birminghammail--2020-04-23--Big Night In on BBC One - every celebrity appearing tonight

BBC Children In Need and Comic Relief are joining together for the first time in a special televised event .
The huge show , airing on BBC One , is attempting to do its bit for the fight against Covid-19 , raising money for those affected by the coronavirus outbreak .
Organisers say the huge show `` will celebrate the British public 's community spirit and resilience '' and it will also offer a star-studded distraction to the lockdown with a number of surprise guests .
Prince William , Peter Kay and Matt Lucas are three of the stars to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be on the show throughout the night , said : “ We want to shine a light on the amazing things communities are doing and keep you entertained whilst you ca n't leave your homes .
`` Both charities will be supporting a huge number of smaller charities and projects that will be protecting the most vulnerable people in society , so it ’ s going to be a brilliant night for a great cause.
” Catherine Tate said : “ Everyone does what they can and we are a most generous nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our pockets and it is important and wonderful .
“ I think it is always good to have a laugh and it has become very important in this strange time we find ourselves in.
” David Walliams and Matt Lucas will perform , and Dawn French returns as The Vicar of Dibley and Catherine Tate ’ s rude schoolgirl Lauren Cooper has a very special lesson .
Other returning shows include Bad Education with Jack Whitehall and special guest boxer Anthony Joshua and a sketch from sitcom People Just Do Nothing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the return of Peter Kay , on screen for the first time in several years .
Doctor Who fans will be pleased to hear the Timelord is getting involved .
Doctors including Tom Baker , Peter Davison , Colin Baker , David Tennant , Matt Smith , Peter Capaldi and Jodie Whittaker will thank all frontline workers shortly before the weekly national Clap For Carers at 8pm .
Ian Beale will try to organise a Queen Vic virtual pub quiz on Zoom and there ’ ll be a comedy keep-fit routine from Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and scouts on an indoor 240,000-mile hike between the Earth and Moon from their own homes .
Other highlights include Strictly Come Dancing ’ s professionals performing a special routine , Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon in The Trip , Romesh Ranganathan ’ s Isolation Diary , Sam Smith singing Lay Me Down and Matt Lucas doing his Baked Potato song , with music from the BBC Orchestra .
Miranda Hart and the cast of sitcom Miranda in self-isolation * The Vicar of Dibley ’ s Lockdown Sermon with Dawn French * Foo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the TV premier of a new BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge version of Times * Catherine Tate and David Tennant - Lauren Cooper the ‘ Am I Bovvered ’ teenager gets home-schooled * Matt Lucas and his ‘ Baked Potato ’ song with music from the BBC Orchestra * Jack Whitehall in Bad Education with Matthew Horne and heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua * People Just Do Nothing * EastEnders Queen Vic virtual pub quiz hosted by Ian Beale * Peter Kay and the British Public remake of ‘ Amarillo ’ * Stand-up sets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jones , Tez Ilyas , Dane Baptiste , Russell Kane , The Lost Voice Guy , Nish Kumar and more * Gary Barlow is joined by friends including Liam Payne , Olly Murs , Leona Lewis , Nicole Scherzinger , Freya Ridings , Katherine Jenkins , Alfie Boe , Gregory Porter and more performing ’ Sing ’ * Mary Berry , Little Mix and MANY other special guests .

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BBC Children In Need and Comic Relief are joining together for the first time in a special televised event.
The huge show, airing on BBC One, is attempting to do its bit for the fight against Covid-19, raising money for those affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
Organisers say the huge show "will celebrate the British public's community spirit and resilience" and it will also offer a star-studded distraction to the lockdown with a number of surprise guests.
Prince William, Peter Kay and Matt Lucas are three of the stars to appear.
(Image: BBC)
Presenters tonight will include Lenny Henry, Matt Baker, Zoe Ball, Davina McCall and Paddy McGuinness.
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Lenny Henry, who will be on the show throughout the night, said: “We want to shine a light on the amazing things communities are doing and keep you entertained whilst you can't leave your homes.
"Both charities will be supporting a huge number of smaller charities and projects that will be protecting the most vulnerable people in society, so it’s going to be a brilliant night for a great cause.”
(Image: PA)
Catherine Tate said: “Everyone does what they can and we are a most generous nation. We do keep putting our hands in our pockets and it is important and wonderful.
“I think it is always good to have a laugh and it has become very important in this strange time we find ourselves in.”
(Image: PA)
David Walliams and Matt Lucas will perform, and Dawn French returns as The Vicar of Dibley and Catherine Tate’s rude schoolgirl Lauren Cooper has a very special lesson.
Other returning shows include Bad Education with Jack Whitehall and special guest boxer Anthony Joshua and a sketch from sitcom People Just Do Nothing.
One of the biggest moments will be the return of Peter Kay, on screen for the first time in several years.
Doctor Who fans will be pleased to hear the Timelord is getting involved.
Doctors including Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi and Jodie Whittaker will thank all frontline workers shortly before the weekly national Clap For Carers at 8pm.
Ian Beale will try to organise a Queen Vic virtual pub quiz on Zoom and there’ll be a comedy keep-fit routine from Joe Wicks.
Bear Grylls will lead cubs and scouts on an indoor 240,000-mile hike between the Earth and Moon from their own homes.
Other highlights include Strictly Come Dancing ’s professionals performing a special routine, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon in The Trip, Romesh Ranganathan’s Isolation Diary, Sam Smith singing Lay Me Down and Matt Lucas doing his Baked Potato song, with music from the BBC Orchestra.
Miranda Hart and the cast of sitcom Miranda in self-isolation
* The Vicar of Dibley’s Lockdown Sermon with Dawn French
* Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl and friends with the TV premier of a new BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge version of Times
* Steve Coogan & Rob Brydon in The Trip
* Catherine Tate and David Tennant - Lauren Cooper the ‘Am I Bovvered’
teenager gets home-schooled
* Matt Lucas and his ‘Baked Potato’ song with music from the BBC Orchestra
* Sam Smith singing Lay Me Down
* Celeste covering Lean On Me
* Jack Whitehall in Bad Education with Matthew Horne and heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua
* People Just Do Nothing * EastEnders Queen Vic virtual pub quiz hosted by Ian Beale
* Peter Kay and the British Public remake of ‘Amarillo’
* Little Britain
* Strictly Come Dancing choreography routine w Tess and Claudia
* Romesh Ranganathan’s Isolation Diary
* Joe Wicks Exercise Secrets
* Doctor Who
* Stand-up sets at home from Jason Mamford, Rosie Jones, Tez Ilyas, Dane Baptiste, Russell Kane, The Lost Voice Guy, Nish Kumar and more
* Gary Barlow is joined by friends including Liam Payne, Olly Murs, Leona Lewis, Nicole Scherzinger, Freya Ridings, Katherine Jenkins, Alfie Boe, Gregory Porter and more performing ’Sing’
* Mary Berry, Little Mix and MANY other special guests.


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Police officer charged with rape and five counts of sexual assault

A police officer has been charged with rape and five counts of sexual assault .
West Mercia Police Constable Michael @ @ @ @ @ at the Worcester station , is set to appear at Hereford Magistrates ' Court on @ @ @ @ @ is currently suspended from his role within the force .
Anyone who has been a @ @ @ @ @ contact the Victim Advice Line , a free and confidential support service for victims of @ @ @ @ @ Anyone can call 0800 952 3000 or email info @ victimadviceline.org.uk for support .
West @ @ @ @ @ has any information that could assist with their investigation they are asked to call 101 @ @ @ @ @ given without giving your name by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 @ @ @ @ @ .

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A police officer has been charged with rape and five counts of sexual assault.
West Mercia Police Constable Michael Darbyshire, who is based at the Worcester station, is set to appear at Hereford Magistrates' Court on June 23.
The 52-year-old is currently suspended from his role within the force.
Anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault can contact the Victim Advice Line, a free and confidential support service for victims of crime in West Mercia. Anyone can call 0800 952 3000 or email info@victimadviceline.org.uk for support.
West Mercia Police said if anyone has any information that could assist with their investigation they are asked to call 101.
Information can also be given without giving your name by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website.


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Liverpool fans are in agreement after Karius transfer claim

Liverpool fans are backing Loris Karius to be a success , should he complete a shock transfer to Wolves .
Karius is surplus to requirements on Merseyside after his two costly errors in the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in 2018 .
He has spent the last two years on loan with Turkish side Besiktas , but is close to cancelling his contract over a wage dispute .
John Ruddy has been mooted as a potential replacement for Karius , with the German linked with a move the other way .
Reports in Turkey claimed that Nuno Espirito @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Liverpool to take the keeper on loan , serving as an understudy to Rui Patricio .
Wolves fans on social media were split over the speculation , but Liverpool supporters are all backing their keeper to rebuild his relationship , if he makes the move to Molineux .
@ Johnb2005 : would love to see him turn it around , he 's still affected my what happened in that CL final @ hitmansonline : That 's a good move for him I wont lie @ PiiaMay : That would be an excellent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still has the talent .
Hope the Lad does good .
Only wish him well @ Patrick_9_6 : Good for him if they give him games .
Not sure he 's better than Patricio however .
But if true Nuno probably has a plan .
@ Hislordgeneral : I do n't fancy the loan move .
Why not keep him ; having him and Adrain as backups wo n't kill @ irishjig69b : Hope he does well never really rated him but would like to see him do well

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Liverpool fans are backing Loris Karius to be a success, should he complete a shock transfer to Wolves.
Karius is surplus to requirements on Merseyside after his two costly errors in the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in 2018.
He has spent the last two years on loan with Turkish side Besiktas, but is close to cancelling his contract over a wage dispute.
John Ruddy has been mooted as a potential replacement for Karius, with the German linked with a move the other way.
Reports in Turkey claimed that Nuno Espirito Santo's side had agreed a deal with Liverpool to take the keeper on loan, serving as an understudy to Rui Patricio.
Wolves fans on social media were split over the speculation, but Liverpool supporters are all backing their keeper to rebuild his relationship, if he makes the move to Molineux.
@Johnb2005: would love to see him turn it around, he's still affected my what happened in that CL final
@hitmansonline: That's a good move for him I wont lie
@HashtagSheddy77: Good move
@PiiaMay: That would be an excellent opportunity for him to show that he still has the talent. Hope the Lad does good. Only wish him well
@Patrick_9_6: Good for him if they give him games. Not sure he's better than Patricio however. But if true Nuno probably has a plan.
@Hislordgeneral: I don't fancy the loan move. Why not keep him; having him and Adrain as backups won't kill
@irishjig69b: Hope he does well never really rated him but would like to see him do well


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Bowyer admits it 'will be tough' to keep West Brom target Taylor

Lee Bowyer has admitted that it will be ‘ tough ’ to keep hold of West Brom transfer target Lyle @ @ @ @ @ was linked with a number of clubs in the most recent transfer window , with @ @ @ @ @ interest .
Taylor ’ s contract expires in the summer and the Addicks boss has @ @ @ @ @ good chance he will leave the club .
`` To try and keep him at @ @ @ @ @ be tough , '' Bowyer told Sky Sports .
`` He is so big for @ @ @ @ @ to the owners for not selling him in January , because they could have .
@ @ @ @ @ be able to replace him next season if he goes ?
I do n't think @ @ @ @ @ we have .
He 's definitely top five strikers in this division for sure .
@ @ @ @ @ and Scottish giants Rangers have also been linked with the striker who has netted 11 @ @ @ @ @ this season .

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Lee Bowyer has admitted that it will be ‘tough’ to keep hold of West Brom transfer target Lyle Taylor.
The Charlton striker was linked with a number of clubs in the most recent transfer window, with Albion believed to hold a interest.
Taylor’s contract expires in the summer and the Addicks boss has revealed that there is a good chance he will leave the club.
"To try and keep him at the club is going to be tough," Bowyer told Sky Sports.
"He is so big for us and I was thankful to the owners for not selling him in January, because they could have.
"Are we going to be able to replace him next season if he goes? I don't think we will with the budget we have. He's definitely top five strikers in this division for sure."
Swansea, Sheffield Wednesday and Scottish giants Rangers have also been linked with the striker who has netted 11 goals in 22 Championship appearances this season.


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Sainsbury's make changes to its operation with extension to opening times

Sainsbury 's will be making a series of sweeping changes to its shopping hours and regulations for its deliveries during the pandemic .
Many of its supermarkets will be open until 10pm , while it is also extending shopping hours in many convenience stores to 10pm or 11pm from Monday .
It comes after the food giant had pulled 24-hour shopping and replaced it with 8pm closure times when lockdown measures came into effect last month .
Sainsbury 's say they will continue to `` prioritise elderly and vulnerable customers for online delivery '' and are offering a telephone ordering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also been launched to make it easier for people to shop for others , which are now available online .
Finally Sainsbury 's will be installing perspex safety screens at its petrol filling station stores and these will start to re-open from next week .
In a message to customers the supermarket 's chief executive Mike Coupe announced changes to the rules .
`` We continue to prioritise elderly and vulnerable customers for online delivery and will be in touch with more customers based on the database we receive , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been offered a slot and are unable to place their order online , we are offering a telephone ordering service and we now have five times the number of colleagues on hand to help with this .
`` As we do our best to keep our colleagues and our customers safe , we have had to temporarily change some of our processes .
`` To help our colleagues socially distance , we are no longer asking them to accept unwanted substitutions or to process refunds on your doorstep .
If you do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to call us to let us know and we will process the refund for you .
`` This is only temporary and we are working on a digital process to make this quicker and smoother .
I apologise for the inconvenience in the meantime and I 'll write again to let you know when the new process is up and running . ''
The elderly and vulnerable customers are still being offered dedicated shopping hours between 8am and 9am every Monday , Wednesday and Friday NHS and social care workers can shop in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday to Saturday before it opens .
`` We know that many of you are already shopping for friends , family and neighbours and we are very grateful to you for providing this community service , '' said Mr Coupe .
`` I mentioned in my last letter that we were launching a Volunteer Shopping Card to make it easier for people to shop for others and I am pleased to let you know that these are now available online . ''
Mr Coupe said : `` We are doing our best to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our stores .
To help with this , we have been extending our opening hours .
By Monday the vast majority of our supermarkets will be open from 08.00-22.00 .
We are installing perspex safety screens in our petrol filling station stores and these will start to re-open from next week .
`` We are also extending opening hours in many Convenience stores to 10pm or 11pm .
You can check the latest opening hours in your area before shopping here . ''
To help with queuing inside stores they are installing additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coupe added : `` These screens will help keep our colleagues and customers safe and will mean we can open far more manned checkouts in the stores that have them .
`` We are installing them in over 150 stores over the next week or two and I will keep you updated on this and other steps we are taking to help make your shopping trip quicker and easier .
`` I know that most of you really appreciate the essential role that our colleagues are playing at the moment to keep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working in really challenging circumstances , constantly trying to balance the need to serve our customers well , to keep shelves stocked and to help people get in and out of shops as quickly as possible .
`` We are also asking them to help us keep you safe .
Unfortunately this means they will ask you to queue outside shops when they are busy .
Please help us to make our colleagues ' jobs easier by showing them kindness and respect at all times . ''

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Sainsbury's will be making a series of sweeping changes to its shopping hours and regulations for its deliveries during the pandemic.
Many of its supermarkets will be open until 10pm, while it is also extending shopping hours in many convenience stores to 10pm or 11pm from Monday.
It comes after the food giant had pulled 24-hour shopping and replaced it with 8pm closure times when lockdown measures came into effect last month.
Sainsbury's say they will continue to "prioritise elderly and vulnerable customers for online delivery" and are offering a telephone ordering service.
A Volunteer Shopping Card has also been launched to make it easier for people to shop for others, which are now available online.
Finally Sainsbury's will be installing perspex safety screens at its petrol filling station stores and these will start to re-open from next week.
In a message to customers the supermarket's chief executive Mike Coupe announced changes to the rules.
(Image: Google Maps)
Ordering service
"We continue to prioritise elderly and vulnerable customers for online delivery and will be in touch with more customers based on the database we receive," he said.
"For vulnerable customers who have been offered a slot and are unable to place their order online, we are offering a telephone ordering service and we now have five times the number of colleagues on hand to help with this.
"As we do our best to keep our colleagues and our customers safe, we have had to temporarily change some of our processes.
"To help our colleagues socially distance, we are no longer asking them to accept unwanted substitutions or to process refunds on your doorstep. If you do not want the substitutions, then you need to call us to let us know and we will process the refund for you.
"This is only temporary and we are working on a digital process to make this quicker and smoother. I apologise for the inconvenience in the meantime and I'll write again to let you know when the new process is up and running."
Volunteer Shopping Card
The elderly and vulnerable customers are still being offered dedicated shopping hours between 8am and 9am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
NHS and social care workers can shop in its supermarkets from 7.30am to 8am from Monday to Saturday before it opens.
"We know that many of you are already shopping for friends, family and neighbours and we are very grateful to you for providing this community service," said Mr Coupe.
"I mentioned in my last letter that we were launching a Volunteer Shopping Card to make it easier for people to shop for others and I am pleased to let you know that these are now available online."
Shopping times
Mr Coupe said: "We are doing our best to reduce queuing times both inside and outside our stores. To help with this, we have been extending our opening hours. By Monday the vast majority of our supermarkets will be open from 08.00-22.00. We are installing perspex safety screens in our petrol filling station stores and these will start to re-open from next week.
"We are also extending opening hours in many Convenience stores to 10pm or 11pm. You can check the latest opening hours in your area before shopping here."
Protective screens
To help with queuing inside stores they are installing additional protective screens between manned checkouts.
Mr Coupe added: "These screens will help keep our colleagues and customers safe and will mean we can open far more manned checkouts in the stores that have them.
"We are installing them in over 150 stores over the next week or two and I will keep you updated on this and other steps we are taking to help make your shopping trip quicker and easier.
"I know that most of you really appreciate the essential role that our colleagues are playing at the moment to keep the nation fed.
"Our colleagues are working in really challenging circumstances, constantly trying to balance the need to serve our customers well, to keep shelves stocked and to help people get in and out of shops as quickly as possible.
"We are also asking them to help us keep you safe. Unfortunately this means they will ask you to queue outside shops when they are busy. Please help us to make our colleagues' jobs easier by showing them kindness and respect at all times."


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Man 'tried to flush drugs stash down loo' as cops raided builder's merchants

A man allegedly 'attempted to flush a stash of drugs down the toilet ' as police raided a Birmingham builder 's merchants , the force has revealed .
Officers - suspecting the business to be linked to a large-scale cannabis ring - pounced in the early hours of Saturday , April 18 .
The exact address has not been revealed by police .
A 50-year-old man was arrested in an adjacent flat and a search of the premises uncovered several kilos of cannabis .
At the same time , a raid was carried out at an address in Dudley where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cannabis seized .
The pair were arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply and have been released under investigation , allowing detectives more time to gather evidence .
On Thursday , West Midlands Police said restrictions imposed on the public to control the spread of coronavirus had 'made it more difficult ' for people running drugs networks .
And the region 's top cop said 'these raids are just the start ' .
Chief Superintendent Mark Payne promised his officers would keep up the pressure on the ringleaders .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public to control Covid-19 has made it more difficult for people running networks to move drugs or to recruit street-level dealers to do the dirty work on their behalf .
“ Criminals who might ordinarily rely on others to commit crime on their behalf are now having to do it themselves…and this presents us with opportunities .
“ We ’ re bringing in resources from a variety of teams across West Midlands Police to support our efforts to target people who are causing real harm in our communities .
“ These raids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make significant progress over the next few weeks.
” Information from the public is crucial in our fight against drug dealing and associated crime ; we would urge anyone who has suspicions about drug dealing to contact us via Live Chat at our website or anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .

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A man allegedly 'attempted to flush a stash of drugs down the toilet' as police raided a Birmingham builder's merchants, the force has revealed.
Officers - suspecting the business to be linked to a large-scale cannabis ring - pounced in the early hours of Saturday, April 18. The exact address has not been revealed by police.
A 50-year-old man was arrested in an adjacent flat and a search of the premises uncovered several kilos of cannabis.
At the same time, a raid was carried out at an address in Dudley where a 44-year-old man was detained and more cannabis seized.
The pair were arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply and have been released under investigation, allowing detectives more time to gather evidence.
On Thursday, West Midlands Police said restrictions imposed on the public to control the spread of coronavirus had 'made it more difficult' for people running drugs networks.
And the region's top cop said 'these raids are just the start'.
Chief Superintendent Mark Payne promised his officers would keep up the pressure on the ringleaders.
He added: “The restrictions imposed on the public to control Covid-19 has made it more difficult for people running networks to move drugs or to recruit street-level dealers to do the dirty work on their behalf.
“Criminals who might ordinarily rely on others to commit crime on their behalf are now having to do it themselves…and this presents us with opportunities.
“We’re bringing in resources from a variety of teams across West Midlands Police to support our efforts to target people who are causing real harm in our communities.
“These raids are just the start…I expect us to make significant progress over the next few weeks.”
Information from the public is crucial in our fight against drug dealing and associated crime; we would urge anyone who has suspicions about drug dealing to contact us via Live Chat at our website or anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-04-23--The coronavirus testing letter thousands of Brits are set to get in the post

The government will send out hundreds of thousands of letters to Brits urging them to take part in a new testing study for Covid-19 .
The government has set out a target of 300,000 people and launched the scheme at today 's press briefing at Downing Street .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock laid out the details of the scheme , and said the first letters have already been sent to potential participants .
He said : `` These are critical pieces of information to inform our battle against this novel virus . ''
Participants will provide regular samples taken from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions .
Mr Hancock said letters had started to go out and appealed to anyone asked to become involved to do so .
`` The early signs from today are that there is huge enthusiasm from those who have received letters taking part in this survey , '' he said .
Mr Hancock also announced the government would be hiring 18,000 people , including 3,000 clinicians , to work on coronavirus contact tracing .
They will be trained over the coming weeks , he said .
The latest figures show that 583,486 tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK .
For the study , initial findings from which are expected in early May , all participants will provide a nose and throat swab to test whether or not they currently have the virus .
Adults in some 1,000 of the households will provide a blood sample to find out what proportion of the population has developed antibodies to Covid-19 .
Mr Hancock said the study will be drawing on the household survey experience of the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) and the scientific expertise of Oxford University .
Participants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK population by age and geography .
Those selected will provide samples taken from self-administered nose and throat swabs and answer a few short questions during a home visit by a trained healthcare professional .
Swab tests will show whether or not participants currently have the virus .
They will be asked to take further tests every week for the first five weeks , then every month for a year .
Mr Hancock said the study would provide `` critical '' information to support the battle against the virus and represented `` one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ studies that this country has ever seen '' .
He added : `` We will use these tests to help us strengthen our scientific understanding and inform us on the big choices that we have to make about social distancing measures and how we start returning to a more normal life . ''

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The government will send out hundreds of thousands of letters to Brits urging them to take part in a new testing study for Covid-19.
The government has set out a target of 300,000 people and launched the scheme at today's press briefing at Downing Street.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock laid out the details of the scheme, and said the first letters have already been sent to potential participants.
He said: "These are critical pieces of information to inform our battle against this novel virus."
Participants will provide regular samples taken from self-administered swabs and answer a few short questions.
Mr Hancock said letters had started to go out and appealed to anyone asked to become involved to do so.
"The early signs from today are that there is huge enthusiasm from those who have received letters taking part in this survey," he said.
(Image: PA)
Mr Hancock also announced the government would be hiring 18,000 people, including 3,000 clinicians, to work on coronavirus contact tracing. They will be trained over the coming weeks, he said.
The latest figures show that 583,486 tests have been conducted in total in the UK.
There were 23,560 tests yesterday (Wednesday, 23 April).
(Image: PA)
For the study, initial findings from which are expected in early May, all participants will provide a nose and throat swab to test whether or not they currently have the virus.
Adults in some 1,000 of the households will provide a blood sample to find out what proportion of the population has developed antibodies to Covid-19.
Mr Hancock said the study will be drawing on the household survey experience of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the scientific expertise of Oxford University.
Participants will form a representative sample of the UK population by age and geography.
Those selected will provide samples taken from self-administered nose and throat swabs and answer a few short questions during a home visit by a trained healthcare professional.
Swab tests will show whether or not participants currently have the virus.
They will be asked to take further tests every week for the first five weeks, then every month for a year.
Mr Hancock said the study would provide "critical" information to support the battle against the virus and represented "one of the biggest virus infection and antibodies studies that this country has ever seen".
He added: "We will use these tests to help us strengthen our scientific understanding and inform us on the big choices that we have to make about social distancing measures and how we start returning to a more normal life."


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Revealed - leaked map shows coronavirus admissions near Cheltenham Racecourse

Leaked official data has revealed a postcode near to Cheltenham Racecourse had the highest amount of coronavirus hospital admissions in the whole of Gloucester earlier this month .
The figures come amid calls for an inquiry into whether the Cheltenham Festival going ahead impacted the amount of local Covid-19 cases .
The event last month - one of the biggest in the horse racing calendar - attracted more than 250,000 people , despite calls for it to be cancelled .
A former director of public health has said it should not have gone ahead , with the BBC reporting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health in the south west , said : `` Really from a health point of view [ it ] should have been stopped in advance . ''
OS data , leaked to the Local Democracy Reporting Service , has shown the GL52 postcode - which covers areas of north Cheltenham including Pittville , Prestbury and Bishop 's Cleeve - had 27 confirmed hospital admissions for the virus as of April 3 , reports GloucestershireLive .
The entire Cheltenham area was the county hotspot for coronavirus hospital admissions at the same point , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest figures are for the town .
The data also shows GL51 , where Cheltenham Spa Railway Station is based , was the second highest in the county and the two postcodes made up nearly a quarter of county-wide hospital admissions as of April 3 .
More than 250,000 people attended the four-day event from March 10-13 , which ended 10 days before UK lockdown measures began on March 23 and three days before social distancing measures were announced on March 16 .
The Jockey Club introduced special hygiene measures for the meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it had followed clear guidance from the Government and science experts .
Gloucestershire is currently the most affected county in the least affected region - the South West - in Great Britain with 989 cases of the virus and 147 deaths in the county as of yesterday ( April 22 ) .
A Government spokeswoman said there are `` many factors that could influence the number of cases in a particular area '' and that comparisons between hospital trusts `` ca n't be made . ''
The Government also said the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken by the racecourse , and “ was operating within clear Public Health England guidance at the time.
” The full attendance of The Festival was : 60,664 on March 10 ( Champions Day ) ; 56,943 on March 11 ( Ladies Day ) ; 65,218 on March 12 ( St Patrick ’ s Day ) ; and 68,859 on March 13 ( Gold Cup Day ) .
Earlier this week , Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden defended his decision at the time to not cancel sporting events such as The Festival .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings was no greater or less than it would have been in pubs or restaurants , and the advice at that point was that we did not need to ban mass gatherings.
” A Government spokeswoman said : ‘ ’ It is our absolute priority to protect people 's health and our advice on coronavirus is the result of direct , continuous consultation with medical experts .
“ There are many factors that could influence the number of cases in a particular area , including population density , age and health profile and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic curve .
`` It is also not possible to make comparisons between hospital trusts across the region as they all serve populations of differing size and characteristics .
‘ ’ The South West region has seen the lowest number of cases and deaths in the UK and we continue to work hard to support communities during these unprecedented times.
” The Jockey Club was approached for comment .
They have previously said they followed public health advice and introduced additional hygiene measures during the Festival .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Leigh Boobyer, Charlotte Paxton)

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Leaked official data has revealed a postcode near to Cheltenham Racecourse had the highest amount of coronavirus hospital admissions in the whole of Gloucester earlier this month.
The figures come amid calls for an inquiry into whether the Cheltenham Festival going ahead impacted the amount of local Covid-19 cases.
The event last month - one of the biggest in the horse racing calendar - attracted more than 250,000 people, despite calls for it to be cancelled.
A former director of public health has said it should not have gone ahead, with the BBC reporting that Prof Gabriel Scally, former director of public health in the south west, said: "Really from a health point of view [it] should have been stopped in advance."
OS data, leaked to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, has shown the GL52 postcode - which covers areas of north Cheltenham including Pittville, Prestbury and Bishop's Cleeve - had 27 confirmed hospital admissions for the virus as of April 3, reports GloucestershireLive.
The entire Cheltenham area was the county hotspot for coronavirus hospital admissions at the same point, however it is not known what the latest figures are for the town.
The data also shows GL51, where Cheltenham Spa Railway Station is based, was the second highest in the county and the two postcodes made up nearly a quarter of county-wide hospital admissions as of April 3.
More than 250,000 people attended the four-day event from March 10-13, which ended 10 days before UK lockdown measures began on March 23 and three days before social distancing measures were announced on March 16.
The Jockey Club introduced special hygiene measures for the meeting, including extra hand-washing stations, and said it had followed clear guidance from the Government and science experts.
Gloucestershire is currently the most affected county in the least affected region - the South West - in Great Britain with 989 cases of the virus and 147 deaths in the county as of yesterday (April 22).
A Government spokeswoman said there are "many factors that could influence the number of cases in a particular area" and that comparisons between hospital trusts "can't be made."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The Government also said the decision to go ahead with The Festival was taken by the racecourse, and “was operating within clear Public Health England guidance at the time.”
The full attendance of The Festival was: 60,664 on March 10 (Champions Day); 56,943 on March 11 (Ladies Day); 65,218 on March 12 (St Patrick’s Day); and 68,859 on March 13 (Gold Cup Day).
Earlier this week, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden defended his decision at the time to not cancel sporting events such as The Festival.
He said: "The risk at mass gatherings was no greater or less than it would have been in pubs or restaurants, and the advice at that point was that we did not need to ban mass gatherings.”
A Government spokeswoman said: ‘’It is our absolute priority to protect people's health and our advice on coronavirus is the result of direct, continuous consultation with medical experts.
“There are many factors that could influence the number of cases in a particular area, including population density, age and health profile and the position of an area on the pandemic curve.
"It is also not possible to make comparisons between hospital trusts across the region as they all serve populations of differing size and characteristics.
‘’The South West region has seen the lowest number of cases and deaths in the UK and we continue to work hard to support communities during these unprecedented times.”
The Jockey Club was approached for comment. They have previously said they followed public health advice and introduced additional hygiene measures during the Festival.


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Loris Karius makes Wolves transfer decision - reports

Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius is set to turn down the chance of joining Wolves , according to reports .
Karius has spent the last two years with Turkish outfit Besiktas , appearing against Nuno Espirito Santo 's side in the Europa League .
Earlier this week , Karius emerged as a possible target for Wolves , with claims in Turkey suggesting the Premier League side could lodge a bid .
The German is hoping to end his spell with Besiktas in the coming weeks , with the club ’ s director claiming he had lodged a complaint with FIFA .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-profile errors cost Liverpool the Champions League in 2018 .
The Daily Star report that Jurgen Klopp would look to move him on again in the summer , should he not reach a permanent agreement with Besiktas .
However , Karius is keen to play regular first-team football and with Rui Patricio the undoubted starter , Wolves would be unable to offer that .
There have also been reports in Turkey that Besiktas could look to Wolves ' current , second choice stopper , John Ruddy , as a potential replacement for Karius @

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Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius is set to turn down the chance of joining Wolves, according to reports.
Karius has spent the last two years with Turkish outfit Besiktas, appearing against Nuno Espirito Santo's side in the Europa League.
Earlier this week, Karius emerged as a possible target for Wolves, with claims in Turkey suggesting the Premier League side could lodge a bid.
The German is hoping to end his spell with Besiktas in the coming weeks, with the club’s director claiming he had lodged a complaint with FIFA.
His future at Anfield appears bleak after high-profile errors cost Liverpool the Champions League in 2018.
The Daily Star report that Jurgen Klopp would look to move him on again in the summer, should he not reach a permanent agreement with Besiktas.
However, Karius is keen to play regular first-team football and with Rui Patricio the undoubted starter, Wolves would be unable to offer that.
There have also been reports in Turkey that Besiktas could look to Wolves' current, second choice stopper, John Ruddy, as a potential replacement for Karius.


birminghammail--2020-04-23--3,600 Brits stranded in India will be brought back to UK on 14 flights tomorrow

More than 3,600 Britons stranded in India will be brought home in 14 flights starting on Tuesday , the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has said .
Amid huge demand for repatriation and heavy restrictions on travel , the new charters bring the total number of repatriation flights from India up to 52 .
With the new flights , more than 13,000 people will have been flown back from India by the UK Government in response to the global coronavirus outbreak .
Flights will depart from the northwestern city of Amritsar each day between April 28 and May 4 , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Five flights will leave Ahmedabad during the same period , and there will be one flight chartered from Delhi on April 30 .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said : `` Travel to and from India is severely restricted and so we have organised a series of charter flights .
`` Through these 52 UK charter flights , we will have brought back 13,000 people and our staff in India will continue to support all those UK nationals who need our help . ''
Seats on the flights are available to British nationals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government 's online booking portal .
Those who are eligible to fly will be sent travel information when their seat is confirmed .
Lord Ahmad , Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth , said : `` We have already helped over 6,500 people return from India since we began our charter flight programme , with a further 7,000 due to return in the coming weeks .
`` We are continuing to work around the clock to ensure all British travellers in India are supported to come back to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the pandemic , the Government launched a £75 million scheme to organise flights from countries where commercial services have been halted .
More than 13,200 people have returned to the UK on 63 Foreign and Commonwealth Office-chartered flights from 18 different countries or territories .
Over 1,700 Britons have returned from South Africa and over 1,200 people have been flown back from Peru .

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More than 3,600 Britons stranded in India will be brought home in 14 flights starting on Tuesday, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has said.
Amid huge demand for repatriation and heavy restrictions on travel, the new charters bring the total number of repatriation flights from India up to 52.
With the new flights, more than 13,000 people will have been flown back from India by the UK Government in response to the global coronavirus outbreak.
Flights will depart from the northwestern city of Amritsar each day between April 28 and May 4, with two flights leaving on May 2.
Five flights will leave Ahmedabad during the same period, and there will be one flight chartered from Delhi on April 30.
(Image: Steve Parsons/PA Wire)
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: "Travel to and from India is severely restricted and so we have organised a series of charter flights.
"Through these 52 UK charter flights, we will have brought back 13,000 people and our staff in India will continue to support all those UK nationals who need our help."
Seats on the flights are available to British nationals and their dependants who have already registered with the Government's online booking portal.
Those who are eligible to fly will be sent travel information when their seat is confirmed.
Lord Ahmad, Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth, said: "We have already helped over 6,500 people return from India since we began our charter flight programme, with a further 7,000 due to return in the coming weeks.
"We are continuing to work around the clock to ensure all British travellers in India are supported to come back to the UK if they wish."
In response to the pandemic, the Government launched a £75 million scheme to organise flights from countries where commercial services have been halted.
More than 13,200 people have returned to the UK on 63 Foreign and Commonwealth Office-chartered flights from 18 different countries or territories.
Over 1,700 Britons have returned from South Africa and over 1,200 people have been flown back from Peru.


birminghammail--2020-04-23--The Weeknd urges you to buy Tom Moore's single for NHS amid chart battle

The Weeknd has urged people to help Captain Tom Moore claim top spot in the charts after it was revealed he is likely to overtake the war veteran .
The Official Charts Company said on Thursday that downloads of the charity single You 'll Never Walk Alone , which Captain Tom recorded with Michael Ball , have slowed across the week .
Just a few thousand chart sales now separate him from the Canadian singer 's track Blinding Lights .
The Weeknd wrote on Twitter : `` Everyone in the UK please support Captain Tom Moore/Michael Ball single so this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the British National Health Service and now raised 35 million can have a number one for his 100th birthday in the UK . ''
He added : `` We 're rooting for you . ''
The musician shared the message alongside a photograph promoting Captain Tom 's song , which is raising money for NHS Charities Together .
Captain Tom has raised more than £28 million by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday .
The Official Charts Company rankings will be published on Friday .
The news came after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humbled '' to be surprised with a Pride Of Britain Award .
Sir David Jason , Michael Sheen , Joanna Lumley and Rita Ora were among the stars to send messages to the Second World War veteran as he was told he was receiving the gong .
Carol Vorderman , who hosts the Pride of Britain Awards show , spoke from her home and told Good Morning Britain that Captain Tom had received almost 70,000 nominations .
She will be handing the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Award to him later in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Captain Tom said he was `` completely taken aback '' .
`` That is absolutely amazing .
It 's very difficult for me to believe things like this , '' he told the ITV show .
`` I thank you very much because I am very , very humbled at receiving this magnificent award .
Thank you all very , very much . ''

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The Weeknd has urged people to help Captain Tom Moore claim top spot in the charts after it was revealed he is likely to overtake the war veteran.
The Official Charts Company said on Thursday that downloads of the charity single You'll Never Walk Alone, which Captain Tom recorded with Michael Ball, have slowed across the week.
Just a few thousand chart sales now separate him from the Canadian singer's track Blinding Lights.
The Weeknd wrote on Twitter: "Everyone in the UK please support Captain Tom Moore/Michael Ball single so this incredible 99-year-old war veteran, walking for the British National Health Service and now raised 35 million can have a number one for his 100th birthday in the UK."
He added: "We're rooting for you."
The musician shared the message alongside a photograph promoting Captain Tom's song, which is raising money for NHS Charities Together.
Captain Tom has raised more than £28 million by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday.
The Official Charts Company rankings will be published on Friday.
The news came after Captain Tom said he was "very humbled" to be surprised with a Pride Of Britain Award.
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Sir David Jason, Michael Sheen, Joanna Lumley and Rita Ora were among the stars to send messages to the Second World War veteran as he was told he was receiving the gong.
Carol Vorderman, who hosts the Pride of Britain Awards show, spoke from her home and told Good Morning Britain that Captain Tom had received almost 70,000 nominations.
She will be handing the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Award to him later in the year when the ceremony takes place.
Captain Tom said he was "completely taken aback".
"That is absolutely amazing. It's very difficult for me to believe things like this," he told the ITV show.
"I thank you very much because I am very, very humbled at receiving this magnificent award. Thank you all very, very much."


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Walsall Council to use digital autopsies during coronavirus pandemic

Walsall Councill has announced they will carry out digital autopsies during the coronavirus pandemic .
The council has struck up a five month agreement with iGene , using 21st century digital technology to conduct post mortems .
The digital autopsies will allow a non-invasive post mortem to be carried out using Computerised Tomography ( CT ) images and will be undertaken at the Sandwell Valley Crematorium - where iGene 's CT equipment is based .
Any body which is deemed suitable for a digital autopsy as the first line of intervention will be sent to iGene .
Cllr Garry Perry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leisure & Culture said : `` I am very pleased to confirm that from Monday 27 April 2020 Walsall will be helping to tackle Covid-19 by using digital autopsies .
`` They create a cross-sectional image for a virtual exploration of the human body .
`` In approximately 70 per cent of cases it can help identify the cause of death without having to use invasive autopsies .
`` The technology has the added benefit of being able to identify the cause of death much quicker . ''
Walsall joins Dudley , Sandwell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cllr Perry added : `` At a time of this national emergency we must do everything possible to keep the NHS safe and save lives .
`` Using digital autopsies will help us achieve this . ''
The initial agreement will run from April 27 to September 30 , when it will be reviewed .

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Walsall Councill has announced they will carry out digital autopsies during the coronavirus pandemic.
The council has struck up a five month agreement with iGene, using 21st century digital technology to conduct post mortems.
The digital autopsies will allow a non-invasive post mortem to be carried out using Computerised Tomography (CT) images and will be undertaken at the Sandwell Valley Crematorium - where iGene's CT equipment is based.
Any body which is deemed suitable for a digital autopsy as the first line of intervention will be sent to iGene.
Cllr Garry Perry, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Community, Leisure & Culture said: "I am very pleased to confirm that from Monday 27 April 2020 Walsall will be helping to tackle Covid-19 by using digital autopsies.
"They create a cross-sectional image for a virtual exploration of the human body.
"In approximately 70 per cent of cases it can help identify the cause of death without having to use invasive autopsies.
"The technology has the added benefit of being able to identify the cause of death much quicker."
Walsall joins Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton in using this technology.
Cllr Perry added: "At a time of this national emergency we must do everything possible to keep the NHS safe and save lives. "Using digital autopsies will help us achieve this."
The initial agreement will run from April 27 to September 30, when it will be reviewed.


birminghammail--2020-04-23--The incredible back story of Aston Villa's Marvelous Nakamba

From not being able to afford football boots to gracing the Premier League - the story of Aston Villa 's smiling midfielder Marvelous Nakamba is truly humbling .
For the Zimbabwean owes everything to his hardworking mum , Charity , a maid who spent months at a time hundreds of miles away in South Africa to help support her family at their one-room rented home in Bulawayo .
`` I was born in Hwange but grew up in Bulawayo , '' Nakamba told BirminghamLive , `` the second-largest city in Zimbabwe .
Life was not so easy but , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It helped me a lot .
`` Football kept me out of other things , it was not an easy life .
It made everything look easy because I was playing football .
`` My mother was working in South Africa so she could support me , buying me football boots and everything , my first boots were Puma .
She was there for me .
`` She 'd come back home every three or four months to visit for two , three weeks after being at work and did that again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that to provide for the family .
I stayed with my dad , Anthony .
It helped me focus more , to give everything to succeed in football for my family , for everyone around me .
It helped me grow up .
To be satisfied with what I have , to give hunger to what I want , giving everything for my family .
`` My mother was a maid in South Africa .
My younger brother , Junior , was so young , staying with my auntie in another city , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's quirky first name was born thanks to parents Charity and Anthony who , Nakamba admitted , were so excited that they called him Marvelous because , well , it was marvelous news .
`` My name came from my parents , '' he said .
`` My young brother is called Junior .
My son will be called Junior Marvelous !
But I think they were excited maybe , that 's why they gave the name Marvelous .
We learn English at school , they understood what it meant . ''
Back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Nakamba is waiting patiently for the Premier League to return .
Last summer 's £11m signing has spent many an hour chatting to Dean Smith via video link , with the gaffer showing the good and bad of Nakamba 's game to date .
The softly-spoken 25-year-old has kept reiterating the importance of `` pushing and pushing '' himself , a mantra he 's been doing ever since playing the beautiful game on the streets and sandy pitches back in Bulawayo , the birth place of Coventry City legend Peter Ndlovu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no limits , there 's no limit for room for improvement , it 's about giving everything , '' explained Nakamba , knowing just how far he 's come in life .
`` I was doing what I loved , playing with friends .
The pitches were difficult , playing in the streets .
Before it was like playing in the sand .
`` To help that dream , you said , 'OK , if we can do it here , then there is possibilities to do it on good pitches ' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Every time I go home it 's like impossible is nothing , you just need to believe .
You have the three Ds : discipline , dedication and determination .
They are the keys .
`` Everyone follows the Premier League .
They were very happy for me coming to the best league .
Peter Ndlovu is someone I know very well , someone I look up to and , every time I go home , I visit him .
`` I was with him back in the off season .
He 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I speak to Benjani who played for City and Portsmouth .
`` [ Ndlovu ] was encouraging me to push hard in Belgium so I could go to a better league and he was preferring England , hoping and willing I could make it .
He said he would like me to go to England , it would be best for career .
I must continue to work hard . ''
Speaking about his start to life at Villa , Nakamba said : `` So far so good .
Everything has been fantastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I 'll push and push myself and get better and better .
`` My teammate 's have done everything for me .
Jacky [ Grealish ] was speaking to me in training and John [ McGinn ] as well .
The group is fantastic , we 're all there for each other . ''

From not being able to afford football boots to gracing the Premier League - the story of Aston Villa's smiling midfielder Marvelous Nakamba is truly humbling.
For the Zimbabwean owes everything to his hardworking mum, Charity, a maid who spent months at a time hundreds of miles away in South Africa to help support her family at their one-room rented home in Bulawayo.
"I was born in Hwange but grew up in Bulawayo," Nakamba told BirminghamLive , "the second-largest city in Zimbabwe. Life was not so easy but, with football, it made me enjoy life. It helped me a lot.
"Football kept me out of other things, it was not an easy life. It made everything look easy because I was playing football.
(Image: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
"My mother was working in South Africa so she could support me, buying me football boots and everything, my first boots were Puma. She was there for me.
"She'd come back home every three or four months to visit for two, three weeks after being at work and did that again and again. She had to do that to provide for the family. I stayed with my dad, Anthony. It helped me focus more, to give everything to succeed in football for my family, for everyone around me. It helped me grow up. To be satisfied with what I have, to give hunger to what I want, giving everything for my family.
"My mother was a maid in South Africa. My younger brother, Junior, was so young, staying with my auntie in another city, Victoria Falls."
The Villa star's quirky first name was born thanks to parents Charity and Anthony who, Nakamba admitted, were so excited that they called him Marvelous because, well, it was marvelous news. "My name came from my parents," he said. "My young brother is called Junior. My son will be called Junior Marvelous! But I think they were excited maybe, that's why they gave the name Marvelous. We learn English at school, they understood what it meant."
Back to life currently in Birmingham, though, and Nakamba is waiting patiently for the Premier League to return. Last summer's £11m signing has spent many an hour chatting to Dean Smith via video link, with the gaffer showing the good and bad of Nakamba's game to date.
The softly-spoken 25-year-old has kept reiterating the importance of "pushing and pushing" himself, a mantra he's been doing ever since playing the beautiful game on the streets and sandy pitches back in Bulawayo, the birth place of Coventry City legend Peter Ndlovu.
"In football, there are no limits, there's no limit for room for improvement, it's about giving everything," explained Nakamba, knowing just how far he's come in life. "I was doing what I loved, playing with friends. The pitches were difficult, playing in the streets. Before it was like playing in the sand.
"To help that dream, you said, 'OK, if we can do it here, then there is possibilities to do it on good pitches'. Everyone is looking up to me. Every time I go home it's like impossible is nothing, you just need to believe. You have the three Ds: discipline, dedication and determination. They are the keys.
"Everyone follows the Premier League. They were very happy for me coming to the best league. Peter Ndlovu is someone I know very well, someone I look up to and, every time I go home, I visit him.
"I was with him back in the off season. He's a real role model. Also, I speak to Benjani who played for City and Portsmouth.
"[Ndlovu] was encouraging me to push hard in Belgium so I could go to a better league and he was preferring England, hoping and willing I could make it. He said he would like me to go to England, it would be best for career. I must continue to work hard."
Speaking about his start to life at Villa, Nakamba said: "So far so good. Everything has been fantastic. There's always room for improvement. I'll push and push myself and get better and better.
"My teammate's have done everything for me. Jacky [Grealish] was speaking to me in training and John [McGinn] as well. The group is fantastic, we're all there for each other."


birminghammail--2020-04-24--Mum 'mortified' after being shamed by neighbours over not clapping for NHS

A mum was left `` mortified '' after being `` shamed '' for failing to clap during the weekly tribute to NHS workers .
Each and every Thursday , at 8pm , the nation stops to applaud the efforts of frontline healthcare staff battling coronavirus .
As the Covid-19 outbreak continues , yet another clap took place last night ( on Thursday ) , but left one mum humiliated , reports Chronicle Live .
She took to Mumsnet to write : `` I clapped originally and it was lovely and everyone turned out for it here .
`` Last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( dear son ) I fell asleep after he went down and missed the clapping .
`` A post went on our community Facebook group actually naming and shaming me .
I was mortified .
`` The post said everyone else turned out and I showed the street up and if I ca n't spend a minute showing my appreciation I do n't deserve to use the NHS if I or my family get ill. '' I ignored it at the time but I ca n't get it out of my head , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One wrote : `` That ’ s a really s***** thing to do to you OP ( original poster ) and it ’ s not on at all .
I know why you feel upset but honestly , you shouldn ’ t .
`` They ’ ve just made themselves look like a proper d******* .
I work for the NHS and I don ’ t go in for the clapping , and I wouldn ’ t judge anyone else who didn ’ t . ''
A second chipped in with : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think I should leave my vomiting child to clap ' to shame them back .
Awful .
I ’ m NHS , no-one in my street claps , including me . ''
And a third agreed , writing : `` That is ridiculous , your neighbour sounds unhinged .
It ’ s not a compulsory activity and you can still appreciate the work that frontline staff are doing whether or not you bang a saucepan .
I would have to reply and shame them back . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Sonia Sharma, James Rodger)

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A mum was left "mortified" after being "shamed" for failing to clap during the weekly tribute to NHS workers.
Each and every Thursday, at 8pm, the nation stops to applaud the efforts of frontline healthcare staff battling coronavirus.
As the Covid-19 outbreak continues, yet another clap took place last night (on Thursday), but left one mum humiliated, reports Chronicle Live.
She took to Mumsnet to write: "I clapped originally and it was lovely and everyone turned out for it here.
"Last week, after a rough night with DS (dear son) I fell asleep after he went down and missed the clapping.
"A post went on our community Facebook group actually naming and shaming me. I was mortified.
(Image: Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)
"The post said everyone else turned out and I showed the street up and if I can't spend a minute showing my appreciation I don't deserve to use the NHS if I or my family get ill.
"I ignored it at the time but I can't get it out of my head, it's really upset me."
Naturally, Mumsnet users flocked to support her.
One wrote: "That’s a really s***** thing to do to you OP (original poster) and it’s not on at all. I know why you feel upset but honestly, you shouldn’t.
"They’ve just made themselves look like a proper d*******. I work for the NHS and I don’t go in for the clapping, and I wouldn’t judge anyone else who didn’t."
A second chipped in with: "Just reply 'sorry, didn’t think I should leave my vomiting child to clap' to shame them back. Awful. I’m NHS, no-one in my street claps, including me."
And a third agreed, writing: "That is ridiculous, your neighbour sounds unhinged. It’s not a compulsory activity and you can still appreciate the work that frontline staff are doing whether or not you bang a saucepan. I would have to reply and shame them back."


birminghammail--2020-04-24--Doctor dons moustache for frontline NHS staff in Movid-19 appeal

A kind-hearted doctor is donning a spectacular moustache in a bid to raise vital funds for frontline NHS staff .
New dad Dr Ashwin Roy , a cardiology registrar at New Cross Hospital , is hoping to raise £1,000 in donations to help staff fighting coronavirus get the protection they need .
The 30-year-old told BlackCountryLive he was invited to take part in the NHS Charities Together COVID-19 appeal another practising doctor in Manchester .
Guidelines recommend doctors should be clean-shaven to ensure the best protection – but moustaches are allowed .
He said : `` I am back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time with our newest addition , Sarina .
`` As you all are aware , the situation regarding COVID-19 is still dire and work will be a lot different to how it was before I went on leave .
`` In order ensure our face masks give us the best protection possible it is recommended to be beard-free – which I have not been for the best part of ten years !
” The campaign has grown rapidly as members have raised more than £17,000 for the NHS Charities Together appeal already .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ started disappearing on top , I tried to compensate by growing facial hair and have attempted to maintain this look since !
`` However , now is the time to temporarily part ways with this precious hair and say goodbye .
Hoping to of course be re-united soon !
`` I am therefore joining the MOVID-19 team and keeping a beautiful moustache to help raise money for the NHS .
`` I would be most grateful if you could spare a few pennies to donate to this brilliant cause and hopefully reach my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s fundraising attempt , click here .

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A kind-hearted doctor is donning a spectacular moustache in a bid to raise vital funds for frontline NHS staff.
New dad Dr Ashwin Roy, a cardiology registrar at New Cross Hospital, is hoping to raise £1,000 in donations to help staff fighting coronavirus get the protection they need.
The 30-year-old told BlackCountryLive he was invited to take part in the NHS Charities Together COVID-19 appeal another practising doctor in Manchester.
Guidelines recommend doctors should be clean-shaven to ensure the best protection – but moustaches are allowed.
He said: "I am back to work after three lovely weeks off spending time with our newest addition, Sarina.
"As you all are aware, the situation regarding COVID-19 is still dire and work will be a lot different to how it was before I went on leave.
"In order ensure our face masks give us the best protection possible it is recommended to be beard-free – which I have not been for the best part of ten years!”
The campaign has grown rapidly as members have raised more than £17,000 for the NHS Charities Together appeal already.
Ashwin added: "Since the hair started disappearing on top, I tried to compensate by growing facial hair and have attempted to maintain this look since!
"However, now is the time to temporarily part ways with this precious hair and say goodbye. Hoping to of course be re-united soon!
"I am therefore joining the MOVID-19 team and keeping a beautiful moustache to help raise money for the NHS.
"I would be most grateful if you could spare a few pennies to donate to this brilliant cause and hopefully reach my target!"
To donate to Ashwin’s fundraising attempt, click here.


birminghammail--2020-04-24--Liverpool doubt clears path for Villa to complete transfer - reports

Aston Villa continue to be linked with Werder Bremen forward Milot Rashica .
The 23-year-old was on Villa 's radar in the January transfer window but no club was willing to meet Bremen ’ s £33million asking price .
After a blistering start to the season Rashica 's form has dipped since the turn of the year but Villa and Liverpool reportedly hold an interest .
Bremen sporting director Frank Baumann told German media outlet Deichstube : “ It is not certain he will go in the summer .
To do this , something must be found first which suits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dreamers either .
“ We know it is quite possible that Milot will be sold .
I don ’ t think the coronavirus crisis will affect his value.
” However , Rashica has major doubts about a potential move to Liverpool according to Weser Kurier .
They report the Kosovo international is aware he is unlikely to start in Jurgen Klopp 's team and will snub interest from Anfield in search of regular football elsewhere .
Bremen still want £33m for Rashica which would make him Villa 's record arrival if a deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agent , Altin Lala , recently fuelled the transfer fire by claiming that he anticipates a move in the near future for his client .
“ Before the coronavirus crisis , we were in contact with some clubs - including those from the Bundesliga , ” he told Sport1 .
“ At the moment , everything is standing still .
I am sure that soon , when we are back to normal , there will be movement on the topic and something will definitely happen .
“ It is clear that until the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entirely on staying up with Werder Bremen .
”

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Aston Villa continue to be linked with Werder Bremen forward Milot Rashica.
The 23-year-old was on Villa's radar in the January transfer window but no club was willing to meet Bremen’s £33million asking price.
After a blistering start to the season Rashica's form has dipped since the turn of the year but Villa and Liverpool reportedly hold an interest.
Bremen sporting director Frank Baumann told German media outlet Deichstube: “It is not certain he will go in the summer. To do this, something must be found first which suits both sides, but we are not dreamers either.
“We know it is quite possible that Milot will be sold. I don’t think the coronavirus crisis will affect his value.”
According to Bild, Rashica has a relegation release clause of just €15million (£13m) in his contract that can be exercised until mid-June.
The Bundesliga is set to resume after the German government gave to go-ahead for fixtures to be played behind closed doors and while Bremen are four points from safety, nine rounds of fixtures are still to be played.
Rashica also has a standard release clause of €38m (£33m) but that also reportedly expires on June 15 meaning suitors will have to act quickly.
The player’s agent, Altin Lala, recently fuelled the transfer fire by claiming that he anticipates a move in the near future for his client.
“Before the coronavirus crisis, we were in contact with some clubs - including those from the Bundesliga,” he told Sport1.
“At the moment, everything is standing still. I am sure that soon, when we are back to normal, there will be movement on the topic and something will definitely happen.
“It is clear that until the end of the season Milot will concentrate entirely on staying up with Werder Bremen.”


birminghammail--2020-04-24--HS2 protesters 'putting workers lives at risk' during coronavirus pandemic

Anti-HS2 protesters are putting workers are risk by breaching social distancing guidelines near construction sites , the boss of the company developing the railway said .
Mark Thurston , chief executive of HS2 Ltd , told MPs the conduct of some demonstrators is causing `` significant issues around making sure we can protect our sites and protect our workers '' .
He told the Commons Transport Select Committee : `` We 've seen action by protesters that is anything but complying with the social distancing guidelines that the Government has advised .
`` They 've put our operatives at risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisations to protect our sites and protect our operatives .
`` In a number of instances the police have even been called , which frankly is not a great use of the police at this time . ''
Mr Thurston told the committee that HS2 Ltd spent two weeks reviewing which of its 200 sites on the phase one route between London and Birmingham could operate during the pandemic while adhering to Public Health England guidance relating to construction workers .
He said around 75 % of sites are open `` where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the guidelines '' .
He went on : `` If we ca n't comply with the guidelines we will shut our sites .
We will take a zero-tolerance approach with our contractors .
`` Our contractors are ultimately responsible for complying with the guidelines .
I 've engaged with all of the CEOs of our key contractors .
They take this very seriously . ''
Last week ministers gave the official go-ahead for construction on HS2 to begin .
HS2 Ltd issued a notice to proceed to firms contracted to design and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viaducts for phase one between London and Birmingham .
Mr Thurston told MPs it was too early to know how the project 's schedule will be affected by the virus .
He said : `` We were doing work when the pandemic really kicked in and we 've continued to work through the last few weeks .
Notice to proceed was a big decision for us .
But it 's too early for us to really understand what the full impact will be . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave the green light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans running tens of billions of pounds over budget and several years behind schedule .
The Government-commissioned Oakervee Review warned that the final bill could reach £106 billion at 2019 prices .
Sir John Armitt , a Government infrastructure adviser , described HS2 's business case as `` tricky '' but insisted there is a limit to how much existing rail lines can be improved .
The National Infrastructure Commission chairman said : `` There is a limit to how long we can put Sellotape and sticky stuff on a railway which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and occasionally you have to build new .
`` The business case is always a tricky one .
Economists will always come to different views .
`` We 're talking about a project which is going to be beneficial to the country for the next 75 years at least , and therefore forecasting how those long-term socioeconomic benefits are going to play out is a challenge for anyone .
`` I think to a certain extent , occasionally you have to say , 'this looks a sensible thing to do so let @ @ @ @ @ @

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Anti-HS2 protesters are putting workers are risk by breaching social distancing guidelines near construction sites, the boss of the company developing the railway said.
Mark Thurston, chief executive of HS2 Ltd, told MPs the conduct of some demonstrators is causing "significant issues around making sure we can protect our sites and protect our workers".
He told the Commons Transport Select Committee: "We've seen action by protesters that is anything but complying with the social distancing guidelines that the Government has advised.
"They've put our operatives at risk. We've had to engage security organisations to protect our sites and protect our operatives.
"In a number of instances the police have even been called, which frankly is not a great use of the police at this time."
Mr Thurston told the committee that HS2 Ltd spent two weeks reviewing which of its 200 sites on the phase one route between London and Birmingham could operate during the pandemic while adhering to Public Health England guidance relating to construction workers.
He said around 75% of sites are open "where we can be confident that we can comply with the guidelines".
He went on: "If we can't comply with the guidelines we will shut our sites. We will take a zero-tolerance approach with our contractors.
"Our contractors are ultimately responsible for complying with the guidelines. I've engaged with all of the CEOs of our key contractors. They take this very seriously."
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Last week ministers gave the official go-ahead for construction on HS2 to begin.
HS2 Ltd issued a notice to proceed to firms contracted to design and construct bridges, tunnels, embankments and viaducts for phase one between London and Birmingham.
Mr Thurston told MPs it was too early to know how the project's schedule will be affected by the virus.
He said: "We were doing work when the pandemic really kicked in and we've continued to work through the last few weeks. Notice to proceed was a big decision for us. But it's too early for us to really understand what the full impact will be."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave the green light for HS2 in February, despite the plans running tens of billions of pounds over budget and several years behind schedule.
The Government-commissioned Oakervee Review warned that the final bill could reach £106 billion at 2019 prices.
Sir John Armitt, a Government infrastructure adviser, described HS2's business case as "tricky" but insisted there is a limit to how much existing rail lines can be improved.
The National Infrastructure Commission chairman said: "There is a limit to how long we can put Sellotape and sticky stuff on a railway which was originally laid down nearly 200 years ago, and occasionally you have to build new.
"The business case is always a tricky one. Economists will always come to different views.
"We're talking about a project which is going to be beneficial to the country for the next 75 years at least, and therefore forecasting how those long-term socioeconomic benefits are going to play out is a challenge for anyone.
"I think to a certain extent, occasionally you have to say, 'this looks a sensible thing to do so let's go ahead'."


birminghammail--2020-04-24--Government issues statement as coronavirus testing kits run out within hours

The Department of Health has apologised after the website set up for key workers to book Covid-19 tests stopped accepting applications due to high demand .
The part of the gov.uk website set up for key workers to book coronavirus tests was not accepting new applications by mid-morning on Friday .
The website , which enables people to book tests at a drive through centre or register for a home test , said : `` Coronavirus test : applications closed .
You ca n't currently register for a Covid-19 test .
Please check back here later . ''
The Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been significant demand for booking tests today .
`` We apologise for any inconvenience .
We are continuing to rapidly increase availability .
More tests will be available tomorrow . ''
Easing the UK 's lockdown depends on the speed at which the number of new cases of Covid-19 falls and that is as yet `` unknown '' , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said .
The number of new cases is being tracked through hospital admissions , a new testing study in the community announced on Wednesday , and data that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests under an expansion of the testing programme , Mr Hancock said .
But he suggested there is no prospect of easing the lockdown yet , and that coronavirus cases need to drop substantially before the next phase of isolating infected people and their contacts can be truly effective .
Through a process of mass testing and by isolating infected people and their contacts , ministers hope that future localised outbreaks of corornavirus can be kept under control .
Mr Hancock told Radio 4 's Today programme : `` Now that we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much hope that things will start to slow down and , if and when they do , then the speed with which the number of new cases reduces will frankly will determine how long we need to keep the measures on and that is as yet unknown . ''
He said it was not quite the case that mass testing and contact tracing needed to be in place before the current restrictions are eased , but said contact tracing worked better when the number of infections was pushed right down .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of new cases down , right down , and the lower you go , the more effective contact tracing is because the more resources you can put into each individual case that gets a positive test .
`` You can really make sure you can get hold of all of their contacts and get them , in many cases , to self-isolate .
`` The smaller the number of new cases , the more effective the test , track and trace system will be . ''
Social distancing was driving down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding that the contact tracing operation would be functioning in a `` matter of weeks '' .
He said mass testing , contact tracing and a new contact tracing app `` are so crucial to holding down the rate and level of transmission of the disease . ''
The Government has expanded its Covid-19 testing programme to all key workers and their households if they have symptoms as it tries to hit its 100,000 tests a day target by Thursday next week .
The latest figures show just 23,560 tests were carried out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hancock said capacity had now increased to 51,000 per day .
Under the expansion of testing , NHS and social care staff , police officers , teachers , social workers , undertakers , journalists and those who work in supermarkets and food production are among those now eligible .
People can register for a test on the gov.uk website and will receive a text or email with an appointment at a drive-through centre .
Alternatively they can request a home test kit to be posted to them , although the latter are currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the drive-through sites will be sent out by text within 48 hours , and within 72 hours of collection of the home delivery tests .

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The Department of Health has apologised after the website set up for key workers to book Covid-19 tests stopped accepting applications due to high demand.
The part of the gov.uk website set up for key workers to book coronavirus tests was not accepting new applications by mid-morning on Friday.
The website, which enables people to book tests at a drive through centre or register for a home test, said: "Coronavirus test: applications closed. You can't currently register for a Covid-19 test. Please check back here later."
The Department of Health tweeted: "There has been significant demand for booking tests today.
"We apologise for any inconvenience. We are continuing to rapidly increase availability. More tests will be available tomorrow."
Easing the UK's lockdown depends on the speed at which the number of new cases of Covid-19 falls and that is as yet "unknown", Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said.
The number of new cases is being tracked through hospital admissions, a new testing study in the community announced on Wednesday, and data that will be gathered from people coming forward for tests under an expansion of the testing programme, Mr Hancock said.
But he suggested there is no prospect of easing the lockdown yet, and that coronavirus cases need to drop substantially before the next phase of isolating infected people and their contacts can be truly effective.
Through a process of mass testing and by isolating infected people and their contacts, ministers hope that future localised outbreaks of corornavirus can be kept under control.
Mr Hancock told Radio 4's Today programme: "Now that we're at the peak, and we very much hope that things will start to slow down and, if and when they do, then the speed with which the number of new cases reduces will frankly will determine how long we need to keep the measures on and that is as yet unknown."
He said it was not quite the case that mass testing and contact tracing needed to be in place before the current restrictions are eased, but said contact tracing worked better when the number of infections was pushed right down.
"The truth is that we need to get the number of new cases down, right down, and the lower you go, the more effective contact tracing is because the more resources you can put into each individual case that gets a positive test.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"You can really make sure you can get hold of all of their contacts and get them, in many cases, to self-isolate.
"The smaller the number of new cases, the more effective the test, track and trace system will be."
Social distancing was driving down the numbers, Mr Hancock said, adding that the contact tracing operation would be functioning in a "matter of weeks".
He said mass testing, contact tracing and a new contact tracing app "are so crucial to holding down the rate and level of transmission of the disease."
The Government has expanded its Covid-19 testing programme to all key workers and their households if they have symptoms as it tries to hit its 100,000 tests a day target by Thursday next week.
The latest figures show just 23,560 tests were carried out in a 24-hour period, though Mr Hancock said capacity had now increased to 51,000 per day.
Under the expansion of testing, NHS and social care staff, police officers, teachers, social workers, undertakers, journalists and those who work in supermarkets and food production are among those now eligible.
People can register for a test on the gov.uk website and will receive a text or email with an appointment at a drive-through centre.
Alternatively they can request a home test kit to be posted to them, although the latter are currently in limited supply.
Test results from the drive-through sites will be sent out by text within 48 hours, and within 72 hours of collection of the home delivery tests.


birminghammail--2020-04-24--Jack Grealish update confuses Manchester United fans

Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish will have to switch position if he completes a move to Manchester United , according to reports .
The 24-year-old is being heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford having excelled on the Premier League stage .
Grealish started out in his preferred central midfield role this season before Dean Smith pushed him further forward into a free role in attack .
It 's paid dividends for the playmaker , who has been relied on to keep Villa 's fight against relegation alive .
But Grealish will reportedly need to get used to an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to The Athletic , Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plans to deploy him on the right-hand side of a front three .
The England hopeful has n't played there regularly in a number of years and could also have competition for the role in the form of Jadon Sancho who is being tipped to leave Borussia Dortmund for the Premier League .
One United fan said : `` Grealish should ONLY be a Plan B to Sancho for United .
The two would not coexist with each other , far too similar of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other era , Jack Grealish would be a right winger , so that makes sense ... but I still want Sancho and I still want Grealish , '' said another .
A third asked : `` Can Grealish even play on the right side roaming in ? ''
`` The issue is n't with starting position ; it 's that they 'll be performing the same role in the Utd team : to be the team 's main BTL ( between the lines ) creator & ball-magnet along with Bruno , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but roam across the final 1/3 conducting their team 's attack And they 'll likely be performing this role to the same level of quality .
Sancho 's a top player but Grealish is too good to be a back-up .
Expect his creative output to drastically increase if he joins a top side this summer . ''

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Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish will have to switch position if he completes a move to Manchester United, according to reports.
The 24-year-old is being heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford having excelled on the Premier League stage.
Grealish started out in his preferred central midfield role this season before Dean Smith pushed him further forward into a free role in attack.
It's paid dividends for the playmaker, who has been relied on to keep Villa's fight against relegation alive.
But Grealish will reportedly need to get used to an unfamiliar position if he signs for United. According to The Athletic, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plans to deploy him on the right-hand side of a front three.
The England hopeful hasn't played there regularly in a number of years and could also have competition for the role in the form of Jadon Sancho who is being tipped to leave Borussia Dortmund for the Premier League.
One United fan said: "Grealish should ONLY be a Plan B to Sancho for United. The two would not coexist with each other, far too similar of a profile."
"In any other era, Jack Grealish would be a right winger, so that makes sense...but I still want Sancho and I still want Grealish," said another.
A third asked: "Can Grealish even play on the right side roaming in?"
"The issue isn't with starting position; it's that they'll be performing the same role in the Utd team: to be the team's main BTL (between the lines) creator & ball-magnet along with Bruno," said another. "Both players start wide but roam across the final 1/3 conducting their team's attack And they'll likely be performing this role to the same level of quality. Sancho's a top player but Grealish is too good to be a back-up. Expect his creative output to drastically increase if he joins a top side this summer."


birminghammail--2020-04-24--Casilla praised for response after FA racial charge against Leko

Kiko Casilla has received praise for how he ’ s dealt with his FA charge of racist abuse against West Brom winger Jonathan Leko .
Leeds United first choice keeper Casilla served two of his eight suspended matches after being found guilty of using abusive language aimed at Leko , prior to the coronavirus outbreak prompting the suspension of the campaign .
Yet he ’ s been applauded for his response and mental strength to the episode by Leeds ’ director of football Victor Orta .
Albion youngster Leko , who spent the first half of the season on loan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a season ending injury and returning to The Hawthorns , was playing for the Addicks against Leeds at The Valley in September when the pair clashed in the second half before the taking of a corner and the referee intervened .
Following Casilla punching the aforementioned corner kick clear , he was then heard uttering the abusive language for which he was charged .
Casilla denied the charge before the end of November and requested a hearing in front of an independent regulatory commission , but the charge was unanimously upheld .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attend an FA education programme .
In the meantime he ’ s been advising young deputy Ilan Meslier , Orta explains .
“ Kiko arrived less time ago [ than Pablo Hernandez ] , ” Orta told EFE .
“ He has had adversities and has managed to overcome [ them ] , he has known how to feel the colours of the club and interpret what this team is .
“ I am also very proud because , with all the adversities he has suffered , he is still mentally very strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the current situation , he is helping Meslier , the young goalkeeper , after the sanction was received .
The truth is I am very proud of both ( Casilla and Hernandez ) of them .
”

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Kiko Casilla has received praise for how he’s dealt with his FA charge of racist abuse against West Brom winger Jonathan Leko.
Leeds United first choice keeper Casilla served two of his eight suspended matches after being found guilty of using abusive language aimed at Leko, prior to the coronavirus outbreak prompting the suspension of the campaign.
Yet he’s been applauded for his response and mental strength to the episode by Leeds’ director of football Victor Orta.
Albion youngster Leko, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Championship rivals Charlton Athletic before suffering a season ending injury and returning to The Hawthorns, was playing for the Addicks against Leeds at The Valley in September when the pair clashed in the second half before the taking of a corner and the referee intervened.
Following Casilla punching the aforementioned corner kick clear, he was then heard uttering the abusive language for which he was charged.
Casilla denied the charge before the end of November and requested a hearing in front of an independent regulatory commission, but the charge was unanimously upheld. He was also charged £60,000 and ordered to attend an FA education programme.
In the meantime he’s been advising young deputy Ilan Meslier, Orta explains.
“Kiko arrived less time ago [than Pablo Hernandez],” Orta told EFE. “He has had adversities and has managed to overcome [them], he has known how to feel the colours of the club and interpret what this team is.
“I am also very proud because, with all the adversities he has suffered, he is still mentally very strong and helping a lot.
“Even with the current situation, he is helping Meslier, the young goalkeeper, after the sanction was received. The truth is I am very proud of both (Casilla and Hernandez) of them.”