birminghammail--2020-05-08--Lee Clark lifts the lid on that explosive Blues press conference

In February 2013 Lee Clark stunned Birmingham City supporters when he lambasted star signing Nikola Zigic .
Just days before Blues were due to face Watford Clark strode into a press conference and delivered a stinging verdict , explaining why the Serbian would not be involved .
“ I witnessed possibly the worst training session , in terms of a professional footballer , I ’ ve ever come across , ” the Geordie blasted .
He was true to his word , Zigic was left out , a Blues team which featured Rob Hall was beaten 4-0 – and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back .
Sign up to our Blues newsletter here He would go on to play a key role in several more matches – not least in Clark ’ s defining match , the 2-2 final day relegation dodge at Bolton in May 2014 .
And Clark was asked about that explosive moment in a chat with Blues TV this week – and it turned out it was all part of an agreed plan .
“ My relationship with the big man was absolutely brilliant .
He used to come in my office and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to stand up so I was on the same level as him , ” the 47-year-old said .
“ There was never any fall out , he knew I was disappointed by what had happened , it was the build up of a couple of weeks , we talked about what had gone on on the training ground .
“ So it wasn ’ t just a knee jerk reaction after one training session .
“ Nikola , I think everyone will agree – the fans or people who have worked with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He can switch it on or he can switch it off , this was training or matches .
“ On this particular day when we are trying to work on some particular work coming into a game , he had the off switch on .
“ I spoke with the senior players before I did the press conference , they were well aware of what I was wanting to do – and were they comfortable with that because we knew there would be repercussions – and they were fine .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and got asked a question , it was something that I felt after a build up of a period of time it had to be said .
“ After that there was not a problem , we acknowledged each other after the incident .
`` We spoke most days , he was one of the players who came in my office the most times , sometimes off his own accord to chat and see what was required .
“ Even that day down at Bolton he offered to buy the beers for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Given that talk of him being a bit tight was right because he bought the cheapest lager going.
” Zigic scored that day – as did Paul Caddis – a goal that turned out to be his last for Blues .
He left that summer , Clark followed in October 2014 – only for the striker to be tempted out of retirement by Gary Rowett .
Zigic played 11 more games but never found the net again .
But he did go some way to addressing the accusations of him being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the end of season awards ceremony in 2015 he bid against himself in an auction to raise money for Colin and Becky Doyle ’ s charity Liam ’ s Smiles .

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In February 2013 Lee Clark stunned Birmingham City supporters when he lambasted star signing Nikola Zigic.
Just days before Blues were due to face Watford Clark strode into a press conference and delivered a stinging verdict, explaining why the Serbian would not be involved.
“I witnessed possibly the worst training session, in terms of a professional footballer, I’ve ever come across,” the Geordie blasted.
He was true to his word, Zigic was left out, a Blues team which featured Rob Hall was beaten 4-0 – and the following game the 6ft 7ins giant was back.
He would go on to play a key role in several more matches – not least in Clark’s defining match, the 2-2 final day relegation dodge at Bolton in May 2014.
And Clark was asked about that explosive moment in a chat with Blues TV this week – and it turned out it was all part of an agreed plan.
“My relationship with the big man was absolutely brilliant. He used to come in my office and take a seat, I used to have to stand up so I was on the same level as him,” the 47-year-old said.
“There was never any fall out, he knew I was disappointed by what had happened, it was the build up of a couple of weeks, we talked about what had gone on on the training ground.
“So it wasn’t just a knee jerk reaction after one training session.
“Nikola, I think everyone will agree – the fans or people who have worked with him, has got this switch.
"He can switch it on or he can switch it off, this was training or matches.
“On this particular day when we are trying to work on some particular work coming into a game, he had the off switch on.
“I spoke with the senior players before I did the press conference, they were well aware of what I was wanting to do – and were they comfortable with that because we knew there would be repercussions – and they were fine.
“It wasn’t just I sat down and got asked a question, it was something that I felt after a build up of a period of time it had to be said.
“After that there was not a problem, we acknowledged each other after the incident.
"We spoke most days, he was one of the players who came in my office the most times, sometimes off his own accord to chat and see what was required.
“Even that day down at Bolton he offered to buy the beers for the players and staff on the way home.
"Given that talk of him being a bit tight was right because he bought the cheapest lager going.”
Zigic scored that day – as did Paul Caddis – a goal that turned out to be his last for Blues.
He left that summer, Clark followed in October 2014 – only for the striker to be tempted out of retirement by Gary Rowett.
Zigic played 11 more games but never found the net again.
But he did go some way to addressing the accusations of him being a bit of a penny pincher. At the end of season awards ceremony in 2015 he bid against himself in an auction to raise money for Colin and Becky Doyle’s charity Liam’s Smiles.


birminghammail--2020-05-08--The Birmingham restaurants and breweries offering delivery or takeaway

Restaurants may have been forced to close down since March but many Birmingham independents are transforming themselves to do business by offering takeaways or home deliveries .
While some of the big chains such as KFC and Five Guys have reopened , our cherished local businesses are also doing what they can to offer their amazing food and drink to Birmingham customers .
Delivery is proving key , so if you like any of the following businesses , you 'll probably more than likely want to support them to make sure they are still there when we are out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when to order from Digbeth Dining Club 's new Click & Collect service , visit our report here Launching on May 9 , DDC and Birmingham based ticket selling platform Ticketlist have teamed up with the new venture which will begin with Buddha Belly , Flying Cows & Beef on the Block .
Founder and Director at Digbeth Dining Club , Jack Brabant , says : “ After closing down back in March it ’ s been quite clear to us that things won ’ t go back to normal for quite some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take our time to ensure on the safest and most sensible approach in moving forward .
“ We ’ ll be using a large warehouse space in Hockley which gives us more freedom to space out the traders and the collection systems and we ’ ve been in direct communication with members of the council throughout the whole planning process to ensure they ’ re all happy with how it looks . ''
This brilliant award-winning brewery is now doing deliveries .
Burning Soul was named the best newcomer in the UK in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rich Murphy and Chris Small just four years after making their first pints of homebrew .
They were congratulated at the time by Logan Plant , founder of London-based brewers Beavertown and son of Led Zeppelin legend Robert Plant .
Now they have a new message for fans : `` We have a burning passion to create the greatest , unfined and unfiltered beers we possibly can .
`` It 's only taken a full global PANDEMIC but we finally have beer in cans ! ''
Orders over £32 qualify for free local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 2pm , to have delivery the next working day - check all of their postcode availability here Orders can also be collected from the Burning Soul Brewery Co. taproom on Saturdays 1pm - 3pm - the address is Unit 1 Mott Street , Hockley , Birmingham , B19 3HE This cafe bar is , of course , currently closed and those lovely pinball machines have been moved out for safe keeping .
Meanwhile , owner Kirk Sadler is posting weekly notes on his Facebook page about how he 's yet to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City Council .
He has also spent the recent weeks redecorating but has conceded that since he wo n't be opening up any time soon in the traditional sense he might as well offload some of his mighty fine craft beer kegs at value for money prices before they go out of date .
Email him at kirk @ tiltbum.com or contact him via social media and he 'll even throw in free local delivery .
Jennifery Deeley has launched a £25 Dessert Box containing six yummy treats - and delivery included .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ waffles the company makes to sell at festivals and events when open , but longer lasting more transport-friendly delights such as Biscoff Millionaires .
Her next batch will be available to order on Monday , May 11 for delivery on May 23 , just in time for half term .
The postcodes now being served from the company 's website here include : B1-B38 , B40 , B42-B47 , B67 and B68 , B72-B75 and B90-B95 inclusive .
Ordering as Gift ?
You can add a personal message during checkout to be delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taste of decadence , you can also order online from Miss Macaroon where 'indulgence is a virtue ' .
Order online before 2pm from Monday to Thursday and you can have next day delivery .
Or call 0121 359 0700 for more details .
Founder Rosie Ginday says : `` I created Miss Macaroon because I wanted to create a social enterprise business that combined my passion for premium quality food - born from my training as a high-end pastry chef at University College Birmingham - and my work in Michelin starred restaurant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But I also wanted to provide opportunities for young people seeking a career and to build confidence in themselves . ''
Here 's a message from the streetfood team : 'Have a break from cooking - we 've got you .
Unlike the toilet roll situation , we promote stock piling .
Order as much as you like .
Order before it goes ! '
It is operating a Bank Holiday delivery service this weekend with five dishes to include in your 'Lockdown takeway bundle ' .
T-shrts are £12 by the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too from their online store Free delivery above £15 with ten per cent of all orders going to NHS charities .
A two-year-old brewing company in Digbeth has launched a home delivery service to compensate for its tap room being closed during the lockdown .
The award-winning craft brewery Dig Brew Co opened inside a former industrial unit on River Street in late September 2017 .
A shop has been added to the company 's website to customers initially in Birmingham , Coventry , Dudley , Walsall , Wolverhampton and Worcestershire .
Its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lager , three pale ales ( one session strength ) , three IPAs including two Imperials , a wheat ale , fruit smoothie sour , fruited sour ale , Baltic porter and the brand new Imperial Stout .
The beers are priced from £3.20 per 330ml bottle - with discounts of up to 20 % on bulk orders .
They can be ordered singly or in pick-and-mix packs of six and 12 bottles through the new online shop here Other local breweries up and at it They include Rock n Roll Brewhouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently open for takeouts most Friday afternoons from 2pm at 9 Hall Street , B18 6BS - and with a playlist while you do so .
Also operating , in the shadow of St Chad 's Cathedral , is the Two Towers Brewery at the back of The Gunmakers Arms for pick-ups and deliveries - they are to most ' B ' postcodes .
Minimum order value is £24 - email enquiries @ twotowersbrewery.co.uk And do n't forget Stirchley-based Attic Brew Co which does free delivery on orders above £30 to south Birmingham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ B38 , B45 , B47 , B48 and B90 .
This independent freehouse is operating a temporary menu , available for collection and via Uber Eats , until further notice .
Meals include green chilli and slow-cooked apple lamb ( £9 ) , cajun spice rubbed chicken with sweetcorn and slow-cooked ham slaw ( £8 ) and Veggie burgers ( £7 ) with lots more on a menu labelled 'Posh ' .
Triple cooked chips are £4 .
Available Tuesday to Saturday , from 5pm to 9pm - please phone your order in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be noted and approximate time for collection given .
Please come to the bar and you will be handed your order to you when it is ready .
Beer is also be available to pick up during the same times .
Walk-ins allowed , but no more than two people at a time .
There was much gnashing of teeth in late March when it seemed as chippies had to close - but then they realised they did n't have to .
George & Helen 's in Harborne decided not to close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warwick Road in Solihull , Dad 's Lane Fish Bar in Stirchley and Parkes ' Traditional Fish & Chips in Halesowen were among those which reopened in time for Good Friday .
Our by no means wholly exhaustive list of shops which were open by April 10 can be found here - and if you want to see the queues at some of them click here Five Guys reopened in the Bullring on Tuesday , May 5 at noon for Deliveroo deliveries only or Click & Collect .
Only one guy was there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12pm , but every business has got to start somewhere .
For details of all sorts of places using Deliveroo in and around Birmingham city centre click here We recently published a list of the first McDonald 's to be reopening in the UK - though none were in Brum and it was the same with the first tranche of Burger King restaurants .
KFC has reopened a drive-thru in Tamworth where motorists formed a queue of more than 50 cars .
Presumably some of them had Col Sanders ' chicken spices on @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Restaurants may have been forced to close down since March but many Birmingham independents are transforming themselves to do business by offering takeaways or home deliveries.
While some of the big chains such as KFC and Five Guys have reopened, our cherished local businesses are also doing what they can to offer their amazing food and drink to Birmingham customers.
Delivery is proving key, so if you like any of the following businesses, you'll probably more than likely want to support them to make sure they are still there when we are out of lockdown.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Digbeth Dining Club
For details of how and when to order from Digbeth Dining Club's new Click & Collect service, visit our report here
Launching on May 9, DDC and Birmingham based ticket selling platform Ticketlist have teamed up with the new venture which will begin with Buddha Belly, Flying Cows & Beef on the Block.
Founder and Director at Digbeth Dining Club, Jack Brabant, says: “After closing down back in March it’s been quite clear to us that things won’t go back to normal for quite some time now.
"We wanted to take our time to ensure on the safest and most sensible approach in moving forward.
“We’ll be using a large warehouse space in Hockley which gives us more freedom to space out the traders and the collection systems and we’ve been in direct communication with members of the council throughout the whole planning process to ensure they’re all happy with how it looks."
Burning Soul, Jewellery Quarter
This brilliant award-winning brewery is now doing deliveries.
Burning Soul was named the best newcomer in the UK in 2017 thanks to the sterling efforts of Rich Murphy and Chris Small just four years after making their first pints of homebrew.
They were congratulated at the time by Logan Plant, founder of London-based brewers Beavertown and son of Led Zeppelin legend Robert Plant.
Now they have a new message for fans: "We have a burning passion to create the greatest, unfined and unfiltered beers we possibly can.
"It's only taken a full global PANDEMIC but we finally have beer in cans!"
Orders over £32 qualify for free local delivery to certain Birmingham postcodes. Order by 2pm, to have delivery the next working day - check all of their postcode availability here
Orders can also be collected from the Burning Soul Brewery Co. taproom on Saturdays 1pm - 3pm - the address is Unit 1 Mott Street, Hockley, Birmingham, B19 3HE
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Tilt, City Arcade
This cafe bar is, of course, currently closed and those lovely pinball machines have been moved out for safe keeping.
Meanwhile, owner Kirk Sadler is posting weekly notes on his Facebook page about how he's yet to have any help from his landlord, Birmingham City Council.
He has also spent the recent weeks redecorating but has conceded that since he won't be opening up any time soon in the traditional sense he might as well offload some of his mighty fine craft beer kegs at value for money prices before they go out of date.
Email him at kirk@tiltbum.com or contact him via social media and he'll even throw in free local delivery.
(Image: Courtesy of The Bournville Waffle Co)
The Bournville Waffle Co
Jennifery Deeley has launched a £25 Dessert Box containing six yummy treats - and delivery included.
You won't get any of the waffles the company makes to sell at festivals and events when open, but longer lasting more transport-friendly delights such as Biscoff Millionaires.
Her next batch will be available to order on Monday, May 11 for delivery on May 23, just in time for half term.
The postcodes now being served from the company's website here include: B1-B38, B40, B42-B47, B67 and B68, B72-B75 and B90-B95 inclusive.
Ordering as Gift? You can add a personal message during checkout to be delivered along with the dessert.
(Image: Simon Donnelly/PA Wire)
Miss Macaroon, Great Western Arcade
For another taste of decadence, you can also order online from Miss Macaroon where 'indulgence is a virtue'. Order online before 2pm from Monday to Thursday and you can have next day delivery. Or call 0121 359 0700 for more details.
Founder Rosie Ginday says: "I created Miss Macaroon because I wanted to create a social enterprise business that combined my passion for premium quality food - born from my training as a high-end pastry chef at University College Birmingham - and my work in Michelin starred restaurant Purnell’s in Birmingham.
"But I also wanted to provide opportunities for young people seeking a career and to build confidence in themselves."
Indian Streetery, Bennetts Hill
Here's a message from the streetfood team: 'Have a break from cooking - we've got you. Unlike the toilet roll situation, we promote stock piling. Order as much as you like. Order before it goes!'
It is operating a Bank Holiday delivery service this weekend with five dishes to include in your 'Lockdown takeway bundle'.
T-shrts are £12 by the way and they do craft beers and glassware too from their online store
Free delivery above £15 with ten per cent of all orders going to NHS charities.
(Image: Dig Brew Co)
Dig Brew Co
A two-year-old brewing company in Digbeth has launched a home delivery service to compensate for its tap room being closed during the lockdown.
The award-winning craft brewery Dig Brew Co opened inside a former industrial unit on River Street in late September 2017.
A shop has been added to the company's website to customers initially in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Worcestershire.
Its range of 12 freshly brewed beers includes a lager, three pale ales (one session strength), three IPAs including two Imperials, a wheat ale, fruit smoothie sour, fruited sour ale, Baltic porter and the brand new Imperial Stout.
The beers are priced from £3.20 per 330ml bottle - with discounts of up to 20% on bulk orders.
They can be ordered singly or in pick-and-mix packs of six and 12 bottles through the new online shop here
Other local breweries up and at it
They include Rock n Roll Brewhouse Bar - a little Jewellery Quarter gem currently open for takeouts most Friday afternoons from 2pm at 9 Hall Street, B18 6BS - and with a playlist while you do so.
Also operating, in the shadow of St Chad's Cathedral, is the Two Towers Brewery at the back of The Gunmakers Arms for pick-ups and deliveries - they are to most 'B' postcodes. Minimum order value is £24 - email enquiries@twotowersbrewery.co.uk
And don't forget Stirchley-based Attic Brew Co which does free delivery on orders above £30 to south Birmingham postcodes B1-5, B10-17, B27-32, B38, B45, B47, B48 and B90.
(Image: Tim Easthope)
1000 Trades, Frederick Street
This independent freehouse is operating a temporary menu, available for collection and via Uber Eats, until further notice.
Meals include green chilli and slow-cooked apple lamb (£9), cajun spice rubbed chicken with sweetcorn and slow-cooked ham slaw (£8) and Veggie burgers (£7) with lots more on a menu labelled 'Posh'. Triple cooked chips are £4.
Available Tuesday to Saturday, from 5pm to 9pm - please phone your order in on 0121 233 2693.
Your details will be noted and approximate time for collection given. Please come to the bar and you will be handed your order to you when it is ready.
Beer is also be available to pick up during the same times. Walk-ins allowed, but no more than two people at a time.
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
Fish and chips
There was much gnashing of teeth in late March when it seemed as chippies had to close - but then they realised they didn't have to.
George & Helen's in Harborne decided not to close, but Dovehouse Fish Bar on the Warwick Road in Solihull, Dad's Lane Fish Bar in Stirchley and Parkes' Traditional Fish & Chips in Halesowen were among those which reopened in time for Good Friday.
Our by no means wholly exhaustive list of shops which were open by April 10 can be found here - and if you want to see the queues at some of them click here
(Image: Darren Quinton / Birmingham Live)
Burgers
Five Guys reopened in the Bullring on Tuesday, May 5 at noon for Deliveroo deliveries only or Click & Collect.
Only one guy was there in the queue on the stroke of 12pm, but every business has got to start somewhere.
For details of all sorts of places using Deliveroo in and around Birmingham city centre click here
We recently published a list of the first McDonald's to be reopening in the UK - though none were in Brum and it was the same with the first tranche of Burger King restaurants.
KFC has reopened a drive-thru in Tamworth where motorists formed a queue of more than 50 cars.
Presumably some of them had Col Sanders' chicken spices on their, er, bucket list.


birminghammail--2020-05-08--Are supermarkets open VE Day? Bank holiday times at Tesco, Asda, Aldi and more

The first May bank holiday is here and it 's also VE Day - but are the supermarkets open today ?
May Day ( or Early May ) Bank Holiday is normally on the first Monday in May but was shifted to the following Friday to coincide with VE Day , the anniversary of the end of the World War II .
So that means May 8 is now a bank holiday instead , creating a three-day bank holiday weekend from May 8 to 10 .
Adding to the confusion is the fact that store opening times can vary on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like benefit payment dates .
It 's worth checking our list of supermarket opening times if Friday is your normal grocery shopping day or you decide to pop out for essentials .
Tesco stores will be open as normal on Bank Holiday Friday .
Most open at 6am or 7am throughout the holiday weekend , closing at 10pm , 11pm or midnight , though a few vary their hours depending on the day .
One of the city 's stores is closed because it is part of Bullring & Grand Central shopping complex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic .
A priority hour for the NHS operates every Tuesday and Thursday , along with a browsing hour every Sunday .
All stores apart from Tesco Express have an hour dedicated to the elderly and vulnerable from 9am-10am every Monday , Wednesday and Friday .
Here are the local opening times : Find your nearest branch at the Tesco store locator here Asda stores will generally be opening from 8am to 8pm on Bank Holiday Friday .
Hours will be different for the Saturday and Sunday .
NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ larger stores every Monday , Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 9am , as well as Sundays 9am to 10am for browsing .
Here are the local opening times : Find your nearest branch at the Asda store locator here Aldi stores are typically open from 8am to 10pm on Bank Holiday Friday .
There is some local variation on the Sunday of the holiday weekend .
Opening hours were extended to 10pm in mid-April in response to the coronavirus crisis .
All day every day key workers in the NHS , police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ queues into stores upon showing a valid ID .
This includes all social care workers , first responders and St John ’ s Ambulance staff .
This is in addition to early access on a Sunday , where they can enter stores 30 minutes prior to opening .
Aldi is also opening 30 minutes early Monday to Saturday for the elderly ( over 70 ) and vulnerable .
In England and Wales , this is for browsing only .
In Scotland , purchases can be made during this time .
Here are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ branch at the Aldi store finder here Most stores open at 7am or 8am on Bank Holiday Friday .
Elderly and vulnerable customers get a dedicated hour between 8am and 9am on Mondays , Wednesdays and Fridays .
NHS staff and care workers get priority from 7.30am to 8am , Monday to Saturday .
Here are the local opening times : Find your nearest branch at the Sainsbury 's store locator here Most branches are open from 7am on Bank Holiday Friday .
Morrisons has introduced an NHS hour from 6am-7am Monday-Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ open at 9am for NHS staff , then at 9.30am for all other customers to shop normally .
For any other stores that open later than 9.30am , they will open an hour earlier for NHS staff .
In Scotland stores will open at 7am for you to shop .
Here are the local opening times : Find your nearest branch at the Morrisons store locator here Hours vary on Bank Holiday Friday , depending on the branch .
Two local branches have shut during the coronavirus lockdown .
The first hour is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , health and social care workers on Tuesdays and Fridays .
Vulnerable and older customers get the first hour to themselves on Mondays and Thursdays .
Here are the local opening times : Find your nearest branch with the M & S store finder here Waitrose stores will be open on Bank Holiday Friday but the hours vary depending on the branch .
To support elderly and vulnerable customers , Morrisons is offering a dedicated shopping hour during the first opening hour of each of its stores .
NHS staff and social workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on production of suitable ID .
Here are the local opening times : Find your local store at the Waitrose store finder here Most stores are open as normal and will be trading on Bank Holiday Friday .
They returned to regular opening hours on April 23 .
Lidl says its stores tend to be quieter after 2pm and busiest from 8am to 11am .
Here are the local opening times : Find your local branch at the Lidl store finder here Most stores are now open from 7am to 8pm .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers , carers and NHS workers from 8am to 9am Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 11am on Sundays .
Here are the local opening times : Find your nearest branch with the Co-op store finder here Iceland stores are open over the bank holiday weekend .
Priority hours for elderly people are offered from 8am-9am .
In some stores the priority period is no longer required as elderly and vulnerable customers have heeded the Government 's advice to stay at home , supplies have normalised and panic buying has subsided .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ get exclusive access for the first hour of trading from 7am .
Here are the local opening times : Find your nearest branch at the Iceland store finder here

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Wondering what the supermarkets opening times are over the Bank Holiday weekend?
May Day (or Early May) Bank Holiday is normally on the first Monday in May but was shifted to the following Friday to coincide with VE Day, the anniversary of the end of the World War II.
So that means May 8 is now a bank holiday instead, creating a three-day bank holiday weekend from May 8 to 10.
Adding to the confusion is the fact that store opening times can vary on bank holidays, along with other things like benefit payment dates.
It's worth checking our list of supermarket opening times if Friday is your normal grocery shopping day or you decide to pop out for essentials.
(Image: Media Wales John Myers)
Tesco
Tesco stores will be open as normal on Bank Holiday Friday.
Most open at 6am or 7am throughout the holiday weekend, closing at 10pm, 11pm or midnight, though a few vary their hours depending on the day.
One of the city's stores is closed because it is part of Bullring & Grand Central shopping complex, which has shut during the lockdown triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
A priority hour for the NHS operates every Tuesday and Thursday, along with a browsing hour every Sunday.
All stores apart from Tesco Express have an hour dedicated to the elderly and vulnerable from 9am-10am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Here are the local opening times:
Mailbox Express
Fri May 8 - 7am-11pm
Sat May 9 - 7am-11pm
Sun May 10 - 7am-11pm
Bath Row Express
Fri May 8 - 6am-midnight
Sat May 9 - 6am-midnight
Sun May 10 - 6am-midnight
Colmore Row Express; Corporation Street Express
Fri May 8 - 7am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 7am-8pm
Sun May 10 - 7am-8pm
Carrs Lane Express
Fri May 8 - 6am-10pm
Sat May 9 - 6am-10pm
Sun May 10 - 6am-10pm
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Hurst Street Express; Frederick Street Express
Fri May 8 - 6am-11pm
Sat May 9 - 6am-11pm
Sun May 10 - 6am-11pm
Hall Street Express
Fri May 8 - 6am-11pm
Sat May 9 - 6am-11pm
Sun May 10 - 7am-11pm
New Street Metro
Fri May 8 - 6am-midnight (no NHS priority hours)
Sat May 9 - 6am-10pm (no NHS priority hours)
Sun May 10 - 12pm-6pm (NHS 9am-10am)
Grand Central Express
Closed during Covid-19 pandemic
Find your nearest branch at the Tesco store locator here
Asda
Asda stores will generally be opening from 8am to 8pm on Bank Holiday Friday.
Hours will be different for the Saturday and Sunday.
NHS and care workers get priority shopping in larger stores every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 9am, as well as Sundays 9am to 10am for browsing.
Here are the local opening times:
Bordesley Green; High Street, Kings Heath; Kelynmead Road, Sheldon; Queslett Superstore, Great Barr; Barnes Hill Superstore; Hagley Road West, Quinton
Fri May 8 - 8am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-10pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Perry Barr Superstore, Walsall Road
Fri May 8 - 8am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-8pm
Sun May 10 - 11am-5pm
Small Heath Superstore, Coventry Road; Cape Hill Superstore, Windmill Lane
Fri May 8 - 8am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-10pm
Sun May 10 - 11am-5pm
Find your nearest branch at the Asda store locator here
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Aldi
Aldi stores are typically open from 8am to 10pm on Bank Holiday Friday. There is some local variation on the Sunday of the holiday weekend.
Opening hours were extended to 10pm in mid-April in response to the coronavirus crisis.
All day every day key workers in the NHS, police and fire service take priority ahead of queues into stores upon showing a valid ID. This includes all social care workers, first responders and St John’s Ambulance staff. This is in addition to early access on a Sunday, where they can enter stores 30 minutes prior to opening.
Aldi is also opening 30 minutes early Monday to Saturday for the elderly (over 70) and vulnerable. In England and Wales, this is for browsing only. In Scotland, purchases can be made during this time.
Here are the local opening times:
Edgbaston Road, Birmingham; Bordesley Green; Beaufort Park, Stechford; Bearwood Road; College Road, Kingstanding; Warwick Road, Acocks Green; Chester Road, New Oscott; Stratford Road, Hall Green; Birmingham Road, Great Barr; Coventry Road, Sheldon; Chester Road, Castle Bromwich; Alcester Road, Maypole; Bristol Road South, Northfield
Fri May 8 - 8am-10pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-10pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
High Street, Newtown; Stratford Road, Sparkbrook; Bristol Road, Selly Oak; The Parade, Sutton Coldfield
Fri May 8 - 8am-10pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-10pm
Sun May 10 - 11am-5pm
Find your local branch at the Aldi store finder here
Sainsbury's
Most stores open at 7am or 8am on Bank Holiday Friday.
Elderly and vulnerable customers get a dedicated hour between 8am and 9am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
NHS staff and care workers get priority from 7.30am to 8am, Monday to Saturday.
Here are the local opening times:
Colmore Row Local; Navigation Street Local; Brindleyplace Local; Wylde Green Local; Bolmere Road Local
Fri May 8 - 7am-9pm
Sat May 9 - 7am-9pm
Sun May 10 - 7am-9pm
Martineau Place Local
Fri May 8 - 8am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 7am-8pm
Sun May 10 - 11am-5pm
Alcester Road Local; Bristol Road Local
Fri May 8 - 7am-11pm
Sat May 9 - 7am-11pm
Sun May 10 - 7am-11pm
Harborne High Street Local; Walsall Road Local
Fri May 8 - 7am-10pm
Sat May 9 - 7am-10pm
Sun May 10 - 7am-10pm
Priory Queensway Local
Temporarily closed
Selly Oak Shopping Park Superstore; Longbridge Superstore
Fri May 8 - 8am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-10pm
Sun May 10 - 11am-5pm
Kings Heath Superstore
Fri May 8 - 8am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-8pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Castle Vale Superstore
Fri May 8 - 8am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-10pm
Sun May 10 - 10.30am-4.30pm
Mere Green Superstore
Fri May 8 - 8am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-10pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Maypole Superstore, Alcester Road South; Northfield Superstore, Frankley Beeches Road
Fri May 8 - 8am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-9pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Find your nearest branch at the Sainsbury's store locator here
Morrisons
Most branches are open from 7am on Bank Holiday Friday.
Morrisons has introduced an NHS hour from 6am-7am Monday-Saturday.
On Sundays, the majority of stores open at 9am for NHS staff, then at 9.30am for all other customers to shop normally.
For any other stores that open later than 9.30am, they will open an hour earlier for NHS staff.
In Scotland stores will open at 7am for you to shop.
Here are the local opening times:
Hagley Road Edgbaston; Coventry Road Sheldon; Rubery
Fri May 8 - 7am-11pm
Sat May 9 - 7am-11pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Summer Lane Newtown
Fri May 8 - 12am-12am
Sat May 9 - 12am-12am
Sun May 10 - 12am-12am
Coventry Road Small Heath; Warwick Road, Acocks Green; Chester Road Castle Bromwich
Fri May 8 - 7am-10pm
Sat May 9 - 7am-10pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Groveley Lane Longbridge
Fri May 8 - 7am-11pm
Sat May 9 - 7am-11pm
Sun May 10 - 7am-11pm
Find your nearest branch at the Morrisons store locator here
Marks and Spencer
Hours vary on Bank Holiday Friday, depending on the branch. Two local branches have shut during the coronavirus lockdown.
The first hour is dedicated to NHS, emergency services workers, health and social care workers on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Vulnerable and older customers get the first hour to themselves on Mondays and Thursdays.
Here are the local opening times:
High Street Birmingham
Fri May 8 - 8am-6pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-6pm
Sun May 10 - 11am-5pm
New Street station branch; One Stop shopping park branch
Both are temporarily closed
Harborne High Street Simply Food
Fri May 8 - 8am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-8pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
BP petrol station branch, Selly Park
Fri May 8 - 7am-10pm
Sat May 9 - 7am-10pm
Sun May 10 - 7am-10pm
Moseley Foodhall, St Mary's Row
Fri May 8 - 9am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 8.30am-8pm
Sun May 10 - 10.30am-4pm
Selly Oak Shopping Park
Fri May 8 - 8.30am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 8.30am-8pm
Sun May 10 - 11am-5pm
Find your nearest branch with the M&S store finder here
Waitrose
Waitrose stores will be open on Bank Holiday Friday but the hours vary depending on the branch.
To support elderly and vulnerable customers, Morrisons is offering a dedicated shopping hour during the first opening hour of each of its stores.
NHS staff and social workers get priority access to shops and checkouts on production of suitable ID.
Here are the local opening times:
High Street Harborne
Fri May 8 - 8am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-8pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Stratford Road Hall Green
Fri May 8 - 9am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 8.30am-8pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Highgate Centre, Sutton Coldfield
Fri May 8 - 8.30am-7pm
Sat May 9 - 8.30am-7pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Find your local store at the Waitrose store finder here
Lidl
Most stores are open as normal and will be trading on Bank Holiday Friday. They returned to regular opening hours on April 23.
Lidl says its stores tend to be quieter after 2pm and busiest from 8am to 11am.
Here are the local opening times:
Dudley Road, Winson Green; Soho Road, Handsworth; Bordesley Green; Silver Street, Kings Heath; Coventry Road, Yardley; Old Walsall Road, Hampstead Industrial Estate; Olton Boulevard East, Acocks Green; Kingsbury Road, Erdington; Kings Road, Sutton Coldfield; Mackadown Lane, Kitts Green
Fri May 8 - 8am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-10pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Moseley Road, Balsall Heath
Fri May 8 - 8am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-10pm
Sun May 10 - 11am-5pm
Find your local branch at the Lidl store finder here
Co-op
Most stores are now open from 7am to 8pm.
There's a dedicated shopping hour for vulnerable customers, carers and NHS workers from 8am to 9am Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 11am on Sundays.
Here are the local opening times:
Colmore Row Birmingham; Wheeleys Road, Edgbaston
Fri May 8 - 6am-10pm
Sat May 9 - 6am-10pm
Sun May 10 - 6am-10pm
Newhall Square Birmingham
Fri May 8 - 7am-11pm
Sat May 9 - 7am-11pm
Sun May 10 - 7am-11pm
Bristol Street Birmingham
Fri May 8 - 6am-11pm
Sat May 9 - 6am-11pm
Sun May 10 - 6am-11pm
Find your nearest branch with the Co-op store finder here
Iceland
Iceland stores are open over the bank holiday weekend.
Priority hours for elderly people are offered from 8am-9am. In some stores the priority period is no longer required as elderly and vulnerable customers have heeded the Government's advice to stay at home, supplies have normalised and panic buying has subsided.
NHS, healthcare and social care workers get exclusive access for the first hour of trading from 7am.
Here are the local opening times:
St Andrews Shopping Park, Coventry Road
Fri May 8 - 10am-7pm
Sat May 9 - 10am-7pm
Sun May 10 - 11am-5pm
One Stop Shopping Park, Perry Barr
Fri May 8 - 8am-7pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-7pm
Sun May 10 - 11am-5pm
Soho Road, Handsworth
Fri May 8 - 9am-6pm
Sat May 9 - 9am-6pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Find your nearest branch at the Iceland store finder here


birminghammail--2020-05-08--DIY store May bank holiday hours at B&Q, Wilko, Wickes, Homebase, The Range

The Early May Bank Holiday provides an extended weekend that often sees people tackling work that needs doing in their homes and gardens .
Lockdown means things are bit more limited but many stores are now starting to reopen with strict social distancing in place .
This includes DIY stores which have opened their doors to allow people to purchase products needed for essential repairs and maintenance .
This year , the May Day ( or Early May ) Bank Holiday has been moved to Friday , May 8 , to coincide with VE Day commemorating the 75th anniversary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So which stores are open and what times ?
Here 's a round-up to help you decide where to go .
B & Q has now reopened all of its stores across the UK with the exception of those in the Republic of Ireland and in Guernsey .
But there are strict rules in place on the number of people who can shop together and even a minimum age .
Most stores are generally open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Saturday , while opening times on Sundays vary .
Here are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stores in the Midlands : All the above stores have the following opening hours this weekend : Argos stores remain closed during lockdown , except those housed within Sainsbury 's supermarkets .
You can also get your Argos website orders sent to a Sainsbury 's branch near you for collection .
Shop at the Argos website here Dunelm stores are currently closed in the lockdown .
However , you can still shop online and the home furnishings retailer is offering free delivery to customers .
But it is warning of longer delivery times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by visiting the Dunelm website here

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The Early May Bank Holiday provides an extended weekend that often sees people tackling work that needs doing in their homes and gardens.
Lockdown means things are bit more limited but many stores are now starting to reopen with strict social distancing in place.
This includes DIY stores which have opened their doors to allow people to purchase products needed for essential repairs and maintenance.
This year, the May Day (or Early May) Bank Holiday has been moved to Friday, May 8, to coincide with VE Day commemorating the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.
So which stores are open and what times? Here's a round-up to help you decide where to go.
(Image: PA)
B&Q
B&Q has now reopened all of its stores across the UK with the exception of those in the Republic of Ireland and in Guernsey.
But there are strict rules in place on the number of people who can shop together and even a minimum age.
Most stores are generally open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, while opening times on Sundays vary.
Here are the May Bank Holiday opening times of these stores in the Midlands:
Erdington B35 7RD, Halesowen B62 8EP, Solihull Retail Park B90 4RB, Wednesbury WS10 9QY, Springvale Business Park, Wolverhampton WV14 0QL, Cardinal Point Retail Park, Tamworth, B78 3HL
All the above stores have the following opening hours this weekend:
Fri May 8 - 8am-6pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-6pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Find your nearest store here
(Image: Birmingham Live)
Argos
Argos stores remain closed during lockdown, except those housed within Sainsbury's supermarkets.
You can also get your Argos website orders sent to a Sainsbury's branch near you for collection.
Shop at the Argos website here
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Wilko
One Stop Shopping Centre, Walsall Road, Perry Barr, B42 1AA; Selly Oak Shopping Park, Birmingham, B29 6SN;
Fri May 8 - 9am-5pm
Sat May 9 - 9am-5pm
Sun May 10 - 10.30am-4.30pm
Fort Shopping Park, Birmingham, B24 9FP
Fri May 8 - 9am-5pm
Sat May 9 - 9am-5pm
Sun May 10 - 11am-5pm
High Street, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7LG
Fri May 8 - 9am-5pm
Sat May 9 - 9am-5pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Warwick Road, Acocks Green, B27 6BH; Grosvenor Centre, Northfield, B31 2JU; Oldbury Road, Rowley Regis, B65 0N; Chelmsley Wood Shopping CentreSolihull, B37 5UH
Fri May 8 - 8am-5pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-5pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Red Rose Centre, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1XX
Fri May 8 - 8.30am-5pm
Sat May 9 - 8.30am-5pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Find your nearest Wilko store here
Wickes
Tameside Business Park, Perry Barr, B42 2ET; Holyhead Road, Handsworth, B21 0LL; Ash Tree Road, Stirchley, B30 2BJ; Walmley Ash Road, Minworth, Sutton Coldfield, B76 1FG; Prospect Road, Halesowen, B62 8DU; Oak Park, Dudley Road, Brierley Hill, DY5 1HR
Fri May 8 - 7am-4pm
Sat May 9 - 7am-4pm
Sun May 10 - Closed
Stratford Road, Hall Green, B28 8BX; Tame Valley Industrial Estate, Tamworth, B77 5BY; Hollies Park Road, Cannock, WS11 1DB
Fri May 8 - 7.30am-4pm
Sat May 9 - 7.30am-4pm
Sun May 10 - Closed
Find your nearest Wickes store here
The Range
Ravenside Retail Park, Erdington, B24 9QB; Holyhead Road, West Bromwich, B21 0AP; Longacres Industrial Estate, Willenhall, WV13 2JX; Austin Drive, Coventry, CV6 7NS; Redditch Ringway, Redditch, B98 8DU; West Street, Wolverhampton, WV10 6HT
Fri May 8 - 9am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 9am-8pm
Sun May 10 - 10.30am-4.30pm
Merry Hill Centre, Brierley Hill, DY5 1SY
Fri May 8 - 8am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-8pm
Sun May 10 - 11am-5pm
Tame Valley Industrial Estate, Tamworth, B77 5DQ; Walsall Road, Cannock, WS11 0JJ
Fri May 8 - 9am-6pm
Sat May 9 - 9am-6pm
Sun May 10 - 10.30am-4.30pm
Crossley Retail Park, Kidderminster, DY11 6DY
Fri May 8 - 8am-8pm
Sat May 9 - 8am-8pm
Sun May 10 - 10.30am-4.30pm
Find your nearest Range store here
Homebase
High Street, Kings Heath, B14 7SN
Fri May 8 - 9am-6pm
Sat May 9 - 9am-6pm
Sun May 10 - 10.30am-4.30pm
Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, B73 5BA
Fri May 8 - 10am-6pm
Sat May 9 - 9am-6pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Harborne Lane, Selly Oak, B29 6TL; St Johns Retail Park,
Wolverhampton, WV2 4SJ
Fri May 8 - 9am-6pm
Sat May 9 - 9am-6pm
Sun May 10 - 10am-4pm
Find your nearest Homebase store here
Dunelm
Dunelm stores are currently closed in the lockdown.
However, you can still shop online and the home furnishings retailer is offering free delivery to customers.
But it is warning of longer delivery times due to demand.
Find out more by visiting the Dunelm website here


birminghammail--2020-05-08--Solihull Moors have announced their retained and released lists

Darren Carter is set to discuss his future with Solihull Moors after coming to the end of his contract .
The 36-year-old former Birmingham City hero is on Moors ' released list but the National League club insist they are hoping to extend his stay at the SportNation .
bet Stadium .
Carter who famously scored the play-off final winning penalty that took Blues into the Premier League back in 2002 , joined Moors in the summer of 2017 .
Moors today announced their retained and released list of players for the 2020/2021 season .
Another former Blues midfielder , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Young defender Geraldo Bajrami has returned to Blues following his loan spell with Moors .
Chairman Darryl Eales said : `` This is always a tough time of the year when difficult decisions are taken in respect of players – and this is all the more so , given the challenging circumstances that everyone is experiencing .
`` I would first like to thank all players who we have released for their contribution to Moors and we wish them well for the future .
`` We are delighted with the quality of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retained and we will continue to look to strengthen the squad over the summer .
We want to ensure we are ready to go as soon as it is safe to play football and the new season starts . ''
SIGN UP FOR OUR BLUES NEWSLETTER HERE Contracts have been offered to Ryan Boot , Tyrone Williams and Ben Usher-Shipway and Melis Bushaj has been offered his first professional deal .
PLAYERS OUT OF CONTRACT AND RELEASED LOAN PLAYERS RETURNING TO PARENT CLUBS FOLLOWING END OF LOAN CONTRACT

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Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
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Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Darren Carter is set to discuss his future with Solihull Moors after coming to the end of his contract.
The 36-year-old former Birmingham City hero is on Moors' released list but the National League club insist they are hoping to extend his stay at the SportNation. bet Stadium.
Carter who famously scored the play-off final winning penalty that took Blues into the Premier League back in 2002, joined Moors in the summer of 2017.
Moors today announced their retained and released list of players for the 2020/2021 season. Another former Blues midfielder, Luke Maxwell, has been let go.
Young defender Geraldo Bajrami has returned to Blues following his loan spell with Moors.
(Image: Tom King)
Chairman Darryl Eales said: "This is always a tough time of the year when difficult decisions are taken in respect of players – and this is all the more so, given the challenging circumstances that everyone is experiencing.
"I would first like to thank all players who we have released for their contribution to Moors and we wish them well for the future.
"We are delighted with the quality of the group of players who are being retained and we will continue to look to strengthen the squad over the summer. We want to ensure we are ready to go as soon as it is safe to play football and the new season starts."
Moors have released Nathan Blissett, George Carline, Callum Coyle, Harry Flowers, Terry Hawkridge, Luke Maxwell, Jordan Murphy, Ryan Nesbitt, Jamie Reckord, Shaun Rowley, Matt Stenson, Dan Sweeney, Lee Vaughan, Danny Wright and Andy Wycherley.
Contracts have been offered to Ryan Boot, Tyrone Williams and Ben Usher-Shipway and Melis Bushaj has been offered his first professional deal.
PLAYERS UNDER CONTRACT
James Ball
Jake Beesley
Alex Gudger
Mitch Hancox
Callum Howe
Paul McCallum
Jamey Osborne
Adam Rooney
Kyle Storer
RE-ENGAGEMENT – ENTERED INTO NEGOTIATIONS/CONTRACT OFFERED
Ryan Boot
Melis Bushaj
Tyrone Williams
Ben Usher-Shipway
PLAYERS OUT OF CONTRACT AND RELEASED
Nathan Blissett
George Carline
Darren Carter
Callum Coyle
Harry Flowers
Terry Hawkridge
Luke Maxwell
Jordan Murphy
Ryan Nesbitt
Jamie Reckord
Shaun Rowley
Matt Stenson
Dan Sweeney
Lee Vaughan
Danny Wright
Andy Wycherley
LOAN PLAYERS RETURNING TO PARENT CLUBS FOLLOWING END OF LOAN CONTRACT
Geraldo Bajrami
Dan Jones


birminghammail--2020-05-08--The Aston Villa and Newcastle-linked striker who eclipsed Messi

Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Moroccan hotshot Abderrazak Hamdallah .
The striker is currently with Saudi champions Al-Nassr and , according to Mercato , is wanted by Villa and Newcastle United .
The French outlet dubbed Hamdallah as ‘ the Arabian Suarez ’ - though his feats are more consistent with even more prolific strikers .
Here ’ s what you need to know about him .
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter here Who is he ?
A 29-year-old centre-forward , who was born in the Moroccan coastal town of Safi .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in humble surroundings .
“ I started playing football in the street with other children , ” he said .
“ As a teenager , I enrolled in a club in town .
“ I was playing almost every day after school and all weekend .
My older brother always supported me .
He encouraged me to work hard.
” That club was Olympic Club de Safi – where he spent his formative years learning his trade in the Moroccan top flight .
It was a trade well learned .
He plundered 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons and attracted the attention of Norwegian outfit Aalesund who , on Valentine ’ s Day , 2013 , broke their transfer record by paying €1 million for the 21-year-old – who at that stage was in the Moroccan A team .
“ He has scored many goals and we are very pleased with this signing .
`` Players often need some time to adjust , but hope he delivers from day one , ” said Aalesund director Henrik Hoff .
As for Hamdallah – he set his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best foreign player in Norway , and I will score over ten goals.
” As good as his word To be fair to him , he put his goals where his mouth was and bagged 19 goals in 30 games .
A fact not lost on him when he said in later years .
“ It was a difficult experience because I arrived in a country that ’ s very cold , but through an effort of will , I overcame every obstacle .
I was the first player from the Moroccan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my signing generated a lot of attention in the newspapers .
In the end , I was able to silence my critics by finishing as one of the leading scorers in the league.
” That earned him a move to Guangzhou R & F in China , where he was coached by Sven Goran Erikssen .
He ratted along at a goal a game with 22 in 22 appearances .
Unfortunately fitness and form failed him and he fell out with Romanian coach Cosmin Contra .
In 2015 he was moved on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggled with a knee injury – but still managed to score 16 times in 22 games .
The following season he bagged 28 in 30 for another Qatari team - Al-Rayyan .
In August 2018 he moved to Saudi side Al Nassr - where he still resides .
He has been little short of sensational .
Within eight months he had set a new scoring record with an incredible 49 in 35 games – plus 11 assists .
In 2019/2020 it ’ s been 26 in 25 .
Throughout his career , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Norway , to China , to Qatar and Saudi Arabia – he has been credited with 175 goals in 200 professional matches .
He has won cups in Qatar and Saudi – as well as the league title with Al Nassr .
In December 2019 he was pronounced as the world ’ s top scorer for the calendar year , surpassing Bayern Munich ’ s Robert Lewandowski who scored 54 goals - and Barcelona ’ s Lionel Messi ( 50 goals ) .
“ I am very happy today that I achieved the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 57 goals , ” he said .
“ This is an honour for me and for everyone .
I thank my team , especially the players , for their help and I do not forget Al Nassr fans .
I ’ m looking forward to another successful year.
” He has seven in 17 games for Morocco but last November announced his retirement from international football at the age of 28 .
Hamdallah made the announcement on social media while on holiday in the United States simply saying : “ Hello .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not explain his decision further but it comes after he was not called up to the latest Morocco squad and the fact that Vahid Halilhodzic had not included the striker in any of his squads since he took over in August .
Hamdallah last played for the Atlas Lions in June 2019 in a 1-0 friendly loss to The Gambia ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals .
He had ended the match upset and angry with some of his team mates after he was not allowed to take a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Faycal Fajr .
His current deal expires in June 2022 and the price being quoted at the minute is €18million .
He ’ s also been linked with Newcastle United – who are in the throes of a takeover by the Saudi Public Investment Fund .
Wesley remains injured - and Villa definitely need more attacking threat but clearly investing in a 29-year-old with no track record in a top European league would be a huge gamble .

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Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Moroccan hotshot Abderrazak Hamdallah.
The striker is currently with Saudi champions Al-Nassr and, according to Mercato, is wanted by Villa and Newcastle United.
The French outlet dubbed Hamdallah as ‘the Arabian Suarez’ - though his feats are more consistent with even more prolific strikers.
Here’s what you need to know about him.
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter here
Who is he?
A 29-year-old centre-forward, who was born in the Moroccan coastal town of Safi. He is one of seven children whose journey began in humble surroundings.
“I started playing football in the street with other children,” he said. “As a teenager, I enrolled in a club in town.
“I was playing almost every day after school and all weekend. My older brother always supported me. He encouraged me to work hard.”
That club was Olympic Club de Safi – where he spent his formative years learning his trade in the Moroccan top flight. It was a trade well learned.
(Image: Karim Jaafar/AFP/Getty Images)
Starting out
He plundered 19 goals in 26 games for Safi, in the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons and attracted the attention of Norwegian outfit Aalesund who, on Valentine’s Day, 2013, broke their transfer record by paying €1 million for the 21-year-old – who at that stage was in the Moroccan A team.
“He has scored many goals and we are very pleased with this signing.
"Players often need some time to adjust, but hope he delivers from day one,” said Aalesund director Henrik Hoff.
As for Hamdallah – he set his sights high: “I will be the best foreign player in Norway, and I will score over ten goals.”
As good as his word
To be fair to him, he put his goals where his mouth was and bagged 19 goals in 30 games. A fact not lost on him when he said in later years. “It was a difficult experience because I arrived in a country that’s very cold, but through an effort of will, I overcame every obstacle. I was the first player from the Moroccan championship to come to Norway, and my signing generated a lot of attention in the newspapers. In the end, I was able to silence my critics by finishing as one of the leading scorers in the league.”
That earned him a move to Guangzhou R&F in China, where he was coached by Sven Goran Erikssen.
He ratted along at a goal a game with 22 in 22 appearances.
Unfortunately fitness and form failed him and he fell out with Romanian coach Cosmin Contra.
Arabian knight
In 2015 he was moved on to Qatari outfit El Jaish where he also struggled with a knee injury – but still managed to score 16 times in 22 games.
The following season he bagged 28 in 30 for another Qatari team - Al-Rayyan.
In August 2018 he moved to Saudi side Al Nassr - where he still resides. He has been little short of sensational.
Within eight months he had set a new scoring record with an incredible 49 in 35 games – plus 11 assists.
In 2019/2020 it’s been 26 in 25.
Throughout his career, which has taken him from Morocco, to Norway, to China, to Qatar and Saudi Arabia – he has been credited with 175 goals in 200 professional matches.
He has won cups in Qatar and Saudi – as well as the league title with Al Nassr.
In December 2019 he was pronounced as the world’s top scorer for the calendar year, surpassing Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski who scored 54 goals - and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (50 goals).
“I am very happy today that I achieved the top scorer of the world in 2019 with 57 goals,” he said.
“This is an honour for me and for everyone. I thank my team, especially the players, for their help and I do not forget Al Nassr fans. I’m looking forward to another successful year.”
International career
He has seven in 17 games for Morocco but last November announced his retirement from international football at the age of 28.
Hamdallah made the announcement on social media while on holiday in the United States simply saying: “Hello. I decided to retire internationally.”
He did not explain his decision further but it comes after he was not called up to the latest Morocco squad and the fact that Vahid Halilhodzic had not included the striker in any of his squads since he took over in August.
Hamdallah last played for the Atlas Lions in June 2019 in a 1-0 friendly loss to The Gambia ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals. He had ended the match upset and angry with some of his team mates after he was not allowed to take a last minute penalty that was then missed by Faycal Fajr.
What’s his contract status?
His current deal expires in June 2022 and the price being quoted at the minute is €18million. He’s also been linked with Newcastle United – who are in the throes of a takeover by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
Wesley remains injured - and Villa definitely need more attacking threat but clearly investing in a 29-year-old with no track record in a top European league would be a huge gamble.


birminghammail--2020-05-08--"We remember them" - message on VE Day from Lord Lieutenant

The Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands John Crabtree has sent out a message of thanks to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day .
In a recorded message , which you can view in full above , he speaks of how the region was at the heart of efforts to `` keep the British fighting machine going . ''
He also gives thanks to those now helping to keep us safe from 'an invisible foe ' .
`` 75 years ago the headlines in our three leading newspapers were proclaiming the end of the War .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laid down their arms and the king thanked his people .
This day was hailed as Victory in Europe Day .
`` After the outbreak of war in 1939 , the Midlands , once the workshop of the world , rapidly became the workshop of the war .
`` Manufacturing here adapted and geared production to support the war effort .
Inevitably that made the Midlands a key target for bombing raids.But despite that tens of thousands of men and even more women worked in our factories , mill and presses , toiling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Services of thanksgiving were held across the region , with so many wishing to attend that speakers had to be set up poutside our churches and cathedrals .
`` We gave thanks for those who fought for our liberty and looked froward to our loved ones returning from the battlefields .
and we remembered those who had lost their lives .
`` His Majesty the King , in his VE address to the nation , said : ' I thank with a full heart those who bore arms so valiantly on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air , and all civilians who , shouldering their many burdens , carried them them unflinchingly and without complaint ' .
`` My mother would have been celebrating with my elder sister , who was then nearly three years old , but who had never met my father , who left to join the army in India well before she was born .
`` Today of course I should be joining in the big parties and celebrations we had planned .
But instead , like you , I am remembering at home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities are empty as we fight an invisible foe that is affecting all our lives .
`` We remember and we give thanks to all those who kept us safe then , and we give thanks to all those who are keeping us safe today . ''

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The Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands John Crabtree has sent out a message of thanks to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
In a recorded message, which you can view in full above, he speaks of how the region was at the heart of efforts to "keep the British fighting machine going."
He also gives thanks to those now helping to keep us safe from 'an invisible foe'.
His speech reads:
"75 years ago the headlines in our three leading newspapers were proclaiming the end of the War.
"Germany announced surrender, all fighting troops laid down their arms and the king thanked his people. This day was hailed as Victory in Europe Day.
"After the outbreak of war in 1939, the Midlands, once the workshop of the world, rapidly became the workshop of the war.
(Image: photo courtesy of John Crabtree)
"Manufacturing here adapted and geared production to support the war effort. Inevitably that made the Midlands a key target for bombing raids.But despite that tens of thousands of men and even more women worked in our factories, mill and presses, toiling to keep the British fighting machine going.
"Services of thanksgiving were held across the region, with so many wishing to attend that speakers had to be set up poutside our churches and cathedrals.
"We gave thanks for those who fought for our liberty and looked froward to our loved ones returning from the battlefields. and we remembered those who had lost their lives.
"His Majesty the King, in his VE address to the nation, said: 'I thank with a full heart those who bore arms so valiantly on land, on sea or in the air, and all civilians who, shouldering their many burdens, carried them them unflinchingly and without complaint'.
"My mother would have been celebrating with my elder sister, who was then nearly three years old, but who had never met my father, who left to join the army in India well before she was born.
"Today of course I should be joining in the big parties and celebrations we had planned. But instead, like you, I am remembering at home.
"The streets of our towns and cities are empty as we fight an invisible foe that is affecting all our lives.
"We remember and we give thanks to all those who kept us safe then, and we give thanks to all those who are keeping us safe today."


birminghammail--2020-05-08--Man hiding in bushes from police blows his cover with fart

A wanted man who hid in bushes to avoid being caught by police was nabbed when he gave himself away @ @ @ @ @ The suspect broke his cover by breaking wind , cops said .
Officers from Nottinghamshire @ @ @ @ @ warrant for an address in Harworth on Thursday and pursued a man into some woods @ @ @ @ @ then heard a noise `` believed to be the sound of someone breaking wind from @ @ @ @ @ a force spokesman said .
One of the pursuing officers said : `` I was @ @ @ @ @ but luckily [ the suspect ] still had some .
`` I heard him letting @ @ @ @ @ to a bush . ''
Another man was found hiding behind a fireplace at the @ @ @ @ @ was arrested after failing to appear at court and a 30-year-old man was arrested in @ @ @ @ @ police said .

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A wanted man who hid in bushes to avoid being caught by police was nabbed when he gave himself away with a loud fart.
The suspect blew his cover by breaking wind, cops said.
(Image: Tom Maddick SWNS)
Officers from Nottinghamshire Police said they executed a warrant for an address in Harworth on Thursday and pursued a man into some woods near Brookside Walk.
While looking for the man in the dark, they then heard a noise "believed to be the sound of someone breaking wind from a nearby bush", a force spokesman said.
One of the pursuing officers said: "I was almost out of wind running but luckily [the suspect] still had some.
"I heard him letting rip and followed the noises to a bush."
Another man was found hiding in a small space behind a fireplace at the address.
A 35-year-old man was arrested after failing to appear at court and a 30-year-old man was arrested in relation to other matters, police said.


birminghammail--2020-05-08--NHS worker taking daily walk robbed of ID card in daylight bag snatch

An NHS worker was surrounded by three men and robbed in broad daylight as she carried out her daily exercise during the lockdown .
The woman was enjoying a walk in the sunshine at Ward End Park , Washwood Heath , when she was mugged on Thursday afternoon , May 7 .
She was approached by the trio who then swiped her handbag at around 4pm .
Her handbag contained her NHS ID card , though it 's not known whether she was targeted for this .
Across the country , NHS workers have been warned to hide their identity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeting the badges for free food and drink .
West Midlands Police is urging anyone who witnessed the park robbery or who has information to come forward .
Force Response took to Twitter to share the news of the incident and wrote : `` Cteam stechford dealing with a victim of robbery this evening .
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 @ trinitymirror.com , tweeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read more by Stephanie Balloo here .
`` Victim taking her exercise Ward end park approx 4pm has been approached by 3 males who have stolen her handbag , this amongst other items contained her NHS ID card , if anyone has information please call 101 West Midlands Police . ''
The park has made headlines during the lockdown as a number of people continued to flout the social distancing rules - from playing football to holding a prayer meeting .
Shocking video footage captured young men playing an energetic game of football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Recreational Ground just last week on Saturday , May 2 .
Early last month , police were forced to disperse a prayer meeting from the same location .
Anyone with any information on the robbery should contact West Midlands Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers , anonymously , on 0800 555 111 .

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An NHS worker was surrounded by three men and robbed in broad daylight as she carried out her daily exercise during the lockdown.
The woman was enjoying a walk in the sunshine at Ward End Park, Washwood Heath, when she was mugged on Thursday afternoon, May 7.
She was approached by the trio who then swiped her handbag at around 4pm.
Her handbag contained her NHS ID card, though it's not known whether she was targeted for this.
Across the country, NHS workers have been warned to hide their identity cards as robbers are said to be targeting the badges for free food and drink.
West Midlands Police is urging anyone who witnessed the park robbery or who has information to come forward.
Force Response took to Twitter to share the news of the incident and wrote: "Cteam stechford dealing with a victim of robbery this evening.
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.
"Victim taking her exercise Ward end park approx 4pm has been approached by 3 males who have stolen her handbag, this amongst other items contained her NHS ID card, if anyone has information please call 101 West Midlands Police."
The park has made headlines during the lockdown as a number of people continued to flout the social distancing rules - from playing football to holding a prayer meeting.
Shocking video footage captured young men playing an energetic game of football in the basketball court on St Margaret's Recreational Ground just last week on Saturday, May 2.
Early last month, police were forced to disperse a prayer meeting from the same location.
Anyone with any information on the robbery should contact West Midlands Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-05-08--Aston Villa face £10m Sean Dyche decision - report

Burnley could move to put manager Sean Dyche and his backroom staff up for sale .
Reports earlier this month linked Aston Villa to a 'surprise ' move for Burnley boss Dyche , although a £10m compensation fee was mooted .
The Mirror now report that the £10m fee serves as a flat transfer fee , with Burnley looking to cash in on Dyche to help make up some of the financial footing the club have lost due to the current suspension of the footballing calendar .
The Clarets are said to be facing a £50m deficit , with Dyche @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure on the club .
Dyche himself has hinted at a possible exit .
`` I think the honest answer is that we 've done a lot of work at Burnley , '' he said on the Eamonn and the Gaffers podcast .
`` It 's how far you can keep the journey going , where it can it go .
So there 's a reality to that .
`` It is a good place to work , I like the people I work for and with so that 's beneficial .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite a lot of the club .
Not everything but in a lot of things .
`` If the opportunity to come to somewhere that I thought would really enhance my chances as a manager to continue improving and continue testing myself , who knows ?
`` I 'm still at Burnley Football Club and it would have to be a balanced situation for me to look at anyway .
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter here '' So I can say I 've been asked many times over the years but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa 's interest was reported by the Daily Mail , and if they were to make such a surprising move for a manager , they 'd have a clear path to doing so .
However , while current head coach Dean Smith is currently under-pressure , he has been backed by Villa 's board .
A flat fee to replace a manager - and his staff - could be enticing , but it might also become another expensive decision made for the sake of simplicity .
BirminghamLive 's Aston Villa writer Ashley Preece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 'd go as far as to say the owners will back Smith to get Villa promoted once more should the unthinkable happen .
`` On the flip side and , if Villa manage to stay up , Smith would have had an excellent season , right up there with his exploits last term .
`` Regardless of all the sentiment given Smith 's loyalties , he 's done a good enough job to date and deserves much more respect than he 's been getting currently , including the trash talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

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Burnley could move to put manager Sean Dyche and his backroom staff up for sale.
Reports earlier this month linked Aston Villa to a 'surprise' move for Burnley boss Dyche, although a £10m compensation fee was mooted.
The Mirror now report that the £10m fee serves as a flat transfer fee, with Burnley looking to cash in on Dyche to help make up some of the financial footing the club have lost due to the current suspension of the footballing calendar.
The Clarets are said to be facing a £50m deficit, with Dyche's 'sale' easing some of the pressure on the club.
The fee includes Dyche's entire backroom staff, including Ian Woan, Tony Loughlan and goalkeeper coach Billy Mercer.
Dyche himself has hinted at a possible exit.
"I think the honest answer is that we've done a lot of work at Burnley," he said on the Eamonn and the Gaffers podcast.
"It's how far you can keep the journey going, where it can it go. So there's a reality to that.
"It is a good place to work, I like the people I work for and with so that's beneficial.
(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
"I do have a reasonable say in quite a lot of the club. Not everything but in a lot of things.
"If the opportunity to come to somewhere that I thought would really enhance my chances as a manager to continue improving and continue testing myself, who knows?
"I'm still at Burnley Football Club and it would have to be a balanced situation for me to look at anyway.
"So I can say I've been asked many times over the years but I'm still at Burnley."
Villa's interest was reported by the Daily Mail, and if they were to make such a surprising move for a manager, they'd have a clear path to doing so.
However, while current head coach Dean Smith is currently under-pressure, he has been backed by Villa's board. A flat fee to replace a manager - and his staff - could be enticing, but it might also become another expensive decision made for the sake of simplicity.
BirminghamLive's Aston Villa writer Ashley Preece made his stance clear on the links.
"I'd go as far as to say the owners will back Smith to get Villa promoted once more should the unthinkable happen.
"On the flip side and, if Villa manage to stay up, Smith would have had an excellent season, right up there with his exploits last term.
"Regardless of all the sentiment given Smith's loyalties, he's done a good enough job to date and deserves much more respect than he's been getting currently, including the trash talk of Dyche waiting in the wings."


birminghammail--2020-05-08--VE Day 2020 - What time is the Queen's speech and Red Arrows flypast today?

The UK is today coming together to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe ( VE ) Day , and remember those who fought and died in the Second World War - despite restrictions imposed due to coronavirus .
Although large-scale public events are unable to go ahead , tributes will be paid by politicians and members of the royal family , as well as through a host of other events .
General Sir Nick Carter , Chief of the Defence Staff , said the scaled-down commemorative events necessitated by strict lockdown measures made it `` tough '' on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` spare a thought '' for those stuck at home at a time of celebration .
Friday commemorates the official surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces on May 8 1945 , following the Second World War .
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has written to veterans to assure them that despite the ongoing lockdown , they and their efforts to defeat a `` ruthless enemy '' would not be forgotten .
`` We can not pay our tribute with the parades and street celebrations we enjoyed in the past ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit in person , '' he said in the letter .
`` But please allow us , your proud compatriots , to be the first to offer our gratitude , our heartfelt thanks and our solemn pledge : you will always be remembered . ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer will also release a pre-recorded commemorative message , and tributes will be offered by speakers in both the House of Commons and House of Lords .
A two-minute national silence will be observed at 11am to honour the memories of the British servicemen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the conflict .
The silence will be led by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall , and broadcast from a location in Scotland , where they are self-isolating .
Meanwhile , Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will reflect on the `` courage and sacrifice '' of the war generation , describing reconciliation and hope as the `` two great tributes we can pay '' .
At 9pm , the Queen will address the nation in a televised message - the exact moment her father , King George VI , gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a century earlier .
The Red Arrows will do a flypast over London , while RAF Typhoons will appear above Cardiff , Edinburgh and Belfast as the Air Force pays its respects .
The Red Arrows flypast will be over Westminster at 10.10am .
They will take off from RAF Scampton at 9.37am before coming down the east coast of England and then heading to London .
The team will fly west from the city over Berkshire and return to base at 10.33am .
The flypast will feature on the BBC 's coverage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who raised more than £32 million for the NHS in April , will share his memories of wartime in an ITV documentary called Captain Tom 's War , which airs at 8pm .
In it he recalls having his spirits lifted by Dame Vera Lynn , whose songs include We 'll Meet Again and The White Cliffs Of Dover .
`` She did a little song for us , so it really boosted the morale of everybody , '' he said .
`` She was great . ''
Sir Nick described the centenarian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legend '' , but said fellow veterans deserved to be in people 's thoughts amid the muted celebrations .
He told BBC Breakfast : `` Of course it will be different and I think that 's tough for the veterans and all of those who have lived through the war , because they would like to see a parade and they would like to be involved in that .
`` So I think we should spare a thought for them having to commemorate and celebrate at home .
`` These tremendous people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give us hope , and I think that word hope is very important at the moment .
`` I do think we should spare a thought for the young - it was tough for them in the 1940s but it will be tough for them going forward , I fear . ''
The US ambassador to the UK , Woody Johnson , wrote in The Sun that on VE Day `` we celebrate the heroes and victories of the past , we are also looking forward to the future and laying the groundwork @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the special relationship '' .
The nation is also invited to come together in a rendition of We 'll Meet Again on BBC One , following the Queen 's address .
Other VE Day celebrations have been put on and adapted so that the public can get involved , while still adhering to social-distancing guidelines .
The Government has created a template pack to enable people to host a 1940s-style afternoon tea from their living rooms or gardens , consisting of VE Day bunting , recipes , and games for children .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free throughout the Bank Holiday weekend to give people the opportunity to uncover personal stories of the war , the Department for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport said Other broadcast events include a Royal British Legion 's ( RBL ) VE Day 75 Livestream , which can be accessed at https : //www.britishlegion.org.uk/stories/ve-day-75-livestream , featuring a national toast to war veterans at 3pm .
The National Museum of the Royal Navy , the National Army Museum and the Royal Air Force Museum are also joining forces to host a free online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those who helped deliver Victory in Europe .

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The UK is today coming together to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, and remember those who fought and died in the Second World War - despite restrictions imposed due to coronavirus.
Although large-scale public events are unable to go ahead, tributes will be paid by politicians and members of the royal family, as well as through a host of other events.
General Sir Nick Carter, Chief of the Defence Staff, said the scaled-down commemorative events necessitated by strict lockdown measures made it "tough" on the veterans, and urged the public to "spare a thought" for those stuck at home at a time of celebration.
(Image: Getty Images)
Friday commemorates the official surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces on May 8 1945, following the Second World War.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has written to veterans to assure them that despite the ongoing lockdown, they and their efforts to defeat a "ruthless enemy" would not be forgotten.
"We cannot pay our tribute with the parades and street celebrations we enjoyed in the past; your loved ones may be unable to visit in person," he said in the letter.
"But please allow us, your proud compatriots, to be the first to offer our gratitude, our heartfelt thanks and our solemn pledge: you will always be remembered."
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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer will also release a pre-recorded commemorative message, and tributes will be offered by speakers in both the House of Commons and House of Lords.
A two-minute national silence will be observed at 11am to honour the memories of the British servicemen and women who gave their lives during the conflict.
(Image: PA)
The silence will be led by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, and broadcast from a location in Scotland, where they are self-isolating.
Meanwhile, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will reflect on the "courage and sacrifice" of the war generation, describing reconciliation and hope as the "two great tributes we can pay".
At 9pm, the Queen will address the nation in a televised message - the exact moment her father, King George VI, gave a speech over the radio three-quarters of a century earlier.
(Image: PA)
The Red Arrows will do a flypast over London, while RAF Typhoons will appear above Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast as the Air Force pays its respects.
The Red Arrows flypast will be over Westminster at 10.10am. They will take off from RAF Scampton at 9.37am before coming down the east coast of England and then heading to London.
The team will fly west from the city over Berkshire and return to base at 10.33am.
The flypast will feature on the BBC's coverage at 3pm.
(Image: Emma Sohl / Capture the Light Photography / PA Wire)
Captain Tom Moore, who raised more than £32 million for the NHS in April, will share his memories of wartime in an ITV documentary called Captain Tom's War, which airs at 8pm.
In it he recalls having his spirits lifted by Dame Vera Lynn, whose songs include We'll Meet Again and The White Cliffs Of Dover.
"She did a little song for us, so it really boosted the morale of everybody," he said. "She was great."
Sir Nick described the centenarian fundraiser as "a bit of a legend", but said fellow veterans deserved to be in people's thoughts amid the muted celebrations.
He told BBC Breakfast: "Of course it will be different and I think that's tough for the veterans and all of those who have lived through the war, because they would like to see a parade and they would like to be involved in that.
"So I think we should spare a thought for them having to commemorate and celebrate at home.
"These tremendous people, what they give us is, they give us hope, and I think that word hope is very important at the moment.
"I do think we should spare a thought for the young - it was tough for them in the 1940s but it will be tough for them going forward, I fear."
The US ambassador to the UK, Woody Johnson, wrote in The Sun that on VE Day "we celebrate the heroes and victories of the past, we are also looking forward to the future and laying the groundwork for a new era of success in the special relationship".
The nation is also invited to come together in a rendition of We'll Meet Again on BBC One, following the Queen's address.
Other VE Day celebrations have been put on and adapted so that the public can get involved, while still adhering to social-distancing guidelines.
The Government has created a template pack to enable people to host a 1940s-style afternoon tea from their living rooms or gardens, consisting of VE Day bunting, recipes, and games for children.
The family tree discovery service Ancestry.co.uk will be free throughout the Bank Holiday weekend to give people the opportunity to uncover personal stories of the war, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said
Other broadcast events include a Royal British Legion's (RBL) VE Day 75 Livestream, which can be accessed at https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/stories/ve-day-75-livestream, featuring a national toast to war veterans at 3pm.
The National Museum of the Royal Navy, the National Army Museum and the Royal Air Force Museum are also joining forces to host a free online festival, bringing to life the stories of those who helped deliver Victory in Europe.


birminghammail--2020-05-08--What Dean Smith really told us about Aston Villa's transfer policy

Dean Smith has given two interviews during lockdown and , on each occasion , has lamented Aston Villa 's transfer policy .
The head coach banged the `` wanted Premier League experience drum '' loudly during sit-down chats with club media and Sky Sports .
Last summer , the majority of Villa 's £130million outlay was spent on unknown talent from across Europe .
Smith worked in tandem with sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch and attended matches in Egypt and Belgium to watch the likes of Trezeguet and Wesley respectively .
A dozen players were signed permanently , three of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ghazi and Kortney Hause - had performed well for Villa in the Championship .
That left nine acquisitions required to fill the gaps vacated by the likes of Mile Jedinak , Alan Hutton and Axel Tuanzebe .
Smith 's top transfer target was Kalvin Phillips who was seen as a long-term replacement for Jedinak as Villa 's hard man in the middle .
A deal could n't be agreed given Leeds ' £30million asking price and , instead , Smith got two for the price of one with Marvelous Nakamba and Douglas Luiz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duo Said Benrahma and Neal Maupay yet , when push came to shove , Villa refused to pay the going rate and , in the end , lost out on Maupay to Brighton with Benrahma staying put .
Smith wanted battle-hardened players from the Championship and Premier League , but could n't get what he wished for .
He said : `` You look back and you think in hindsight would we have done anything differently ?
We 'd have probably wanted a lot more experience of the Premier League but , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
It was either too expensive or unobtainable , so we did the business that we did . ''
Smith 's critique set off alarm bells as it 's evidently clear he has n't been too impressed with the performances of this season 's Villa recruits .
`` You really need to stay in the Premier League for two , three years to be able to get a strong , experienced squad , '' Smith explained .
`` The players , after the novelty of the Premier League , have found out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now , this little break can allow us to reset and know the standards - physically and tactically - we have to get to . ''
Smith name-dropped one summer buy during his interviews and that was Tom Heaton .
The manager was n't keen on going into a Premier League season with Jed Steer and was desperate to get a wily old head in between the sticks and identified Heaton from the get-go .
The boss worked with Ezri Konsa and Jota previously and would have no doubt welcomed the signings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bjorn Engels is another player Smith knew well .
He wanted the Belgian at Brentford and had been a long-term admirer .
So it leaves record-buy Wesley , Douglas Luiz , Trezeguet , Marvelous Nakamba and Matt Targett as players Smith was push towards signing by his transfer guru Pitarch , more commonly known as Suso .
In January , it was Suso who was called in to help patch up injuries .
The Spaniard recruited fellow compatriots Pepe Reina and Borja Baston - who have the same agent - as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latter again from his strong contacts in Belgium .
With 10 games left to go if/when football resumes , the gamble to go unknown still hangs in the balance .
Villa do , though , have their fate in their own hands - even at this critical stage in the season .
If they win their game in hand they 'll leapfrog three teams to sit 16th .
Smith has called out his players on numerous occasions - none more so than at Southampton in February - and now he needs them on-side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survive .
You get the feeling the way he bemoaned not getting what he wanted last summer in two separate interviews was an excuse for a reprieve if it ever did go Pete Tong and Villa were relegated .
What his remarks did do is beg this simple question : is Smith pointing the finger for a pretty abject season at somebody else 's door ?
Quite possibly .

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Dean Smith has given two interviews during lockdown and, on each occasion, has lamented Aston Villa's transfer policy.
The head coach banged the "wanted Premier League experience drum" loudly during sit-down chats with club media and Sky Sports.
Last summer, the majority of Villa's £130million outlay was spent on unknown talent from across Europe. Smith worked in tandem with sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch and attended matches in Egypt and Belgium to watch the likes of Trezeguet and Wesley respectively.
A dozen players were signed permanently, three of which - Tyrone Mings, Anwar El Ghazi and Kortney Hause - had performed well for Villa in the Championship.
That left nine acquisitions required to fill the gaps vacated by the likes of Mile Jedinak, Alan Hutton and Axel Tuanzebe. Smith's top transfer target was Kalvin Phillips who was seen as a long-term replacement for Jedinak as Villa's hard man in the middle. A deal couldn't be agreed given Leeds' £30million asking price and, instead, Smith got two for the price of one with Marvelous Nakamba and Douglas Luiz.
Other targets Smith wanted were Brentford duo Said Benrahma and Neal Maupay yet, when push came to shove, Villa refused to pay the going rate and, in the end, lost out on Maupay to Brighton with Benrahma staying put.
Smith wanted battle-hardened players from the Championship and Premier League, but couldn't get what he wished for.
He said: "You look back and you think in hindsight would we have done anything differently? We'd have probably wanted a lot more experience of the Premier League but, at that time, we couldn't get it. It was either too expensive or unobtainable, so we did the business that we did."
Smith's critique set off alarm bells as it's evidently clear he hasn't been too impressed with the performances of this season's Villa recruits.
"You really need to stay in the Premier League for two, three years to be able to get a strong, experienced squad," Smith explained.
"The players, after the novelty of the Premier League, have found out what the Premier League is all about. Now, this little break can allow us to reset and know the standards - physically and tactically - we have to get to."
Smith name-dropped one summer buy during his interviews and that was Tom Heaton. The manager wasn't keen on going into a Premier League season with Jed Steer and was desperate to get a wily old head in between the sticks and identified Heaton from the get-go.
The boss worked with Ezri Konsa and Jota previously and would have no doubt welcomed the signings knowing exactly what he was getting. Bjorn Engels is another player Smith knew well. He wanted the Belgian at Brentford and had been a long-term admirer.
So it leaves record-buy Wesley, Douglas Luiz, Trezeguet, Marvelous Nakamba and Matt Targett as players Smith was push towards signing by his transfer guru Pitarch, more commonly known as Suso.
In January, it was Suso who was called in to help patch up injuries. The Spaniard recruited fellow compatriots Pepe Reina and Borja Baston - who have the same agent - as well as Danny Drinkwater and Mbwana Samatta, the latter again from his strong contacts in Belgium.
With 10 games left to go if/when football resumes, the gamble to go unknown still hangs in the balance. Villa do, though, have their fate in their own hands - even at this critical stage in the season. If they win their game in hand they'll leapfrog three teams to sit 16th.
Smith has called out his players on numerous occasions - none more so than at Southampton in February - and now he needs them on-side more than ever if Villa are to survive. You get the feeling the way he bemoaned not getting what he wanted last summer in two separate interviews was an excuse for a reprieve if it ever did go Pete Tong and Villa were relegated.
What his remarks did do is beg this simple question: is Smith pointing the finger for a pretty abject season at somebody else's door? Quite possibly.