
The mother-of-one has spent most of the past few months in self-isolation and has even been restricted to her room for the most part as she , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents .
She was also unable to go to Costco Wholesale in Birmingham , where she works as a cashier until last month .
But that return was cut short when she picked up another virus .
Mrs Aujla said : `` I just want people to know that this virus is serious .
There are some not taking it seriously at all but I 've been ill since March and I 'm still not better .
`` I 've had it quite tough .
It is worrying , if we do go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again .
`` But being at home all day was making me feel depressed because 24/7 I was stuck inside on my own .
`` When I had it , I had to completely isolate .
My mum and dad live with us and it was hard because I was worried they might catch the virus from me . ''
Her ordeal started in March when she said , on her way home from work , she started to feel a `` bit weird '' .
During the night , she started to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept her awake and by morning she had developed a high temperature .
Initially thinking she had a cold , her condition worsened and she began feeling weaker and was struggling for breath before she collapsed and had a seizure , prompting her daughter to call 999 .
Mrs Aujla was admitted to Walsall Manor Hospital on March 22 .
During her stay in hospital , she needed oxygen to help her breathe and found she was being sick five or six times a day .
She said : `` At one point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pull through as I felt like my body was giving up on me .
I felt so weak and the side effects with the antibiotics was n't helping .
`` I was told that I would be put into an ICU if I got any worse , which kept me thinking that I had to fight this . ''
Her condition did improve but , even after she returned home , the dry cough remained and she had no sense or smell or taste .
Eating left her feeling sick and she encountered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I 'm not 100 per cent better since I came out of hospital .
`` My message to people is to be extra careful .
It 's not just for yourself but it 's your own family .
You need to be careful for them .
`` I know how real this is .
It is really frightening .
I never thought I 'd actually pull through .
`` There was a 50-50 chance of getting better or getting even worse and the only thing that kept me going was thinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be there for her wedding .
`` I 've only got the one child and that 's what was in the back of my mind . ''
She added : `` I am not sharing this for sympathy , but instead as a warning of the dangers of this virus .
`` I never thought this would happen to me , and I would not want anyone to go through what I am going through . ''

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"It is really frightening. I never thought I'd actually pull through... the only thing that kept me going was thinking about my daughter and that I had to be there for her wedding."
A Walsall mum who has been battling against the after effects of Covid-19 for seven months after it hospitalised her for nine days is urging people to take extra care against the virus.
Sukie Aujla's life was turned upside down when she tested positive for coronavirus in March and was left fighting for her life.
But despite overcoming it, the 50-year-old has continued to suffer from the symptoms of the virus. Last month, she thought it had returned but tests showed up negative and doctors told her she had a different virus.
As a result of lockdown, a family holiday in April was cancelled while her 27-year-old daughter Manisha's wedding - due to take place in August - has been postponed until next year.
The mother-of-one has spent most of the past few months in self-isolation and has even been restricted to her room for the most part as she, husband Nash and Manisha live with elderly parents.
She was also unable to go to work. But that return was cut short when she picked up another virus.
Mrs Aujla said: "I just want people to know that this virus is serious. There are some not taking it seriously at all but I've been ill since March and I'm still not better.
"I've had it quite tough. It is worrying, if we do go out I'm concerned about getting it again.
"But being at home all day was making me feel depressed because 24/7 I was stuck inside on my own.
"When I had it, I had to completely isolate. My mum and dad live with us and it was hard because I was worried they might catch the virus from me."
Her ordeal started in March when she said, on her way home from work, she started to feel a "bit weird".
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During the night, she started to get shivers and a dry cough which kept her awake and by morning she had developed a high temperature.
Initially thinking she had a cold, her condition worsened and she began feeling weaker and was struggling for breath before she collapsed and had a seizure, prompting her daughter to call 999. Mrs Aujla was admitted to Walsall Manor Hospital on March 22.
During her stay in hospital, she needed oxygen to help her breathe and found she was being sick five or six times a day.
She said: "At one point I thought I was not going to pull through as I felt like my body was giving up on me. I felt so weak and the side effects with the antibiotics wasn't helping.
"I was told that I would be put into an ICU if I got any worse, which kept me thinking that I had to fight this."
Her condition did improve but, even after she returned home, the dry cough remained and she had no sense or smell or taste. Eating left her feeling sick and she encountered sporadic breathing trouble.
Mrs Aujla said: "I'm not 100 per cent better since I came out of hospital.
"My message to people is to be extra careful. It's not just for yourself but it's your own family. You need to be careful for them.
"I know how real this is. It is really frightening. I never thought I'd actually pull through.
"There was a 50-50 chance of getting better or getting even worse and the only thing that kept me going was thinking about my daughter and that I had to be there for her wedding.
"I've only got the one child and that's what was in the back of my mind."
She added: "I am not sharing this for sympathy, but instead as a warning of the dangers of this virus.
"I never thought this would happen to me, and I would not want anyone to go through what I am going through."


birminghammail--2020-10-15--Police probe gunfire links after two shootings

Police are investigating potential links after two properties were peppered with bullets in Bordesley Green .
Officers were called to a shooting in Yardley Green Road , just before midnight , on Wednesday , October 14 .
They were then called to nearby Churchill Roa , around 30 minutes later to another incident involving gunfire .
Nobody was hurt but two addresses were damaged .
Police said they were investigating if the two attacks were linked .
Yardley Green Road was closed at the junction of Blake Lane , for several hours .
A spokeswoman from West Midlands Police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a shooting in Yardley Green Road shortly before midnight .
“ We were then called 30 minutes later to Churchill Road to reports of a second shooting .
“ Fortunately no one was injured in either of these shootings , but there was damage to both properties .
Crime and courts news - latest updates in your inbox with our free newsletter We all want to feel safe in our homes and streets .
So it 's important to know what 's going on and what is being done about it by police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , highly populated urban areas like Birmingham and the wider West Midlands always have plenty happening with crime reports and court hearings .
You can get the very latest crime news as well as information on court cases in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter .
Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article .
It has all the latest updates from police and local magistrates courts and crown courts .
We also have a free app which you can download to get the most up-to-date news from across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Play Store and App Store “ Although the location for both these shootings are in close proximity , we are currently keeping an open mind as to whether they are linked.
” Yardley Green Road was reopened at around 11am .
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 .
Quote crime reference number 20BE/250724V/20 .

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Police are investigating potential links after two properties were peppered with bullets in Bordesley Green.
Officers were called to a shooting in Yardley Green Road, just before midnight, on Wednesday, October 14.
They were then called to nearby Churchill Roa, around 30 minutes later to another incident involving gunfire.
Nobody was hurt but two addresses were damaged. Police said they were investigating if the two attacks were linked.
(Image: Birmingham Mail /Darren Quinton)
Yardley Green Road was closed at the junction of Blake Lane, for several hours.
A spokeswoman from West Midlands Police said: “We were initially alerted to a shooting in Yardley Green Road shortly before midnight.
“We were then called 30 minutes later to Churchill Road to reports of a second shooting.
“Fortunately no one was injured in either of these shootings, but there was damage to both properties.
Crime and courts news - latest updates in your inbox with our free newsletter We all want to feel safe in our homes and streets. So it's important to know what's going on and what is being done about it by police and the criminal justice system. Large, highly populated urban areas like Birmingham and the wider West Midlands always have plenty happening with crime reports and court hearings. You can get the very latest crime news as well as information on court cases in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter. Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article. It has all the latest updates from police and local magistrates courts and crown courts. We also have a free app which you can download to get the most up-to-date news from across the region. Find it on Google Play Store and App Store
“Although the location for both these shootings are in close proximity, we are currently keeping an open mind as to whether they are linked.”
Yardley Green Road was reopened at around 11am.
Anyone with information should contact police on 101. Quote crime reference number 20BE/250724V/20.
Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-10-15--Jurgen Klopp drops 'useful' Aston Villa hint after 7-2 thrashing

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has claimed his side 's 7-2 thumping at the hands of Aston Villa has proved 'useful ' ahead of the return to Premier League action .
Villa thrashed the Reds last Monday in a rampant display to extend their perfect start to the top-flight campaign .
Ollie Watkins scored a hat-trick , Jack Grealish bagged a brace and there were also goals for Ross Barkley and John McGinn on a memorable evening at Villa Park .
Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson admitted it was an 'embarrassing ' result for the reigning champions but ahead of this weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Klopp says the extreme nature of the defeat makes it easier to pick out what went wrong - and fix it .
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 ?
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Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
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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 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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ In some respects I like it more than losing 3-2 because it 's just more clear , '' he told talkSPORT .
`` We could have lost that night 3-2 , then we go home and the boys go to their national teams , and we do the analysing , and that 's it pretty much .
But this is more useful . ''
Klopp also believes the international break will have helped his players get over the Reds ' heaviest defeat since 1963 .
`` For me it was very important that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the time , because they all had three games to play , '' he said .
`` Intense games , important games for the country , and you can not do that with one half of your brain back in Liverpool , so I wanted them to focus on that .
`` But I wrote all the things I thought about the game and then we really can finish it for the moment .
They played the last games on Wednesday , arrive here very tired on Thursday , so we 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have one session on Friday and then we play flying Everton , so that 's it .
We can not change that and we do n't want to change it .
It 's another challenge . ''
Villa return to action against Leicester City on Sunday .

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has claimed his side's 7-2 thumping at the hands of Aston Villa has proved 'useful' ahead of the return to Premier League action.
Villa thrashed the Reds last Sunday in a rampant display to extend their perfect start to the top-flight campaign.
Ollie Watkins scored a hat-trick, Jack Grealish bagged a brace and there were also goals for Ross Barkley and John McGinn on a memorable evening at Villa Park.
Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson admitted it was an 'embarrassing' result for the reigning champions but ahead of this weekend's Merseyside derby against table-toppers Everton, Klopp says the extreme nature of the defeat makes it easier to pick out what went wrong - and fix it.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox 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
"In some respects I like it more than losing 3-2 because it's just more clear," he told talkSPORT.
"We could have lost that night 3-2, then we go home and the boys go to their national teams, and we do the analysing, and that's it pretty much. But this is more useful."
Klopp also believes the international break will have helped his players get over the Reds' heaviest defeat since 1963.
"For me it was very important that the boys don't carry it around all the time, because they all had three games to play," he said.
"Intense games, important games for the country, and you cannot do that with one half of your brain back in Liverpool, so I wanted them to focus on that.
"But I wrote all the things I thought about the game and then we really can finish it for the moment. They played the last games on Wednesday, arrive here very tired on Thursday, so we'll try to help them with recovery.
"We have one session on Friday and then we play flying Everton, so that's it. We cannot change that and we don't want to change it. It's another challenge."
Villa return to action against Leicester City on Sunday.


birminghammail--2020-10-15--Sheff Wed 'need bodies' as defensive crisis affects Blues build-up

Sheffield Wednesday arrive at undefeated Birmingham City this weekend with several injury concerns .
While there is hope midfielder Izzy Brown will have recovered from his knee problem and that Liam Palmer could play following his back spasm , Garry Monk still has a shortage in defence .
Dominic Iorfa ( hamstring ) , Tom Lees ( groin ) and Liam Shaw ( ankle ) are not likely to be ready and while Osaze Urhoghide could feature for the first time , Chey Dunkley is still weeks away from fitness .
All of which has put Monk under the cosh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as much time as possible before the game .
There are some that won ’ t make it , ” the former Blues boss said .
“ Whatever is thrown at us we ’ re going to have to deal with it .
It is not ideal , especially going into a period of games like this without a full-strength squad .
“ I ’ ve never had it before ; all those injuries in 24 hours in the same position .
I think it was very unfortunate the injuries happened in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a tackle , Liam Palmer had a back spasm and Tom [ Lees ] felt his groin so it was a highly unfortunate situation for that to happen in a match .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter here “ I am trying to give them as much time as possible .
It is touch and go of course .
It ’ s not ideal but , like anything , that ’ s why the squad is there .
“ We ’ re not going to dwell on it .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see come Friday after training who is available and who is not .
`` We need bodies , but there are always injuries and knocks in a squad .
Some are more serious than others.
” Birmingham City go into the game with a relatively clean bill of health , with Mikel San Jose potentially available to make his debut .

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Sheffield Wednesday arrive at undefeated Birmingham City this weekend with several injury concerns.
While there is hope midfielder Izzy Brown will have recovered from his knee problem and that Liam Palmer could play following his back spasm, Garry Monk still has a shortage in defence.
Dominic Iorfa (hamstring), Tom Lees (groin) and Liam Shaw (ankle) are not likely to be ready and while Osaze Urhoghide could feature for the first time, Chey Dunkley is still weeks away from fitness.
All of which has put Monk under the cosh.
“I’m giving everyone as much time as possible before the game. There are some that won’t make it,” the former Blues boss said.
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“Whatever is thrown at us we’re going to have to deal with it. It is not ideal, especially going into a period of games like this without a full-strength squad.
“I’ve never had it before; all those injuries in 24 hours in the same position. I think it was very unfortunate the injuries happened in the game.
“Shawy rolled his ankle in a tackle, Liam Palmer had a back spasm and Tom [Lees] felt his groin so it was a highly unfortunate situation for that to happen in a match.
“I am trying to give them as much time as possible. It is touch and go of course. It’s not ideal but, like anything, that’s why the squad is there.
“We’re not going to dwell on it. It is what it is. We will see come Friday after training who is available and who is not.
"We need bodies, but there are always injuries and knocks in a squad. Some are more serious than others.”
Birmingham City go into the game with a relatively clean bill of health, with Mikel San Jose potentially available to make his debut.


birminghammail--2020-10-15--Recall alert over £13.99 heated hairbrush which could 'melt in your hand'

An urgent warning has been issued about a heated hairbrush which was being sold on Amazon and could burst into flames .
West Midlands Fire Service warned some models of the One Step Hair Dryer and Styler were at risk of overheating and burning the user .
The pink and black styler also does not meet British and EU safety standards and could melt in the hand .
The fire service joined a charity in issuing an urgent recall for the styler which was being sold via Amazon and other online retailers for £13.99 .
The Electrical Safety First charity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the affected models to stop using it immediately and contact the retailer they bought it from .
The recall notice concerns all the black and pink plastic hairbrush stylers with the model number SM-5250 .
The charity said : `` The product 's protection against heat is insufficient .
Consequently , the product could overheat , some parts of it could melt or even catch fire while in normal use , increasing the risk of burns or fire .
`` The resistance of the mains cable is too high .
Consequently , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasing the risk of burns .
`` The product also does not comply with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive and also the relevant European standard . ''
It added : `` The product is wrapped in a transparent plastic bag , packaged in a black cardboard box and is sold online , in particular Amazon . ''
West Midlands Fire Service joined the charity in its campaign to recall the faulty stylers .
It said : `` There is an overheat and burns risk with the One Step Hair Dryer And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if your model is your model is affected by this recall and , if so , stop using it immediately and contact the retailer for further advice . ''

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An urgent warning has been issued about a heated hairbrush which was being sold on Amazon and could burst into flames.
West Midlands Fire Service warned some models of the One Step Hair Dryer and Styler were at risk of overheating and burning the user.
The pink and black styler also does not meet British and EU safety standards and could melt in the hand.
The fire service joined a charity in issuing an urgent recall for the styler which was being sold via Amazon and other online retailers for £13.99.
The Electrical Safety First charity is urging anyone who owns one of the affected models to stop using it immediately and contact the retailer they bought it from.
The recall notice concerns all the black and pink plastic hairbrush stylers with the model number SM-5250.
The charity said: "The product's protection against heat is insufficient. Consequently, the product could overheat, some parts of it could melt or even catch fire while in normal use, increasing the risk of burns or fire.
"The resistance of the mains cable is too high. Consequently, the power cord might overheat during use, increasing the risk of burns.
"The product also does not comply with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive and also the relevant European standard."
It added: "The product is wrapped in a transparent plastic bag, packaged in a black cardboard box and is sold online, in particular Amazon."
West Midlands Fire Service joined the charity in its campaign to recall the faulty stylers.
It said: "There is an overheat and burns risk with the One Step Hair Dryer And Styler.
"Please check to see if your model is your model is affected by this recall and, if so, stop using it immediately and contact the retailer for further advice."


birminghammail--2020-10-15--Seven announcements from Matt Hancock speech as 8 areas move lockdown tier

Ministers are holding a series of talks with MPs from the regions affected by the lockdown changes stoday .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has appeared in Parliament , giving a Commons update on the measures .
Mr Hancock spoke to MPs on Thursday , October 15 , as London enters a tier two lockdown from midnight .
Londoners will be plunged into a tougher lockdown at the weekend - with a ban on meeting people they do n't live with indoors .
The move will see the capital 's threat level increased from `` medium '' to `` high '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to soaring Covid-19 infections .
London , Essex , Elmbridge , Barrow in Furness , York , North East Derbyshire Chesterfield and Erewash will move to the `` high '' Covid alert level from 0001 Saturday - but what else did we learn ?
London and Essex are both moving from “ medium ” to “ high ” at 00.01 on Saturday , the Health Secretary confirmed .
Barrow-in-Furness , North East Derbyshire , Erewash , York and Chesterfield are also moving to high .
He told the House of Commons : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting the virus under control .
We that the sacrifices these involve.
” Mr Hancock warned the situation would get worse before it gets better .
Matt Hancock explained : `` Infection rates are on a steep upward path with the number of cases doubling every 10 days .
`` The seven-day average case rate stands today at 97 rising sharply .
We know from the first peak , the infection can spread fast and put huge pressures on the NHS so we must act now to prevent the need for tougher measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the mayor , with cross-party council leadership , with local public health officials and the national team , we 've together agreed that London needs to move to local Covid alert level high . ''
Mr Hancock thanked those who work and live in the capital , adding : `` We all need to play our part in getting the virus under control once again . ''
And the other changes detailed Health Secretary Matt Hancock also confirmed parts of Cumbria , Essex , Derbyshire , Surrey and Yorkshire will move to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Working with local leaders in Essex and Elmbridge , we 're also moving them into local alert level high and I want to pay tribute to the leadership of Essex County Council and in Elmbridge where they have been working so hard to suppress the virus . ''
Mr Hancock added : `` Infection rates are also rising sharply in Barrow-in-Furness , in York , in North East Derbyshire , in Erewash and Chesterfield .
`` In all of these places , cases are doubling in less than a fortnight .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the high alert level , the change will come into effect one minute past midnight on Saturday morning and this includes Barrow-in-Furness , York , North East Derbyshire , Erewash and Chesterfield too . ''
David Finch , leader of Essex County Council , welcomed Matt Hancock 's announcement that the county would be moving to the High covid alert category , `` which is clear recognition of the severity of the situation we find ourselves in as a county , and indeed across many parts of the country '' .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think the government has decided correctly , guided by the science and the fact is that the number of cases in Essex is rising exponentially .
`` We understand that the move to the High local covid alert level may affect people 's lives and businesses and understand the very strong feelings about this .
However , we have a duty of care to the people of Essex , and we firmly believe that this is the best route to minimise disruptions , to save lives - not just for those with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well - and to protect businesses .
`` These are difficult times for individuals , businesses and communities , but I know that as a county we will come together to support and protect one another - as we have done previously - and that acting sooner rather than later to curb the spread of Covid is the right thing to do . ''
The health secretary said discussions are “ ongoing ” over moving from “ high ” to very high in some areas .
He said : “ No further decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to made rapidly.
” The Health Secretary said we can not “ stay still ” , saying : “ I know that the people of this country want to control the virus , protect their loved ones , their lives and their livelihoods ” .
He said : “ Delayed action means more deaths from Covid , more non-Covid deaths and more economic pain.
” Hancock said that without suppressing the virus , the UK can not return to the economy that it had .
The Health Secretary said : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more deaths from Covid , it means more non-Covid deaths and it means more economic pain later .
`` Because the virus comes down slower than it goes up .
So we should stop it going up in the first place and , unless we suppress the virus , we can not return to the economy we 've had .
`` Unless we suppress the virus , we can not keep non-Covid NHS services going and , unless we suppress the virus , we can not keep the elderly and the vulnerable safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the virus is rising `` exponentially '' in the UK .
The Health Secretary told the Commons : `` The threat remains grave and serious .
In Europe , positive cases are up 40 % from one week ago , and in Italy , Belgium and the Netherlands they 've doubled in the last fortnight .
`` And here , we sadly saw the highest figure for daily deaths since early June .
`` Let us be under no illusions about the danger posed by this virus .
Coronavirus is deadly and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK . ''
Matt Hancock said testing capacity is up this week .
The Health Secretary said : `` We must act to prevent more hospitalisations , more deaths and more economic damage - because we know from recent history that when this virus keeps growing , unless we act together to get it under control , this is the result . ''
He added : `` This week 's NHS Test and Trace statistics show that testing capacity is up , testing turnaround times are down , and the distance travelled for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , thanks to this capacity and this analysis , we 've been able to take a more targeted approach , keeping a close eye on the situation in local areas , bearing down hard through restrictions on a local level where they 're necessary . ''

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Ministers are holding a series of talks with MPs from the regions affected by the lockdown changes stoday.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has appeared in Parliament, giving a Commons update on the measures.
Mr Hancock spoke to MPs on Thursday, October 15, as London enters a tier two lockdown from midnight.
Londoners will be plunged into a tougher lockdown at the weekend - with a ban on meeting people they don't live with indoors.
The move will see the capital's threat level increased from "medium" to "high", it was announced, in response to soaring Covid-19 infections.
London, Essex, Elmbridge, Barrow in Furness, York, North East Derbyshire Chesterfield and Erewash will move to the "high" Covid alert level from 0001 Saturday - but what else did we learn?
Hotspots rising to high
London and Essex are both moving from “medium” to “high” at 00.01 on Saturday, the Health Secretary confirmed.
Barrow-in-Furness, North East Derbyshire, Erewash, York and Chesterfield are also moving to high.
He told the House of Commons: “We need to play our part in getting the virus under control. We that the sacrifices these involve.”
Mr Hancock warned the situation would get worse before it gets better.
(Image: PA)
Why London is changing
Matt Hancock explained: "Infection rates are on a steep upward path with the number of cases doubling every 10 days.
"The seven-day average case rate stands today at 97 rising sharply. We know from the first peak, the infection can spread fast and put huge pressures on the NHS so we must act now to prevent the need for tougher measures later on.
"So working closely with the mayor, with cross-party council leadership, with local public health officials and the national team, we've together agreed that London needs to move to local Covid alert level high."
Mr Hancock thanked those who work and live in the capital, adding: "We all need to play our part in getting the virus under control once again."
And the other changes detailed
Health Secretary Matt Hancock also confirmed parts of Cumbria, Essex, Derbyshire, Surrey and Yorkshire will move to Tier 2.
He told the Commons: "Working with local leaders in Essex and Elmbridge, we're also moving them into local alert level high and I want to pay tribute to the leadership of Essex County Council and in Elmbridge where they have been working so hard to suppress the virus."
Mr Hancock added: "Infection rates are also rising sharply in Barrow-in-Furness, in York, in North East Derbyshire, in Erewash and Chesterfield.
"In all of these places, cases are doubling in less than a fortnight.
"For all of the areas entering the high alert level, the change will come into effect one minute past midnight on Saturday morning and this includes Barrow-in-Furness, York, North East Derbyshire, Erewash and Chesterfield too."
David Finch, leader of Essex County Council, welcomed Matt Hancock's announcement that the county would be moving to the High covid alert category, "which is clear recognition of the severity of the situation we find ourselves in as a county, and indeed across many parts of the country".
In a statement, he added: "We think the government has decided correctly, guided by the science and the fact is that the number of cases in Essex is rising exponentially.
"We understand that the move to the High local covid alert level may affect people's lives and businesses and understand the very strong feelings about this. However, we have a duty of care to the people of Essex, and we firmly believe that this is the best route to minimise disruptions, to save lives - not just for those with the virus, but for other patients as well - and to protect businesses.
"These are difficult times for individuals, businesses and communities, but I know that as a county we will come together to support and protect one another - as we have done previously - and that acting sooner rather than later to curb the spread of Covid is the right thing to do."
Discussions still ongoing on Greater Manchester
The health secretary said discussions are “ongoing” over moving from “high” to very high in some areas.
He said: “No further decisions have yet been made, but they need to made rapidly.”
The Health Secretary said we cannot “stay still”, saying: “I know that the people of this country want to control the virus, protect their loved ones, their lives and their livelihoods”.
He said: “Delayed action means more deaths from Covid, more non-Covid deaths and more economic pain.”
(Image: PA)
Economy warning
Hancock said that without suppressing the virus, the UK cannot return to the economy that it had.
The Health Secretary said: "We must act now. Delayed action means more deaths from Covid, it means more non-Covid deaths and it means more economic pain later.
"Because the virus comes down slower than it goes up. So we should stop it going up in the first place and, unless we suppress the virus, we cannot return to the economy we've had.
"Unless we suppress the virus, we cannot keep non-Covid NHS services going and, unless we suppress the virus, we cannot keep the elderly and the vulnerable safe and secure.
Virus rising 'exponentially'
Matt Hancock warned MPs that the virus is rising "exponentially" in the UK.
The Health Secretary told the Commons: "The threat remains grave and serious. In Europe, positive cases are up 40% from one week ago, and in Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands they've doubled in the last fortnight.
"And here, we sadly saw the highest figure for daily deaths since early June.
"Let us be under no illusions about the danger posed by this virus. Coronavirus is deadly and it is now spreading exponentially in the UK."
Testing capacity up
Matt Hancock said testing capacity is up this week.
The Health Secretary said: "We must act to prevent more hospitalisations, more deaths and more economic damage - because we know from recent history that when this virus keeps growing, unless we act together to get it under control, this is the result."
He added: "This week's NHS Test and Trace statistics show that testing capacity is up, testing turnaround times are down, and the distance travelled for tests is down too.
"And, thanks to this capacity and this analysis, we've been able to take a more targeted approach, keeping a close eye on the situation in local areas, bearing down hard through restrictions on a local level where they're necessary."


birminghammail--2020-10-15--More than 200 Covid patients in Birmingham hospital beds as medics brace

The number of patients with coronavirus in Birmingham 's hospitals is rising and beginning to have a dramatic impact on fragile health services that are only just recovered from the first peak .
The city 's main hospitals trusts are now back on a full emergency setting - recording more than 200 Covid patients today ( October 15 ) .
Regular high level strategy meetings are taking place as health chiefs battle the multiple threats of a coronavirus second wave , rising admissions with other conditions , a backlog of elective operations and treatments and a mental health crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Queen Elizabeth , Heartlands and Good Hope hospitals are battling Covid-19 , with the proportion rising .
Twenty eight , out of the 106 people currently on life support at the hospitals , are coronavirus patients .
At the same time , the numbers arriving by ambulance or walking in with severe symptoms of the virus are starting to escalate .
There were 34 admissions in one day this week ( Monday ) , taking the total number of current inpatients in the three University Hospitals Birmingham to 198 - up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An as yet unspecified number of patients with Covid-19 are being treated at City Hospital , part of Sandwell and West Birmingham hospitals trust but we understand there are at least 30 inpatients .
It adds up to a gradually rising caseload that reflects fears that infection is reaching more vulnerable and elderly people .
To cope with the first wave , thousands of planned operations were cancelled .
Even allowing for unprecedented use of independent hospitals to help out , waiting lists hit record levels .
Trusts are now under pressure from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simultaneously dealing with the new influx of coronavirus cases .
UHB 's chief executive Dr David Rosser has spoken up about the mental toll on his staff as they prepare for more cases .
Experienced staff with years of experience who lived through the trauma of the first wave of coronavirus are `` apprehensive and distressed '' as they see cases rise daily , said Dr Rosser .
`` I have never seen a clinical team as distressed and apprehensive as they are at the moment , '' he said .
`` People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in over 25 years in the organisation are saying : ' I 'm not sure I can go through this again . '
`` It 's very tough in the hospitals . ''
A consultant in Manchester , where cases are also rising , said this week : “ I do think that we will manage the Covid cases .
I just now worry about whether we will be able to continue to keep the normal care for people who need their operations [ and ] need care for cancer . ''
Paul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group , said the focus was still on preventing new infections that could lead , in a few weeks time , to more hospitalisations .
`` We are trying to keep as many people away from the front door of our hospitals as we can by maximising our use of NHS 111 and other resources .
`` Our GPs and hospital services were pretty well back to where they would normally be at this time of year , with rising levels of activity .
`` But we also have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spike was terrible , but was the world of Covid-only - now we have to cope with Covid-plus everything else .
This is much more complicated .
`` We have to try to balance giving people access ( to hospital with other conditions ) and dealing with coronavirus .
`` During the first wave people stayed away from hospitals - they stopped going to A & E and presenting , which was a big issue in itself and has left us with a backlog . ''
But this time round hospitals are coping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintain a full NHS service for all other conditions .
`` The coronavirus cases we are seeing now levelled off a little after a rapid rise in September , and while it is not racing away ... we are concerned .
`` The virus has not changed , not become less potent or deadly . ''
Professor Andrew Goddard , the president of the Royal College of Physicians , speaking earlier this week , said : “ We know for certain we are now in the second wave of Covid-19 .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northeast of England , but it is going to spread to other areas .
”

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The number of patients with coronavirus in Birmingham's hospitals is rising and beginning to have a dramatic impact on fragile health services that are only just recovered from the first peak.
The city's main hospitals trusts are now back on a full emergency setting - recording more than 200 Covid patients today (October 15).
Regular high level strategy meetings are taking place as health chiefs battle the multiple threats of a coronavirus second wave, rising admissions with other conditions, a backlog of elective operations and treatments and a mental health crisis.
A quarter of patients in intensive care at the Queen Elizabeth, Heartlands and Good Hope hospitals are battling Covid-19, with the proportion rising.
Twenty eight, out of the 106 people currently on life support at the hospitals, are coronavirus patients.
At the same time, the numbers arriving by ambulance or walking in with severe symptoms of the virus are starting to escalate.
There were 34 admissions in one day this week (Monday), taking the total number of current inpatients in the three University Hospitals Birmingham to 198 - up from 179 just three days ago.
An as yet unspecified number of patients with Covid-19 are being treated at City Hospital, part of Sandwell and West Birmingham hospitals trust but we understand there are at least 30 inpatients.
It adds up to a gradually rising caseload that reflects fears that infection is reaching more vulnerable and elderly people.
(Image: BPM Media)
To cope with the first wave, thousands of planned operations were cancelled. Even allowing for unprecedented use of independent hospitals to help out, waiting lists hit record levels.
Trusts are now under pressure from Government to clear those backlogs, while simultaneously dealing with the new influx of coronavirus cases.
UHB's chief executive Dr David Rosser has spoken up about the mental toll on his staff as they prepare for more cases.
Experienced staff with years of experience who lived through the trauma of the first wave of coronavirus are "apprehensive and distressed" as they see cases rise daily, said Dr Rosser.
"I have never seen a clinical team as distressed and apprehensive as they are at the moment," he said.
"People I have been through a lot with in over 25 years in the organisation are saying: 'I'm not sure I can go through this again.'
"It's very tough in the hospitals."
A consultant in Manchester, where cases are also rising, said this week: “I do think that we will manage the Covid cases. I just now worry about whether we will be able to continue to keep the normal care for people who need their operations [and] need care for cancer."
Paul Jennings, chief executive of Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group, said the focus was still on preventing new infections that could lead, in a few weeks time, to more hospitalisations.
"We are trying to keep as many people away from the front door of our hospitals as we can by maximising our use of NHS 111 and other resources.
"Our GPs and hospital services were pretty well back to where they would normally be at this time of year, with rising levels of activity.
"But we also have to deal with coronavirus.
"The first spike was terrible, but was the world of Covid-only - now we have to cope with Covid-plus everything else. This is much more complicated.
"We have to try to balance giving people access (to hospital with other conditions) and dealing with coronavirus.
"During the first wave people stayed away from hospitals - they stopped going to A&E and presenting, which was a big issue in itself and has left us with a backlog."
But this time round hospitals are coping with rising coronavirus cases while trying to maintain a full NHS service for all other conditions.
"The coronavirus cases we are seeing now levelled off a little after a rapid rise in September, and while it is not racing away...we are concerned.
"The virus has not changed, not become less potent or deadly."
Professor Andrew Goddard, the president of the Royal College of Physicians, speaking earlier this week, said: “We know for certain we are now in the second wave of Covid-19.
“It is currently centred in the northwest and northeast of England, but it is going to spread to other areas.”