birminghammail--2020-01-18--Mum banned from every ASDA store in the country after using self-checkout

A mum of two has been banned from every ASDA store in the country following a complication at a self-checkout machine .
Kirsti Roderick from Grimsby received a letter in the post last weekend banning her from all Asda stores for three years .
Her problems started on December 9 when she entered Asda , on Holles Street , Grimsby , to buy her children ’ s Christmas presents and stock up on festive foods .
She completed her shop and started scanning her goods at a self-checkout machine , reports GrimsbyLive .
Her total came to £147 – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a card .
Kirsti said : “ It asked if I wanted cashback and I clicked ‘ No ’ .
I then entered my PIN and paid my bill .
“ I was moving my shopping out the checkout , but noticed something was wrong .
“ The machine again was asking if I wanted cashback .
I clicked ‘ No ’ again .
It then asked me to enter my PIN again.
” Kirsti was about to re-enter her PIN , but thought it best to check her online banking app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pending payment ’ for £102 - our sister site GrimsbyLive has seen a screenshot of this .
Kirsti added : “ I was surrounded by security guards , managers and other staff .
“ I was accused of stealing and told I ’ d have to pay or leave without my shopping .
“ I told them I ’ d already paid .
I even tried to show them my online banking , but they just accused me of being a liar.
” She admitting to being “ a bit hot-headed ” about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appreciate being called a liar ” .
She claims a security guard was trying to intimidate her by standing over her and grabbing her by the arm : “ They called the police and I was told I ’ d have to leave otherwise I ’ d be arrested .
“ I do admit to being a bit hot-headed about it all .
I had no other option but to leave the store .
“ I was made to feel really embarrassed , intimidated and just treated like scum , really.
” After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank to inform them of the situation and says she was told her money needed to be either approved or declined by Asda for it to clear in her pending payments .
The £102 was returned to her three days later .
Kirsti said : “ I was given my £45 back before leaving the store on that day .
I had to wait three days until my money came back into my bank account .
“ I thought my children would have to go without at Christmas .
I really didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I went into Asda every day until my money was back in my account .
I went back in and got all my shopping when it was finally back in.
” “ I apologised to the right people for how I ’ d reacted and thought it was all resolved from there , ” said Kirsti .
“ I received a £40 gift voucher in the post a few days later .
I have spoken to friends about it and they seem to think it ’ s an apology.
” Kirsti says she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £40 gift voucher but was stopped by a security guard on the door .
She added : “ He told me I ’ d been banned and showed me a letter .
I asked why and why this letter hadn ’ t been sent to me .
It had my name , address and number on it .
“ He said he wanted to give it to me in person .
He just wanted to embarrass me and wanted more people to watch .
“ I ’ d spoken with a manager and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said I wouldn ’ t be banned.
” On January 15 , Kirsti received her letter which explained she has been banned for “ verbal abuse ” – and the words “ theft/fraud loss £100 to £1000 ” have been crossed out .
The supermarket chain had previously confirmed an ‘ issue ’ with their checkouts over the Christmas period .
The letter , dated and signed on December 12 , reads : “ You are hereby notified that with effect from the date of this notice , the conditional invitation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ASDA Store is withdrawn in so far as you are concerned.
” An ASDA spokesperson said : `` We always want to provide a welcoming environment for our customers and asking someone not to visit our stores is always an absolute last resort , however we do not tolerate any form of physical or verbal abuse towards colleagues or customers in our stores .
’ ’

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Paige Freshwater, Katie Brooks)

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A mum of two has been banned from every ASDA store in the country following a complication at a self-checkout machine.
Kirsti Roderick from Grimsby received a letter in the post last weekend banning her from all Asda stores for three years.
Her problems started on December 9 when she entered Asda, on Holles Street, Grimsby, to buy her children’s Christmas presents and stock up on festive foods.
She completed her shop and started scanning her goods at a self-checkout machine, reports GrimsbyLive .
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Her total came to £147 – and she paid £45 in cash and £102 on a card.
Kirsti said: “It asked if I wanted cashback and I clicked ‘No’. I then entered my PIN and paid my bill.
“I was moving my shopping out the checkout, but noticed something was wrong.
“The machine again was asking if I wanted cashback. I clicked ‘No’ again. It then asked me to enter my PIN again.”
Kirsti was about to re-enter her PIN, but thought it best to check her online banking app beforehand and said she saw a ‘pending payment’ for £102 - our sister site GrimsbyLive has seen a screenshot of this.
Kirsti added: “I was surrounded by security guards, managers and other staff.
“I was accused of stealing and told I’d have to pay or leave without my shopping.
“I told them I’d already paid. I even tried to show them my online banking, but they just accused me of being a liar.”
(Image: handout)
She admitting to being “a bit hot-headed” about the situation because she doesn't “appreciate being called a liar”.
She claims a security guard was trying to intimidate her by standing over her and grabbing her by the arm: “They called the police and I was told I’d have to leave otherwise I’d be arrested.
“I do admit to being a bit hot-headed about it all. I had no other option but to leave the store.
“I was made to feel really embarrassed, intimidated and just treated like scum, really.”
After leaving the store, Kirsti contacted her bank to inform them of the situation and says she was told her money needed to be either approved or declined by Asda for it to clear in her pending payments.
The £102 was returned to her three days later.
Kirsti said: “I was given my £45 back before leaving the store on that day. I had to wait three days until my money came back into my bank account.
“I thought my children would have to go without at Christmas. I really didn’t need the extra stress.
“I went into Asda every day until my money was back in my account. I went back in and got all my shopping when it was finally back in.”
“I apologised to the right people for how I’d reacted and thought it was all resolved from there,” said Kirsti.
“I received a £40 gift voucher in the post a few days later. I have spoken to friends about it and they seem to think it’s an apology.”
Kirsti says she visited Asda after Christmas to spend her £40 gift voucher but was stopped by a security guard on the door.
She added: “He told me I’d been banned and showed me a letter. I asked why and why this letter hadn’t been sent to me. It had my name, address and number on it.
(Image: handout)
“He said he wanted to give it to me in person. He just wanted to embarrass me and wanted more people to watch.
“I’d spoken with a manager and he said this wouldn’t happen, he said I wouldn’t be banned.”
On January 15, Kirsti received her letter which explained she has been banned for “verbal abuse” – and the words “theft/fraud loss £100 to £1000” have been crossed out.
The supermarket chain had previously confirmed an ‘issue’ with their checkouts over the Christmas period.
The letter, dated and signed on December 12, reads: “You are hereby notified that with effect from the date of this notice, the conditional invitation to the general public to enter any ASDA Store is withdrawn in so far as you are concerned.”
An ASDA spokesperson said: "We always want to provide a welcoming environment for our customers and asking someone not to visit our stores is always an absolute last resort, however we do not tolerate any form of physical or verbal abuse towards colleagues or customers in our stores.’’


birminghammail--2020-01-18--Mum discovered paedophile living on her street - but told to keep it secret by police

A mum who discovered a paedophile was living on her street has spoken out about how she was told by police to keep it a secret .
Claire Varin , a mother of two , was made to sign a non-disclosure form after discovering her new neighbour was a convicted paedophile , under the conditions of Sarah 's Law .
Officially known as the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme , Sarah 's Law was introduced following the abduction and murder of Sarah Payne by paedophile Roy Whiting in 2000 .
It allows anyone to ask their local police force if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against children but the law has come with complications and saw Claire taken to court after using the scheme and subsequently outing a paedophile neighbour in 2017 .
Claire became suspicious of a new neighbour after he knocked on their door and asked if their eight-year-old daughter would like to go berry picking with him .
After becoming suspicious , she contacted West Yorkshire Police and discovered he had previously been jailed for possessing child abuse images , reports Leeds Live .
She was made to sign a non-disclosure form , preventing her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was taken to court after her neighbours found out .
The charges were eventually dropped , but following the ordeal , Ms Varin separated from her partner and moved away from the street she lived on .
She said : `` It makes you question how effective the law is .
It 's meant to be there to protect children , but we ca n't share the information - technically you are n't even supposed to tell your partner , although the police did accept I was going to do so to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just left to deal with this information .
We were told a paedophile had moved onto the street and we were expected to just live with it .
`` The person who is disclosed to , how can you sit back and just watch them interact with children ?
You are just as bad then , it is on your conscience . ''
`` The stress of it all meant I did n't want to live there anymore .
He refused to move out until just a few months ago , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had done was what anyone else would have done . ''
Disclosures of children committing crimes against children have nearly doubled since the law was introduced in 2011 , rising from 120 a year to 219 annually , according to comparable figures obtained under freedom of information laws by Portsmouth University 's journalism department .
Out of the 46 forces , including the British Transport Police , in the UK , 22 returned comparable data , revealing at least 1,140 disclosures have been made to parents since 2011 .
However , when including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , figures suggest it could be much higher , with at least 1,427 adults informed someone close to their child has a history of sexual offences since 2011 .
Applications under Sarah 's Law can be made by anyone , but the police will only inform the person who is able to protect the child .
So , for example , a grandparent may enquire about their daughter 's new partner , but the police would then inform the mother , not the grandparent , if the partner was found to have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year the law was introduced to the last financial year , 8,958 applications were made by members of the public based on 22 police forces who supplied comparable data .
However , incomplete data from other forces suggests the total number of applications from across this period was at least as high as 16,900 .
The proportion of applications that resulted in disclosure remained the same , at 14 % , in both 2011/12 and 2018/19 .
28 forces returned comparable figures for the last three financial years , which show a 29 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a 57 % increase in disclosures .
Donald Findlater , director of child abuse helpline Stop It Now !
, said it was `` reassuring '' to see the figures growing .
Mr Findlater , who sat on the panel consulting with the government before the scheme became law , told PA : `` I think the rise is demonstrating a level of interest in safeguarding children and seeking information greater than we have had historically .
`` I would like to see this trend continue because it is demonstrating awareness and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience sexual abuse and one of the biggest problems is people are blind to the reality of it and think , 'it wo n't happen around here ' .
`` The fact that people are making the applications demonstrates to me that people are aware that the children they love and care about may be vulnerable to abuse . ''
Even if an application does not result in a disclosure , those who enquired are given a pack with information about where to turn if they suspect abuse .
Mr Findlater said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that is not saying to someone 'you do n't need to be concerned ' , because they might have a concern that is a legitimate one , he just has n't been arrested for something yet .
`` Right now there are approximately 59,000 people on the sex offender register , but that is simply a fraction of those who represent a risk to children .
Just telling a parent , 'this person is not on the register ' is not telling people not to worry . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Megan Baynes, Katie Brooks)

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A mum who discovered a paedophile was living on her street has spoken out about how she was told by police to keep it a secret.
Claire Varin, a mother of two, was made to sign a non-disclosure form after discovering her new neighbour was a convicted paedophile, under the conditions of Sarah's Law.
Officially known as the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, Sarah's Law was introduced following the abduction and murder of Sarah Payne by paedophile Roy Whiting in 2000.
It allows anyone to ask their local police force if someone has a record of committing crimes against children but the law has come with complications and saw Claire taken to court after using the scheme and subsequently outing a paedophile neighbour in 2017.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Claire became suspicious of a new neighbour after he knocked on their door and asked if their eight-year-old daughter would like to go berry picking with him.
After becoming suspicious, she contacted West Yorkshire Police and discovered he had previously been jailed for possessing child abuse images, reports Leeds Live .
She was made to sign a non-disclosure form, preventing her from warning anybody else, however, she was taken to court after her neighbours found out.
The charges were eventually dropped, but following the ordeal, Ms Varin separated from her partner and moved away from the street she lived on.
She said: "It makes you question how effective the law is. It's meant to be there to protect children, but we can't share the information - technically you aren't even supposed to tell your partner, although the police did accept I was going to do so to protect my children.
"We were just left to deal with this information. We were told a paedophile had moved onto the street and we were expected to just live with it.
"The person who is disclosed to, how can you sit back and just watch them interact with children? You are just as bad then, it is on your conscience."
"The stress of it all meant I didn't want to live there anymore. He refused to move out until just a few months ago," the 37-year-old carer added.
"All I had done was what anyone else would have done."
Disclosures of children committing crimes against children have nearly doubled since the law was introduced in 2011, rising from 120 a year to 219 annually, according to comparable figures obtained under freedom of information laws by Portsmouth University's journalism department.
Out of the 46 forces, including the British Transport Police, in the UK, 22 returned comparable data, revealing at least 1,140 disclosures have been made to parents since 2011.
However, when including the partial data returned by some forces, figures suggest it could be much higher, with at least 1,427 adults informed someone close to their child has a history of sexual offences since 2011.
(Image: PA/PA Wire)
Applications under Sarah's Law can be made by anyone, but the police will only inform the person who is able to protect the child.
So, for example, a grandparent may enquire about their daughter's new partner, but the police would then inform the mother, not the grandparent, if the partner was found to have a history of sexual offences.
From the year the law was introduced to the last financial year, 8,958 applications were made by members of the public based on 22 police forces who supplied comparable data.
However, incomplete data from other forces suggests the total number of applications from across this period was at least as high as 16,900.
The proportion of applications that resulted in disclosure remained the same, at 14%, in both 2011/12 and 2018/19.
28 forces returned comparable figures for the last three financial years, which show a 29% increase in applications over this period and a 57% increase in disclosures.
Donald Findlater, director of child abuse helpline Stop It Now!, said it was "reassuring" to see the figures growing.
Mr Findlater, who sat on the panel consulting with the government before the scheme became law, told PA: "I think the rise is demonstrating a level of interest in safeguarding children and seeking information greater than we have had historically.
"I would like to see this trend continue because it is demonstrating awareness and vigilance.
"One in 10 children experience sexual abuse and one of the biggest problems is people are blind to the reality of it and think, 'it won't happen around here'.
"The fact that people are making the applications demonstrates to me that people are aware that the children they love and care about may be vulnerable to abuse."
Even if an application does not result in a disclosure, those who enquired are given a pack with information about where to turn if they suspect abuse.
Mr Findlater said: "If a disclosure is not made, that is not saying to someone 'you don't need to be concerned', because they might have a concern that is a legitimate one, he just hasn't been arrested for something yet.
"Right now there are approximately 59,000 people on the sex offender register, but that is simply a fraction of those who represent a risk to children. Just telling a parent, 'this person is not on the register' is not telling people not to worry."


birminghammail--2020-01-18--Review: Strictly Come Dancing Live at Arena Birmingham 2020: a magical spectacle that is pure Disney

Review: Strictly Come Dancing Live at Arena Birmingham 2020: a magical spectacle that is pure Disney for adults

Strictly Come Dancing The Live Tour sashayed back into Brum for the start of its 13th year .
As usual our city was the first to welcome the judges , celebrities and dancers before they head to other cities around the UK .
Unsurprisingly given the success of the series , I had difficulty spotting any empty seats at Arena Birmingham ( or Utilita Arena as it 's soon to be known as ) .
This was clearly the hottest ticket in town .
Strictly 2018 winner Stacey Dooley was on this year 's hosting duties and she certainly looked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a gorgeous floor length silver sparkling gown .
Joking that she 'd come dressed as the Strictly glitter ball trophy , Stacey ensured the crowds were all warmed up and ready to get the Strictly party started .
TV judges Craig Revel Horwood , Bruno Tonioli and Shirley Ballas were back to pass their critical eyes over proceedings - but it 's all in the name of fun .
That is what is so appealing about the series - and to an even greater extent the tour .
Yes , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evident that all the celebrities are simply thrillled to have the chance to dance in front of an audience again .
Not to say the dancing was n't quality to watch .
Strictly 2019 runner up Karin Zeroual kicked off proceedings , dancing his now famous quickstep with Amy Dowden .
Then it was the turn of Alex Scott and Neil Jones to show exactly why Girls Run The World in a suitably high tempo paso doble .
Catherine Tyldesley whose Strictly journey was sadly cut short when she was booted off in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , looked delighted to be teamed again with Johannes Radebe as they danced their gorgeous rumba to the ballad Shallow .
The judges were less impressed but the crowd loved every second .
For me it was a far too short routine !
Saffron Barker and AJ Pritchard also impressed with their foxtrot to New York , New York .
During the post dance chat with Stacey , Saffron spoke for all us girls in the audience when she described how lovely it was to be able to wear such beautiful fairytale gowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for adults- the most magical moment was the beautiful ensemble dance where all the pros and celebs danced to the music from the Planetarium and Sky Full of Stars scene from the movie La La Land .
It was the perfect end to the first half of the show .
Of course there were plenty of other magical moments - not least every second of Strictly 2019 champ Kelvin Fletcher 's incredible hip action during his two performances .
For the tour he is partnered with the very lucky Janette Manrara .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ championing men in pink , Mike Bushell certainly did his bit for dad dancing during his Cha Cha for It 's Raining Men and quickstep to Come On Eileen .
But the undeniable star of the night was Shirley Ballas - demonstrating why she has won a string of championship titles over her illustrious career .
The 59-year-old took to the floor performing a Latin mega-mix and was twirled around by two backing dancers .
The whole arena watched in awe and amazement at how Shirley showed off some incredible footwork .
Thanks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truly fab-U-lous !
Strictly Come Dancing : The Live Tour is at Arena Birmingham until Sunday January 19 .
It then goes on to Aberdeen , Leeds , Belfast , Glasgow , Nottingham and finishes Sunday February 9 at The O2 in London .
Book your tickets at the Ticket Factory official bookings page here

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Strictly Come Dancing The Live Tour sashayed back into Brum for the start of its 13th year.
As usual our city was the first to welcome the judges, celebrities and dancers before they head to other cities around the UK.
Unsurprisingly given the success of the series, I had difficulty spotting any empty seats at Arena Birmingham (or Utilita Arena as it's soon to be known as). This was clearly the hottest ticket in town.
Strictly 2018 winner Stacey Dooley was on this year's hosting duties and she certainly looked the part strutting on to the stage in a gorgeous floor length silver sparkling gown.
Joking that she'd come dressed as the Strictly glitter ball trophy, Stacey ensured the crowds were all warmed up and ready to get the Strictly party started.
TV judges Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Shirley Ballas were back to pass their critical eyes over proceedings - but it's all in the name of fun.
That is what is so appealing about the series - and to an even greater extent the tour.
Yes, there is a trophy to win but it was evident that all the celebrities are simply thrillled to have the chance to dance in front of an audience again.
Not to say the dancing wasn't quality to watch. Strictly 2019 runner up Karin Zeroual kicked off proceedings, dancing his now famous quickstep with Amy Dowden. Then it was the turn of Alex Scott and Neil Jones to show exactly why Girls Run The World in a suitably high tempo paso doble.
Catherine Tyldesley whose Strictly journey was sadly cut short when she was booted off in week six in favour of Mike Bushell, looked delighted to be teamed again with Johannes Radebe as they danced their gorgeous rumba to the ballad Shallow.
The judges were less impressed but the crowd loved every second. For me it was a far too short routine!
Saffron Barker and AJ Pritchard also impressed with their foxtrot to New York, New York.
During the post dance chat with Stacey, Saffron spoke for all us girls in the audience when she described how lovely it was to be able to wear such beautiful fairytale gowns.
Indeed the show was pure Disney for adults- the most magical moment was the beautiful ensemble dance where all the pros and celebs danced to the music from the Planetarium and Sky Full of Stars scene from the movie La La Land. It was the perfect end to the first half of the show.
Of course there were plenty of other magical moments - not least every second of Strictly 2019 champ Kelvin Fletcher's incredible hip action during his two performances.
For the tour he is partnered with the very lucky Janette Manrara.
While Kelvin and Johannes did their bit for championing men in pink, Mike Bushell certainly did his bit for dad dancing during his Cha Cha for It's Raining Men and quickstep to Come On Eileen.
But the undeniable star of the night was Shirley Ballas - demonstrating why she has won a string of championship titles over her illustrious career. The 59-year-old took to the floor performing a Latin mega-mix and was twirled around by two backing dancers.
The whole arena watched in awe and amazement at how Shirley showed off some incredible footwork.
Thanks for a wonderful night. It was truly fab-U-lous!
Strictly Come Dancing: The Live Tour is at Arena Birmingham until Sunday January 19 . It then goes on to Aberdeen, Leeds, Belfast, Glasgow, Nottingham and finishes Sunday February 9 at The O2 in London.
Book your tickets at the Ticket Factory official bookings page here


birminghammail--2020-01-18--Appeal to identify eight men after Aston Villa fans 'attacked police and stewards'

Police have released images of eight men they want to identify after Aston Villa fans allegedly attacked stewards and police @ @ @ @ @ this season .
The Metropolitan Police said the disorder broke out during Villa 's fixture @ @ @ @ @ Park on August 31 .
A last-gasp equaliser for Villa was disallowed , and a @ @ @ @ @ to the area near the pitch and attacked stewards and later police , the force @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday that a number of people have been arrested and officers are urging the @ @ @ @ @ men in the pictures .
Detective Sergeant Matt Simpson said : `` People go to @ @ @ @ @ time , not to witness or experience violence .
`` It is unacceptable that this @ @ @ @ @ 's help we can find those who were prepared to behave in this way .
@ @ @ @ @ on 020 824 69386 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 .

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Police have released images of eight men they want to identify after Aston Villa fans allegedly attacked stewards and police at a Premier League match this season.
The Metropolitan Police said the disorder broke out during Villa 's fixture against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on August 31.
A last-gasp equaliser for Villa was disallowed , and a number of fans ran on to the area near the pitch and attacked stewards and later police, the force added.
Scotland Yard said on Saturday that a number of people have been arrested and officers are urging the public to help identify the men in the pictures.
Detective Sergeant Matt Simpson said: "People go to football matches for a good time, not to witness or experience violence.
"It is unacceptable that this happened and with the public's help we can find those who were prepared to behave in this way."
Witnesses should call police on 020 824 69386 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.


birminghammail--2020-01-18--Couple stole more than £100K in benefits while living life of luxury

A couple who stole more than £100,000 in benefits were living a life of luxury from their their ill-gotten gains .
Melissa Ellis , 34 and Jonathan Lucas , 38 , were handed £108,754 of taxpayers ' money which they were clearly not entitled to , Liverpool Crown Court heard .
The couple with three children pretended they were landlord and tenant to pocket housing benefit and other benefits for nine years .
At the same time the family were jetting off on luxury holidays to Portugal , America and Dubai , reports Liverpool Echo .
The couple lived in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was protected by security gates and the driveway housed a convoy of vehicles including a Jaguar car , a Mercedes , a Range Rover and a Transit van with a trailer .
The garage at the side of the house contained many building tools , materials and a `` J & L Landscaping '' sign at the back .
There were also four mountain bikes , one large scrambler bike and two smaller bikes .
Suspicious fraud investigators for the Department for Work and Pensions eventually snared the couple after visiting the four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ellis and Lucas , who illegally claimed the benefits between 2008 and 2017 , were living together as husband and wife .
Ellis claimed housing benefit as a tenant and then paid it to her partner , Lucas , a self-employed businessman , as her landlord and the property owner .
The couple were arrested at the scene and Lucas admitted to officers there was also cash belonging to him in a safe in the loft .
They found £35,000 and more money in the kitchen , along with some Mexican currency - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 437.59 in Mexican Pesos .
The couple were taken to St Anne Street police station for questioning where Ellis was shown her applications for housing benefit and income support made from her previous address in Garston , and her current Huyton address , all made as a single parent .
Lucas claimed to live at an address in Abergele , North Wales , but investigators found it to be frequently booked up as a holiday cottage with paying guests .
Ellis eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of making a dishonest representation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances .
She was jailed for two years and three months .
Lucas pleaded guilty to two counts of encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence and he was handed 21 months behind bars .
Investigators will try and recoup some of the £108,000 in a Proceeds of Crime application .
Maqsood Khan , from Merseyside Crown Prosecution Service , said : “ Jonathan Lucas and Melissa Ellis are a pair of serial fraudsters who were falsely claiming a variety of benefits while living a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most that Jonathan Lucas would admit to was that Melissa Ellis was his ‘ on-off girlfriend ’ , yet they were clearly living together as man and wife , bringing up their three children and going on expensive foreign holidays together .
“ Lucas denied living at the house in St Mary ’ s Road but was shown the tenancy agreements for both that property and the house in [ Garston ] and confirmed he ’ d completed them and then given them to Ellis knowing she would be using them for her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two cheats has taken a lot of work , but they eventually pleaded guilty and have now been sent to prison .
“ The benefits system is there to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our society .
That clearly doesn ’ t include Jonathan Lucas and Melissa Ellis .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Luke Traynor, Katie Brooks)

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A couple who stole more than £100,000 in benefits were living a life of luxury from their their ill-gotten gains.
Melissa Ellis, 34 and Jonathan Lucas, 38, were handed £108,754 of taxpayers' money which they were clearly not entitled to, Liverpool Crown Court heard.
The couple with three children pretended they were landlord and tenant to pocket housing benefit and other benefits for nine years.
At the same time the family were jetting off on luxury holidays to Portugal, America and Dubai, reports Liverpool Echo .
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The couple lived in a plush home in Huyton, which was protected by security gates and the driveway housed a convoy of vehicles including a Jaguar car, a Mercedes, a Range Rover and a Transit van with a trailer.
The garage at the side of the house contained many building tools, materials and a "J & L Landscaping" sign at the back.
There were also four mountain bikes, one large scrambler bike and two smaller bikes.
Suspicious fraud investigators for the Department for Work and Pensions eventually snared the couple after visiting the four bedroom pad.
It was discovered that Ellis and Lucas, who illegally claimed the benefits between 2008 and 2017, were living together as husband and wife.
Ellis claimed housing benefit as a tenant and then paid it to her partner, Lucas, a self-employed businessman, as her landlord and the property owner.
The couple were arrested at the scene and Lucas admitted to officers there was also cash belonging to him in a safe in the loft.
They found £35,000 and more money in the kitchen, along with some Mexican currency - in total, they seized £55,931 and $437.59 in Mexican Pesos.
The couple were taken to St Anne Street police station for questioning where Ellis was shown her applications for housing benefit and income support made from her previous address in Garston, and her current Huyton address, all made as a single parent.
The 34-year-old admitted making false claims.
Lucas claimed to live at an address in Abergele, North Wales, but investigators found it to be frequently booked up as a holiday cottage with paying guests.
Ellis eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of making a dishonest representation to obtain benefit and three counts of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances.
The rules on Housing Benefit Housing benefit can help you pay your rent if you’re unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits. It’s being replaced by Universal Credit. You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if: you’re getting the severe disability premium, or are entitled to it
you received (or were entitled to) severe disability premium within the last month and are still eligible for it
you've reached State Pension age
you live in temporary accommodation
you live in sheltered or supported housing with special facilities such as alarms or wardens
you’re staying in a hostel where care, support or supervision are provided Usually you will not get Housing Benefit if: your savings are over £16,000 - unless you get Guarantee Credit of Pension Credit
you’re paying a mortgage on your own home - you may be able to get Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
you live in the home of a close relative
you’re already claiming Universal Credit (unless you’re in temporary or supported housing)
your partner is already claiming Housing Benefit
you’re a full-time student - unless you’re disabled
you’re residing in the UK as a European Economic Area jobseeker
you’re an asylum seeker or sponsored to be in the UK
you’re subject to immigration control and your granted leave states that you cannot claim public funds
you’re a Crown Tenant
She was jailed for two years and three months.
Lucas pleaded guilty to two counts of encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence and he was handed 21 months behind bars.
Investigators will try and recoup some of the £108,000 in a Proceeds of Crime application.
Maqsood Khan, from Merseyside Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Jonathan Lucas and Melissa Ellis are a pair of serial fraudsters who were falsely claiming a variety of benefits while living a very nice lifestyle indeed.
“The most that Jonathan Lucas would admit to was that Melissa Ellis was his ‘on-off girlfriend’, yet they were clearly living together as man and wife, bringing up their three children and going on expensive foreign holidays together.
“Lucas denied living at the house in St Mary’s Road but was shown the tenancy agreements for both that property and the house in [Garston] and confirmed he’d completed them and then given them to Ellis knowing she would be using them for her housing benefit claim.
"Nailing these two cheats has taken a lot of work, but they eventually pleaded guilty and have now been sent to prison.
“The benefits system is there to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our society. That clearly doesn’t include Jonathan Lucas and Melissa Ellis.”


birminghammail--2020-01-18--Inconclusive postmortem after death of popular carer known as "Green Eyes" and investigations contin

Inconclusive postmortem after death of popular carer known as "Green Eyes" and investigations continue

A postmortem into the death of a popular carer known affectionately as `` Green Eyes '' who died on Christmas Eve has proved to be inconclusive .
Investigations are continuing into the death of Charmain Manley who was found dead in her bed on the morning of December 24 .
Her devastated sister Cherie Jones said test samples taken from her body have been sent off to a laboratory for further analysis .
She told BirminghamLive : `` A postmortem has been carried out on Charmain 's body and they still do n't know the cause of death at this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to finding out why she passed away .
The coroner is waiting for the results of further tests on her body but they are saying this could take weeks if not months .
`` At this stage we are not arrange the funeral until the coroner has released her body . ''
A date for Charmain 's funeral has now been fixed .
Her funeral will take place at St Mary ’ s Church in Hamstead Road , Handsworth , at 1pm On January 30 .
Burial then takes place at Handsworth cemetery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place at Oscott Social Club on Witton Lodge Road .
Charmain had complained of pain in her legs when she went to bed on the evening of December 23 .
Her partner Tash could n't wake her at the home they shared in Erdington in the early hours of Christmas Eve .
Paramedics were called and carried out CPR but she could not be resuscitated .
She was just 45 .
Cherie had previously made a heartbreaking tribute to her sister carer who grew up in Handsworth .
Cherie , 47 , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shock .
She had been complaining of having pain in her legs before she went to sleep .
`` Her partner Tash tried to wake her up on Christmas Eve morning and he could n't .
Paramedics were called but they could n't revive her .
`` Charmain was a vibrant , beautiful soul inside and out .
She was known as green eyes for having the most beautiful piercingly green eyes .
`` She would do anything for anybody and was very outgoing .
She had another sister Celina and two brothers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devastated .
`` Charmain was very popular and had lots of friends .
She was out of work when she died but had worked as a carer for many years . ''
A fundraiser to help pay for her funeral will take place on January 17 at the Reminisce Social Club , on Soho Hill , Handsworth .
The event , which will have food and entertainment takes place from 8pm .
A GoFundMe page has also been set up by Charmain 's cousin Sonia Parks to help raise funds to pay for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been raised .
To donate click here

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A postmortem into the death of a popular carer known affectionately as "Green Eyes" who died on Christmas Eve has proved to be inconclusive.
Investigations are continuing into the death of Charmain Manley who was found dead in her bed on the morning of December 24.
Her devastated sister Cherie Jones said test samples taken from her body have been sent off to a laboratory for further analysis.
She told BirminghamLive: "A postmortem has been carried out on Charmain's body and they still don't know the cause of death at this stage.
(Image: Handout)
"We are no closer to finding out why she passed away. The coroner is waiting for the results of further tests on her body but they are saying this could take weeks if not months.
"At this stage we are not arrange the funeral until the coroner has released her body."
A date for Charmain's funeral has now been fixed. Her funeral will take place at St Mary’s Church in Hamstead Road, Handsworth, at 1pm On January 30.
Burial then takes place at Handsworth cemetery at 2.30pm. A wake will take place at Oscott Social Club on Witton Lodge Road.
Charmain had complained of pain in her legs when she went to bed on the evening of December 23.
Her partner Tash couldn't wake her at the home they shared in Erdington in the early hours of Christmas Eve.
Paramedics were called and carried out CPR but she could not be resuscitated. She was just 45.
Cherie had previously made a heartbreaking tribute to her sister carer who grew up in Handsworth.
Cherie, 47, said: "We are all in tremendous shock. She had been complaining of having pain in her legs before she went to sleep.
(Image: Handout)
"Her partner Tash tried to wake her up on Christmas Eve morning and he couldn't. Paramedics were called but they couldn't revive her.
"Charmain was a vibrant, beautiful soul inside and out. She was known as green eyes for having the most beautiful piercingly green eyes.
"She would do anything for anybody and was very outgoing. She had another sister Celina and two brothers Mickel and Aaron and they are all devastated.
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"Charmain was very popular and had lots of friends. She was out of work when she died but had worked as a carer for many years."
A fundraiser to help pay for her funeral will take place on January 17 at the Reminisce Social Club, on Soho Hill, Handsworth. The event, which will have food and entertainment takes place from 8pm.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up by Charmain's cousin Sonia Parks to help raise funds to pay for her funeral.
So far £2,200 has been raised. To donate click here


birminghammail--2020-01-18--'Massive one' - Brighton fans predict crunch clash with Aston Villa

Aston Villa are back in action today when they take on Brighton and Hove Albio n. Just three points separate the two sides in the table , Villa occupying the final relegation spot and Brighton currently in 14th .
Though , it 's Dean Smith 's men who have enjoyed a slightly better run of form , winning two of their last five , losing the other three .
Brighton head into this one on the back of three defeats and just one win in their last five games , losing to Everton last time out .
Despite that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite their nerves , ahead of the visit of Villa later today .
Here 's what they have been saying on the North Stand Chat forum Napier - `` My concern is that too often we do not turn up in the big games against our fellow strugglers .
Hopefully not so today and we will come out fighting , show inventiveness in the final third and pepper the Villa goal with shots .
Looking forward to the game . ''
Icy Gull - `` I am unusually nervous about this game .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ m going for must not lose over must win .
Hoping that we blow them away a la the Norwich 5-0 . ''
BN41Albion - `` For the first time in quite a while I 'm quite nervous about today 's game .
A win would be huge , defeat would make the table very grim reading . ''
Milano - `` I ’ ve gone 2-1 to us , I think it will be tight but I think/hope/pray we ’ ll edge it .
One thing is for absolute certain that WE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop this first half sleepwalking , Chelsea and Everton both awful first halves that cost us points.
`` Nicko31 - `` Massive one , I 'm going for 2-1 to the good guys , we should have enough . ''
Nibbler - `` Grealish always seems to bag one , however I 'm thinking positive : 2-1 . ''
TheboyBilly - `` Nervy to start with then a fairly comfortable 2-0 win for the Albion . ''

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Aston Villa are back in action today when they take on Brighton and Hove Albio n.
Just three points separate the two sides in the table, Villa occupying the final relegation spot and Brighton currently in 14th.
Though, it's Dean Smith's men who have enjoyed a slightly better run of form, winning two of their last five, losing the other three.
Brighton head into this one on the back of three defeats and just one win in their last five games, losing to Everton last time out.
Despite that, Seagulls fans are feeling pretty optimistic, despite their nerves, ahead of the visit of Villa later today.
Here's what they have been saying on the North Stand Chat forum
Napier - "My concern is that too often we do not turn up in the big games against our fellow strugglers. Hopefully not so today and we will come out fighting, show inventiveness in the final third and pepper the Villa goal with shots. Looking forward to the game."
Icy Gull - "I am unusually nervous about this game. Looking at the long game I’m going for must not lose over must win. Hoping that we blow them away a la the Norwich 5-0."
BN41Albion - "For the first time in quite a while I'm quite nervous about today's game. A win would be huge, defeat would make the table very grim reading."
Milano - " I’ve gone 2-1 to us, I think it will be tight but I think/hope/pray we’ll edge it. One thing is for absolute certain that WE have to start fast. We must stop this first half sleepwalking, Chelsea and Everton both awful first halves that cost us points. "
Steve Foster - " A nervy but ultimately successful result, I hope: 2-1 ."
Nicko31 - "Massive one, I'm going for 2-1 to the good guys, we should have enough."
Nibbler - "Grealish always seems to bag one, however I'm thinking positive: 2-1."
TheboyBilly - "Nervy to start with then a fairly comfortable 2-0 win for the Albion."


birminghammail--2020-01-18--Watch - shocking 80mph police chase through Tipton - rider got suspended sentence

Shocking footage of the moment an illegally-ridden bike sped through residential streets in Tipton has been released .
Police spotted Owen Guest , along with two others , riding off-road bikes just before 2.30pm on September 10 , 2019 .
The gang split up , so a motorbike officer pursued Guest 's Kawasaki 250cc , which police say had been driven the most dangerously .
You can watch the pursuit in the video above .
Footage of the astonishing 80mph chase shows the bike weaving through traffic , onto pavements , through red lights and on grassed areas .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was halted in his tracks by an officer lying in wait at a bus stop who deployed a stinger to deflate its tyres .
The 20-year-old rider was arrested at the scene at and went on to admit dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance .
He was given 14 months in a young offenders institute , suspended for a year , and ordered to abide by a curfew and do 80 hours of unpaid community work .
Guest , of Sladd Lane , Wolverley , Worcestershire , was also given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Tuesday ( January 14 ) .
PC Steve Lovering , who pursued Guest , said : “ This was appalling driving on a bike which can ’ t legally be ridden on the roads .
“ Great teamwork between officers on the ground and in the air helped us bring this to a safe conclusion .
“ We know the misery that these kinds of bikes cause when they are ridden illegally , and we ’ ll use all our resources to bring those who think it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up-to-date with crime in your community , join the Black Country Crime Watch Facebook group where you will be alerted to any suspicious or criminal behaviour happening in your area

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Shocking footage of the moment an illegally-ridden bike sped through residential streets in Tipton has been released.
Police spotted Owen Guest, along with two others, riding off-road bikes just before 2.30pm on September 10, 2019.
The gang split up, so a motorbike officer pursued Guest's Kawasaki 250cc, which police say had been driven the most dangerously.
(Image: WMP)
You can watch the pursuit in the video above.
Footage of the astonishing 80mph chase shows the bike weaving through traffic, onto pavements, through red lights and on grassed areas.
After an astonishing 10-minute pursuit, the rider was halted in his tracks by an officer lying in wait at a bus stop who deployed a stinger to deflate its tyres.
The 20-year-old rider was arrested at the scene at and went on to admit dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance.
(Image: WMP)
He was given 14 months in a young offenders institute, suspended for a year, and ordered to abide by a curfew and do 80 hours of unpaid community work.
Guest, of Sladd Lane, Wolverley, Worcestershire, was also given a two-year driving ban.
He appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Tuesday (January 14).
PC Steve Lovering, who pursued Guest, said: “This was appalling driving on a bike which can’t legally be ridden on the roads.
“Great teamwork between officers on the ground and in the air helped us bring this to a safe conclusion.
“We know the misery that these kinds of bikes cause when they are ridden illegally, and we’ll use all our resources to bring those who think it’s acceptable to justice.”
To keep up-to-date with crime in your community, join the Black Country Crime Watch Facebook group where you will be alerted to any suspicious or criminal behaviour happening in your area


birminghammail--2020-01-18--'Signs were there' - Pundits make worrying Aston Villa prediction

If the pundits are to be believed , there could be more misery for Aston Villa this weekend .
Villa were thumped 6-1 at home by reigning Premier League champions Manchester City last time out .
Dean Smith 's men are third from bottom of the table - though only one point adrift of safety .
Today ( Saturday ) , they take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium in what looks to be a crucial encounter .
Brighton are 14th in the table but only three points separate the two sides .
`` I was having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday and Saturday - he was having a go when I went 0-5 for Manchester City , but the signs were there for Villa , and I got the margin of victory correct , '' said the former Arsenal star .
`` Wesley is out , but what has he done that means they will dramatically miss him ?
Defensively , they are wide open and do not get the proper protection from the midfielders .
`` I do admire Dean Smith , as he wants to attack .
He wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than he likes but I like him there .
`` Anwar El Ghazi is playing up there too despite Villa buying all of these attacking players .
`` They need to get their basics back ; the three centre-backs were excellent at Leicester but were left exposed against Manchester City , as the protectors did not do their job and went missing .
`` Brighton are not playing bad enough to be in the position they are .
`` Glenn Murray should have got the equaliser last week at Everton , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Goodison Park .
`` They could have easily got something from it .
Brighton are a team that can hold their own , especially at home . ''
Meanwhile , BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson reckons Villa will lose 2-0 at Brighton .
`` Aston Villa got totally taken apart by Manchester City last weekend , and just seem unable to string any sort of run of good results together , '' said the former Liverpool ace .
`` Brighton , meanwhile , only lost by one goal against Everton but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were not very good .
`` Both sides will see this as winnable game but Brighton have got home advantage and that is who I am backing . ''

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If the pundits are to be believed, there could be more misery for Aston Villa this weekend.
Villa were thumped 6-1 at home by reigning Premier League champions Manchester City last time out.
Dean Smith's men are third from bottom of the table - though only one point adrift of safety.
Today (Saturday), they take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium in what looks to be a crucial encounter.
Brighton are 14th in the table but only three points separate the two sides.
Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas is predicting a 2-1 defeat for Villa .
"I was having a chat with Jeff (Stelling) on Friday and Saturday - he was having a go when I went 0-5 for Manchester City, but the signs were there for Villa, and I got the margin of victory correct," said the former Arsenal star.
"Wesley is out, but what has he done that means they will dramatically miss him? Defensively, they are wide open and do not get the proper protection from the midfielders.
"I do admire Dean Smith, as he wants to attack. He wants to play Jack Grealish in a forward position more than he likes but I like him there.
"Anwar El Ghazi is playing up there too despite Villa buying all of these attacking players.
"They need to get their basics back; the three centre-backs were excellent at Leicester but were left exposed against Manchester City, as the protectors did not do their job and went missing.
"Brighton are not playing bad enough to be in the position they are.
"Glenn Murray should have got the equaliser last week at Everton, and that would have nicked a nice draw at Goodison Park.
"They could have easily got something from it. Brighton are a team that can hold their own, especially at home."
Meanwhile, BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson reckons Villa will lose 2-0 at Brighton.
"Aston Villa got totally taken apart by Manchester City last weekend, and just seem unable to string any sort of run of good results together," said the former Liverpool ace.
"Brighton, meanwhile, only lost by one goal against Everton but it could have been more - the Seagulls were not very good.
"Both sides will see this as winnable game but Brighton have got home advantage and that is who I am backing."


birminghammail--2020-01-18--Lichfield pictured through the ages.

Lichfield pictured through the ages.

We take a look back in the history of Lichfield through the decades .

News gallery
Lichfield pictured through the ages.
We take a look back in the history of Lichfield through the decades.


birminghammail--2020-01-18--'Worth treble' - Jude Bellingham to Manchester United transfer rumours addressed by Birmingham City

'Worth treble' - Jude Bellingham to Manchester United transfer rumours addressed by Birmingham City fans

Birmingham City fans have been reacting to the latest Jude Bellingham transfer speculation .
It has been reported that Manchester United have made an offer worth £25m for Blues ' 16-year-old wonder kid .
Boyhood Birmingham City fan Bellingham burst onto the scene this season in the Championship , and is regarded as one of the hottest prospects around .
Here 's what some of the St Andrew 's faithful have been saying about the issue on our website ...
True Blue : Jude is a level headed lad who is being well advised and is listening .
Let 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a while longer .
With a bit of luck , we could still make a late run for the play offs , and have a decent cup run .
Just put a smile back on our faces please B.C.F.C .
Like Trevor Francis who was looked after and matured to be the first £million player .
Bucko22 : Another week gone by with no players added to the squad despite the club claiming they were working hard back in 2019 to identify those they wanted to bring in .
Plenty of talk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goalkeeper both needed since start of season .
Probably sell Jude & Fran first .
Dablue : Easily player of season , and young player of season already .
Nobody is consistent enough to come close .
At least keep the kid till hes an adult and then if he decides he wants to venture on only consider it then .
That 's doing good by him rather than letting a small sum of money talk .
He 's written himself into the history books , but keeping him gives him a place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own to boot .
1875Blue : If Jude keeps progressing the way he is , in 2 or 3 years time he 'll easily be worth treble what United are `` supposedly '' offering .
Although £25million is pretty good we 'd be crazy not to put in at least 30 % sell-on clause .
JustDerek : Jude does not need to rush anywhere .
He will gain more experience playing with Blues for a couple more years than going to a huge Premiership club to play in their reserves .
As mentioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get bigger as time goes on and he continues to improve !
DellBoy123 : Good luck to the lad .
If he stays to develop his career with Blues , great , if not and bigger clubs can take him to the next level , then good luck to him .
He will be a future England captain .
BEITS : Will be worth £100 million in 3 years ' time that 's why they are trying to steal him now .
Jude and his family have mapped out his future and this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ youth team and going out on loan to lower division teams for the next few years , which is exactly what would happen to him .
He is in the right place for his career to progress properly at his home town club were he will be looked after properly .
He and his family have blue blood running through them .
He is going nowhere until he is good and ready .
Bigger clubs than Man Utd will come a calling ( Barca/Real Madrid/PSG ) - he could even replace Messi at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he really does have the world at his feet .
He is as good as Francis was at 16 .
Bluenosestan57 : I ’ m so pleased Jude is a level headed young man , mature beyond his years .
How refreshing his family are fully supportive and understand his desire to play for the team he loves .
His time will come , and his legacy will remain forever .
For now stay where your heart is Jude , we appreciate your commitment and loyalty .
Bcfcblues : 25m is short change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80-100 mil on players .
His wages would n't be anywhere near the 150-300k a week the likes of Rashford gets either .
25m to them is like 1 millon to Championship clubs .
Players come and go .
25m would keep us back in the black and make the accounts look a lot better .
Pep would get around 10-15 that to strengthen the squad .
Plus you never know , United might even throw in a couple reserve strikers on loan till end season as well .
Jack Butland saved this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same ?
Hurts to say this but it 's true .
MrBluenose : Bellingham is the best player we have .
My big fear is that in selling players to recoup money we may well end up relegated .
We already may have points deducted this season and without Bellingham we could easily slide down the table .
I would rather keep him until at least the summer or maybe even next January .
Selling our best players now is foolish in my opinion and not yet needed , this will just get @ @ @

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Birmingham City fans have been reacting to the latest Jude Bellingham transfer speculation.
It has been reported that Manchester United have made an offer worth £25m for Blues' 16-year-old wonder kid.
Boyhood Birmingham City fan Bellingham burst onto the scene this season in the Championship, and is regarded as one of the hottest prospects around.
Here's what some of the St Andrew's faithful have been saying about the issue on our website ...
True Blue: Jude is a level headed lad who is being well advised and is listening.
Let's hope that Jude stays with us for a while longer.
With a bit of luck, we could still make a late run for the play offs,and have a decent cup run.
Just put a smile back on our faces please B.C.F.C. Like Trevor Francis who was looked after and matured to be the first £million player.
Bucko22: Another week gone by with no players added to the squad despite the club claiming they were working hard back in 2019 to identify those they wanted to bring in.
Plenty of talk of midfield players nothing on a striker or goalkeeper both needed since start of season. Probably sell Jude & Fran first.
Dablue: Easily player of season, and young player of season already. Nobody is consistent enough to come close.
At least keep the kid till hes an adult and then if he decides he wants to venture on only consider it then. That's doing good by him rather than letting a small sum of money talk.
He's written himself into the history books, but keeping him gives him a place in Blues folklore as one of their own to boot.
1875Blue: If Jude keeps progressing the way he is, in 2 or 3 years time he'll easily be worth treble what United are "supposedly" offering. Although £25million is pretty good we'd be crazy not to put in at least 30% sell-on clause.
JustDerek: Jude does not need to rush anywhere.
He will gain more experience playing with Blues for a couple more years than going to a huge Premiership club to play in their reserves.
As mentioned by others, his transfer fee will get bigger as time goes on and he continues to improve!
DellBoy123: Good luck to the lad. If he stays to develop his career with Blues, great, if not and bigger clubs can take him to the next level, then good luck to him. He will be a future England captain.
BEITS: Will be worth £100 million in 3 years' time that's why they are trying to steal him now.
Jude and his family have mapped out his future and this does not include playing in Man Utd youth team and going out on loan to lower division teams for the next few years, which is exactly what would happen to him.
He is in the right place for his career to progress properly at his home town club were he will be looked after properly.
He and his family have blue blood running through them. He is going nowhere until he is good and ready.
Bigger clubs than Man Utd will come a calling (Barca/Real Madrid/PSG) - he could even replace Messi at barca in 3 years' time because he really does have the world at his feet. He is as good as Francis was at 16.
Bluenosestan57: I’m so pleased Jude is a level headed young man, mature beyond his years. How refreshing his family are fully supportive and understand his desire to play for the team he loves.
His time will come, and his legacy will remain forever. For now stay where your heart is Jude, we appreciate your commitment and loyalty.
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Bcfcblues: 25m is short change for United when they look to spend 80-100 mil on players. His wages wouldn't be anywhere near the 150-300k a week the likes of Rashford gets either. 25m to them is like 1 millon to Championship clubs.
Players come and go. 25m would keep us back in the black and make the accounts look a lot better. Pep would get around 10-15 that to strengthen the squad. Plus you never know, United might even throw in a couple reserve strikers on loan till end season as well.
Jack Butland saved this club once. Could Jude do the same? Hurts to say this but it's true.
MrBluenose: Bellingham is the best player we have. My big fear is that in selling players to recoup money we may well end up relegated. We already may have points deducted this season and without Bellingham we could easily slide down the table.
I would rather keep him until at least the summer or maybe even next January.
Selling our best players now is foolish in my opinion and not yet needed, this will just get us relegated.


birminghammail--2020-01-18--'Top side' - Jack Butland talks up Stoke City's chances against West Brom

West Bromwich Albion are back in action on Monday when they face Stoke City .
The Baggies are looking to extend their lead over second place Leeds United , the gap currently at one point .
But they will face a Stoke side who have been unpredictable in recent weeks .
The Potters are just one point clear of the drop zone after a disappointing start to the season , but they have only lost one of their last four , winning two .
And goalkeeper Jack Butland has warned they are not to be taken lightly , even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will prove a tough challenge .
“ It will be tough , ” said to Stoke-on-TrentLive .
“ The last time we played them it was in a difficult period for us , a transition of managers .
“ We ’ ve had plenty of time to prepare this time and we want to take the game to them and try and take something from it .
“ We ’ re a top side and we believe that .
“ We rise to occasions and have performed extremely well against some top sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we ’ ve got to go and do it again . ''
This is your round up of all things West Brom ; the one-stop shop that will keep you updated on the latest goings on at the club and beyond .
Transfers , injuries , match-days and managers , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest on the Baggies throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our handy daily catch up ... • Time for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elsewhere ?
- READ For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our West Brom reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com He added : “ We ’ ve got to throw caution to the win a bit and play to the ability we ’ ve got and take a few risks here and there because we ’ ve got the ability to do so .
“ What we did ( against Millwall last game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back door shut and we ’ ve got to be that again against West Brom .
“ And we ’ ve got to be clinical and create more chances than we did ( v Millwall ) .
”

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West Bromwich Albion are back in action on Monday when they face Stoke City .
The Baggies are looking to extend their lead over second place Leeds United, the gap currently at one point.
But they will face a Stoke side who have been unpredictable in recent weeks.
The Potters are just one point clear of the drop zone after a disappointing start to the season, but they have only lost one of their last four, winning two.
And goalkeeper Jack Butland has warned they are not to be taken lightly, even if their date with West Brom this weekend will prove a tough challenge.
“It will be tough,” said to Stoke-on-TrentLive . “The last time we played them it was in a difficult period for us, a transition of managers.
“We’ve had plenty of time to prepare this time and we want to take the game to them and try and take something from it.
“We’re a top side and we believe that.
“We rise to occasions and have performed extremely well against some top sides in the league and that’s what we’ve got to go and do it again."
He added: “We’ve got to throw caution to the win a bit and play to the ability we’ve got and take a few risks here and there because we’ve got the ability to do so.
“What we did (against Millwall last game) was be solid and keep the back door shut and we’ve got to be that again against West Brom.
“And we’ve got to be clinical and create more chances than we did (v Millwall).”


birminghammail--2020-01-18--Dad's amazing reaction after daughter he never knew existed tracks him down

Imagine being tracked down by the long-lost daughter you never even knew you had after three long decades .
Well that 's exactly what happened to one Brummie dad who had the shock of a lifetime when his 29-year-old daughter finally found him .
Danielle Munday spent her whole life wondering about the 'tall , handsome stranger from Birmingham ' - the only description her mum gave her .
The 29-year-old saleswoman would spend seven hours a day searching for answers .
She also made a BirminghamLive appeal and signed up to Ancestry.co.uk .
And her efforts were rewarded when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month - and his reaction was amazing .
Warren Elliott , from Halesowen , thought it was a 'practical joke ' when Danielle - who now lives in America - first got in touch .
`` An old woman knocked on my door and asked if my name was Warren Elliot , '' he told BirminghamLive .
`` She said , ' I just wanted to tell you your daughter is really happy and has a good job .
She loves you and she ca n't wait to see you ' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ round the bend .
I sent her packing thinking she was a raving lunatic ! ''
But a friend who had read Danielle 's appeal later turned up and spoke to Warren about his long-lost daughter - and then put Danielle on the phone .
`` Suddenly I 'm having a conversation with this girl and it just felt like it had to be true , '' he recalled .
`` It was like a crazy dream .
I was as confused as anybody , but it 's a wonderful thing .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm so happy to get to meet her .
I just wish I had been there from the start , but I never knew . ''
Danielle was born after her mum Karen and construction worker Warren fell for each other during a night out in Bicester .
They never met again after the brief encounter .
Warren was described as a 'very attractive ' Brummie by Karen who had hoped for a second meeting - but Warren was sacked from his job and moved across the country .
Though Danielle grew up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy childhood raised by her 'strong and amazing ' mum and grandparents in Bicester .
But she had always been curious about finding her dad .
`` His name is Gavin , he 's from Birmingham , is tall , dark and handsome and would probably be in his early to mid 50s . ''
Those were the only scraps of information Danielle had to work with in order to find her long lost father .
Yet it later transpired Gavin was the name of Warren 's friend he had been out with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Danielle had been searching for answers all her life , scouring the internet for years .
But the mystery unravelled over the course of two weeks in December .
Speaking to BirminghamLive , she said : `` I had spent probably seven hours a day researching and looking for him .
`` I got my Ancestry results back and matched with somebody that was suggested to be my half uncle .
I got in touch with him finally , he lives in Australia , and he said ' I do n't know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Warren .
That 's my half brother and he 's from Birmingham . '
`` And I thought it had to be him !
`` I called my mum and she said , 'Oh my God , I do n't know why I thought it was Gavin .
Warren was his name . '
`` I later found out that my dad was out with someone called Gavin that night , and he got with my mum 's friend . ''
Danielle then spoke to her uncle via the Ancestry website , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was to bring the pair back together .
She now had a real name for her dad , his mum 's address in Halesowen and home phone number for the property .
But the phone kept ringing out .
Determined not to give in , she began messaging every Warren Elliott she could find on Facebook yet drew a blank .
But then she turned to people power - and the results were amazing .
Danielle said : `` I found this long lost families group on Facebook .
`` I said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found out he lives in Halesowen , does anybody know of this person ? '
`` It was a long shot because there 's 20,000 people in the group and they 're from all over the UK .
`` But this one woman sent me a message saying she lived on the same road and that she would go over .
`` So then told me , ' I managed to talk to him but he just seemed kind of confused by what I was saying . '
`` I then went on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,000 people on the group .
I posted some pictures of my dad that I got from his brother and wrote this big detailed message and my phone blew up .
Twenty people messaged me saying they knew my dad .
`` Everybody was telling me the address , but I could n't get there as I live in America . ''
Yet many kind-hearted Brummie strangers said they would visit her dad and tell him of her search .
The moment they finally spoke for the first time Two days later , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finally came .
`` I had this message from an unknown number and he said : 'Hey are you the one looking for your long lost father ?
I can give you his mobile number if you 'd like . '
`` I said 'yes please if he does n't mind . '
And he said : 'No no , he 's sat with me right now . '
So he sends me a picture of them together .
`` I went into a vacant room at the hotel and called this guy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and excitement .
`` I said 'Hi ' and it was n't really awkward .
It was n't forced , we were both just talking .
`` I said , 'Do you remember working in Heyford ' and then he remembered my mum and their stories matched .
He said it was a nice evening and he talked really highly of my mum .
`` He told me he was supposed to be back the following week but he got moved to another job in Birmingham .
We spoke for about 20 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , he was so happy because he did n't know anything .
He was completely open to having a relationship with me . ''
Two days after first speaking to her dad , Danielle sent an ecstatic message to BirminghamLive , simply saying : `` I 've found him !
!
!
!
!
!
!
And he loves me !
!
!
!
!
!
! ''
The father-and-daughter have spoken every day since and have plans to meet up when she next visits the UK in a few months time @

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Imagine being tracked down by the long-lost daughter you never even knew you had after three long decades.
Well that's exactly what happened to one local dad who had the shock of a lifetime when his 29-year-old daughter finally found him.
Danielle Munday spent her whole life wondering about the 'tall, handsome stranger from Birmingham' - the only description her mum gave her.
The 29-year-old saleswoman would spend seven hours a day searching for answers.
She also made a BirminghamLive appeal and signed up to Ancestry.co.uk. And her efforts were rewarded when she finally found her biological father just last month - and his reaction was amazing.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
Warren Elliott, who lives in Halesowen, thought it was a 'practical joke' when Danielle - who now lives in America - first got in touch.
"An old woman knocked on my door and asked if my name was Warren Elliot," he told BirminghamLive.
"She said, 'I just wanted to tell you your daughter is really happy and has a good job. She loves you and she can't wait to see you'.
"I thought this bird was completely round the bend. I sent her packing thinking she was a raving lunatic!"
But a friend who had read Danielle's appeal later turned up and spoke to Warren about his long-lost daughter - and then put Danielle on the phone.
"Suddenly I'm having a conversation with this girl and it just felt like it had to be true," he recalled.
"It was like a crazy dream. I was as confused as anybody, but it's a wonderful thing.
"She's a beautiful girl and I'm so happy to get to meet her. I just wish I had been there from the start, but I never knew."
Danielle was born after her mum Karen and construction worker Warren fell for each other during a night out in Bicester. They never met again after the brief encounter.
Warren was described as a 'very attractive' Brummie by Karen who had hoped for a second meeting - but Warren was sacked from his job and moved across the country.
Though Danielle grew up without a father, she had a happy childhood raised by her 'strong and amazing' mum and grandparents in Bicester.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
But she had always been curious about finding her dad.
The incredible search
"His name is Gavin, he's from Birmingham, is tall, dark and handsome and would probably be in his early to mid 50s."
Those were the only scraps of information Danielle had to work with in order to find her long lost father.
Yet it later transpired Gavin was the name of Warren's friend he had been out with at the time he met her mum.
Danielle had been searching for answers all her life, scouring the internet for years. But the mystery unravelled over the course of two weeks in December.
Speaking to BirminghamLive, she said: "I had spent probably seven hours a day researching and looking for him.
(Image: Danielle Munday)
"I got my Ancestry results back and matched with somebody that was suggested to be my half uncle. I got in touch with him finally, he lives in Australia, and he said 'I don't know anyone called Gavin - but there's a Warren. That's my half brother and he's from Birmingham.'
"And I thought it had to be him!
"I called my mum and she said, 'Oh my God, I don't know why I thought it was Gavin. Warren was his name.'
"I later found out that my dad was out with someone called Gavin that night, and he got with my mum's friend."
Danielle then spoke to her uncle via the Ancestry website, who gave her the vital information that was to bring the pair back together.
She now had a real name for her dad, his mum's address in Halesowen and home phone number for the property. But the phone kept ringing out.
Determined not to give in, she began messaging every Warren Elliott she could find on Facebook yet drew a blank.
(Image: Danielle Munday)
But then she turned to people power - and the results were amazing.
Danielle said: "I found this long lost families group on Facebook.
"I said, 'Hey this is the address, I found out he lives in Halesowen, does anybody know of this person?'
"It was a long shot because there's 20,000 people in the group and they're from all over the UK.
Contact Us Have you been affected by this story? Do you have an issue you want us to investigate or something you want to share from your area? Let me know by emailing stephanie.balloo@reachplc.com, tweeting me @JournoBalloo or calling 07747078285. All contact will be treated with confidentiality. Read more by Stephanie Balloo here.
Contact Us Have you been affected by this story? Do you have an issue you want us to investigate or something you want to share from your area? Let me know by emailing stephanie.balloo@reachplc.com, tweeting me @JournoBalloo or calling 07747078285. All contact will be treated with confidentiality. Read more by Stephanie Balloo here.
"But this one woman sent me a message saying she lived on the same road and that she would go over.
"So then told me, 'I managed to talk to him but he just seemed kind of confused by what I was saying.'
"I then went on a local news site, there's 5,000 people on the group. I posted some pictures of my dad that I got from his brother and wrote this big detailed message and my phone blew up. Twenty people messaged me saying they knew my dad.
"Everybody was telling me the address, but I couldn't get there as I live in America."
Yet many kind-hearted Brummie strangers said they would visit her dad and tell him of her search.
The moment they finally spoke for the first time
Two days later, the day Danielle had been waiting for finally came.
"I had this message from an unknown number and he said: 'Hey are you the one looking for your long lost father? I can give you his mobile number if you'd like.'
"I said 'yes please if he doesn't mind.' And he said: 'No no, he's sat with me right now.' So he sends me a picture of them together.
"I went into a vacant room at the hotel and called this guy, it was a mixture of nerves and excitement.
"I said 'Hi' and it wasn't really awkward. It wasn't forced, we were both just talking.
"I said, 'Do you remember working in Heyford' and then he remembered my mum and their stories matched. He said it was a nice evening and he talked really highly of my mum.
"He told me he was supposed to be back the following week but he got moved to another job in Birmingham. We spoke for about 20 minutes.
"We were messaging throughout the day, he was so happy because he didn't know anything. He was completely open to having a relationship with me."
Two days after first speaking to her dad, Danielle sent an ecstatic message to BirminghamLive, simply saying: "I've found him!!!!!!! And he loves me!!!!!!!"
The father-and-daughter have spoken every day since and have plans to meet up when she next visits the UK in a few months time.


birminghammail--2020-01-18--Aston Villa at Brighton live updates: Mbwana Samatta latest, Pepe Reina debut, Villa striker-less

Aston Villa will travel 180 miles to Brighton for the second time this season looking to bounce back after last week 's embarrassing 6-1 battering by Manchester City .
Dean Smith has since called on his players to be braver and to get back to winning ways ahead of what 's a potentially season-defining run of Premier League fixtures against sides directly around them .
Villa look set to hand Liverpool and Spain legend Pepe Reina his claret and blue debut at the Amex Stadium this afternoon , with Smith poised to ring the changes from Sunday 's humbling at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , exciting transfer news broke from Belgium confirming Villa are on the cusp of landing striker Mbwana Samatta in an £8.5m deal from Racing Club Genk .
The Tanzanian is awaiting on a work permit and will not be available for today 's clash on the south-coast .
It means Smith will once again be striker-less for a third game running .
Elsewhere , Matt Targett looks set for a return from a hamstring strain while Trezeguet could also come in after impressing from the bench against City .
BirminghamLive 's Aston Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be reporting live from the press box at Brighton .
You can follow our updates throughout the day below .

Aston Villa will travel 180 miles to Brighton for the second time this season looking to bounce back after last week's embarrassing 6-1 battering by Manchester City.
Dean Smith has since called on his players to be braver and to get back to winning ways ahead of what's a potentially season-defining run of Premier League fixtures against sides directly around them.
Villa look set to hand Liverpool and Spain legend Pepe Reina his claret and blue debut at the Amex Stadium this afternoon, with Smith poised to ring the changes from Sunday's humbling at Villa Park.
On Thursday, though, exciting transfer news broke from Belgium confirming Villa are on the cusp of landing striker Mbwana Samatta in an £8.5m deal from Racing Club Genk.
The Tanzanian is awaiting on a work permit and will not be available for today's clash on the south-coast. It means Smith will once again be striker-less for a third game running.
Elsewhere, Matt Targett looks set for a return from a hamstring strain while Trezeguet could also come in after impressing from the bench against City.
BirminghamLive's Aston Villa Club Writer, Ashley Preece , will be reporting live from the press box at Brighton. You can follow our updates throughout the day below .


birminghammail--2020-01-18--Birmingham City vs Cardiff LIVE: All the build-up, action and reaction

Pep Clotet has no option but to field a changed team for this weekend ’ s visit from Cardiff City @ @ @ @ @ head coach knows he must do without captain Harlee Dean , who is suspended following @ @ @ @ @ last time out .
Blues will be boosted , though , by Ivan Sunjic ’ @ @ @ @ @ returns after completing his ban for his straight red against Blackburn Rovers .
He does @ @ @ @ @ has seen David Davis reassert himself following Blues ’ change of style .
Then there @ @ @ @ @ of Dan Crowley , Jude Bellingham , Jefferson Montero and several others to consider .
@ @ @ @ @ be in the pressbox from 1pm with all the build-up , action and reaction .
@ @ @ @ @ all the transfer rumours and analysis .

Birmingham City had to settle for a point and a 1-1 draw after two wildly contrasting halves at St Andrew’s.
Blues dominated the first but had only Jude Bellingham’s fourth goal of the season to show for their some intricate football.
However, Cardiff dictated the second period and equalised in the 62nd minute through Lee Tomlin.
Pep Clotet made four changes to the team which won at Luton - with more emphasis on playing passing football.
That brought Bellingham, Dan Crowley and Ivan Sunjic back into the team which Marc Roberts made a welcome return at the back.
It didn’t take long before that fluidity won Blues a fourth minute corner.
Crowley fired it low to the near post, Jeremie Bela flicked it behind him and Bellingham was completely unmarked at the back to tuck home.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
Soon after Crowley found space outside the box and unleashed a shot which was deflected over by Curtis Nelson.
Just after the quarter hour Sunjic won a header in midfield and found Bela.
The Frenchman took it down on his chest, turned and thrashed a dipping shot from 25 yards which clattered off the crossbar.
Ten minutes later a Blues corner was cleared to Kristian Pedersen near the penalty spot but the Dane’s shot is blocked.
And on the half hour Bellingham should have had a second.
Kerim Mrabti launched a deep ball from the right into the box, Jutkiewicz headed it down but Bellingham’s volley hit Alex Smithies with the goal gaping.
Blues’ failure to find a second goal cost them as the Bluebirds rallied in the second period.
The only surprise was that it took them 18 minutes to score.
Neil Harris’ men had peppered the Blues box with crosses by the time a Marlon Pack corner found Tomlin.
The attacker peeled off his defender to head past Lee Camp from eight yards.
Tomlin nearly made it 2-1 with a quarter of an hour to go but thankfully his rising shot from the edge of the box kissed the outside of Camp’s post.
Blues’ first opening of the second period came with only eight minutes remaining.
Sunjic lifted in a deep cross from the right Jutkiewicz beat his man but his header was palmed away by Alex Smithies.


birminghammail--2020-01-18--'Sat in the cup' - Brighton boss makes fascinating Aston Villa revelation

It might seem strange but Brighton & Hove Albion boss Graham Potter insists he has a soft spot for both Aston Villa and Birmingham City .
Potter 's Seagulls take on Villa in the Premier League at the Amex Stadium this afternoon ( 3pm ) .
The Albion manager was born in Solihull and started his playing career at Birmingham .
But the 44-year-old has revealed he was a Villa fan growing up .
`` Most of my friends are Villa fans .
So they 're not my friends at the moment - at least for this weekend , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I actually started to get interested in was the Aston Villa side that won the European Cup .
`` Most supporters will tell you , 'hang on , you ca n't be Birmingham and Aston Villa , you 've got to be one or the other ' , but I think I pretty much was - I have to be diplomatic as I 'm from Birmingham . ''
Potter explained that a chance meeting with a pair of Villa 's 1982 European Cup winners steered him towards the club during his formative years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows how times have changed , because the European Cup winners brought the European Cup to my dad 's working men 's club , '' he said .
`` And there 's a photo at home of my brother actually sat in the cup .
`` I think Ken McNaught and Peter Withe came to the Shirley British Legion !
I do n't think you 'd get that these days , would you ?
`` After that I was interested in Aston Villa .
They had players like Gary Shaw and Tony Morley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ older , I started playing for Birmingham City , went to their centre of excellence and ended up having an affinity for them too . ''

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It might seem strange but Brighton & Hove Albion boss Graham Potter insists he has a soft spot for both Aston Villa and Birmingham City.
Potter's Seagulls take on Villa in the Premier League at the Amex Stadium this afternoon (3pm).
The Albion manager was born in Solihull and started his playing career at Birmingham.
But the 44-year-old has revealed he was a Villa fan growing up.
"Most of my friends are Villa fans. So they're not my friends at the moment - at least for this weekend," said Potter .
"The first team I actually started to get interested in was the Aston Villa side that won the European Cup.
"Most supporters will tell you, 'hang on, you can't be Birmingham and Aston Villa, you've got to be one or the other', but I think I pretty much was - I have to be diplomatic as I'm from Birmingham."
Potter explained that a chance meeting with a pair of Villa's 1982 European Cup winners steered him towards the club during his formative years.
"This is a story that shows how times have changed, because the European Cup winners brought the European Cup to my dad's working men's club," he said.
"And there's a photo at home of my brother actually sat in the cup.
"I think Ken McNaught and Peter Withe came to the Shirley British Legion! I don't think you'd get that these days, would you?
"After that I was interested in Aston Villa . They had players like Gary Shaw and Tony Morley.
"Then, as I got older, I started playing for Birmingham City, went to their centre of excellence and ended up having an affinity for them too."


birminghammail--2020-01-18--'Forget Bruno Fernandes' - Manchester United urged to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa

Manchester United are reported to be closing in on the signing of Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon .
The Red Devils have also been linked with a move for Aston Villa star Jack Grealish .
And pundit Paul Merson reckons United would be better off bringing in Grealish .
`` Forget Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United should be trying to sign Jack Grealish , '' Merson told the Daily Star .
`` He is one of the top 10 players in the Premier League right now .
`` He is absolutely different class and would walk into almost any other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walk into the United team .
Tottenham tried to get him not long ago and he ’ d walk into their team right now as well .
`` I can ’ t explain to people how good this kid is .
Aston Villa lost 6-1 to Manchester City and he was the only one who still had time on the ball .
`` His composure is something else .
I don ’ t understand why clubs aren ’ t queuing up to try and sign him .
Is it because he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England ?
`` Bruno Fernandes is a full international .
He ’ s had clubs all over Europe looking at him .
But he ’ s never played in this league before .
Grealish has .
And he ’ s ripping it up every week .
`` I love watching him play .
If I had to pay to watch one player in the Premier League , I ’ d watch him .
`` He can see a pass , score goals , and he gets on the ball .
He wants the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s what makes a top player – always wanting the ball .
He never hides . ''
Merson tipped Grealish as a future United captain , should he make the move to Old Trafford .
`` Kevin De Bruyne is a world class midfielder - but he ’ s got world class players around him , '' the former Arsenal star added .
`` Jack Grealish plays in a struggling bottom three team and is outstanding .
`` If he was playing abroad , Premier League teams would be all over him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agents would be pushing him .
`` But because he ’ s playing here it ’ s like he ’ s gone under the radar .
I find it strange .
United could give him a free role and he could run that midfield .
`` Fred , Nemanja Matic , Scott McTominay – they don ’ t have goals in them .
Grealish does .
And he has that vision as well .
He can thread the ball through the eye of a needle .
`` If Grealish went to Old Trafford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He ’ s that good .
They need someone like him , who can get on the ball and make things happen . ''

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Manchester United are reported to be closing in on the signing of Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon.
The Red Devils have also been linked with a move for Aston Villa star Jack Grealish .
And pundit Paul Merson reckons United would be better off bringing in Grealish.
"Forget Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United should be trying to sign Jack Grealish," Merson told the Daily Star .
"He is one of the top 10 players in the Premier League right now.
"He is absolutely different class and would walk into almost any other Premier League team.
"Grealish would walk into the United team. Tottenham tried to get him not long ago and he’d walk into their team right now as well.
"I can’t explain to people how good this kid is. Aston Villa lost 6-1 to Manchester City and he was the only one who still had time on the ball.
"His composure is something else. I don’t understand why clubs aren’t queuing up to try and sign him. Is it because he’s English but isn’t playing for England?
"Bruno Fernandes is a full international. He’s had clubs all over Europe looking at him. But he’s never played in this league before. Grealish has. And he’s ripping it up every week.
"I love watching him play. If I had to pay to watch one player in the Premier League, I’d watch him.
"He can see a pass, score goals, and he gets on the ball. He wants the ball all the time. That’s what makes a top player – always wanting the ball. He never hides."
Merson tipped Grealish as a future United captain, should he make the move to Old Trafford.
"Kevin De Bruyne is a world class midfielder - but he’s got world class players around him," the former Arsenal star added.
"Jack Grealish plays in a struggling bottom three team and is outstanding.
"If he was playing abroad, Premier League teams would be all over him. Scouts would be raving about him. Agents would be pushing him.
"But because he’s playing here it’s like he’s gone under the radar. I find it strange. United could give him a free role and he could run that midfield.
"Fred, Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay – they don’t have goals in them. Grealish does. And he has that vision as well. He can thread the ball through the eye of a needle.
"If Grealish went to Old Trafford he’d probably end up captain. He’s that good. They need someone like him, who can get on the ball and make things happen."


birminghammail--2020-01-18--Aston Villa transfer news LIVE: Mbwana Ally Samatta deal edges closer, Jack Grealish latest

Hello and welcome to Saturday 's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive .
Villa have already completed two signings this @ @ @ @ @ well on the way .
Danny Drinkwater and Pepe Reina have both joined until the @ @ @ @ @ a new striker is the priority for Dean Smith .
And Villa have set their @ @ @ @ @ from Belgian club Genk .
The 27-year-old is set to sign in a deal worth @ @ @ @ @ for Wesley Moraes who wo n't play again this season .
With Samatta poised to @ @ @ @ @ have all the latest news and rumours on any other incomings and outgoings at Villa @ @ @ @ @ action below ...

Thank you for following Saturday's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive.
Villa have already completed two signings this window and a third is well on the way.
Danny Drinkwater and Pepe Reina have both joined until the end of the season but a new striker is the priority for Dean Smith.
And Villa have set their sights on Mbwana Ally Samatta from Belgian club Genk. The 27-year-old is set to sign in a deal worth around £8.5m as a replacement for Wesley Moraes who won't play again this season.
With Samatta poised to join, we will also have all the latest news and rumours on any other incomings and outgoings at Villa Park.
Follow all the action below...