birminghammail--2020-08-31--The Birmingham restaurants extending Eat Out to Help Out

It 's fair to say Eat Out to Help Out has been a success .
The scheme nicknamed 'Rishi 's Dishes ' after Chancellor Rishi Sunak who announced the deal as part of package of government support for the Covid hit hospitality sector , has seen restaurants and bars booked up on Monday to Wednesdays throughout August .
We have flocked to fill up our favourite eateries making usually quiet trading days - our 'new weekend ' days .
In post Covid times this has become our new normal .
Now several businesses are hoping the appeal of half price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person from your bill ( excluding alcohol ) will continue into autumn .
Although the scheme officially finishes on Monday , August 31 , some venues buoyed by the much needed surge in sales , have decided to offer the same discount in September - at their own expense .
According to Hennessey 's Bar in Digbeth , it 's more than worth it - to keep the dining out momentum going as well as a thank you to their customers .
Co-owner Gary McDonnell told us : '' We 've seen over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 125 % over the scheme days .
It 's helped us weather a very difficult period after the four month shut down , ” Mayor Andy Street is backing the growing list of businesses extending the scheme themselves .
Mr Street said : “ The region ’ s hospitality sector has been one of the worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic , and so it is encouraging that restaurants are starting to get back on their feet after a difficult few months .
`` The Chancellor ’ s Eat Out to Help Out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped boost sales , and it is great to see places like Hennessey ’ s building on this and looking to extend the scheme themselves.
” Below are the bars and restaurants that are extending Eat Out to Help Out so far in Birmingham .
If you know any more super deals on offer this super September , please get in touch and we will update .
Hennessey ’ s Bar on Allison Street in Digbeth , will offer all customers 50 % off their food and soft drinks ( £10 per person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September ( Monday –Wednesday ) .
Food is served from 12pm-10pm .
Dishes include fish finger sandwich , BBQ Jackfruit wrap , nachos , pizza loaded fries and burgers .
Popular Bodega restaurant on Bennetts Hill is continuing the Eat Out scheme on Tuesday and Wednesdays at Bodega Cantina in Birmingham as well as Leicester and Worcester branches .
Current rules still apply but with alcohol also including as part of the September deal - but only if you order alongside a main meal .
Bodega 's sister venue The Rose Villa Tavern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Eat Out to Help Out scheme on Monday - Wednesdays right through September .
The venue is including alcohol ( not beer ) in the offer but again only alongside a main meal .
It 's best to book beforehand on a Mondays - as it 's extremely popular due to it being the pub 's Quiz Night as well an offering all-night happy hour ( 2 for £9 cocktails ) .
New Argentine steak restaurant Pulperia in Brindleyplace is also extending the deal .
Known for its expert meat sourcing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most of dining out in style .
You can quality steak at this place - its owned by Michelin starred Aktar Islam .
Michelin starred fine dining eatery where you enjoy food cooked by Aktar Islam and head chef Neil Withers is a true treat but will taste even better with a tenner off each !
Read our review here Good news - The Stable pizza restaurant is reopening post lockdown and to celebrate with be offering the same Eat Out To Help Out discount .
From Tuesday September 1 , The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 % off their bill Monday to Wednesday .
The offer will be available to redeem against food and soft drinks up to a maximum of £10 .
General manager Jon Tipton said : “ We are absolutely delighted to be opening our doors again and can ’ t wait to welcome back our extremely loyal and supportive customers . ''
“ Our restaurant is at the heart of the community and it only seemed right that we extend the offer ourselves to give customers the opportunity to enjoy a meal out with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fine dining restaurant helmed by Great British Menu star Andrew Sheridan will offer the £10 discount on Wednesdays and Thursdays in September .
Acclaimed fine dining eatery Opus is also extending EOTO .
Every Tuesday , diners can get £10 off the eatery 's two course and three course menu .
An Opus spokeswoman said : `` From September 8 , we will continue to open specially on Tuesdays to offer our brand new Steakhouse menu with £10 per person off ( normal price £27.50pp for 2 course and £32.50pp for 3 courses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from four different cuts of Aubrey Allen 28 day dry-aged British beef , accompanied by a choice of sauce and style of potato .
You can also order a market fish of the day option with choice of potato or salad or our weekly changing vegetarian dish .
Renowned as the daddy of Brum 's fine dining scene , Michelin starred Simpsons is also continuing the Eat Out to Help Out deal .
It will offer £10 off per person Wednesday to Friday throughout September on lunch and dinner !
West Bromwich based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eat out to help out ” offer from September 7 .
Well known Indian restaurant Asha 's at Newhall Street and at Touchwood in Solihull is also offering a discount to diners as a thank you - subject to a £25 minimum spend .
Asha 's director Pawan Kenth said : “ As a thank you to all the customers who have supported us in August via the Eat Out to Help Out scheme , we have decided to continue throughout September , from Monday to Friday , by offering £5 off to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on all food .
“ Having prepared carefully for reopening , with stringent health and safety measures in place , we have been fully booked throughout August and we wanted to say ‘ Thank You ’ to all our customers , old and new , for the fantastic support they have shown us . ''
Thai restaurant Zen Metro - little sister venue to Asha 's is also offering £5 off to all customers subject to a £25 minimum spend .
Menu delights include slow cooked pork spare rib , marinated with fresh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crispy fried whole white Pomfret marinated with spicy coriander and basil sauce .

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It's fair to say Eat Out to Help Out was a roaring success.
We flocked to fill up our favourite eateries, making usually quiet trading days our 'new weekend' days. In post Covid times this has become our new normal.
Now several businesses are hoping the appeal of half price meals - up to £10 off per person from your bill (excluding alcohol) - will continue into autumn.
Although the scheme officially finished on Monday, August 31, some venues buoyed by the much needed surge in sales, have decided to offer the same discount in September - at their own expense.
According to Hennessey's Bar in Digbeth, it's more than worth it to keep the dining out momentum going as well as a big 'thank you' to customers.
Co-owner Gary McDonnell told us: "We've seen over 125% increase in food sales over the scheme days. It's helped us weather a very difficult period after the four month shut down.”
Mayor Andy Street is backing the growing list of businesses extending the scheme.
He said: “The region’s hospitality sector has been one of the worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic, and so it is encouraging that restaurants are starting to get back on their feet after a difficult few months.
"The Chancellor’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme has evidently made a difference and helped boost sales, and it is great to see places like Hennessey’s building on this and looking to extend the scheme themselves.”
Below are the bars and restaurants that are extending Eat Out to Help Out so far in Birmingham.
If you know any more super deals on offer this super September, please get in touch and we will update.
Hennessey's Bar
Hennessey’s Bar, on Allison Street in Digbeth, will offer all customers 50 per cent off their food and soft drinks (£10 per person maximum), throughout September (Monday –Wednesday). Food is served from 12pm-10pm. Dishes include fish finger sandwich, BBQ Jackfruit wrap, nachos, pizza loaded fries and burgers.
30-31 Allison Street, Birmingham B5 5TJ
Bodega Cantina
Popular Bodega restaurant on Bennetts Hill is continuing the Eat Out scheme on Tuesday and Wednesdays at Bodega Cantina in Birmingham as well as Leicester and Worcester branches. Current rules still apply but with alcohol also including as part of the September deal - but only if you order alongside a main meal. The offer is limited to one alcoholic drink per person per sitting with a main meal.
Bitters N' Twisted Managing Director who own Bodega said: "We’ve been blown away with the level of interest in the scheme and the subsequent boost to sales we’ve experienced as a result at our venues.
"We want to maintain the momentum that the scheme has created and continue to encourage as many customers to visit us as possible during September, experience great food and service and then hopefully continue as a customer with us for long afterwards when the discount has ended."
12 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5RS
The Rose Villa Tavern
(Image: Graham Young)
Bodega's sister venue The Rose Villa Tavern in the Jewellery Quarter is also continuing the Eat Out to Help Out scheme on Monday - Wednesdays right through September.
The venue is including alcohol (not beer) in the offer but again only alongside a main meal. The offer is limited to one alcoholic drink per person per sitting with a main meal.
It's best to book beforehand on a Mondays - as it's extremely popular due to it being the pub's Quiz Night as well an offering an all-night happy hour (2 for £9 cocktails).
172 Warstone Lane, B18 6JW
Pulperia
(Image: Publicity)
New Argentine steak restaurant Pulperia in Brindleyplace is also extending the deal. Known for its expert meat sourcing, this is a cosy eatery to make the most of dining out in style.
You can quality steak at this place - its owned by Michelin starred Aktar Islam.
3 Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2JB
Opheem
Michelin starred fine dining eatery where you enjoy food cooked by Aktar Islam and head chef Neil Withers is a true treat but will taste even better with a tenner off each! Read our review here
65 Summer Row, Birmingham B3 1JJ
San Carlo
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Bellissimo! The Temple Street restaurant opened back in 1992 and the Group is now a global empire - super popular for a range of Italian cuisine.
They are extending the Eat Out to Help Out deal every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout September at all of their restaurants, apart from Alto in Selfridges London.
They posted on their social media 'No Govt assistance required, this is our thank you to you."
4 Temple Street, Birmingham B2 5BN
Fumo
(Image: Sanjeeta Bains)
Also part of the San Carlo Group which is extending the deal for September.
Fumo which is located at Waterloo Street and on the top floor restaurant at Selfridges, specialises in Venetian small plates.
They also do some very special cocktails.
The Stable
1 Waterloo Street, Birmingham B2 5PG
The Stable pizza restaurant is reopening post lockdown and to celebrate with be offering the same Eat Out To Help Out discount.
The Stable has reopened and is offering customers 50 per cent off their bill Monday to Wednesday. The offer will be available to redeem against food and soft drinks up to a maximum of £10.
General manager Jon Tipton said: “We are absolutely delighted to be opening our doors again and can’t wait to welcome back our extremely loyal and supportive customers."
“Our restaurant is at the heart of the community and it only seemed right that we extend the offer ourselves to give customers the opportunity to enjoy a meal out with their friends and family again.”
1 Orion, 115 John Bright Street, B1 1BE
Craft
(Image: Sanjeeta Bains)
The fine dining restaurant helmed by Great British Menu star Andrew Sheridan will offer the £10 discount on Wednesdays and Thursdays in September. Read our review here.
The Terrace, The ICC, 8 Centenary Square, Birmingham B1 2EA
Opus
Acclaimed fine dining eatery Opus is also extending EOTO. Every Tuesday, diners can get £10 off its two course and three course menu.
An Opus spokeswoman said: "From September 8, we will continue to open specially on Tuesdays to offer our brand new Steakhouse menu with £10 per person off (normal price £27.50pp for 2 course and £32.50pp for 3 courses)."
For main course, choose from four different cuts of Aubrey Allen 28 day dry-aged British beef, accompanied by a choice of sauce and style of potato.
You can also order a market fish of the day option with choice of potato or salad or our weekly changing vegetarian dish.
And Opus is set to offer to continue the Eat Out To Help Out theme through to October by offering £5 per person off its two course and three course Steakhouse menu!
54 Cornwall Street, Birmingham B3 2DE
Simpsons
Renowned as the daddy of Brum's fine dining scene, Michelin starred Simpsons is also continuing the Eat Out to Help Out deal.
It will offer £10 off per person Wednesday to Friday throughout September on lunch and dinner!
20 Highfield Rd, Birmingham B15 3DU
Primitivo
This smart bar and restaurant in the Birmingham's business district is also extending the EOTO scheme. You can half price on food and non alcohol for up to £10 per person.
Menu choices include small plates such as salt and pepper squid, Gambas Pil Pil and Thai Fishcake.
Mains include steak, prawn linguine, steaks and a variety of burgers.
10 Barwick Street, B3 2NT
Chaophraya
Thai restaurant Chaophraya, which overlooks St Martin Church near the Bullring, is also continuing to offer the half price discount (£10 max per person). Available Monday to Wednesday.
Saint Martins Square, 6 Spiceal Street, B5 4BW
Sabai Sabai
Glamorous Sabai Sabai is also offering up to £10 off per person by extending Eat Out to Help Out over September.
This applies to all three of its Birmingham eateries - in Moseley, Harborne and city centre.
The deal applies to the a la carte menu only.
268 High Street, Harborne, B17 9PT
25 Woodbridge Road, Moseley, B13 8EH
7 Waterloo Street, B2 5PG
Yakinori
Popular Japanese restaurant Yakinori is also offering half price off (up to £10 per person) at their restaurants in Selly Oak and Grand Central Monday - Wednesday. Offer is on 12- 5pm at Selly Oak and all day at Grand Central.
Choose from delicious noodles, sushi, sashimi and ramen dishes. We love their Katsu Curry!
Unit 14, Grand Central, B2 4BF
520 Bristol Road, B29 6BD
Lucarelli, West Bromwich
West Bromwich based Italian eatery Lucarelli will restart the “Eat out to help out” offer from September 7.
58-60 Seagar St, West Bromwich B71 4AN
And other Super September deals
Lost and Found
(Image: Richard Swingler)
Birmingham pub and restaurant Lost and Found is giving diners 50% off all steak and pasta dishes every Tuesday!
With the 50% discount, you can enjoy an 8oz rump for just £8, an 8oz fillet for £12.50 and a 12oz. Argentinian rib-eye for only £14.50
Pasta dishes include rich beef ragu lasagne, chicken rigatone pesto rosso and vegetarian gnocchi with roasted butternut squash.
8 Bennetts Hill, B2 5RS
Asha's
(Image: TripAdvisor)
Well known Indian restaurant Asha's at Newhall Street and at Touchwood in Solihull is also offering a discount to diners as a thank you - subject to a £25 minimum spend.
Director Pawan Kenth said: “As a thank you to all the customers who have supported us in August via the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, we have decided to continue throughout September, from Monday to Friday, by offering £5 off to all customers subject to a minimum spend on all food.
“Having prepared carefully for reopening, with stringent health and safety measures in place, we have been fully booked throughout August and we wanted to say ‘Thank You’ to all our customers, old and new, for the fantastic support they have shown us."
Touchwood Shopping Centre, 41 Upper Jubilee Walk, Solihull B91 3QW
12-22 Newhall Street B3 3LX
Zen Metro
Thai restaurant Zen Metro - little sister venue to Asha's is also offering £5 off to all customers subject to a £25 minimum spend.
Menu delights include slow cooked pork spare rib, marinated with fresh Thai herbs and home-made barbecue sauce and crispy fried whole white Pomfret marinated with spicy coriander and basil sauce.
73 Cornwall Street, B3 2DF
Chung Ying
Chinese restaurant Chung Ying in Chinatown is offering 25 per cent off on all dining in, collection and delivery.
Available every day! Offer ends September 30.
16-18 Wrottesley Street, B5 4RT
Ming Moon
Chinese restaurant Ming Moon is offering 15% off its huge buffet ever day!
Choose from a range of Asian cuisine including Cantonese, North Chinese, Sichuan, Thai, Japanese and Indian.
The live cooking stations offer teppanyaki, dim sum, sushi, BBQ and noodles.
16 Hurst Street, B5 4BN
Creams Cafe
(Image: Graham Young)
Dessert cafe Creams is giving all diners 25 per cent off the bill - and not just for September. It is offering this sweet discount through to November!
Choose from 24 different flavours of ice cream, as well as various milkshakes, sundaes and cheese cake.
Cheesecake flavours include a Godiva double chocolate, white chocolate raspberry and banoffee cheesecake.
Unit 6A Five Ways, Broad Street B15 1AY
Rajdoot
Jewellery Quarter eatery Rajdoot is offering all diners 25% off the total bill including booze- every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until September 30.
The minimum you have to spend is £25 per head - but as this also includes alcohol it sounds like a good deal to us.
78-79 George Street, B3 1PY


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Violent thug kicked woman in the head in drunken NYE 'rage' attack

A violent thug kicked a woman in the head while she lay helpless on the floor and fearing he was going to kill her .
Thsharif Ali launched into a drunken 'rage ' on New Year 's Eve attacking the victim , her sister-in-law and brother-in-law .
A judge told the 42-year-old father from Moseley he was taking a 'huge risk ' by not sending him directly to prison for the 'disgraceful outburst ' .
Ali , who admitted one charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two further counts of common assault , was instead handed a suspended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
The incident unfolded around 9.30pm on Tuesday , December 31 .
According to the main victim in the case Ali had been drinking alcohol at a home before 'behaving strange in a happy and hyper kind of way ' , Birmingham Crown Court heard .
Prosecutor Edward Souslby said he then 'switched and went into a rage ' .
Ali claimed the woman struck him first prompting him to strike back , knock her to the floor where he then booted her in the head .
Just prior to that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'for her trouble ' after she had tried to intervene , said Mr Soulsby .
Her brother-in-law then arrived and he and Ali fought in the street .
The main victim suffered a swollen lip , cheek , forehead , eye and pain to her rib cage .
Mr Soulsby stated the incident took away her 'confidence and self-esteem ' .
Reading out a statement from the victim he added : `` The rage he was in was the most frightening thing I have ever seen .
I was sure he would kill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , stated Ali suffered with alcohol problems and was 'very remorseful ' for the incident .
Judge Avik Mukherjee disputed the latter claim by pointing out that he only pleaded guilty at a late stage and also partly blamed the victims for what unfolded .
He sentenced Ali to 16 months in prison but suspended the term for two years after noting that a probation officer had concluded there was a 'realistic prospect of rehabilitation ' as well as the tighter restrictions on prisons currently and the heightened risk of catching Covid-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't see a great deal of remorse .
Pleading guilty is n't a sign of remorse but it is some ways towards it .
Nothing else you have done has indicated any remorse .
I am taking a big risk , a huge risk .
`` I do n't think you are up to it .
I think you will breach this order .
I am going to give you one chance .
It will be your first and only chance you get from me .
If you put a foot wrong in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again .
`` These were appalling offences .
This was a disgraceful outburst of drunken violence that thoroughly warrants a custodial sentence . ''
He added : `` I 'm not going anywhere .
If you break this order by committing criminal offences you wo n't go back to magistrates you will come straight back here to me and I will send you into custody . ''
Ali , from Wake Green Road , must complete a period of unpaid work as well as 25 days of rehabilitation activity around domestic violence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was also ordered to pay £340 in court costs and a victim surcharge .
Five-year restraining orders in relation to the three victims were also imposed .

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A violent thug kicked a woman in the head while she lay helpless on the floor and fearing he was going to kill her.
Thsharif Ali launched into a drunken 'rage' on New Year's Eve attacking the victim, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law.
A judge told the 42-year-old father from Moseley he was taking a 'huge risk' by not sending him directly to prison for the 'disgraceful outburst'.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Ali, who admitted one charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two further counts of common assault, was instead handed a suspended sentence, partly due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The incident unfolded around 9.30pm on Tuesday, December 31. According to the main victim in the case Ali had been drinking alcohol at a home before 'behaving strange in a happy and hyper kind of way', Birmingham Crown Court heard.
Prosecutor Edward Souslby said he then 'switched and went into a rage'. Ali claimed the woman struck him first prompting him to strike back, knock her to the floor where he then booted her in the head.
Just prior to that he had slapped her sister-in-law in the face 'for her trouble' after she had tried to intervene, said Mr Soulsby. Her brother-in-law then arrived and he and Ali fought in the street. The main victim suffered a swollen lip, cheek, forehead, eye and pain to her rib cage.
Mr Soulsby stated the incident took away her 'confidence and self-esteem'. Reading out a statement from the victim he added: "The rage he was in was the most frightening thing I have ever seen. I was sure he would kill me."
Curtis Myrie, defending, stated Ali suffered with alcohol problems and was 'very remorseful' for the incident.
Judge Avik Mukherjee disputed the latter claim by pointing out that he only pleaded guilty at a late stage and also partly blamed the victims for what unfolded.
He sentenced Ali to 16 months in prison but suspended the term for two years after noting that a probation officer had concluded there was a 'realistic prospect of rehabilitation' as well as the tighter restrictions on prisons currently and the heightened risk of catching Covid-19.
Judge Mukherjee said: "I don't see a great deal of remorse. Pleading guilty isn't a sign of remorse but it is some ways towards it. Nothing else you have done has indicated any remorse. I am taking a big risk, a huge risk.
"I don't think you are up to it. I think you will breach this order. I am going to give you one chance. It will be your first and only chance you get from me. If you put a foot wrong in the next two years we will meet again.
"These were appalling offences. This was a disgraceful outburst of drunken violence that thoroughly warrants a custodial sentence."
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
He added: "I'm not going anywhere. If you break this order by committing criminal offences you won't go back to magistrates you will come straight back here to me and I will send you into custody."
Ali, from Wake Green Road, must complete a period of unpaid work as well as 25 days of rehabilitation activity around domestic violence, alcohol, thinking skills and behaviour. He was also ordered to pay £340 in court costs and a victim surcharge.
Five-year restraining orders in relation to the three victims were also imposed.


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Second wave fears of high-risk cancer patient after visit to A&E

A high-risk cancer patient has warned the public to take the idea of a second wave of coronavirus seriously after a visit to A & E .
Ave Thomas , a 24 year-old performer from Coleshill , has been suffering an ongoing battle with cancer for over a year .
The severe amounts of pain have left him no choice but to have repeated trips to A & E at George Eliot Hospital .
Ave was rushed back to A & E on August 23 after being in unbearable pain .
He claims he was just `` metres away '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I had a pretty worrying experience whilst at George Eliot Hospital .
`` I saw with my own eyes , four COVID-19 cases literally 10 metres away from me .
They were sectioned off but because it ’ s a small hospital they don ’ t have separate areas for them , I ’ m assuming they have been overwhelmed again .
`` But the fact people are going out without masks without distancing in big groups ?
`` This is having such an affect , there ’ s already such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even live in the centre of Birmingham !
`` I want people to be aware , to be more careful , realise there is still a pandemic happening .
`` And not only will it be affecting those most at risk , however it will be effecting chronically ill people because resources are being taken for the Covid-19 patients and then chronically ill people are missing out and potentially becoming even more ill or dying .
`` This is no joke .
I am under the high risk category for so many other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the people to get Covid-19 , I ’ d be screwed , I would not survive it .
`` It would kill me off at the end of the day !
And it will greatly affect so many others that I know are also vulnerable . ''
The performer has been struggling to manage pain after recently being told the cancer he had last year had returned .
At the start of 2019 , Ave had his appendix removed and was told he had a tumour .
This year he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his abdomen .
He said : `` I found out at the beginning of last year that unfortunately I had a carcinoid low grade tumour in my appendix .
`` Fortunately , it had already been removed , by chance , but they found out once they had removed it .
`` It caused me to be pretty ill during this time and I could not function as a human , I was barely standing !
`` It was a living nightmare .
I have recently found out that the cancer is more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a recent CT scan .
`` I ’ m awaiting for my consultant to contact me with a plan for my treatment .
`` However , it ’ s causing a lot of pain and I keep ending up in hospital because the pain is so unmanageable .
`` I ’ ve also got queried cancer in my nose/throat .
I ’ m awaiting a tonsillectomy for this and biopsies done again .
`` Throughout this time , which hasn ’ t been long for me , I ’ ve been in and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t the best or nicest place right now . ''
George Eliot Hospital said it was doing all it could to keep Covid-19 patients away from others coming in to A & E .
A spokesperson said : `` We take the safety of patients extremely seriously , which is why strict streaming arrangements are in place in our Emergency Department that see patients suspected of having coronavirus physically cared for and nursed separately .
`` We test all patients admitted to the hospital immediately and maintain strict Covid , suspected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Like many other local hospitals we have an extremely low number of patients with coronavirus in the trust .
`` If Mr Thomas wishes to discuss any aspects of her care then we invite her to discuss them with our Patient Liaison Team on 024 7686 5550 or via E-mail at pals @ geh.nhs.uk '' We also ask the public to observe national social distancing guidance , seek advice by calling 111 and not to attend hospital if they are displaying any Covid-19 symptoms .
”

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A high-risk cancer patient has warned the public to take the idea of a second wave of coronavirus seriously after a visit to A&E.
Ave Thomas, a 24 year-old performer from Coleshill, has been suffering an ongoing battle with cancer for over a year.
The severe amounts of pain have left him no choice but to have repeated trips to A&E at George Eliot Hospital.
Ave was rushed back to A&E on August 23 after being in unbearable pain.
He claims he was just "metres away" from several coronavirus cases.
He said: "I had a pretty worrying experience whilst at George Eliot Hospital.
"I saw with my own eyes, four COVID-19 cases literally 10 metres away from me. They were sectioned off but because it’s a small hospital they don’t have separate areas for them, I’m assuming they have been overwhelmed again.
"But the fact people are going out without masks without distancing in big groups?
"This is having such an affect, there’s already such a spike and I don’t even live in the centre of Birmingham!
"I want people to be aware, to be more careful, realise there is still a pandemic happening.
"And not only will it be affecting those most at risk, however it will be effecting chronically ill people because resources are being taken for the Covid-19 patients and then chronically ill people are missing out and potentially becoming even more ill or dying.
"This is no joke. I am under the high risk category for so many other health reasons, and if I was one of the people to get Covid-19, I’d be screwed, I would not survive it.
"It would kill me off at the end of the day! And it will greatly affect so many others that I know are also vulnerable."
The performer has been struggling to manage pain after recently being told the cancer he had last year had returned.
At the start of 2019, Ave had his appendix removed and was told he had a tumour. This year he has been told that it has returned in his abdomen.
He said: "I found out at the beginning of last year that unfortunately I had a carcinoid low grade tumour in my appendix.
"Fortunately, it had already been removed, by chance, but they found out once they had removed it.
(Image: Charlie Bagshaw)
"It caused me to be pretty ill during this time and I could not function as a human, I was barely standing!
"It was a living nightmare. I have recently found out that the cancer is more than likely back in my abdomen after a recent CT scan.
"I’m awaiting for my consultant to contact me with a plan for my treatment.
"However, it’s causing a lot of pain and I keep ending up in hospital because the pain is so unmanageable.
"I’ve also got queried cancer in my nose/throat. I’m awaiting a tonsillectomy for this and biopsies done again.
"Throughout this time, which hasn’t been long for me, I’ve been in and out of A&E. Which isn’t the best or nicest place right now."
George Eliot Hospital said it was doing all it could to keep Covid-19 patients away from others coming in to A&E.
A spokesperson said: "We take the safety of patients extremely seriously, which is why strict streaming arrangements are in place in our Emergency Department that see patients suspected of having coronavirus physically cared for and nursed separately.
"We test all patients admitted to the hospital immediately and maintain strict Covid, suspected Covid and non-Covid areas on our site.
"Like many other local hospitals we have an extremely low number of patients with coronavirus in the trust.
"If Mr Thomas wishes to discuss any aspects of her care then we invite her to discuss them with our Patient Liaison Team on 024 7686 5550 or via E-mail at pals@geh.nhs.uk
"We also ask the public to observe national social distancing guidance, seek advice by calling 111 and not to attend hospital if they are displaying any Covid-19 symptoms.”


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Mapped: The 56 homes seized as prolific gang's £17m property portfolio busted

These are the locations of 56 properties stripped from a prolific gang 's £17million portfolio as they remain behind bars over a drug smuggling plot .
From east to south west Birmingham - the interactive map details streets of each house seized by the National Crime Agency under the proceeds of crime act .
Family members and wider associates of Alam and Ameran Zeb Khan - who have both been convicted of drug trafficking offences - had used their illicit funds to rent the properties across the city .
Criminally tainted money from laundering , heroin dealing and fraud was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Green properties , though there was also one home in Solihull .
As shown by the map below , they would rent clusters of homes either in the same road - or in nearby streets - including six in Alton Road , five in Dawlish Road , three in Bournbrook Road and another five in Rookery Road .
One of the largest houses , worth £235,000 and located in Yardley 's Stoney Lane , was being renovated as the Zeb Khan family home before it was recovered during probes into those with financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which investigates serious organised crime , stressed there is no evidence any of the current owners of the recovered properties are connected to criminality or the gang .
A total of 59 properties ( three more in Northern Ireland ) - worth an estimated £17million - were recovered in four linked civil recoveries over the course of eight-and-a-half years .
Significant damage was caused to several of the properties prior to the NCA taking control of them , however they have since been sold on without any issues , the crime agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Organised Crime Group came after a referral from police in Northern Ireland in December 2011 .
This initial investigation led to the recovery of 11 properties and cash from two bank accounts totalling £1.75 million in January 2017 - after Ameran and Aurang Zeb Khan and their associates failed to disprove allegations that cash and assets were the proceeds of crime .
Border Force officers then intercepted a container of industrial lathes from Pakistan to find 165kg of heroin , worth approximately £5m uncut , concealed inside - sparking a criminal investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including ringleader Ameran Zeb Khan , were then jailed over the conspiracy to import over £19million of heroin into the UK from Lahore .
The crooks were sentenced to a total of 139 years and four months at Birmingham Crown Court on July 14 , 2017 .
A second civil investigation led to the recovery of another 11 properties valued at £1.8 million from Riaz Ali Shah , Namit Ali Khan and their associates .
The two 'businessmen ' - who were associates of Alam Zeb Khan - were believed to be laundering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Selly Park and Solihull worth £900,000 were then seized from associates of Alam and Ameran Zeb Khan following a court order on July 10 , 2018 .
A further 33 properties with a total value of £12.5 million were taken control of as a recovery order was granted in November that same year .
A final recovery order was finally granted over two further properties in Yardley and Bordesley Green on June 28 , 2019 .
The penultimate property has been sold for £265,000 on Cherington Road , while the NCA is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these houses .
Proceeds from the sales of recovered assets are paid into the public purse , the NCA added .
Andy Lewis , Head of Asset Denial at the NCA , said : “ This result displays the power of civil investigations working in tandem with criminal ones to take high harm organised crime groups down .
`` Over several years , our officers have painstakingly identified unlawfully-held assets worth millions of pounds , and ensured that the subjects will no longer benefit from them .

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These are the locations of 56 properties stripped from a prolific gang's £17million portfolio as they remain behind bars over a drug smuggling plot.
From east to south west Birmingham - the interactive map details streets of each house seized by the National Crime Agency under the proceeds of crime act.
Family members and wider associates of Alam and Ameran Zeb Khan - who have both been convicted of drug trafficking offences - had used their illicit funds to rent the properties across the city.
Criminally tainted money from laundering, heroin dealing and fraud was concealed predominantly in Selly Oak and Bordesley Green properties, though there was also one home in Solihull.
As shown by the map below, they would rent clusters of homes either in the same road - or in nearby streets - including six in Alton Road, five in Dawlish Road, three in Bournbrook Road and another five in Rookery Road.
One of the largest houses, worth £235,000 and located in Yardley's Stoney Lane, was being renovated as the Zeb Khan family home before it was recovered during probes into those with financial links to drug dealers.
The NCA, which investigates serious organised crime, stressed there is no evidence any of the current owners of the recovered properties are connected to criminality or the gang.
A total of 59 properties (three more in Northern Ireland) - worth an estimated £17million - were recovered in four linked civil recoveries over the course of eight-and-a-half years.
Significant damage was caused to several of the properties prior to the NCA taking control of them, however they have since been sold on without any issues, the crime agency said.
The first civil investigation into the Organised Crime Group came after a referral from police in Northern Ireland in December 2011.
This initial investigation led to the recovery of 11 properties and cash from two bank accounts totalling £1.75 million in January 2017 - after Ameran and Aurang Zeb Khan and their associates failed to disprove allegations that cash and assets were the proceeds of crime.
Border Force officers then intercepted a container of industrial lathes from Pakistan to find 165kg of heroin, worth approximately £5m uncut, concealed inside - sparking a criminal investigation into the gang.
Eight men, including ringleader Ameran Zeb Khan, were then jailed over the conspiracy to import over £19million of heroin into the UK from Lahore.
(Image: Handout)
The crooks were sentenced to a total of 139 years and four months at Birmingham Crown Court on July 14, 2017.
A second civil investigation led to the recovery of another 11 properties valued at £1.8 million from Riaz Ali Shah, Namit Ali Khan and their associates.
The two 'businessmen' - who were associates of Alam Zeb Khan - were believed to be laundering money for the group.
Two properties in Selly Park and Solihull worth £900,000 were then seized from associates of Alam and Ameran Zeb Khan following a court order on July 10, 2018.
A further 33 properties with a total value of £12.5 million were taken control of as a recovery order was granted in November that same year.
A final recovery order was finally granted over two further properties in Yardley and Bordesley Green on June 28, 2019.
The penultimate property has been sold for £265,000 on Cherington Road, while the NCA is in the process of selling the last of these houses.
Proceeds from the sales of recovered assets are paid into the public purse, the NCA added.
Andy Lewis, Head of Asset Denial at the NCA, said: “This result displays the power of civil investigations working in tandem with criminal ones to take high harm organised crime groups down.
"Over several years, our officers have painstakingly identified unlawfully-held assets worth millions of pounds, and ensured that the subjects will no longer benefit from them.


birminghammail--2020-08-31--6 new laws coming into effect from September 2020 and how each impacts you

A raft of new laws are coming into effect from 1 September - including home improvements and aims to make households greener .
New legislation was pushed through earlier this year , including during Chancellor Rishi Sunak 's 'mini budget ' in the wake of the coronavirus crisis .
Mr Sunak has announced changes to the furlough scheme from September 1 , and there are also new laws to be aware of for homeowners .
BirminghamLive has wrapped up all the new laws and how you are impacted below , introducing each new bit of legislation which may impact you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick respectively .
It comes hot off the heels of the coronavirus lockdown and subsequent re-opening of sectors , with a push for workers to ditch home working and return to offices .
The new rules , which will come into effect by September , will mean full planning applications will not be required to demolish and rebuild unused buildings as homes and commercial and retail properties can be quickly repurposed to help revive our high streets and town centres .
This will help our high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space for new businesses and help them to adapt quickly to what consumers and businesses need .
Homeowners will also be able to add up to 2 additional storeys to their home to create new homes or more living space for growing families through a fast track approval process , with a requirement to carefully consider the impact on neighbours and the appearance of the extension .
Mr Jenrick said : `` We are reforming the planning system and cutting out unnecessary bureaucracy to give small business owners the freedom they need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our town centres with new enterprises and more housing .
`` These changes will help transform boarded up , unused buildings safely into high quality homes at the heart of their communities .
It will mean that families can add up to 2 storeys to their home , providing much needed additional space for children or elderly relatives as their household grows . ''
The government grant will aim to cover at least two thirds of the cost of improvement , up to £5,000 per household , but some low income households will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covered , up to £10,000 .
You need to also be installing insulation or low carbon heating at the same time to be eligible , however , and the vouchers can not be used to replace what is already in the property .
You can capitalise and get improvements on everything from double or triple glazing to energy efficient heating controls , and even insulation .
Announcing the scheme in the Commons , Mr Sunak said : `` From September , homeowners and landlords will be able to apply for vouchers to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local jobs . ''
From August 1 employers had to start picking up pay national insurance ( NI ) and pension contributions for furloughed workers .
However bigger changes come into play from September as the government will pay 70 % of wages up to a cap of £2,187.50 for the hours the employee is on furlough .
Employers will pay national insurance and pension contributions and top up employees ' wages to ensure they receive 80 % of their wages up to a cap of £2,500 , for time they are furloughed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final month of the scheme in October where the government will pay 60 % of wages up to a cap of £1,875 for the hours the employee is on furlough .
Employers will pay national insurance and pension and top up employees ' wages to ensure they receive 80 % of their wages up to a cap of £2,500 , for time they are furloughed .
A four-week extension of the eviction ban has been confirmed , after the Government was warned that hundreds of thousands of renters could lose their homes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ around Christmas if the Government does not give judges powers to stop automatic evictions of tenants affected by the coronavirus outbreak .
Renters have been protected during the crisis by a ban announced in March and extended in June , but it was due to end in England and Wales next week .
If lifted without extra protection , charities have warned that tens of thousands of outgoing tenants could be unable to access affordable homes , prompting a `` devastating homelessness crisis '' .
The move was confirmed in a letter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Terence Etherton after a meeting of the civil procedure rule committee ( CPRC ) , which makes rules for county courts .
He said the extension would last until September 20 .
Further guidance on face coverings in England 's schools has been published by the Government , which sets out when they are required and pupils that are exempt .
It says that in local lockdown areas face coverings should be worn by staff and students moving around schools in communal areas and corridors from September 1 .
Should new local restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communicate `` quickly and clearly '' the new arrangements to staff , parents and pupils .
It says that all schools and colleges will have the discretion to require face coverings in communal areas where social distancing can not be safely managed - such as when the layout of a school makes it difficult to do so .
Where a student or staff member is struggling to access a mask , or if it soiled or unsafe , the guidance says that schools should take steps to have a `` small contingency supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the grounds that they are not wearing a face covering .
Exemptions to the new measures include those who can not put on , wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment , or disability , or if a person is speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading , clear sound or facial expression to communicate .
No more Eat Out to Help Out The Eat Out to Help Out scheme is ending from September 1 .
The popular initiative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meals reduced three days a week , is due to finish at the end of August .
The Government announced the scheme , in which diners ' meals are slashed to half price up to the value of £10 per head during August , to help the hard-hit hospitality industry cope with the coronavirus crisis .

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A raft of new laws are coming into effect from 1 September - including home improvements and aims to make households greener.
New legislation was pushed through earlier this year, including during Chancellor Rishi Sunak's 'mini budget' in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
Mr Sunak has announced changes to the furlough scheme from September 1, and there are also new laws to be aware of for homeowners.
BirminghamLive has wrapped up all the new laws and how you are impacted below, introducing each new bit of legislation which may impact you.
The new laws were announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick respectively.
It comes hot off the heels of the coronavirus lockdown and subsequent re-opening of sectors, with a push for workers to ditch home working and return to offices.
Home extensions
The new rules, which will come into effect by September, will mean full planning applications will not be required to demolish and rebuild unused buildings as homes and commercial and retail properties can be quickly repurposed to help revive our high streets and town centres.
This will help our high streets and town centres to provide more space for new businesses and help them to adapt quickly to what consumers and businesses need.
Homeowners will also be able to add up to 2 additional storeys to their home to create new homes or more living space for growing families through a fast track approval process, with a requirement to carefully consider the impact on neighbours and the appearance of the extension.
Mr Jenrick said: "We are reforming the planning system and cutting out unnecessary bureaucracy to give small business owners the freedom they need to adapt and evolve, and to renew our town centres with new enterprises and more housing.
"These changes will help transform boarded up, unused buildings safely into high quality homes at the heart of their communities. It will mean that families can add up to 2 storeys to their home, providing much needed additional space for children or elderly relatives as their household grows."
Green home grants
The government grant will aim to cover at least two thirds of the cost of improvement, up to £5,000 per household, but some low income households will be able to get the entire cost covered, up to £10,000.
You need to also be installing insulation or low carbon heating at the same time to be eligible, however, and the vouchers can not be used to replace what is already in the property.
You can capitalise and get improvements on everything from double or triple glazing to energy efficient heating controls, and even insulation.
Announcing the scheme in the Commons, Mr Sunak said: "From September, homeowners and landlords will be able to apply for vouchers to make their homes more energy efficient and create local jobs."
Furlough scheme changes
(Image: PA)
From August 1 employers had to start picking up pay national insurance (NI) and pension contributions for furloughed workers.
However bigger changes come into play from September as the government will pay 70% of wages up to a cap of £2,187.50 for the hours the employee is on furlough.
Employers will pay national insurance and pension contributions and top up employees' wages to ensure they receive 80% of their wages up to a cap of £2,500, for time they are furloughed.
This will then lead to the final month of the scheme in October where the government will pay 60% of wages up to a cap of £1,875 for the hours the employee is on furlough.
Employers will pay national insurance and pension and top up employees' wages to ensure they receive 80% of their wages up to a cap of £2,500, for time they are furloughed.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Extension on evictions
A four-week extension of the eviction ban has been confirmed, after the Government was warned that hundreds of thousands of renters could lose their homes.
Charities have said they fear mass evictions around Christmas if the Government does not give judges powers to stop automatic evictions of tenants affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
Renters have been protected during the crisis by a ban announced in March and extended in June, but it was due to end in England and Wales next week.
If lifted without extra protection, charities have warned that tens of thousands of outgoing tenants could be unable to access affordable homes, prompting a "devastating homelessness crisis".
The move was confirmed in a letter to judges by Master of the Rolls Sir Terence Etherton after a meeting of the civil procedure rule committee (CPRC), which makes rules for county courts.
He said the extension would last until September 20.
Face mask guidance for children
Further guidance on face coverings in England's schools has been published by the Government, which sets out when they are required and pupils that are exempt.
It says that in local lockdown areas face coverings should be worn by staff and students moving around schools in communal areas and corridors from September 1.
Should new local restrictions be imposed, schools will need to communicate "quickly and clearly" the new arrangements to staff, parents and pupils.
It says that all schools and colleges will have the discretion to require face coverings in communal areas where social distancing cannot be safely managed - such as when the layout of a school makes it difficult to do so.
Where a student or staff member is struggling to access a mask, or if it soiled or unsafe, the guidance says that schools should take steps to have a "small contingency supply" available, adding no-one should excluded on the grounds that they are not wearing a face covering.
Exemptions to the new measures include those who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability, or if a person is speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expression to communicate.
No more Eat Out to Help Out
The Eat Out to Help Out scheme is ending from September 1.
The popular initiative, which sees the cost of eat-in meals reduced three days a week, is due to finish at the end of August.
The Government announced the scheme, in which diners' meals are slashed to half price up to the value of £10 per head during August, to help the hard-hit hospitality industry cope with the coronavirus crisis.


birminghammail--2020-08-31--EastEnders star reveals battle with social distancing measures as soap returns

EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt has revealed the pitfalls of filming the sosap with social distancing measures in place , including Perspex screens .
The BBC One soap is returning , after lockdown forced it to go into hiatus , thanks to the use of screens , body doubles and CGI to film moments of `` intimacy '' .
Woodyatt , 52 - who plays Walford 's Ian Beale - said it was not all plain sailing .
`` Some days it works really well .
Other times , it 's been a pain , '' he told Radio Times magazine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southam in Warwickshire until leaving his wife last year , is taking a break from the soap after an explosive plot twist .
Explaining the challenges of the new norm on set , he said : `` If rain gets on the Perspex , you ca n't shoot through it and you can only wipe it dry with a certain type of cloth .
And when we 're inside , we 're getting reflections .
`` Until everything gets back to normal , if it ever does , this is the way we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's honestly taking forever .
I could fall asleep between takes . ''
Letitia Dean - Albert Square 's Sharon Watts - said : `` You ca n't move for that two-metre stick and sanitiser !
`` Filming with the screens took some getting used to , but we 've been using them now for two months , so it 's becoming second nature .
`` And I do n't mind the slower pace .
If it means we can keep making television , then that 's great . ''
The soap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also brought in the real-life partners of the cast to shoot kissing scenes .
Executive producer Jon Sen said he wanted EastEnders to return with `` all the kissing and fighting that they expect to see '' .
He was asked about returning with a Talking Heads-style monologue during lockdown , a format adopted by radio soap The Archers .
`` People were saying to me , 'Ca n't we do a Jean Slater monologue in her kitchen ? '
`` But I did n't want to compromise on our storytelling and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form , '' he said .
`` We 've shown that , with ingenuity and ambition , you can achieve far more than you ever thought you could . ''
And he added : `` People like to pick holes in EastEnders when it 's on , but once it goes missing from the schedule , fans feel a sense of vacuum and also that need to see contemporary stories being told on a regular basis .
`` Continuing drama that reflects the cultural landscape is really important . ''
The full interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .

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EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt has revealed the pitfalls of filming the sosap with social distancing measures in place, including Perspex screens.
The BBC One soap is returning, after lockdown forced it to go into hiatus, thanks to the use of screens, body doubles and CGI to film moments of "intimacy".
Woodyatt, 52 - who plays Walford's Ian Beale - said it was not all plain sailing.
"Some days it works really well. Other times, it's been a pain," he told Radio Times magazine.
The actor, who lived at Southam in Warwickshire until leaving his wife last year, is taking a break from the soap after an explosive plot twist.
Explaining the challenges of the new norm on set, he said: "If rain gets on the Perspex, you can't shoot through it and you can only wipe it dry with a certain type of cloth. And when we're inside, we're getting reflections.
"Until everything gets back to normal, if it ever does, this is the way we have to do things.
"But it's honestly taking forever. I could fall asleep between takes."
Letitia Dean - Albert Square's Sharon Watts - said: "You can't move for that two-metre stick and sanitiser!
"Filming with the screens took some getting used to, but we've been using them now for two months, so it's becoming second nature.
"And I don't mind the slower pace. If it means we can keep making television, then that's great."
The soap, which is back on September 7, also brought in the real-life partners of the cast to shoot kissing scenes.
Executive producer Jon Sen said he wanted EastEnders to return with "all the kissing and fighting that they expect to see".
He was asked about returning with a Talking Heads-style monologue during lockdown, a format adopted by radio soap The Archers.
"People were saying to me, 'Can't we do a Jean Slater monologue in her kitchen?'
"But I didn't want to compromise on our storytelling and bring EastEnders back in a less ambitious form," he said.
"We've shown that, with ingenuity and ambition, you can achieve far more than you ever thought you could."
And he added: "People like to pick holes in EastEnders when it's on, but once it goes missing from the schedule, fans feel a sense of vacuum and also that need to see contemporary stories being told on a regular basis.
"Continuing drama that reflects the cultural landscape is really important."
The full interview is in Radio Times magazine, out now.


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Aston Villa want to sign two strikers amid Wilson & Watkins rumours - reports

Aston Villa are setting their sights on two strikers according to Sky Sports .
Reports in the Daily Mail earlier this evening have claimed that Villa head coach Dean Smith has turned his attentions to a move for AFC Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson amid previous reports that he has grown frustrated with pursuing a move for Ollie Watkins but Sky are claiming Villa want to bring in a couple of forwards .
Villa are keen to bring in a new striker this summer having ended the previous campaign 17th in the Premier League after a final-day survival mission at West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with only Keinan Davis and Mbwana Samatta , the latter a January signing from Genk , at his disposal .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Wesley Moraes struggled before suffering a serious knee injury in a 2-1 win at Burnley on New Year 's Day while Borja Baston , who arrived from Swansea City on deadline day in January , only played 16 minutes of Premier League football before leaving Villa Park at the end of June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Brentford and before he moved to Villa the former Exeter City striker had scored 15 goals in 60 games .
Watkins has since managed 34 in 83 matches under Smith 's replacement , Thomas Frank , with 26 of them coming last season as he won the Championship player of the year award for 2019-20 .
The door appeared to have been opened for a Watkins departure from Brentford when the club confirmed the arrival of Ivan Toney from Peterborough United earlier on Monday .

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Aston Villa are setting their sights on two strikers according to Sky Sports.
Reports in the Daily Mail earlier this evening have claimed that Villa head coach Dean Smith has turned his attentions to a move for AFC Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson amid previous reports that he has grown frustrated with pursuing a move for Ollie Watkins but Sky are claiming Villa want to bring in a couple of forwards.
Villa are keen to bring in a new striker this summer having ended the previous campaign 17th in the Premier League after a final-day survival mission at West Ham United.
Smith finished last season with only Keinan Davis and Mbwana Samatta, the latter a January signing from Genk, at his disposal.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Wesley Moraes struggled before suffering a serious knee injury in a 2-1 win at Burnley on New Year's Day while Borja Baston, who arrived from Swansea City on deadline day in January, only played 16 minutes of Premier League football before leaving Villa Park at the end of June.
Smith signed Watkins during his time at Brentford and before he moved to Villa the former Exeter City striker had scored 15 goals in 60 games.
Watkins has since managed 34 in 83 matches under Smith's replacement, Thomas Frank, with 26 of them coming last season as he won the Championship player of the year award for 2019-20.
The door appeared to have been opened for a Watkins departure from Brentford when the club confirmed the arrival of Ivan Toney from Peterborough United earlier on Monday.


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Why Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish can shine for England

It has been a long time coming for Jack Grealish .
In a few days ' time , the Aston Villa captain will turn 25 years old , but only now has he earned his first call up to the England senior squad .
It feels very much like a significant point in Grealish ’ s career .
He is making the transition from promising youngster to proven , experienced professional .
He is on the verge of a potential big-money transfer to a top club .
And he has now made an international breakthrough .
Sign up to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why should you sign up ?
The future of star player Jack Grealish is the biggest talking point of the summer and we will bring you all the news around his future .
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store Whether England boss Gareth Southgate will choose to start the Aston Villa man in the upcoming Nations League fixtures - against Iceland and Denmark - remains to be seen , though his form in the Premier League certainly makes him deserving of at least a place in the squad .
With Marcus Rashford ruled out through injury , too , this is a real opportunity for Grealish to prove himself .
If Southgate is looking for a little more dynamism , a different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are few better candidates .
Much will depend on the system England line up in .
If it is a 4-3-3 , Grealish is more than capable of operating on the left of a front three , or deeper , in a more creative , midfield role .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Southgate has hinted at a possible switch to a back three , too , in which case Grealish may be given more creative freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a more fluid midfield .
There is no doubt that his adaptability will be useful .
It means he is more likely to be involved in the upcoming games in some capacity , whether as a substitute or a starter .
And he is unlikely to be overly fussy about where he plays .
Grealish will simply hope to grasp the opportunity , which until Rashford ’ s injury update seemed like it might be further delayed .
It will be interesting to see whether the 24-year-old can take his form for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should you sign up ?
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store He is the leader , the focal point at club level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case in an England team full of individual talent .
But he should n't be overawed .
He has made a habit of overcoming the odds , so starting his England career relatively late and establishing himself as a regular would hardly be a surprise , particularly for Villa fans .
This is a challenge , though , and one that should prepare him well if he does move to a club like Manchester United in the future .
If Grealish wants to play on his favoured left side , he will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sterling and Rashford .
Strong performances in his first few caps , then , will be essential .
Southgate is not short of options and Grealish must prove himself worthy of regular selection , particularly having been in the relative obscurity of the Championship for three years before his impressive return to prominence in 2019/20 .
The former Under-21 international has plenty of work to do to become as popular and revered for England as he is for Villa .
But he has already proven himself more than capable .
If he builds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last season , the next few weeks could be defining ones for Grealish .

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It has been a long time coming for Jack Grealish.
In a few days' time, the Aston Villa captain will turn 25 years old, but only now has he earned his first call up to the England senior squad.
It feels very much like a significant point in Grealish’s career.
He is making the transition from promising youngster to proven, experienced professional. He is on the verge of a potential big-money transfer to a top club. And he has now made an international breakthrough.
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Whether England boss Gareth Southgate will choose to start the Aston Villa man in the upcoming Nations League fixtures - against Iceland and Denmark - remains to be seen, though his form in the Premier League certainly makes him deserving of at least a place in the squad.
With Marcus Rashford ruled out through injury, too, this is a real opportunity for Grealish to prove himself.
If Southgate is looking for a little more dynamism, a different option from the bench perhaps, there are few better candidates.
Much will depend on the system England line up in. If it is a 4-3-3, Grealish is more than capable of operating on the left of a front three, or deeper, in a more creative, midfield role.
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Southgate has hinted at a possible switch to a back three, too, in which case Grealish may be given more creative freedom, perhaps playing behind the striker or in a more fluid midfield.
There is no doubt that his adaptability will be useful. It means he is more likely to be involved in the upcoming games in some capacity, whether as a substitute or a starter.
And he is unlikely to be overly fussy about where he plays. Grealish will simply hope to grasp the opportunity, which until Rashford’s injury update seemed like it might be further delayed.
It will be interesting to see whether the 24-year-old can take his form for Villa onto the international stage.
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He is the leader, the focal point at club level, and that won’t be the case in an England team full of individual talent.
But he shouldn't be overawed. He has made a habit of overcoming the odds, so starting his England career relatively late and establishing himself as a regular would hardly be a surprise, particularly for Villa fans.
This is a challenge, though, and one that should prepare him well if he does move to a club like Manchester United in the future.
If Grealish wants to play on his favoured left side, he will be competing with the likes of Raheem Sterling and Rashford.
Strong performances in his first few caps, then, will be essential.
Southgate is not short of options and Grealish must prove himself worthy of regular selection, particularly having been in the relative obscurity of the Championship for three years before his impressive return to prominence in 2019/20.
The former Under-21 international has plenty of work to do to become as popular and revered for England as he is for Villa. But he has already proven himself more than capable.
If he builds on his form from the end of last season, the next few weeks could be defining ones for Grealish.


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Birmingham City transfer target Dillon Phillips no longer Charlton's number one

Birmingham City transfer target Dillon Phillips is no longer Charlton Athletics 's first choice goalkeeper .
That 's because he has decided not to sign a new contract at The Valley .
Charlton boss Lee Bowyer has confirmed in an interview with the South London Press and Mercury that former Manchester United stopper Ben Amos is now the club 's number one .
Phillips 's contract runs out at the end of the 2020-21 season and Charlton would like him to agree a new deal in order to protect his value .
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Google Play Store and App Store The former Cheltenham Town loanee , who has been with Charlton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ penned a new deal with the club in February last year .
Phillips was Charlton 's player of the year last season , which ended in relegation for former Birmingham City midfielder Bowyer and his side .
Now Phillips , who has also been linked with a move to Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers as well as Blues , is the club 's number two .
`` I feel I gave Dillon the chance and I think he should sign so that we 're not getting pushed back into a corner again , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here '' It was different with Lyle ( Taylor , who left Charlton on a free this summer ) because I felt he could make the difference and would have kept us in the division last season with his goals .
That was why we made the choice not to sell Lyle .
`` Obviously we want Dillon to stay but basically it is his agent that is saying no .
But agents nowadays they feel like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we 'll go on a free ' .
`` Yeah , we are going to sell if he does n't sign .
If he does n't sign then there is a big chance he wo n't play .
`` Ben will start the season .
I told Dillon that and Dillon told his agent .
If you do n't want to sign you 're not going to be starting the season . ''

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Birmingham City transfer target Dillon Phillips is no longer Charlton Athletics's first choice goalkeeper.
That's because he has decided not to sign a new contract at The Valley.
Charlton boss Lee Bowyer has confirmed in an interview with the South London Press and Mercury that former Manchester United stopper Ben Amos is now the club's number one.
Phillips's contract runs out at the end of the 2020-21 season and Charlton would like him to agree a new deal in order to protect his value.
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The former Cheltenham Town loanee, who has been with Charlton since he was eight years-old, last penned a new deal with the club in February last year.
Phillips was Charlton's player of the year last season, which ended in relegation for former Birmingham City midfielder Bowyer and his side.
Now Phillips, who has also been linked with a move to Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers as well as Blues, is the club's number two.
"I feel I gave Dillon the chance and I think he should sign so that we're not getting pushed back into a corner again," Bowyer said.
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"It was different with Lyle (Taylor, who left Charlton on a free this summer) because I felt he could make the difference and would have kept us in the division last season with his goals. That was why we made the choice not to sell Lyle.
"Obviously we want Dillon to stay but basically it is his agent that is saying no. But agents nowadays they feel like they have the power and say 'okay, we'll go on a free'.
"Yeah, we are going to sell if he doesn't sign. If he doesn't sign then there is a big chance he won't play.
"Ben will start the season. I told Dillon that and Dillon told his agent. If you don't want to sign you're not going to be starting the season."


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Aston Villa transfer news LIVE: Watkins latest as decision made

Hello and welcome to LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive on Monday , August 31 .
We will be keeping you informed on all the key developments across today as Villa 's transfer window gathers pace and the new season draws closer .
We will be adding all the latest Villa news , views and rumours to our live blog throughout the day , with new signings and transfers continually linked to the club .
Brentford striker Ollie Watkins remains a top target for Dean Smith but Villa have n't yet been able to force through a deal .
Werder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £20 million-plus - continues to be linked with a switch to Villa Park , as does Watkins ' Brentford teammate Said Benrahma .
Last week we also heard from Smith for the first time down at Villa 's training camp in Wales , and he said of new arrivals : `` Wheels are in motion , that was the reason I stopped back , to sit down with Johan ( Lange ) and strategically plan what we are going to do . ''
So stay with us for today 's transfer blog and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest Villa transfer news and opinion .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ben Husband, Richard Cusack)

Hello and welcome to LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive on Wednesday, September 9.
We will be keeping you informed on all the key developments across today as Villa's transfer window gathers pace and the new season draws closer.
We will be adding all the latest Villa news, views and rumours to our live blog throughout the day, with new signings and transfers continually linked to the club.
Matty Cash arrived from Nottingham Forest to become the club's first senior signing of the window and Brentford striker Ollie Watkins completed his £28m switch to Villa Park on Wednesday.
Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has also been touted for a move with Dean Smith keen to add cover given Tom Heaton's long lay-off.
So stay with us for today's transfer blog and be sure to check back for all the latest Villa transfer news and opinion.


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Jack Grealish England call-up live

Jack Grealish England call-up live

The raging debate that generated far more heat than light following Jack Grealish ’ s omission from the England squad has taken a new twist .
The Aston Villa captain was controversially left out of Gareth Southgate ’ s intial squad for the Nations League fixtures with Denmark and Iceland .
That sparked rage in some quarters and even the odd cheeky , well-placed social media ‘ like ’ from Grealish himself as pundits and players reacted to the snub , However , The Telegraph are reporting that Grealish is set to be added to the squad for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ established himself as an authentic top-flight play-maker last season with eight goals and six assists to inspire Villa to an unlikely escape .
Ex-Liverpool man Danny Murphy continued the debate over the weekend when he expressed his regret at Grealish ’ s original omission .
`` I feel for Jack Grealish , ” Murphy said .
“ He was superb for Aston Villa last season , one of the standout English players in the Premier League , and was the key to his side ’ s survival .
“ So , it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left out of the England squad for the Nations League games .
`` Gareth Southgate said he sees Grealish as a winger , maybe as a No 10 , and he has a wealth of talent in those areas with Raheem Sterling , Jadon Sancho , Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
” However , Southgate , who originally defended his decision , has had a change of heart with Grealish now set to meet up with the rest of the Three Lions squad at St George ’ s Park on Monday .
Wolves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ainsley Maitland-Niles were also added .

The raging debate that generated far more heat than light following Jack Grealish’s omission from the England squad has taken a new twist.
The Aston Villa captain was controversially left out of Gareth Southgate’s intial squad for the Nations League fixtures with Denmark and Iceland.
That sparked rage in some quarters and even the odd cheeky, well-placed social media ‘like’ from Grealish himself as pundits and players reacted to the snub,
However, The Telegraph are reporting that Grealish is set to be added to the squad for the first time in his career.
The 24-year-old established himself as an authentic top-flight play-maker last season with eight goals and six assists to inspire Villa to an unlikely escape.
Ex-Liverpool man Danny Murphy continued the debate over the weekend when he expressed his regret at Grealish’s original omission.
"I feel for Jack Grealish,” Murphy said. “He was superb for Aston Villa last season, one of the standout English players in the Premier League, and was the key to his side’s survival.
“So, it was a huge blow for him to be left out of the England squad for the Nations League games.
"Gareth Southgate said he sees Grealish as a winger, maybe as a No 10, and he has a wealth of talent in those areas with Raheem Sterling, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.”
However, Southgate, who originally defended his decision, has had a change of heart with Grealish now set to meet up with the rest of the Three Lions squad at St George’s Park on Monday.
Wolves’ Conor Coady and Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles were also added.


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Arsenal 'ready to meet' Brentford's £25m Said Benrahma valuation

Arsenal are ready to deal Aston Villa a major blow and meet Brentford ’ s £25m valuation for Said Benrahma , according to reports .
Dean Smith has been extensively linked with the Bees forward , ever since he swapped Griffin Park for Villa Park in 2018 .
The Villa boss brought Benrahma to English football two seasons ago and he has impressed ever since .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Villa are believed to have made an enquiry for Benrahma last summer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agree on a free .
However , after another stunning season in the Championship , one that saw him register 27 goal involvements – he is set for a move to the Premier League .
He has been left out of Thomas Frank ’ s squads for pre-season so far , adding further fuel to the fire .
Villa are believed to be interested again this summer , but have yet to match the Bees ’ demands to sign him .
And now , according to 90Min , Mikel Arteta ’ s side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bid to bring him to the Emirates .
The report suggests they are looking at deals for Benrahma and teammate David Raya .
Arsenal fans on social media seem suitably impressed , one simply said : “ YES YES YES !
” While another Tweeted : “ Ooh that would be a great signing for arsenal .
Amazing player , if true ca n't wait to see him in the prem and regularly too .
That 's a really good bit of business.
” A third said : He is a baller , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for him is an absolute steal ” .
However , another supporter wasn ’ t so sure : “ Get a quality winger in Willian for free .
Buy a below average one for 25 million .
I will never understand Arsenal . ''

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Arsenal are ready to deal Aston Villa a major blow and meet Brentford’s £25m valuation for Said Benrahma, according to reports.
Dean Smith has been extensively linked with the Bees forward, ever since he swapped Griffin Park for Villa Park in 2018.
The Villa boss brought Benrahma to English football two seasons ago and he has impressed ever since.
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Villa are believed to have made an enquiry for Benrahma last summer, with the two clubs ultimately unable to agree on a free.
However, after another stunning season in the Championship, one that saw him register 27 goal involvements – he is set for a move to the Premier League.
He has been left out of Thomas Frank’s squads for pre-season so far, adding further fuel to the fire.
Villa are believed to be interested again this summer, but have yet to match the Bees’ demands to sign him.
And now, according to 90Min, Mikel Arteta’s side are ready to sanction a stunning £25m bid to bring him to the Emirates.
The report suggests they are looking at deals for Benrahma and teammate David Raya.
Arsenal fans on social media seem suitably impressed, one simply said: “ YES YES YES!” While another Tweeted: “Ooh that would be a great signing for arsenal. Amazing player, if true can't wait to see him in the prem and regularly too. That's a really good bit of business.”
A third said: He is a baller,” while another posted: “£25m for him is an absolute steal”.
However, another supporter wasn’t so sure: “Get a quality winger in Willian for free. Buy a below average one for 25 million. I will never understand Arsenal."


birminghammail--2020-08-31--Aston Villa to move for Callum Wilson instead of Ollie Watkins - reports

Aston Villa are reportedly stepping up their interest in AFC Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson .
According to the Daily Mail , Villa head coach Dean Smith is to move on from Brentford 's Ollie Watkins and move for Wilson instead .
It has been reported before that Villa were struggling to come to an agreement with the Bees for Watkins , the Championship 's player of the year for last season .
Now it is being claimed that with Villa only prepared to offer £18 million , below Brentford 's £25m valuation , they could take their business elsewhere .
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Google Play Store and App Store Watkins scored 26 goals in the Championship last season as Thomas Frank 's side made it all the way to the second tier play-offs at Wembley .
Smith actually signed Watkins for Brentford and the pair have been heavily linked with a reunion this summer as Villa look to improve their forward ranks .
But now it is being claimed that Wilson is on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remain in the Premier League following Bournemouth 's relegation this summer .
Wilson notched nine goals in 39 games last season but the season before last he hit 15 strikes .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Villa ended the 2019-20 campaign , their first back in the Premier League after three seasons away , with Keinan Davis and Mbwana Samatta as their only fit strikers with the pair scoring only one goal between them since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record £22m buy from Club Brugge last summer , suffered a serious knee injury on New Year 's Day in a 2-1 defeat of Burnley and missed the rest of the campaign .
Borja Baston , who signed from Swansea City on deadline day in January , managed only 16 minutes of League football before his departure at the end of June .

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birminghammail--2020-08-31--West Brom fans react as Slaven Bilic moves for Troy Deeney

West Bromwich Albion have reportedly opened talks with Watford over a move for striker Troy Deeney and fans have had their say .
Albion boss Slaven Bilic is looking to bolster his forward line following the club 's return to the Premier League and Deeney has been linked with a return to the West Midlands .
Deeney , who left Walsall for Watford in 2010 , is also said to be attracting interest from Albion 's top flight rivals Tottenham Hotspur .
The former Chelmsley Town forward is out of contract with Watford next summer and scored ten goals in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Road side , who were relegated after five years in the top flight .
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Google Play Store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Albion 's sporting director Luke Dowling is in talks with his former club about a move for Deeney .
It is being reported that Deeney 's departure could be on the cards because of the wage he earns at the Hertfordshire club .
And Albion fans have been reacting to the latest transfer update from The Hawthorns .
`` Unpopular opinion but I really hope we get Deeney in , '' one fan said .
Sign up for our West Brom newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we have , very simple , '' another added .
A third fan said : `` I think he would provide some of the aggression we need going forward . ''
`` I wouldn ’ t mind as long as we get another striker in as well , '' said another .
`` As long as we can get another younger striker in , '' a fifth fan added .

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West Bromwich Albion have reportedly opened talks with Watford over a move for striker Troy Deeney and fans have had their say.
Albion boss Slaven Bilic is looking to bolster his forward line following the club's return to the Premier League and Deeney has been linked with a return to the West Midlands.
Deeney, who left Walsall for Watford in 2010, is also said to be attracting interest from Albion's top flight rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The former Chelmsley Town forward is out of contract with Watford next summer and scored ten goals in 27 games last season for the Vicarage Road side, who were relegated after five years in the top flight.
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The Daily Mail report Albion's sporting director Luke Dowling is in talks with his former club about a move for Deeney.
It is being reported that Deeney's departure could be on the cards because of the wage he earns at the Hertfordshire club.
And Albion fans have been reacting to the latest transfer update from The Hawthorns.
"Unpopular opinion but I really hope we get Deeney in," one fan said.
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"Better than what we have, very simple," another added.
A third fan said: "I think he would provide some of the aggression we need going forward."
"I wouldn’t mind as long as we get another striker in as well," said another.
"As long as we can get another younger striker in," a fifth fan added.