birminghammail--2020-07-31--Aston Villa make exciting new Kappa kit announcement

Aston Villa will finally unveil their new Kappa kit for the upcoming Premier League season which starts in just six weeks .
The club are among just a select few to have not showcased next season 's strip with the likes of Arsenal , Man City and Chelsea all donning their respective shirts on the final-day of the 2019/20 campaign .
Villa , meanwhile , are in their second year with Kappa and have another 12 months on their contract which runs until the summer of 2022 .
Villa do , though , have a new 'principal partner ' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replace betting firm W88 on the front of home , away , goalkeeper , kids , training and women 's kits .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here So , with Kappa and Cazoo confirmed , all supporters are waiting on is the style and fit of the claret and blue home shirt , and the chosen away colour .
Today , at just gone 6pm , Villa officially announced their much-anticipated Kappa kit reveal will be launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put out a snazzy black and white image on social media outlining the details of the big home 20/21 kit reveal with the date August 1 at 10am British Summer Time .
The caption read : `` The wait is almost over .
[ wink face ] . ''
Here 's how Villa supporters reacted to tonight 's pre-reveal , with dozens hinting at perhaps a black and white-themed away kit given the image used .
Tom Price : FINALLY !
!
Staying up , A new sporting director , a kit !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
!
Hopefully we ’ ll sign a player by the end of the week too !
!
UTV .
James Tilsley : Please don ’ t make them so tight this year Luke Robinson : Just take my money whatever .
Christian : This isn ’ t Benrahma but ok. Lee McDonald : Please be the black and silver away kit floating about online .
Ellie Louise : Please don ’ t disappoint after all this time .
Liam AVFC : On my birthday , love to see it .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Aston Villa will finally unveil their new Kappa kit for the upcoming Premier League season which starts in just six weeks.
The club are among just a select few to have not showcased next season's strip with the likes of Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea all donning their respective shirts on the final-day of the 2019/20 campaign.
Villa, meanwhile, are in their second year with Kappa and have another 12 months on their contract which runs until the summer of 2022.
Villa do, though, have a new 'principal partner', UK online car retailer Cazoo who will replace betting firm W88 on the front of home, away, goalkeeper, kids, training and women's kits.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
So, with Kappa and Cazoo confirmed, all supporters are waiting on is the style and fit of the claret and blue home shirt, and the chosen away colour.
Today, at just gone 6pm, Villa officially announced their much-anticipated Kappa kit reveal will be launched on Saturday at 10am.
The club put out a snazzy black and white image on social media outlining the details of the big home 20/21 kit reveal with the date August 1 at 10am British Summer Time.
The caption read: "The wait is almost over. [wink face]."
Here's how Villa supporters reacted to tonight's pre-reveal, with dozens hinting at perhaps a black and white-themed away kit given the image used.
Garin Williams: Black away kit maybe?
Tom Price: FINALLY!! Staying up, A new sporting director, a kit!! What a week this has been!! Hopefully we’ll sign a player by the end of the week too!! UTV .
James Tilsley: Please don’t make them so tight this year
Luke Robinson: Just take my money whatever.
Christian: This isn’t Benrahma but ok.
B6 Ben: Guys give us a sneak peek pls.
Lee McDonald: Please be the black and silver away kit floating about online.
Ellie Louise: Please don’t disappoint after all this time.
Liam AVFC: On my birthday, love to see it.
Tom Price: SUIIIII.
Shannon Beattie: Oioiiii.


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Birmingham City live updates as Aitor Karanka announced

Hello and welcome to Friday 's LIVE coverage of Birmingham City from BirminghamLive .
We will be keeping you up @ @ @ @ @ latest developments as Blues announce Aitor Karanka as manager .
Following the departure of Pep @ @ @ @ @ originally agreed to stay on until the end of the season , the club had @ @ @ @ @ manager .
Aitor Karanka was the main name in the frame , and Blues hopes @ @ @ @ @ former Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough boss have been realised this evening , with the club @ @ @ @ @ of work since he left Forest in January last year and will now plan Blues @ @ @ @ @ 20/21 season .
Stay up to date with all the very latest on today 's @ @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Shane Ireland, Ashley Preece, Richard Cusack, James Rushton)

Hello and welcome to Friday's LIVE coverage of Birmingham City from BirminghamLive.
We will be keeping you up to date with all the latest developments as Blues announce Aitor Karanka as manager.
Following the departure of Pep Clotet last month, having originally agreed to stay on until the end of the season, the club had been looking for a new manager.
Aitor Karanka was the main name in the frame, and Blues hopes of landing Karanka - a former Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough boss have been realised this evening, with the club announced
Karanka has been out of work since he left Forest in January last year and will now plan Blues' future ahead of the 20/21 season.
Stay up to date with all the very latest on today's live blog below...


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Confirmed: Birmingham City announce Aitor Karanka appointment

Ahead of the 20/21 Championship season , Birmingham City have confirmed that Aitor Karanka will take charge of the club as their new head coach .
Karanka succeeds Pep Clotet who parted ways with the club towards the conclusion of last season .
Clotet had tendered his resignation prior to his departure , and was expected to stay until the end of the 19/20 season , but Blues ' post-lockdown form led to a early parting of the ways .
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of second-tier experience having spent time at Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest - over five years in total .
With Boro , Karanka was able to lead the side back to the Premier League , but the team quickly fell away - and the head coach has been looking for work ever since his fresh start at Nottingham Forest in 2018 led to him requesting a release from his contract after a frustrating year at the City Ground .
Now , the new Blues boss will have to get to grips with his latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season .
Blues had teased his appointment with a number of videos of an empty and depleted Wast Hills training ground , leading to speculation from fans that a confirmation on a decision was coming close , and that it was n't just pretty shots of the training complex - thankfully for Blues 's Twitter administrator , the club were able to deliver with a drip-feed teaser that led to Karanka 's new head coach office , where the plan to take Blues back to the top will be prepared .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Ahead of the 20/21 Championship season, Birmingham City have confirmed that Aitor Karanka will take charge of the club as their new head coach.
Karanka succeeds Pep Clotet who parted ways with the club towards the conclusion of last season. Clotet had tendered his resignation prior to his departure, and was expected to stay until the end of the 19/20 season, but Blues' post-lockdown form led to a early parting of the ways.
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Karanka arrives at Blues with plenty of second-tier experience having spent time at Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest - over five years in total.
With Boro, Karanka was able to lead the side back to the Premier League, but the team quickly fell away - and the head coach has been looking for work ever since his fresh start at Nottingham Forest in 2018 led to him requesting a release from his contract after a frustrating year at the City Ground.
Now, the new Blues boss will have to get to grips with his latest side before the start of the next season.
Blues had teased his appointment with a number of videos of an empty and depleted Wast Hills training ground, leading to speculation from fans that a confirmation on a decision was coming close, and that it wasn't just pretty shots of the training complex - thankfully for Blues's Twitter administrator, the club were able to deliver with a drip-feed teaser that led to Karanka's new head coach office, where the plan to take Blues back to the top will be prepared.


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Kerry Katona gives a sneak peek inside her home

Kerry Katona has launched her own YouTube channel - and used the opportunity to show off her new home - and reveal new career plans .
The former pop star moved into her new house just before the lockdown was announced and is still in the process of unpacking furniture .
In the video Kerry gives a tour inside her home - showing a spacious living room , a dining room and a private gym .
Gesturing to clothes and boxes in the living room , Kerry revealed they were creating clutter because she is about to turn fashion mogul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I 'm literally about to launch my own clothing line ! ''
Home for Kerry used to be a three storey six bedroom mansion but she has moved into a new smaller home after her eldest daughters Lily- Sue , 17 , and Molly , 18 , moved out .
However the girls moved back soon after the coronavirus pandemic hit .
Kerry joked : `` Lily and Molly moved out ...
I thought do n't need that house ... Lockdown , both girls come home .
Five children , three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the three-storey four-bedroom house ...
It was fun . ''
Kerry also lives with her other three children Heidi , 13 , and Maxwell , 12 and Dylan Jorge , six .
As she reveals in the video , the 39-year-old has also moved in her personal trainer boyfriend Ryan Mahoney and his brother .
The final member of the extended family is their Rottweiler dog called Princess .
In the video while Kerry gives the tour , Ryan and the kids can be seen sitting on a plush cream sofa in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ painted .
Kerry hallway is also filled with boxes as well as a desk and filing cabinet waiting to be assembled .
And pointing to the loo room , the star said : `` and this is where I have my five minutes of peace in the morning ! ''
It 's no surprise the gym has been one of the first rooms nearing completion according to The Mirror .
Ryan is reportedly using it as commercial space for his PT sessions .
In the video Kerry tells fans her previous property cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The star has typically rented a series of properties over the years .
Kerry 's eldest girls Molly and Lily Sue are from her marriage to Westlife singer Bryan McFadden .
Heidi and Maxwell are her second husband ex taxi driver Mark Croft 's children .
And youngest Dylan Jorge 's dad was Kerry 's last husband George Kay - who died of a drug overdose in October last year .
Kerry has been dating Ryan for almost four years and says he 's 'perfect ' for her and her children .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kerry said : `` He 's very quiet , very shy , very private - the complete opposite to me ... the first person I 've ever dated who actually has his own job .
And he 's so hands-on with the kids , doing the school runs when I ca n't .
The kids adore him '' .
The lovestruck divorcee added : `` It 's finally a normal relationship and it took me a while to get used to that .
I 'm extremely happy ! ''
.
Kerry follows in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Price who also has her own YouTube channel .
The pair first met during the 2004 series of I 'm A Celeb Get Me Out Of Here .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Kerry Katona has launched her own YouTube channel - and used the opportunity to show off her new home - and reveal new career plans.
The former pop star moved into her new house just before the lockdown was announced and is still in the process of unpacking furniture.
In the video Kerry gives a tour inside her home - showing a spacious living room, a dining room and a private gym.
Gesturing to clothes and boxes in the living room, Kerry revealed they were creating clutter because she is about to turn fashion mogul.
The ex Atomic Kitten singer said: "I'm literally about to launch my own clothing line!"
Home for Kerry used to be a three storey six bedroom mansion but she has moved into a new smaller home after her eldest daughters Lily- Sue, 17, and Molly, 18, moved out.
However the girls moved back soon after the coronavirus pandemic hit.
Kerry joked: "Lily and Molly moved out... I thought don't need that house... Lockdown, both girls come home. Five children, three adults, Ryan's brother moved into the three-storey four-bedroom house... It was fun."
Kerry also lives with her other three children Heidi, 13, and Maxwell, 12 and Dylan Jorge, six.
As she reveals in the video, the 39-year-old has also moved in her personal trainer boyfriend Ryan Mahoney and his brother. The final member of the extended family is their Rottweiler dog called Princess.
In the video while Kerry gives the tour, Ryan and the kids can be seen sitting on a plush cream sofa in the living room which still needs to be painted.
Kerry hallway is also filled with boxes as well as a desk and filing cabinet waiting to be assembled.
And pointing to the loo room, the star said: "and this is where I have my five minutes of peace in the morning!"
It's no surprise the gym has been one of the first rooms nearing completion according to The Mirror. Ryan is reportedly using it as commercial space for his PT sessions.
In the video Kerry tells fans her previous property cost her "three grand a month". The star has typically rented a series of properties over the years.
Kerry's eldest girls Molly and Lily Sue are from her marriage to Westlife singer Bryan McFadden.
Heidi and Maxwell are her second husband ex taxi driver Mark Croft's children.
And youngest Dylan Jorge's dad was Kerry's last husband George Kay - who died of a drug overdose in October last year.
Kerry has been dating Ryan for almost four years and says he's 'perfect' for her and her children.
Speaking to Closer magazine in January, Kerry said: "He's very quiet, very shy, very private - the complete opposite to me... the first person I've ever dated who actually has his own job. And he's so hands-on with the kids, doing the school runs when I can't. The kids adore him".
The lovestruck divorcee added: "It's finally a normal relationship and it took me a while to get used to that. I'm extremely happy!".
Kerry follows in the footsteps of her close friend Katie Price who also has her own YouTube channel. The pair first met during the 2004 series of I'm A Celeb Get Me Out Of Here.


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Katie Price shares sarcastic family joke after breaking ankles on holiday

Katie Price has confirmed she suffered a horrific injury while holidaying in Turkey .
She posted : `` Yes it ’ s true I have broken my ankles and my feet , I have to have both feet operated on and pins put in been told I won ’ t be able to walk for 3 to 6 months.
`` Yesterday ( July 30 ) we revealed how Katie had been told by docs it would take her months to recover fully after breaking her feet while on holiday with new boyfriend Carl Wood and children Junior , 15 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post she added : `` Carl is being amazing looking after me # reallove # wordscantdescribemyloveforhim . ''
It is understood the 42-year-old was injured after jumping off a wall at a Turkish theme park - her first proper holiday with Carl , 31 , who she has been dating for two months .
On an Instagram story , Katie filmed the family in a plush holiday apartment surrounded by snacks .
When asked by her mum if she was having a good holiday , Princess replied : `` I 'm actually having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broke into song .
Clearly Katie 's horrendous accident has n't dampened spirits .
Junior even joked : `` Oh , everything is going so well . ''
Junior and Princess are Katie 's children from her marriage to Peter Andre .
Her eldest son - Harvey whose dad is ex Villa striker Dwight Yorke , was unable to attend the sunshine break due to recent health issues which saw him hospitalised .
Thankfully he was given the all clear by medics and is recovering at a residential care home .
On top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been dealing with severe financial problems - declaring herself bankcrupt .
The star 's two other children - Jett and Bunny - from her marriage to Kieran Hayler are understood to be with their dad .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Katie Price has confirmed she suffered a horrific injury while holidaying in Turkey.
She posted: "Yes it’s true I have broken my ankles and my feet , I have to have both feet operated on and pins put in been told I won’t be able to walk for 3 to 6 months. "
Yesterday ( July 30) we revealed how Katie had been told by docs it would take her months to recover fully after breaking her feet while on holiday with new boyfriend Carl Wood and children Junior, 15, and Princess 13.
In the Instagram post she added: "Carl is being amazing looking after me #reallove #wordscantdescribemyloveforhim."
It is understood the 42-year-old was injured after jumping off a wall at a Turkish theme park - her first proper holiday with Carl, 31, who she has been dating for two months.
On an Instagram story, Katie filmed the family in a plush holiday apartment surrounded by snacks.
When asked by her mum if she was having a good holiday, Princess replied: "I'm actually having the best holiday ever" and then broke into song.
Clearly Katie's horrendous accident hasn't dampened spirits. Junior even joked: "Oh, everything is going so well."
Katie told him: "You're so sarcastic."
Junior and Princess are Katie's children from her marriage to Peter Andre. Her eldest son - Harvey whose dad is ex Villa striker Dwight Yorke, was unable to attend the sunshine break due to recent health issues which saw him hospitalised.
Thankfully he was given the all clear by medics and is recovering at a residential care home. On top of Harvey's health issues, Katie has been dealing with severe financial problems - declaring herself bankcrupt.
The star's two other children - Jett and Bunny - from her marriage to Kieran Hayler are understood to be with their dad.


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Socially distanced Eid al-Adha  - Inside a city mosque during pandemic

A worshipper has told how Muslims across the city marked Eid al-Adha with strict social distance measures in place because of the coronavirus pandemic .
It is a day which means the 'festival of the sacrifice ' - and also known as Greater Eid , Bakra Eid , Qurbani Eid and other names , depending on location and tradition .
But honouring Eid al-Adha in a traditional manner with prayers and worship inside a mosque came at a price .
Despite places of worship reopening earlier this month , there have been strict social distance rules in place .
Hugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worshippers told to bring their own prayer mats - just some of the changes in the time of coronavirus .
`` There were loads of differences this time round , '' said Jameel Shariff , 22 , who lives in north Birmingham .
Attending Masjid Faizul Islam in Aston , he was among many Muslims in the city who travelled there for worship and prayer .
`` Usually we just get ready at home and go to the mosque but my dad told me we need to take our own prayer mats with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got to the mosque we saw loads of other people with their own prayer mats .
Usually when you get to the mosque you take off your shoes and put them on the shelf - you could n't do that .
`` Most people were wearing masks .
You could tell there was a slight bit of anxiety or tension despite it being such a prominent day of celebration in the Muslim community .
`` There were quite a few representatives from the mosque directing people where to go and giving people bags @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adhering to the gap between people . ''
`` You had to take a carrier bag which was provided and put your shoes in , take your shoes with you and keep them by your side .
`` When you sit down in the mosque you just sit down next to each other .
You have to be shoulder-to-shoulder when you pray .
`` There are religious reasons behind it , but this time you could n't do that , there was tape separating people .
You were in your own space .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` sad '' for Jameel to experience .
The normalities and unhurried joy of the 'holy ' day stripped away .
He said : `` It was literally go in and go out .
`` Usually when people go to the mosque to pray there is a massive emphasis on needing to be shoulder-to-shoulder when you stand up .
`` After prayer , even if you do n't know the person next to yourself , you would shake their hand , or give each other a hug to say Eid Mubarak .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't apply because of social distancing . ''
`` When you were leaving you could n't leave from the main entrance .
`` Usually you would go down the same steps you entered from .
This time around you could n't .
For people who went upstairs they had to leave through the upstairs fire exit instead .
`` You could tell people were making eye contact where you would usually go in for a handshake but you had to almost hold yourself back .
`` The Imam was encouraging people not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straight away .
They were following the guidelines .
`` Quite often ethnic minorities are blamed for the rising of coronavirus .
But this shows ethnic minorities are doing positive things to adhere to the guidelines . ''
Coronavirus latest updates - how to get our free newsletter in your inbox There 's no doubt that Covid-19 has had a huge impact on all our lives .
Birmingham has seen thousands of deaths as a result of coronavirus and one hospital trust in the city has recorded higher deaths than anywhere else in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , it can be hard to know where to turn for the latest news and information .
Well , now you can get it all in one place with our BirminghamLive daily newsletter .
Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article , which looks like this : It 's a free and easy way to follow up-to-date developments on the lockdown restrictions , Government guidelines , shop and restaurant reopenings , track and trace initiatives , development of a vaccine and official details of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can check through all the day 's headlines in one place every day .
You can also follow the latest updates on Facebook in our Birmingham - Coronavirus Updates group , where you can discuss what 's going on and share other news you 've found .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Find it on Google Play Store and App Store What follows after prayer has also brought new challenges due to social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day you would go to people 's houses , '' Jameel said .
`` Your family , uncles , aunties , grandparents , extended family and even friends .
Some people are doing that and some people are n't to adhere to the guidelines .
`` It was sad to see because Eid is supposed to be a celebration and not being able to do that the way you usually would is not nice .
`` It 's not usually how Muslims usually celebrate . ''
Despite being forced into the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jameel said he was glad to finally be back inside the mosque .
`` I 'm glad that people were able to go to the mosque and able to pray how they usually would .
`` Just little things like hearing the adhan in the background , the prayers being recited by an Imam , seeing other people praying with you , I think for a lot of Muslims meant a lot .
`` They were n't able to do that for Eid al-Fitr .
I think it brought some kind of normality @ @ @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Join the Secret Elves to get first access to our exclusive reviews of the must-have products this year
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Join the Secret Elves to get first access to our exclusive reviews of the must-have products this year
A worshipper has told how Muslims across the city marked Eid al-Adha with strict social distance measures in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.
It is a day which means the 'festival of the sacrifice' - and also known as Greater Eid, Bakra Eid, Qurbani Eid and other names, depending on location and tradition.
But honouring Eid al-Adha in a traditional manner with prayers and worship inside a mosque came at a price.
Despite places of worship reopening earlier this month, there have been strict social distance rules in place.
Hugs have been forbidden, handshakes discouraged and worshippers told to bring their own prayer mats - just some of the changes in the time of coronavirus.
(Image: Jameel Shariff)
"There were loads of differences this time round," said Jameel Shariff, 22, who lives in north Birmingham.
Attending Masjid Faizul Islam in Aston, he was among many Muslims in the city who travelled there for worship and prayer.
"Usually we just get ready at home and go to the mosque but my dad told me we need to take our own prayer mats with us this time.
"When we got to the mosque we saw loads of other people with their own prayer mats. Usually when you get to the mosque you take off your shoes and put them on the shelf - you couldn't do that.
(Image: Jameel Shariff)
"Most people were wearing masks. You could tell there was a slight bit of anxiety or tension despite it being such a prominent day of celebration in the Muslim community.
"There were quite a few representatives from the mosque directing people where to go and giving people bags of shoes, making sure people were adhering to the gap between people."
(Image: Jameel Shariff)
"You had to take a carrier bag which was provided and put your shoes in, take your shoes with you and keep them by your side.
"When you sit down in the mosque you just sit down next to each other. You have to be shoulder-to-shoulder when you pray.
"There are religious reasons behind it, but this time you couldn't do that, there was tape separating people. You were in your own space."
The newfound changes were surreal and "sad" for Jameel to experience. The normalities and unhurried joy of the 'holy' day stripped away.
He said: "It was literally go in and go out.
"Usually when people go to the mosque to pray there is a massive emphasis on needing to be shoulder-to-shoulder when you stand up.
"After prayer, even if you don't know the person next to yourself, you would shake their hand, or give each other a hug to say Eid Mubarak.
"It was interesting to see because that didn't apply because of social distancing."
(Image: Jameel Shariff)
"When you were leaving you couldn't leave from the main entrance.
"Usually you would go down the same steps you entered from. This time around you couldn't. For people who went upstairs they had to leave through the upstairs fire exit instead.
"You could tell people were making eye contact where you would usually go in for a handshake but you had to almost hold yourself back.
"The Imam was encouraging people not to do that and to just leave straight away. They were following the guidelines.
"Quite often ethnic minorities are blamed for the rising of coronavirus. But this shows ethnic minorities are doing positive things to adhere to the guidelines."
What follows after prayer has also brought new challenges due to social distancing measures.
"Usually after Eid during the day you would go to people's houses," Jameel said.
"Your family, uncles, aunties, grandparents, extended family and even friends. Some people are doing that and some people aren't to adhere to the guidelines.
"It was sad to see because Eid is supposed to be a celebration and not being able to do that the way you usually would is not nice.
"It's not usually how Muslims usually celebrate."
Despite being forced into the new normal of worshipping in a pandemic, Jameel said he was glad to finally be back inside the mosque.
"I'm glad that people were able to go to the mosque and able to pray how they usually would.
"Just little things like hearing the adhan in the background, the prayers being recited by an Imam, seeing other people praying with you, I think for a lot of Muslims meant a lot.
"They weren't able to do that for Eid al-Fitr. I think it brought some kind of normality back."


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Mum of man killed over debt pleads ‘tell me where his body is’

The mother of a Worcestershire man killed over a £1 million drugs debt has pleaded with his killers to reveal the location of his body on the anniversary of his death .
Jesse Richards was killed in Cleeve Prior in Evesham on July 31 , 2009 by a gang of armed thugs in a ‘ merciless and sustained attack over a drugs debt ’ .
The then-40-year-old ’ s body was believed to have been taken to Warwickshire and hidden but a recent search of a property in Corley was unsuccessful .
Now Jesse ’ s mum has made a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where her son ’ s body is hidden as she wants to ‘ lay him to rest ’ .
Lucy Richards has repeatedly appealed for anyone with information to come forward and , on the eleventh anniversary of his death , she made a personal plea once again .
She said : `` Trying to come to terms with Jesse ’ s murder has been hard enough , as I ’ m sure any mother would understand , but not being able to lay him to rest has made it even worse .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , put yourself in my shoes and get in touch with police if you have any information at all – no matter how small it may seem.
” In 2012 , five men were jailed in connection with his death and were collectively sentenced to more than 50 years in prison despite his body never being found .
Matthew Taylor , of Stoke Heath ; Kevin Houston , of Coventry , and James Doe , formerly of Broomfield Road , Earlsdon , were all jailed for manslaughter .
David Butler , 26 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Joseph Doe , 37 , of Essex , pleaded guilty to assisting an offender .
Det Supt Mark Loader , from West Mercia Police , said : “ Although those responsible for Jesse ’ s death were brought to justice his family can find no peace until he is found .
“ We remain determined to find Jesse and searches continue , with some carried out as recently as June this year but sadly nothing of significance was found .
“ Someone out there has information about where Jesse is .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s not too late to do the right thing and get in touch with us.
” A £10,000 reward is still available for information leading to the successful discovery of Jesse 's body .
Anyone with any information is urged to contact West Mercia Police on 101 and ask to speak to DS Gareth Evans , or call him directly on 07977 068 033 .
Any contact will remain confidential but there is a benefit in being able to discuss the information .
Alternatively people can provide information online at : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anonymous by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website and using the two-way anonymous contact .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
The mother of a Worcestershire man killed over a £1 million drugs debt has pleaded with his killers to reveal the location of his body on the anniversary of his death.
Jesse Richards was killed in Cleeve Prior in Evesham on July 31, 2009 by a gang of armed thugs in a ‘merciless and sustained attack over a drugs debt’.
The then-40-year-old’s body was believed to have been taken to Warwickshire and hidden but a recent search of a property in Corley was unsuccessful.
Now Jesse’s mum has made a desperate plea for someone to tell her where her son’s body is hidden as she wants to ‘lay him to rest’.
Lucy Richards has repeatedly appealed for anyone with information to come forward and, on the eleventh anniversary of his death, she made a personal plea once again.
She said: "Trying to come to terms with Jesse’s murder has been hard enough, as I’m sure any mother would understand, but not being able to lay him to rest has made it even worse.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
“Please, if you know anything, put yourself in my shoes and get in touch with police if you have any information at all – no matter how small it may seem.”
In 2012, five men were jailed in connection with his death and were collectively sentenced to more than 50 years in prison despite his body never being found.
Matthew Taylor, of Stoke Heath; Kevin Houston, of Coventry, and James Doe, formerly of Broomfield Road, Earlsdon, were all jailed for manslaughter.
David Butler, 26, from Slough, admitted obstructing a coroner and Joseph Doe, 37, of Essex, pleaded guilty to assisting an offender.
Det Supt Mark Loader, from West Mercia Police, said: “Although those responsible for Jesse’s death were brought to justice his family can find no peace until he is found.
“We remain determined to find Jesse and searches continue, with some carried out as recently as June this year but sadly nothing of significance was found.
“Someone out there has information about where Jesse is.
“I want to be very clear that it’s not too late to do the right thing and get in touch with us.”
A £10,000 reward is still available for information leading to the successful discovery of Jesse's body.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact West Mercia Police on 101 and ask to speak to DS Gareth Evans, or call him directly on 07977 068 033.
Any contact will remain confidential but there is a benefit in being able to discuss the information.
Alternatively people can provide information online at: https://www.westmercia.police.uk/pu/contact-the-police/seen-or-heard/ or they can remain anonymous by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website and using the two-way anonymous contact.


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Man and woman arrested in attempted child abduction probe

A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of attempted child abduction following an incident in Stafford .
@ @ @ @ @ Glen Road at 3.45pm on Wednesday afternoon ( July 31 ) , to reports that @ @ @ @ @ a car had approached an 11-year-old girl and a six-year-old boy .
A 56-year-old man @ @ @ @ @ both from Stafford , have been bailed with strict conditions whilst the investigation is ongoing @ @ @ @ @ , commander of Stafford Neighbourhood Policing Team , said : “ We are also aware @ @ @ @ @ social media in relation to numerous suspicious incidents around Stafford town centre involving children , @ @ @ @ @ being investigated by our Child Protection and Exploitation Team .
“ At this time , @ @ @ @ @ incident on Brook Glen Road is an isolated case and not linked to previous suspicious @ @ @ @ @ Investigations into the other reports around the town centre are ongoing.
” “ High visibility @ @ @ @ @ the community regarding this incident .
”

A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of attempted child abduction following an incident in Stafford.
Police were called to Brook Glen Road at 3.45pm on Wednesday afternoon (July 31), to reports that a man and woman in a car had approached an 11-year-old girl and a six-year-old boy.
A 56-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman, both from Stafford, have been bailed with strict conditions whilst the investigation is ongoing.
Chief Inspector Giles Parsons, commander of Stafford Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are also aware of other reports circulating on social media in relation to numerous suspicious incidents around Stafford town centre involving children, all of these incidents are being investigated by our Child Protection and Exploitation Team.
“At this time, officers are satisfied that the incident on Brook Glen Road is an isolated case and not linked to previous suspicious incidents in the town. Investigations into the other reports around the town centre are ongoing.”
“High visibility patrols will continue to reassure the community regarding this incident.”


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Byron to close 51 restaurants with half of 1,200 workforce at risk

Half of Byron burger chain 's staff are reportedly at risk of losing their jobs under a huge shake-up .
The restaurant chain operates a branch in Birmingham situated in New St .
But the chain risks having to offload around 51 sites , reports suggest .
The chain has been sold to Calveton , a private investment vehicle , according to Sky News .
The company first announced it was edging towards administration in June , after becoming the latest restaurant to be hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic , reports the Mirror .
It filed a notice to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restructuring talks .
The chain was founded by Tom Byng in 2007 but was purchased by current private equity owners Three Hills Capital in 2017 .
Restaurant chains have been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus crisis , with Cafe Rouge owner Casual Dining Group filing its own notice to appoint administrators in recent weeks .
Despite widespread financial restructuring of major restaurant chains over the last couple of years , the overall number of restaurants still rose by 2 % last year according to the real estate adviser Altus Group .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the purpose of business rates in England and Wales increased by 563 to 27,995 at the end of 2019 and are up a further 183 to 28,178 during the first six months of 2020 despite the coronavirus lockdown .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Emma Munbodh, James Rodger)

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
Half of Byron burger chain's staff are reportedly at risk of losing their jobs under a huge shake-up.
The restaurant chain operates a branch in Birmingham situated in New St.
But the chain risks having to offload around 51 sites, reports suggest.
The chain has been sold to Calveton, a private investment vehicle, according to Sky News.
The company first announced it was edging towards administration in June, after becoming the latest restaurant to be hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, reports the Mirror.
It filed a notice to appoint administrators from KPMG to kick start restructuring talks.
The chain was founded by Tom Byng in 2007 but was purchased by current private equity owners Three Hills Capital in 2017.
Restaurant chains have been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus crisis, with Cafe Rouge owner Casual Dining Group filing its own notice to appoint administrators in recent weeks.
Despite widespread financial restructuring of major restaurant chains over the last couple of years, the overall number of restaurants still rose by 2% last year according to the real estate adviser Altus Group.
The number of properties classified as restaurants for the purpose of business rates in England and Wales increased by 563 to 27,995 at the end of 2019 and are up a further 183 to 28,178 during the first six months of 2020 despite the coronavirus lockdown.


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Brits pack beaches on hottest day of year - despite lockdown changes

Brits have packed beaches across the country as temperatures soared to make Friday the third hottest UK day on record .
The mercury hit 37.8C ( 100F ) at London 's Heathrow Airport at 2.41pm and also reached 37.3C ( 99.1F ) at Kew Gardens , in west London , the Met Office said .
But as lockdown easing measures were put on hold and the government urging people to maintain social distancing , police were patrolling beaches to ensure rules were being stuck to .
Forecaster Simon Partridge said : `` This not only makes it the warmest day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it the third hottest UK day on record . ''
It comes on the day the Met Office warned climate change was exerting an `` increasing impact '' on the UK and data showed an `` undeniable warming trend '' .
The current temperature record was registered at 38.7C ( 101.7F ) at Cambridge University Botanic Gardens last year , while the second hottest day was 10 August 2003 , when the mercury rose to 38.5C ( 101.3F ) in Faversham , Kent .
Friday will see a marked turn in the weather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Met Office adding : `` But it 's not blue skies everywhere .
This afternoon will see cloud increasing in the west and the risk of thunderstorms in the east . ''
So far this month , the highest maximum temperature recorded was 28.5C ( 83.3F ) on July 17 , also at Heathrow Airport .
The UK has already surpassed 100 % of the average monthly rainfall and only experienced two thirds ( 66 % ) of the expected sunshine for an average July , a total of 113.4 hours , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spots on the continent including Ibiza , Lisbon and Berlin fall short of the UK high , reaching 33C ( 91.4F ) , 30C ( 86F ) and 25C ( 77F ) respectively .
Cooler air is on the way for anyone who is not enjoying Friday 's hot spell as the weekend will see a cold front that sweeps the UK in the next 24 hours .
The Met Office said temperatures will be back closer to average tomorrow , but it will still pretty warm in the southeast .
A spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destinations such as Devon and Cornwall will stay `` fresher '' , with temperatures peaking in the mid 20s , and sunseekers in Brighton will enjoy a pleasant 28C high .
But the good weather is expected to be short-lived and will not extend into the three-day `` heatwave territory '' .
Northern Ireland will be caught by a slow moving weather front on Friday , keeping temperatures at a balmy 22C , that will go on to cool the rest of the UK on Saturday .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Brits have packed beaches across the country as temperatures soared to make Friday the third hottest UK day on record.
The mercury hit 37.8C (100F) at London's Heathrow Airport at 2.41pm and also reached 37.3C (99.1F) at Kew Gardens, in west London, the Met Office said.
But as lockdown easing measures were put on hold and the government urging people to maintain social distancing, police were patrolling beaches to ensure rules were being stuck to.
Forecaster Simon Partridge said: "This not only makes it the warmest day of the year, it also makes it the third hottest UK day on record."
It comes on the day the Met Office warned climate change was exerting an "increasing impact" on the UK and data showed an "undeniable warming trend".
The current temperature record was registered at 38.7C (101.7F) at Cambridge University Botanic Gardens last year, while the second hottest day was 10 August 2003, when the mercury rose to 38.5C (101.3F) in Faversham, Kent.
Friday will see a marked turn in the weather in large parts of England, with the Met Office adding: "But it's not blue skies everywhere. This afternoon will see cloud increasing in the west and the risk of thunderstorms in the east."
So far this month, the highest maximum temperature recorded was 28.5C (83.3F) on July 17, also at Heathrow Airport.
The UK has already surpassed 100% of the average monthly rainfall and only experienced two thirds (66%) of the expected sunshine for an average July, a total of 113.4 hours, Met Office figures show.
Popular tourist spots on the continent including Ibiza, Lisbon and Berlin fall short of the UK high, reaching 33C (91.4F), 30C (86F) and 25C (77F) respectively.
Cooler air is on the way for anyone who is not enjoying Friday's hot spell as the weekend will see a cold front that sweeps the UK in the next 24 hours.
The Met Office said temperatures will be back closer to average tomorrow, but it will still pretty warm in the southeast.
A spokesman for the Met added that popular south-coast destinations such as Devon and Cornwall will stay "fresher", with temperatures peaking in the mid 20s, and sunseekers in Brighton will enjoy a pleasant 28C high.
But the good weather is expected to be short-lived and will not extend into the three-day "heatwave territory".
Northern Ireland will be caught by a slow moving weather front on Friday, keeping temperatures at a balmy 22C, that will go on to cool the rest of the UK on Saturday.


birminghammail--2020-08-01--Crime-hit animal sanctuary gets huge security boost

A crime-hit animal sanctuary has been forced to step up security after being repeatedly targeted by cruel thieves during lockdown .
Five animals were stolen from enclosures at Brockswood Animal Sanctuary in Sedgley while it was closed during the coronavirus crisis .
People had also broke in to illegally fish in the ponds .
The callous incidents followed an arson attack in September 2019 , which also forced the not-for-profit sanctuary - which cares for 218 animals - to close temporarily .
Due to losing a huge chunk of income during the pandemic , the sanctuary could not afford to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dudley PCSO Kelly White heard about their plight , she was determined to help .
The officer contacted West Midlands Police 's crime prevention team who were able to enlist the help of several Dudley-based businesses .
Mesh fencing , padlocks and CCTV cameras have all been donated by security companies and social media marketing firm OMG - with goods and services totalling more than £7,000 .
As a result , gaps in the fence line have been plugged and the main gates , paddocks and outbuildings have high security padlocks in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fortified with defender strips and CCTV covers the fishing pool and animal pens .
Neil Swann , of Brockswood Animal Sanctuary , said : “ I ’ m really impressed with the police as they ’ ve managed to secure us a lot of help at no cost to the charity or West Midlands Police - the support from them has been amazing .
“ But most of all I ’ m blown away by the generosity of people living in Dudley and the companies that have donated their products and services .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ security that no animal sanctuary should need , but we are relieved now that we have one less thing to worry about . ''
Inspector Pete Sandhu added : “ We ’ re proud to have helped Brockswood Animal Sanctuary ; they ’ re a valued community asset providing local families with access to animals that they otherwise might not see .
“ The new security measures will undoubtedly prevent further incidents , but the tangible benefits don ’ t stop there .
The kindness of everyone involved has helped to secure the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come , which is fantastic news for everyone in Dudley and the Black Country .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
A crime-hit animal sanctuary has been forced to step up security after being repeatedly targeted by cruel thieves during lockdown.
Five animals were stolen from enclosures at Brockswood Animal Sanctuary in Sedgley while it was closed during the coronavirus crisis.
People had also broke in to illegally fish in the ponds.
The callous incidents followed an arson attack in September 2019, which also forced the not-for-profit sanctuary - which cares for 218 animals - to close temporarily.
Due to losing a huge chunk of income during the pandemic, the sanctuary could not afford to boost their security measures - but when Dudley PCSO Kelly White heard about their plight, she was determined to help.
The officer contacted West Midlands Police's crime prevention team who were able to enlist the help of several Dudley-based businesses.
Mesh fencing, padlocks and CCTV cameras have all been donated by security companies and social media marketing firm OMG - with goods and services totalling more than £7,000.
(Image: WMP)
As a result, gaps in the fence line have been plugged and the main gates, paddocks and outbuildings have high security padlocks in place. The walls and fences have been fortified with defender strips and CCTV covers the fishing pool and animal pens.
Neil Swann, of Brockswood Animal Sanctuary, said: “I’m really impressed with the police as they’ve managed to secure us a lot of help at no cost to the charity or West Midlands Police - the support from them has been amazing.
“But most of all I’m blown away by the generosity of people living in Dudley and the companies that have donated their products and services. Sadly it’s a level of security that no animal sanctuary should need, but we are relieved now that we have one less thing to worry about."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Inspector Pete Sandhu added: “We’re proud to have helped Brockswood Animal Sanctuary; they’re a valued community asset providing local families with access to animals that they otherwise might not see.
“The new security measures will undoubtedly prevent further incidents, but the tangible benefits don’t stop there. The kindness of everyone involved has helped to secure the future of the sanctuary for years to come, which is fantastic news for everyone in Dudley and the Black Country.”


birminghammail--2020-08-01--Lockdown protesters hold Freedom Day in Berlin over coronavirus restrictions

Protesters against coronavirus restrictions have gathered in Berlin for a demonstration titled The End Of The Pandemic - Freedom Day .
It comes amid increasing concern about an upturn in infections in Germany .
A crowd of people whistling and cheering , and with few masks in sight , marched from the Brandenburg Gate on Saturday ahead of a rally on a wide boulevard that runs through the city 's Tiergarten park .
Protesters held up homemade placards featuring slogans that included `` Corona , false alarm '' , `` We are being forced to wear a muzzle '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some chanted : `` We 're here and we 're loud , because we are being robbed of our freedom . ''
Demonstrations against restrictions this year have drawn a variety of people , including some conspiracy theorists and right-wing populists .
People came from various parts of Germany for Saturday 's protest .
Germany 's management of the pandemic has widely been viewed as relatively successful , with a lower death rate than comparable countries .
The country has been easing lockdown measures since late April but social-distancing rules remain in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear masks in public transport and shops .
Infection figures have crept up over the past few weeks and officials have warned against complacency .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Protesters against coronavirus restrictions have gathered in Berlin for a demonstration titled The End Of The Pandemic - Freedom Day.
It comes amid increasing concern about an upturn in infections in Germany.
A crowd of people whistling and cheering, and with few masks in sight, marched from the Brandenburg Gate on Saturday ahead of a rally on a wide boulevard that runs through the city's Tiergarten park.
Protesters held up homemade placards featuring slogans that included "Corona, false alarm", "We are being forced to wear a muzzle" and "Natural defence instead of vaccination".
Some chanted: "We're here and we're loud, because we are being robbed of our freedom."
Demonstrations against restrictions this year have drawn a variety of people, including some conspiracy theorists and right-wing populists.
People came from various parts of Germany for Saturday's protest.
Germany's management of the pandemic has widely been viewed as relatively successful, with a lower death rate than comparable countries.
The country has been easing lockdown measures since late April but social-distancing rules remain in place, as does a requirement to wear masks in public transport and shops.
Infection figures have crept up over the past few weeks and officials have warned against complacency.


birminghammail--2020-08-01--'I'm desperate!' - Wolves fans share mixed feelings on Arsenal v Chelsea

Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters will be watching the FA Cup final with interest on Saturday evening .
Arsenal take on Chelsea at the Wembley showpiece , and the result could have repercussions for Wolves as far as their European aspirations are concerned .
Having finished seventh in the Premier League , Wolves know that an Arsenal triumph in the final would deny them a Europa League spot next term .
The Gunners finished eighth but would take Wolves ’ spot in the competition if they emerged with the silverware .
A win for Chelsea , who have already qualified for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ football at Molineux .
Wolves , of course , have still to complete their own campaign this month ; they will do battle against Olympiacos in the second leg of their last 16 tie next week , and should they go all the way in the competition they ’ ll become a fifth English team in next term ’ s Champions League .
In the meantime , it ’ s all eyes on a London derby at the Home of Football .
Here ’ s what the Wolves fans have said .
Paddington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the league didn ’ t they ?
One off match so coin toss in my mind .
Going to watch in hope rather than the expectation of last year .
Lycan : I ’ ve got a feeling that Arsenal will win as well .
They ’ ve been inconsistent since the restart but overall I ’ ve been quite impressed with them under Arteta .
Sycophantia : Cup final could go either way , both teams have been inconsistent , maybe Chelsea slightly less so .
They seem to be 2 decent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , would be looking forward to watching this if it didn ’ t have such an effect on our season Premier Quality : I ’ ve loved Europe this season , and the players have clearly loved it too - I ’ m desperate for us to qualify again for next season !
Kenny : UEFA confirm 8 Premier League clubs will compete in Europe next season - only if Wolves win Europa League & Arsenal win FA Cup NorthWestWolf : Wouldn ’ t be against Arsenal winning it .
Who knows what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free season .
Oldskooldayz : It ’ s for the best if we don ’ t have to go through Europa qualifying again on top of the knockout tournament in August .
The players will need a break .
The only way we could cope with the extra games and such a short close season would be sign 4/5 players on top of what we ’ ve already got and I just can ’ t see that happening .
JOSWolf : Chelski fan at the weekend it is then !
Be just our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well when they failed so badly against Vile .
Metal Wolf 89 : It ’ s not about deserving , it ’ s about earning the right .
Truth is we didn ’ t do enough to guarantee European football .
Yes it ’ s been great so far , however if we don ’ t get it at least the players can rest better next season and hopefully do better in the league and domestic competitions .
Monketron : 2nd year in a row we go into the FA Cup final like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team before ?
WolvesAyWe : As much as I ’ ve enjoyed the Europa cup I ’ d rather not be in it from the qualifying stages and just have a proper tilt at the league .
Mrs E : It ’ sa lot more of an even contest this season .
Arsenal will want it more it ’ s there only chance of getting into Europe .
Chelsea maybe more relaxed .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters will be watching the FA Cup final with interest on Saturday evening.
Arsenal take on Chelsea at the Wembley showpiece, and the result could have repercussions for Wolves as far as their European aspirations are concerned.
Having finished seventh in the Premier League, Wolves know that an Arsenal triumph in the final would deny them a Europa League spot next term. The Gunners finished eighth but would take Wolves’ spot in the competition if they emerged with the silverware.
A win for Chelsea, who have already qualified for the Champions League, would keep Europa League football at Molineux.
Wolves, of course, have still to complete their own campaign this month; they will do battle against Olympiacos in the second leg of their last 16 tie next week, and should they go all the way in the competition they’ll become a fifth English team in next term’s Champions League.
In the meantime, it’s all eyes on a London derby at the Home of Football. Here’s what the Wolves fans have said.
Wolves fans on the FA Cup final
Paddington Wolf: Chelsea ripped Arsenal up in the league didn’t they? One off match so coin toss in my mind. Going to watch in hope rather than the expectation of last year.
Lycan : I’ve got a feeling that Arsenal will win as well. They’ve been inconsistent since the restart but overall I’ve been quite impressed with them under Arteta.
Sycophantia : Cup final could go either way, both teams have been inconsistent, maybe Chelsea slightly less so. They seem to be 2 decent young managers, could go either way, would be looking forward to watching this if it didn’t have such an effect on our season
Premier Quality: I’ve loved Europe this season, and the players have clearly loved it too - I’m desperate for us to qualify again for next season!
Kenny : UEFA confirm 8 Premier League clubs will compete in Europe next season - only if Wolves win Europa League & Arsenal win FA Cup
NorthWestWolf : Wouldn’t be against Arsenal winning it. Who knows what this squad could do with a Europa free season.
Oldskooldayz : It’s for the best if we don’t have to go through Europa qualifying again on top of the knockout tournament in August. The players will need a break. The only way we could cope with the extra games and such a short close season would be sign 4/5 players on top of what we’ve already got and I just can’t see that happening.
(Image: PA)
JOSWolf : Chelski fan at the weekend it is then! Be just our luck if Arsenal turn up and play well when they failed so badly against Vile.
Metal Wolf 89 : It’s not about deserving, it’s about earning the right. Truth is we didn’t do enough to guarantee European football. Yes it’s been great so far, however if we don’t get it at least the players can rest better next season and hopefully do better in the league and domestic competitions.
Monketron : 2nd year in a row we go into the FA Cup final like this, has that happened to a team before?
WolvesAyWe : As much as I’ve enjoyed the Europa cup I’d rather not be in it from the qualifying stages and just have a proper tilt at the league.
Mrs E : It’sa lot more of an even contest this season. Arsenal will want it more it’s there only chance of getting into Europe. Chelsea maybe more relaxed.


birminghammail--2020-08-01--Who are Cazoo? The story behind Aston Villa's new shirt sponsors

Aston Villa have released their new home kit for the 2020-21 season and there is one big difference to the strip they wore for the previous campaign .
On the front of the shirt is the name of the company Cazoo , which replaces betting firm W88 .
Cazoo are making inroads into football sponsorship and have recently joined up with Villa 's Premier League rivals Everton .
Villa released their new home strip today with Kappa manufacturing the shirt , shorts and socks for another season after taking over from Luke Roper one year ago .
Cazoo and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the Villa badge is smartly done .
But just who are Cazoo ?
We 've done some digging and got the inside track on the used car dealership .
The brains behind the online car seller is serial entrepreneur Alex Chesterman , the man who co-founded LoveFilm and the creator of house-hunting site Zoopla .
LoveFilm , which changed the DVD market , was sold to Amazon for a reported £200m while Zoopla was bought by technology investors Silver Lake ( who paid £500m for around a 10 % stake in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reported £2.2bn .
Chesterman founded Cazoo in 2018 but launched the company late last year and a recent press release values the company at around £800m .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here The 50-year-old is said to have raised almost £200m in investment for Cazoo which currently stocks in the region of 1,500 used cars to buy , or finance , online .
Cazoo say they can deliver cars to your door in as little as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money back guarantee to try the vehicle out .
The company has premises in Corby where they recondition all the cars they buy in before posting to their website and in trying to shake-up the car buying business are described as a `` disruptor brand '' .
The partnership , part of an extensive marketing campaign by Cazoo to accelerate online car buying , will commence at the start of the 20/21 season and will also see Cazoo branding featured throughout Villa Park , on official club merchandise and across the club ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chesterman OBE , founder and chief executive of Cazoo said : `` We 're delighted to be partnering with Aston Villa and supporting the club 's men 's and women 's sides as well as their academy and charitable efforts .
`` We are looking forward to next season and working closely with the Club as we make Cazoo a household name by reinventing the used car buying experience and providing the best selection , value , quality and convenience for UK car buyers . ''
Nicola Ibbetson , the club 's chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are immensely proud to have partnered with one of the fastest growing businesses in the UK and Cazoo 's commitment to a partnership with Aston Villa provides both parties with an opportunity to work together for many years to come .
`` Alongside several planned activations and fan engagement activities , all generations of Villa fans will be able to wear replica shirts that faithfully resemble those of their on-pitch heroes with the Cazoo branding appearing on all replica kit . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Steve Wollaston, Phil Kirkbride, Richard Cusack)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Aston Villa have released their new home kit for the 2020-21 season and there is one big difference to the strip they wore for the previous campaign.
On the front of the shirt is the name of the company Cazoo, which replaces betting firm W88.
Cazoo are making inroads into football sponsorship and have recently joined up with Villa's Premier League rivals Everton.
Villa released their new home strip today with Kappa manufacturing the shirt, shorts and socks for another season after taking over from Luke Roper one year ago.
Cazoo and the Kappa logos adorn the shirt in white while the Villa badge is smartly done.
But just who are Cazoo? We've done some digging and got the inside track on the used car dealership.
Cazoo who?
The brains behind the online car seller is serial entrepreneur Alex Chesterman, the man who co-founded LoveFilm and the creator of house-hunting site Zoopla.
LoveFilm, which changed the DVD market, was sold to Amazon for a reported £200m while Zoopla was bought by technology investors Silver Lake (who paid £500m for around a 10% stake in the City Football Group last year) for a reported £2.2bn.
Chesterman founded Cazoo in 2018 but launched the company late last year and a recent press release values the company at around £800m.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
The 50-year-old is said to have raised almost £200m in investment for Cazoo which currently stocks in the region of 1,500 used cars to buy, or finance, online.
Cazoo say they can deliver cars to your door in as little as 72 hours and give customers a seven-day money back guarantee to try the vehicle out.
The company has premises in Corby where they recondition all the cars they buy in before posting to their website and in trying to shake-up the car buying business are described as a "disruptor brand".
The partnership, part of an extensive marketing campaign by Cazoo to accelerate online car buying, will commence at the start of the 20/21 season and will also see Cazoo branding featured throughout Villa Park, on official club merchandise and across the club’s website and media backdrops.
Alex Chesterman OBE, founder and chief executive of Cazoo said: "We're delighted to be partnering with Aston Villa and supporting the club's men's and women's sides as well as their academy and charitable efforts.
"We are looking forward to next season and working closely with the Club as we make Cazoo a household name by reinventing the used car buying experience and providing the best selection, value, quality and convenience for UK car buyers."
Nicola Ibbetson, the club's chief commercial officer, added: "We are immensely proud to have partnered with one of the fastest growing businesses in the UK and Cazoo's commitment to a partnership with Aston Villa provides both parties with an opportunity to work together for many years to come.
"Alongside several planned activations and fan engagement activities, all generations of Villa fans will be able to wear replica shirts that faithfully resemble those of their on-pitch heroes with the Cazoo branding appearing on all replica kit."


birminghammail--2020-08-01--Police issue video appeal after residents 'conned out of £80'

Police have released footage of a man they want to trace as part of their investigations into a potential gardening con in Solihull .
The occupants of a house in Lyndon Road claim they were conned out of £80 after a 'promise of completing work to their garden was made ' .
It happened just before 1pm on Thursday July 23 .
Solihull Police have released this footage from a video doorbell , which they have gathered as part of their inquiries into the resident 's complaint .
It shows a man ringing the doorbell and then talking to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help in tracing the man in the footage as they believe he may have information about the offence .
Solihull Police said : `` Do you recognise this man ?
`` We want to speak to him after occupants of a house on Lyndon Road , Solihull , were conned out of £80 after a promise of completing garden work was made just before 1pm on Thursday 23 July . ''
They said anyone with information is information is asked to contact police via its online Live Chat facility between 8am and midnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can also be given anonymously via Crimestopper on 0800 555 111 .
Anyone calling with information is asked to quote crime reference 20SH/175010D/20 .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from MySolihull straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from MySolihull straight to your inbox
Police have released footage of a man they want to trace as part of their investigations into a potential gardening con in Solihull.
The occupants of a house in Lyndon Road claim they were conned out of £80 after a 'promise of completing work to their garden was made'.
It happened just before 1pm on Thursday July 23.
Solihull Police have released this footage from a video doorbell, which they have gathered as part of their inquiries into the resident's complaint.
(Image: West Midlands Police)
It shows a man ringing the doorbell and then talking to the occupants.
They are now appealing for help in tracing the man in the footage as they believe he may have information about the offence.
Solihull Police said: "Do you recognise this man?
"We want to speak to him after occupants of a house on Lyndon Road, Solihull, were conned out of £80 after a promise of completing garden work was made just before 1pm on Thursday 23 July."
They said anyone with information is information is asked to contact police via its online Live Chat facility between 8am and midnight, or by calling101 anytime.
Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestopper on 0800 555 111.
Anyone calling with information is asked to quote crime reference 20SH/175010D/20.


birminghammail--2020-08-01--Pubs could be forced to close again so schools can reopen fully in September

Pubs could be forced to close so that schools can reopen fully in September .
Experts say the relaxation of lockdown rules is `` near the limit '' .
That would mean another sector of society has to be shut down when schools open up again .
A rise in infections among young people has added further concerns .
Professor Graham Medley , a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) , said ministers might have to consider closing pubs in England in order for lessons to start again next month .
Boris Johnson has previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will return in September `` with full attendance '' .
But , following chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty 's prediction that the country was `` near the limit '' for opening up society following the coronavirus lockdown , Prof Medley said a `` trade off '' might have to be made to ensure full-time education could resume .
The warning came as the Prime Minister announced a slow down of the lockdown easing , with planned relaxations for the leisure and beauty sectors delayed after a rise in Covid-19 cases was recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shut for schools to reopen , Prof Medley , chairman of the Sage sub-group on pandemic modelling , told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` I think that 's quite possible .
`` I think we 're in a situation whereby most people think that opening schools is a priority for the health and wellbeing of children and that when we do that we are going to reconnect lots of households .
`` And so actually , closing some of the other networks , some of the other activities may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open schools .
`` It might come down to a question of which do you trade off against each other and then that 's a matter of prioritising , do we think pubs are more important than schools ? ''
Labour shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth told Sky News it should be a `` national priority to get our children back into school '' and that the country had to do `` all we can '' to suppress the virus over August .
Meanwhile , businesses expecting to reopen in England have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government , despite the furlough scheme preventing job losses starting to wind down on Saturday .
Bowling alleys and other leisure venues were scheduled to welcome customers on Saturday for the first time since the March lockdown was brought in , while small wedding receptions and indoor performances were set to resume .
Close-contact services in beauty salons , such as facials and make-up application , were also due to recommence but the Prime Minister delayed the measures for at least a fortnight , just as employers start paying National Insurance and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having to contribute to their salaries next month .
Labour has warned that bosses have been left with the `` stark choice '' of laying off staff or pay a `` hefty financial burden '' of keeping them in employment unless the Government adopts a more flexible approach .
Mr Johnson told a Downing Street press conference on Friday he needed to `` squeeze the brake pedal '' on easing restrictions amid signs Covid-19 's prevalence in the community was rising for the first time since May .
Prof Medley , a London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said the increase in positive diagnoses was mainly among young people .
`` The age distribution of infections has changed , it has moved down into younger age groups and so it is likely we wo n't see that increase in hospital admissions related to infection in the same way we did in March , '' he told the BBC .
`` But the big fear is the virus just gets out of control and we end up in a situation where there is so much virus that it inevitably spills out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The news came after local lockdown measures were announced this week for parts of the north-west of England and areas of west Yorkshire , banning people from different households meeting indoors or in gardens following a spike in virus cases .
The new rules also banned members of two different households from mixing in pubs , restaurants and other hospitality venues , but these businesses will remain open for those visiting individually or from the same household .
Experts have warned that the Office for National Statistics ' report of an increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus in England , with more than 4,000 new cases thought to be occurring daily last week , meant more local lockdowns , including travel restrictions , could be reimposed .
Sage attendee Professor John Edmunds said there were `` worrying signs that require action to be taken to reverse the trend '' .
Dr Konstantin Blyuss , a reader in mathematics at the University of Sussex , said : `` Since this infection is mostly spread through direct human contact , it looks unavoidable that , at least locally in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the lockdown measures , and potentially some additional restrictions on travel between regions may have to be reintroduced . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Pubs could be forced to close again so that schools can reopen fully in September.
Experts say the relaxation of lockdown rules is "near the limit".
That would mean another sector of society has to be shut down when schools open up again.
A rise in infections among young people has added further concerns.
Professor Graham Medley, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said ministers might have to consider closing pubs in England in order for lessons to start again next month.
Boris Johnson has previously pledged that both primary and secondary schools will return in September "with full attendance".
But, following chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty's prediction that the country was "near the limit" for opening up society following the coronavirus lockdown, Prof Medley said a "trade off" might have to be made to ensure full-time education could resume.
The warning came as the Prime Minister announced a slow down of the lockdown easing, with planned relaxations for the leisure and beauty sectors delayed after a rise in Covid-19 cases was recorded.
When asked whether pubs could have to shut for schools to reopen, Prof Medley, chairman of the Sage sub-group on pandemic modelling, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I think that's quite possible.
"I think we're in a situation whereby most people think that opening schools is a priority for the health and wellbeing of children and that when we do that we are going to reconnect lots of households.
"And so actually, closing some of the other networks, some of the other activities may well be required to enable us to open schools.
"It might come down to a question of which do you trade off against each other and then that's a matter of prioritising, do we think pubs are more important than schools?"
Labour shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth told Sky News it should be a "national priority to get our children back into school" and that the country had to do "all we can" to suppress the virus over August.
Meanwhile, businesses expecting to reopen in England have been told to keep their shutters down by the Government, despite the furlough scheme preventing job losses starting to wind down on Saturday.
Bowling alleys and other leisure venues were scheduled to welcome customers on Saturday for the first time since the March lockdown was brought in, while small wedding receptions and indoor performances were set to resume.
Close-contact services in beauty salons, such as facials and make-up application, were also due to recommence but the Prime Minister delayed the measures for at least a fortnight, just as employers start paying National Insurance and pension contributions for furloughed staff, before having to contribute to their salaries next month.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Labour has warned that bosses have been left with the "stark choice" of laying off staff or pay a "hefty financial burden" of keeping them in employment unless the Government adopts a more flexible approach.
Mr Johnson told a Downing Street press conference on Friday he needed to "squeeze the brake pedal" on easing restrictions amid signs Covid-19's prevalence in the community was rising for the first time since May.
Prof Medley, a London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine academic, said the increase in positive diagnoses was mainly among young people.
"The age distribution of infections has changed, it has moved down into younger age groups and so it is likely we won't see that increase in hospital admissions related to infection in the same way we did in March," he told the BBC.
"But the big fear is the virus just gets out of control and we end up in a situation where there is so much virus that it inevitably spills out into all sections of the population."
The news came after local lockdown measures were announced this week for parts of the north-west of England and areas of west Yorkshire, banning people from different households meeting indoors or in gardens following a spike in virus cases.
The new rules also banned members of two different households from mixing in pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues, but these businesses will remain open for those visiting individually or from the same household.
Experts have warned that the Office for National Statistics' report of an increase in the number of people testing positive for coronavirus in England, with more than 4,000 new cases thought to be occurring daily last week, meant more local lockdowns, including travel restrictions, could be reimposed.
Sage attendee Professor John Edmunds said there were "worrying signs that require action to be taken to reverse the trend".
Dr Konstantin Blyuss, a reader in mathematics at the University of Sussex, said: "Since this infection is mostly spread through direct human contact, it looks unavoidable that, at least locally in the regions exhibiting highest growth in cases, some of the lockdown measures, and potentially some additional restrictions on travel between regions may have to be reintroduced."


birminghammail--2020-08-01--Barbara Windsor moved into care home as Alzheimer's disease worsens

The husband of Barbara Windsor has revealed she has now gone into a residential care home after her Alzheimer 's disease worsened .
Scott Mitchell said in June he knew the 82-year-old actress would need full-time care at some point .
But it was a painful moment when it arrived , he told The Sun .
Her neurologist advised Scott to tell her that she needed to go somewhere for a few days while doctors changed her medication .
Scott told The Sun : `` I feel I ’ m on an emotional rollercoaster .
I walk around , trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tears .
It feels like a bereavement .
`` It ’ s always been my biggest fear , that one day I would have to take her somewhere and she ’ d be thinking 'Why would he do this to me ? '
`` That fear has become a reality .
It ’ s something I never wanted . ''
The EastEnders star was placed into the London care home two weeks ago after caring for her at home became increasingly difficult .
She blew kisses to the other residents when she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact as she had to self-isolate for two weeks because of Covid rules .
Scott put pictures and posters up in her room to try to help her feel more at home .
But he said : `` She still seems unsettled and , in her lucid moments , I can see she ’ s worked out this isn ’ t temporary .
`` She ’ s still thinking and saying I ’ ve let her down .
Of course that ’ s a painful thing to hear , but I know it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaking . ''
He revealed how her condition had worsened during lockdown .
`` The easiest way for me to explain lockdown to Barbara was to tell her that the theatres had to close down , '' said Scott .
“ But she would forget the conversation and I ’ d have to keep telling her .
I could see she was having complete blanks .
She ’ d be looking around the room , full of everything that belongs to her , and I could tell it was completely alien to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her to the home , she looked at me quizzically and said 'You ’ re very nice , ' then 'What ’ s your name again ? '
''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
The husband of Barbara Windsor has revealed she has now gone into a residential care home after her Alzheimer's disease worsened.
Scott Mitchell said in June he knew the 82-year-old actress would need full-time care at some point.
But it was a painful moment when it arrived, he told The Sun.
Her neurologist advised Scott to tell her that she needed to go somewhere for a few days while doctors changed her medication.
(Image: PA)
Scott told The Sun : "I feel I’m on an emotional rollercoaster. I walk around, trying to keep busy, then burst in to tears. It feels like a bereavement.
"It’s always been my biggest fear, that one day I would have to take her somewhere and she’d be thinking 'Why would he do this to me?'
"That fear has become a reality. It’s something I never wanted."
The EastEnders star was placed into the London care home two weeks ago after caring for her at home became increasingly difficult.
She blew kisses to the other residents when she arrived but was unable to have close contact as she had to self-isolate for two weeks because of Covid rules.
Scott put pictures and posters up in her room to try to help her feel more at home.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
But he said: "She still seems unsettled and, in her lucid moments, I can see she’s worked out this isn’t temporary.
"She’s still thinking and saying I’ve let her down. Of course that’s a painful thing to hear, but I know it’s not the Barbara I know speaking."
He revealed how her condition had worsened during lockdown.
"The easiest way for me to explain lockdown to Barbara was to tell her that the theatres had to close down," said Scott.
“But she would forget the conversation and I’d have to keep telling her. I could see she was having complete blanks. She’d be looking around the room, full of everything that belongs to her, and I could tell it was completely alien to her.
“Two nights before I took her to the home, she looked at me quizzically and said 'You’re very nice,' then 'What’s your name again?'"


birminghammail--2020-08-01--'Smashed it' - Albion fans make one request after away kit reveal

West Brom have unveiled their new away kit ahead of their return to the Premier League .
Having revealed that they ’ ve revived the classic ‘ barcode ’ design for the 2020-21 home strip , which has been once again produced by manufacturers Puma , the new away number is also of that design - while Albion will wear yellow and green on the road in the top flight for the first time since 2002-03 .
Indeed the kit has an air of the strip worn by Albion ten years even before that , when they secured promotion to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory over Port Vale .
Albion dropped the kit on their social media channels on Saturday morning , with Baggies skipper Jake Livermore modelling the new threads , complete with green shorts - which replace the yellow worn by the club this past season - and yellow socks .
The consensus amongst the fanbase is that the latest offering from Puma is an overwhelming success .
Some did , though , point out how much they 'd love a red and yellow barcoded third strip , a la '93 .
Ultimate Orion : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we don ’ t do too bad when it comes to kits Damian Mackenzie : Much as I ’ m loving the # wba return to barcode kits I can ’ t be the only one slightly disappointed it ’ s not yellow and red .
LeeIrv14 : The new kit ’ s nice and all that ... but nobody is talking about how Livermore went to @ chazaustin10 ’ s barbers to prepare for the photoshoot .
That ’ s commitment BewdleyBaggie : God damn you !
I just bought the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too !
!
!
Blackers : Not really a fan of the barcode kits , but that away shirt is a beauty .
Neil Burns : Wasn ’ t overly keen on the new home shirt but it ’ s growing on me but the away shirt is amazing .
If you want to follow all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com Jon Pearson : Lots of nice new kits then @ WBA smashes everyone out the park James Mullaney : Massive thanks to everyone @ WBA , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amazing kits for us , not just this season but the past two as well .
Replacing Adidas with Puma was a brilliant call .
Adam : Both home and away tops this year .
Smashed it again Albion Pagie03 : Just need a third kit in red and yellow to complete the set

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Albion manager latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Albion manager latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
West Brom have unveiled their new away kit ahead of their return to the Premier League.
Having revealed that they’ve revived the classic ‘barcode’ design for the 2020-21 home strip, which has been once again produced by manufacturers Puma, the new away number is also of that design - while Albion will wear yellow and green on the road in the top flight for the first time since 2002-03.
Indeed the kit has an air of the strip worn by Albion ten years even before that, when they secured promotion to Division One with a Wembley play-off final victory over Port Vale.
Albion dropped the kit on their social media channels on Saturday morning, with Baggies skipper Jake Livermore modelling the new threads, complete with green shorts - which replace the yellow worn by the club this past season - and yellow socks.
The consensus amongst the fanbase is that the latest offering from Puma is an overwhelming success.
Some did, though, point out how much they'd love a red and yellow barcoded third strip, a la '93.
Albion fans react to away kit release
Ultimate Orion: I’ll tell you what boys, we don’t do too bad when it comes to kits
Damian Mackenzie : Much as I’m loving the #wba return to barcode kits I can’t be the only one slightly disappointed it’s not yellow and red.
LeeIrv14 : The new kit’s nice and all that... but nobody is talking about how Livermore went to @chazaustin10’s barbers to prepare for the photoshoot. That’s commitment
BewdleyBaggie : God damn you! I just bought the home one now I want the beauty too!!!
Blackers : Not really a fan of the barcode kits, but that away shirt is a beauty.
Neil Burns: Wasn’t overly keen on the new home shirt but it’s growing on me but the away shirt is amazing.
Jon Pearson: Lots of nice new kits then @WBA smashes everyone out the park
Matt : @PUMA Have absolutely smashed each Albion kit
James Mullaney: Massive thanks to everyone @WBA, @PUMA, @pumafootball on some amazing kits for us, not just this season but the past two as well. Replacing Adidas with Puma was a brilliant call.
Adam : Both home and away tops this year. Smashed it again Albion
Pagie03: Just need a third kit in red and yellow to complete the set


birminghammail--2020-08-01--How to pre-order new Aston Villa kit and Villa Park store opening times

Aston Villa have released their new kit for the 2020-21 season .
Dean Smith 's men will ply their trade in a second Premier League season in another smart Kappa number .
This time the shirt , which will have used car dealership Cazoo as its main sponsor after the company struck a deal with Villa , features a smart claret and blue separation .
Blue adorns the neck , shoulders and arms area while claret makes up the main body of the shirt .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strip is completed by white shorts and blue socks .
Villa fans wo n't have to wait too long to see their heroes back in League action , with the season set to start again next month and it 's even less time until the new strip comes out .
Fans can pre-order the strip now and it will be available to buy from the Villa Park store from August 8 .
The store is extending its opening hours and will be open from 9am until 6pm .
Also released is the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on show .
`` The smart Kappa design showcases traditional blue sleeves with a modern twist going up to the neckline , while a blue seam continues vertically under the arms of the jersey , '' the club 's description of the shirt says .
`` All shirts will carry a highly detailed silicone crest , across both Standard and Pro editions , with the club ’ s iconic lion proudly displayed at the top of the reverse . ''
`` It is accompanied by ‘ Part of the Pride ’ in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main body of the design . ''

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Aston Villa have released their new kit for the 2020-21 season.
Dean Smith's men will ply their trade in a second Premier League season in another smart Kappa number.
This time the shirt, which will have used car dealership Cazoo as its main sponsor after the company struck a deal with Villa, features a smart claret and blue separation.
Blue adorns the neck, shoulders and arms area while claret makes up the main body of the shirt.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
The strip is completed by white shorts and blue socks.
Villa fans won't have to wait too long to see their heroes back in League action, with the season set to start again next month and it's even less time until the new strip comes out.
Fans can pre-order the strip now and it will be available to buy from the Villa Park store from August 8.
The store is extending its opening hours and will be open from 9am until 6pm.
Also released is the new season's training-wear with some smart numbers on show.
"The smart Kappa design showcases traditional blue sleeves with a modern twist going up to the neckline, while a blue seam continues vertically under the arms of the jersey," the club's description of the shirt says.
"All shirts will carry a highly detailed silicone crest, across both Standard and Pro editions, with the club’s iconic lion proudly displayed at the top of the reverse."
"It is accompanied by ‘Part of the Pride’ in the neckline and subtle black pinstripes running through the main body of the design."


birminghammail--2020-08-01--Man in serious condition after being shot in the leg

Police are investigating after a man was shot on a Black Country housing estate today ( Saturday ) .
The victim was discovered in a road in Oldbury just before 5am on Saturday , August 1 .
He had been shot in the leg and was taken to hospital where he is said to be in a 'serious but stable ' condition .
Police were called to Badsey Road , on the Lion Farm estate , at 4.50am .
The scene is at the junction with Shelsley Avenue junction and is next to St James C of E Primary School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene was still cordoned off , with a couple of police vans guarding it .
There was also a team of officers combing the pavements for evidence .
Residents have spoken of their shock at the incident - but one said he was `` not surprised '' .
The 52-year-old man , who only wanted to be known as Paul , told BlackCountryLive : `` I never heard nothing , I only found out when I went in the shop this morning .
“ People say it ’ s a rough area , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here , I ’ ve lived here 34 years .
“ It doesn ’ t really surprise me , but I suppose I am a little bit shocked .
`` You see them hanging around on the street corners.
” Buses which serve that area are also currently being diverted , with routes 3 , 3A and 20 being affected .
Police have said the victim 's injuries are not thought to be life threatening and he 's recovering in hospital .
The roads around the cordon remain sealed off .
A West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re currently at the scene of an incident that happened in Badsey Road , Oldbury , earlier this morning ( 1 August ) .
`` A man has been shot in the leg and taken to hospital .
He ’ s in a serious but stable condition and his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening .
`` The road is closed so that forensic investigators and officers can carry out a search of the area . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jane Tyler, Kelly Ashmore)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Police are investigating after a man was shot on a Black Country housing estate today (Saturday).
The victim was discovered in a road in Oldbury just before 5am on Saturday, August 1.
He had been shot in the leg and was taken to hospital where he is said to be in a 'serious but stable' condition.
Police were called to Badsey Road, on the Lion Farm estate, at 4.50am. The scene is at the junction with Shelsley Avenue junction and is next to St James C of E Primary School.
By late morning on Saturday the scene was still cordoned off, with a couple of police vans guarding it. There was also a team of officers combing the pavements for evidence.
Residents have spoken of their shock at the incident - but one said he was "not surprised".
The 52-year-old man, who only wanted to be known as Paul, told BlackCountryLive: "I never heard nothing, I only found out when I went in the shop this morning.
“People say it’s a rough area, but it’s normally quiet around here, I’ve lived here 34 years.
“It doesn’t really surprise me, but I suppose I am a little bit shocked.
"You see them hanging around on the street corners.”
Buses which serve that area are also currently being diverted, with routes 3, 3A and 20 being affected.
Police have said the victim's injuries are not thought to be life threatening and he's recovering in hospital. The roads around the cordon remain sealed off.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "We’re currently at the scene of an incident that happened in Badsey Road, Oldbury, earlier this morning (1 August).
"A man has been shot in the leg and taken to hospital. He’s in a serious but stable condition and his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
"The road is closed so that forensic investigators and officers can carry out a search of the area."