birminghammail--2020-09-29--Funeral hearse driver with no insurance rumbled by police on M6

Police poked fun at a motorist who was caught with no insurance while driving along a motorway - in a HEARSE .
Traffic cops joked the driver had `` not been undertaking '' after pulling them over on the M6 near Hilton Services , in Wolverhampton , during a `` dead busy '' shift .
The Vauxhall Vectra funeral car was duly reported before Central Motorway Police Group shared details of the incident in a comical tweet on Monday ( 28/9 ) .
They wrote : “ This Vauxhall Vectra Hearse was stopped on the M6 near to Hilton Services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insurance .
“ Thankfully it was unladen and wasn ’ t undertaking .
Anyways , it ’ s a dead busy day for us so we ’ re off to catch the next one .
Driver reported .
” Social media users also mocked the hapless undertaker after the force posted an image of the hearse pulled over on the hard shoulder .
Steve Hill said : “ Good job he didn ’ t leave you for dust.
” Stan Paris wrote : “ A vectra hearse ?
Who knew that was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen dead in one of those !
” Barbara Ward posted : `` Funeral charges are so high but they ca n't afford to insure the Hearse , I despair . ''
Robert Parr quipped `` probably thinks the fine and six points are a bit stiff '' while Ken Jones put : `` He 'll be coffin up a few quid in fines then ! ''
Sean Bullock added : `` Sorry : ... Vauxhall ... Vectra ... .Hearse .
As if funerals weren ’ t depressing enough ! ''

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Police poked fun at a motorist who was caught with no insurance while driving along a motorway - in a HEARSE.
Traffic cops joked the driver had "not been undertaking" after pulling them over on the M6 near Hilton Services, in Wolverhampton, during a "dead busy" shift.
The Vauxhall Vectra funeral car was duly reported before Central Motorway Police Group shared details of the incident in a comical tweet on Monday (28/9).
They wrote: “This Vauxhall Vectra Hearse was stopped on the M6 near to Hilton Services as it didn’t have any insurance.
“Thankfully it was unladen and wasn’t undertaking. Anyways, it’s a dead busy day for us so we’re off to catch the next one. Driver reported. ”
Social media users also mocked the hapless undertaker after the force posted an image of the hearse pulled over on the hard shoulder.
Steve Hill said: “Good job he didn’t leave you for dust.”
Stan Paris wrote: “A vectra hearse? Who knew that was a thing. I wouldn’t be seen dead in one of those!”
Barbara Ward posted: "Funeral charges are so high but they can't afford to insure the Hearse, I despair."
Robert Parr quipped "probably thinks the fine and six points are a bit stiff" while Ken Jones put: "He'll be coffin up a few quid in fines then!"
Sean Bullock added: "Sorry:...Vauxhall...Vectra....Hearse. As if funerals weren’t depressing enough!"


birminghammail--2020-09-29--Empty buildings where people tried to claim cash part of fraud investigation

More than £200,000 Covid support grants may have been claimed fraudulently by Wolverhampton businesses , it has emerged .
City of Wolverhampton Council officers are investigating 19 cases where grants were handed out - totalling just over £200,000 - following national lockdown in March due to the pandemic .
Authority fraud officers said some are suspected of either claiming to operate from empty properties or had given addresses where they previously traded from .
A report to the City of Wolverhampton audit committee - which met on Monday ( September 28 ) - said more than 4,000 grant applications were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help companies through the coronavirus crisis .
It also said 180 applications were rejected for reasons including ineligibility , failure to submit appropriate evidence and duplication .
Prior to paying out , the council said a range of measures were used to check the validity of claims and now a post-payment process is being undertaken to assess the applications .
As well as the 19 currently being investigated , a further 10 payments are currently being withheld as officers await further information from the claimants .
Audit bosses said they were confident of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid out .
Principal counter fraud officer Mark Wilkes said : `` The ones suspected of fraud were where previous tenants were actually applying for the grants .
`` So , in certain cases businesses had moved out of premises and not told us and then applied for the grant .
`` We either stopped payment or if they did get through , we are looking at them and will get the money back .
`` Others included empty properties where somebody tried to claim they were running a business from . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` It is something we do n't want to have done .
The percentage is very small but some have possibly slipped through the net .
`` We are working our way through those and we are pretty confident we will be able to at least attempt to recover monies where we may have paid it out inadvertently - either through fraudulent applications or in error . ''

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More than £200,000 Covid support grants may have been claimed fraudulently by Wolverhampton businesses, it has emerged.
City of Wolverhampton Council officers are investigating 19 cases where grants were handed out - totalling just over £200,000 - following national lockdown in March due to the pandemic.
Authority fraud officers said some are suspected of either claiming to operate from empty properties or had given addresses where they previously traded from.
A report to the City of Wolverhampton audit committee - which met on Monday (September 28) - said more than 4,000 grant applications were processed and £47 million paid out to help companies through the coronavirus crisis.
It also said 180 applications were rejected for reasons including ineligibility, failure to submit appropriate evidence and duplication.
Prior to paying out, the council said a range of measures were used to check the validity of claims and now a post-payment process is being undertaken to assess the applications.
As well as the 19 currently being investigated, a further 10 payments are currently being withheld as officers await further information from the claimants.
Audit bosses said they were confident of recovering money that should not have been paid out.
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Principal counter fraud officer Mark Wilkes said: "The ones suspected of fraud were where previous tenants were actually applying for the grants.
"So, in certain cases businesses had moved out of premises and not told us and then applied for the grant.
"We either stopped payment or if they did get through, we are looking at them and will get the money back.
"Others included empty properties where somebody tried to claim they were running a business from."
Peter Farrow, head of audit, added: "It is something we don't want to have done. The percentage is very small but some have possibly slipped through the net.
"We are working our way through those and we are pretty confident we will be able to at least attempt to recover monies where we may have paid it out inadvertently - either through fraudulent applications or in error."


birminghammail--2020-09-29--Albion 'considering move for striker Slimani before deadline'

Islam Slimani is a forward that West Brom are considering ahead of the transfer deadline , according to reports .
The Leicester City striker , who was signed from Sporting Lisbon the summer after the Foxes won the Premier League title in 2016 , has spent the last three years out on loan at various clubs around Europe ; while jaunts to Newcastle United and Fenerbahce didn ’ t bear fruit , Slimani did have success in Ligue 1 with Monaco last term .
He bagged nine goals and produced seven assists in just 18 appearances , before the campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
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Google Play Store and App Store Slimani , who is now into the final year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stadium and would appear to have no future under Brendan Rodgers , who would be keen to move him on permanently .
Albion , though , are looking into a potential loan deal , reports the Daily Telegraph , ahead of the summer deadline which occurs this coming Monday .
The Baggies are desperate to strengthen Slaven Bilic ’ s attacking options with the remainder of the limited budget that they ’ ve been handed to work with this summer ; talks with Huddersfield Town over a move for number one target Karlan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Albion will need alternative options to turn to if it doesn ’ t come off .
Watford captain Troy Deeney remains another option , as does his Hornets colleague Andre Gray .
Much will depend , too , on the outgoing business Albion are able to do ; both forwards Charlie Austin and Kenneth Zohore would appear to have little part to play in Bilic ’ s plans moving forward , while Kamil Grosicki is also likely to be available for a move .
Slimani , who scored against Albion when they won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stadium in November 2016 , is now 32 years old .

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Islam Slimani is a forward that West Brom are considering ahead of the transfer deadline, according to reports.
The Leicester City striker, who was signed from Sporting Lisbon the summer after the Foxes won the Premier League title in 2016, has spent the last three years out on loan at various clubs around Europe; while jaunts to Newcastle United and Fenerbahce didn’t bear fruit, Slimani did have success in Ligue 1 with Monaco last term.
He bagged nine goals and produced seven assists in just 18 appearances, before the campaign was cut short because of the Covid pandemic.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
Slimani, who is now into the final year of his contract at the King Power Stadium and would appear to have no future under Brendan Rodgers, who would be keen to move him on permanently.
Albion, though, are looking into a potential loan deal, reports the Daily Telegraph, ahead of the summer deadline which occurs this coming Monday.
The Baggies are desperate to strengthen Slaven Bilic’s attacking options with the remainder of the limited budget that they’ve been handed to work with this summer; talks with Huddersfield Town over a move for number one target Karlan Grant continue, but at this stage Albion will need alternative options to turn to if it doesn’t come off.
Watford captain Troy Deeney remains another option, as does his Hornets colleague Andre Gray.
Much will depend, too, on the outgoing business Albion are able to do; both forwards Charlie Austin and Kenneth Zohore would appear to have little part to play in Bilic’s plans moving forward, while Kamil Grosicki is also likely to be available for a move.
Slimani, who scored against Albion when they won on their trip to the King Power Stadium in November 2016, is now 32 years old.


birminghammail--2020-09-29--AFC Telford United 2 Birmingham City U23s 3 - Blues grab late win

Birmingham City ’ s Under 23s were made to work hard for a 3-2 victory over AFC Telford United at the New Bucks Head this evening .
Blues twice took the lead , through Amari Miller and Remi Walker – only to be pegged back on both occasions by the National League North outfit .
Steve Spooner ’ s side were eventually able to secure the win with four minutes remaining as Kyle Hurst turned home Miller ’ s cross .
The game was also notable for the fact it was Oriol Soldevila ’ s first match for the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started in attack on the right in what was a tight first half .
Blues might have taken the lead in the seventh minute when they capitalised on loose play in their own half from Telford and Ryan Stirk fed Miller .
Sign up to our newsletter for Birmingham City transfer news before deadline day Why should you sign up ?
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You can keep up to date with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our daily Birmingham City bulletin .
We 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
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We also have a free app which you can download .
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Google Play Store and App Store The teenager took a few strides towards the area before his looping drive flew over Russ Griffiths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ best opening of the period came just before the break when Stirk was caught in possession near halfway and James Hardy found Aaron Williams free on the right .
The midfielder shot straight at Aaron Clayton .
Miller broke the deadlock two minutes after the restart when he was freed down the left and he held his nerve to chip the ball over the onrushing Griffiths and into the net .
Soon after Telford twice found the side-netting , first from a Brendon Daniels free kick and then after Clayton found himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oswell nodded wide of the upright .
The first equaliser came five seven minutes into the second half , though as Blues were caught at a throw in , blocked two shots but could not prevent Adam Walker from driving in , through a crowded area , from 20 yards .
Josh Andrews had a couple of chances after that but found Griffiths with a shot from near the penalty spot and then lifted over the bar when put away by Soldevila .
Blues did regain the lead in the 72nd minute when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drive that left Griffiths clutching at air .
Again the lead was short-lived – only six minutes this time – as a Telford free kick was flicked into the area and Jordan Davies wriggled away from his defender to poke past Clayton .
With ten minutes to go Miguel Fernandez produced a good save out of Griffiths when he tried to pick out the far top corner with a swirling left foot chip .
The visitors finally secured the victory with four minutes to go when good work down the right saw Miller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .

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Birmingham City’s Under 23s were made to work hard for a 3-2 victory over AFC Telford United at the New Bucks Head this evening.
Blues twice took the lead, through Amari Miller and Remi Walker – only to be pegged back on both occasions by the National League North outfit.
Steve Spooner’s side were eventually able to secure the win with four minutes remaining as Kyle Hurst turned home Miller’s cross.
The game was also notable for the fact it was Oriol Soldevila’s first match for the club since signing from Barcelona. The 19-year-old started in attack on the right in what was a tight first half.
Blues might have taken the lead in the seventh minute when they capitalised on loose play in their own half from Telford and Ryan Stirk fed Miller.
Sign up to our newsletter for Birmingham City transfer news before deadline day Why should you sign up? Aitor Karanka has been busy in the transfer market but there is still time for more before the window closes on Monday at 11pm. You can keep up to date with all the rumours and done deals in our daily Birmingham City bulletin. We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
The teenager took a few strides towards the area before his looping drive flew over Russ Griffiths and smacked his crossbar.
The hosts’ best opening of the period came just before the break when Stirk was caught in possession near halfway and James Hardy found Aaron Williams free on the right. The midfielder shot straight at Aaron Clayton.
Miller broke the deadlock two minutes after the restart when he was freed down the left and he held his nerve to chip the ball over the onrushing Griffiths and into the net.
Soon after Telford twice found the side-netting, first from a Brendon Daniels free kick and then after Clayton found himself under a back post corner and Jason Oswell nodded wide of the upright.
The first equaliser came five seven minutes into the second half, though as Blues were caught at a throw in, blocked two shots but could not prevent Adam Walker from driving in, through a crowded area, from 20 yards.
Josh Andrews had a couple of chances after that but found Griffiths with a shot from near the penalty spot and then lifted over the bar when put away by Soldevila.
Blues did regain the lead in the 72nd minute when Remi Walker thundered in a 30 yard drive that left Griffiths clutching at air.
Again the lead was short-lived – only six minutes this time – as a Telford free kick was flicked into the area and Jordan Davies wriggled away from his defender to poke past Clayton.
With ten minutes to go Miguel Fernandez produced a good save out of Griffiths when he tried to pick out the far top corner with a swirling left foot chip.
The visitors finally secured the victory with four minutes to go when good work down the right saw Miller’s cross reach Hurst to rifle home.


birminghammail--2020-09-29--Severn Valley Railway's starring role in new hit Netflix movie

Severn Valley Railway has been revealed as the top-secret filming location for a new hit Netflix movie .
Last year , the heritage railway was partially closed and besieged by trailers , film crews , and a helicopter , prompting speculation on what mystery movie was being shot there .
But railway bosses remained tight-lipped and refused to tell-all - until today .
They have now revealed the site was used as a key location in the Netflix film , Enola Holmes .
Last year , Severn Valley Railway hosted a star-studded cast including Millie Bobbie Brown , Henry Cavill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three days of filming .
The film showcases Kidderminster and Arley stations , along with steam locomotive No 2857 and several vintage carriages , all of which are currently in use on the railway as part of regular services .
Filming took place in July 2019 , under extremely tight security .
Duncan Ballard , the SVR ’ s contracts manager , made arrangements for the production company and was lucky to get close to all the action .
He said : “ We were sworn to secrecy about the whole project , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the film crew was here .
It was exciting to see the stations transformed into fictional locations for the film .
`` Although they look a little different on camera , they are clearly recognisable as ‘ ours ’ .
The production company chose to use locomotive 2857 because it had exactly the look they were after , and our ‘ toplight ’ carriages also fitted in well with their plans .
“ Catching a glimpse of the actors was definitely a thrill .
The SVR has hosted many film and TV crews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t help being impressed when so many top Hollywood stars come to Kidderminster.
” Helen Smith , general manager added : “ Appearing in such a high profile film is a great boost for us , and it ’ s certainly attracting visitors who want to see the locations and rolling stock that were used in the movie .
I highly recommend the film to anyone who loves a great adventure story , and especially those who love to see heritage trains in action .
I must admit to closing my eyes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precious carriages appears to suffer some serious damage , and all I can say is thank goodness for special effects.
” Filming for Enola Holmes took place between Kidderminster and Arley in July 2019 and that section of the line was closed to the public .
Kidderminster Town became Basilwether station , with parts of the concourse repainted into maroon .
The buildings at Arley were repainted green , and the station was renamed as Ferndell .
The film is based on a spin-off series of novels about Sherlock Holmes ’ younger sister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Netflix streaming service .

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Severn Valley Railway has been revealed as the top-secret filming location for a new hit Netflix movie.
Last year, the heritage railway was partially closed and besieged by trailers, film crews, and a helicopter, prompting speculation on what mystery movie was being shot there.
But railway bosses remained tight-lipped and refused to tell-all - until today.
They have now revealed the site was used as a key location in the Netflix film, Enola Holmes.
Last year, Severn Valley Railway hosted a star-studded cast including Millie Bobbie Brown, Henry Cavill and Sam Claflin, during an intensive three days of filming.
The film showcases Kidderminster and Arley stations, along with steam locomotive No 2857 and several vintage carriages, all of which are currently in use on the railway as part of regular services.
Filming took place in July 2019, under extremely tight security.
Duncan Ballard, the SVR’s contracts manager, made arrangements for the production company and was lucky to get close to all the action.
He said: “We were sworn to secrecy about the whole project, although it caused quite a stir when the film crew was here. It was exciting to see the stations transformed into fictional locations for the film.
"Although they look a little different on camera, they are clearly recognisable as ‘ours’. The production company chose to use locomotive 2857 because it had exactly the look they were after, and our ‘toplight’ carriages also fitted in well with their plans.
“Catching a glimpse of the actors was definitely a thrill. The SVR has hosted many film and TV crews over the years, but you can’t help being impressed when so many top Hollywood stars come to Kidderminster.”
Helen Smith, general manager added: “Appearing in such a high profile film is a great boost for us, and it’s certainly attracting visitors who want to see the locations and rolling stock that were used in the movie. I highly recommend the film to anyone who loves a great adventure story, and especially those who love to see heritage trains in action. I must admit to closing my eyes in one scene where one of our precious carriages appears to suffer some serious damage, and all I can say is thank goodness for special effects.”
Filming for Enola Holmes took place between Kidderminster and Arley in July 2019 and that section of the line was closed to the public. Kidderminster Town became Basilwether station, with parts of the concourse repainted into maroon. The buildings at Arley were repainted green, and the station was renamed as Ferndell.
The film is based on a spin-off series of novels about Sherlock Holmes’ younger sister, and has just been released on the Netflix streaming service.


birminghammail--2020-09-29--13,000 children in quarantine as coronavirus cases spread across city schools

Rising cases of coronavirus across Birmingham are having a profound impact on schools - with a staggering 12,995 pupils and 714 teachers off school isolating .
A quarter of the city 's schools - 112 in total - are now affected by cases .
The numbers involved are rising as cases also balloon across the city .
Under current guidance , a single positive test triggers quarantine for every pupil or staff member deemed to have been in contact with them .
In most schools this results in an entire 'bubble ' of a class or year group being sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - including the need for childcare arrangements for working parents - is falling hard on families .
For school leaders it is a battle to maintain a high level of education and support for youngsters while facing the dual challenge of having some in school and some at home .
One head teacher described the situation as `` horrific '' - but said school leaders were walking a tight rope .
`` It is a balance between saving people from catching a deadly virus and saving education .
All heads are absolutely committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupils , staff and families , '' said Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson , who is head at Anderton Park Primary in Sparkhill .
`` It is horrific to have so many out of school and we have to have a safe and feasible way to manage this . ''
She currently has a small class isolating at home after a single case .
Out of 443 schools in the city , some 112 currently have bubbles of pupils isolating , said a Birmingham City Council spokesperson .
The number of pupils affected is 12,995 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A total of 412 staff are also isolating across the city .
City MP Liam Byrne , Birmingham Hodge Hill , said he has been speaking to head teachers this week and was desperately worried about the situation and the impact on schools and pupils .
He is calling for an emergency support package to help alleviate the situation , including on-site testing for children at school with a quick turnaround , to limit the numbers impacted ; and funding aid to help schools cover the costs of extra teachers .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A-levels - pupils in those vital year groups have already lost learning time . ''
Access to tests quickly for families with symptoms - and those who had been in contact - continued to be a massive issue , he added .
The impact on pupils of being back at home so soon after restarting could not be understated , he added - particularly for youngsters entitled to free school meals who might now be missing out , and on kids whose home lives are blighted by domestic violence and other pressures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ also an issue in some households .
It 's a theme taken up by another inner city head teacher who said it was an extremely challenging situation , particularly for schools in areas of deprivation .
`` When children are at home the government expect online learning but many families have multiple children and limited bandwidth or devices , or none , '' said the head .
He said free laptops filled some of the gap but do not come with free internet .
Filling in for isolating teachers with agency staff was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and additional health risks .
And meanwhile teachers with some of their cohort isolating and others in school face the challenge of having to try to teach in class and simultaneously support those at home .
Earlier this month we reported that the city had 82 schools , and 7,000 pupils affected by the need to self isolate .
That number has clearly gone up considerably in the fortnight since .
Cllr Ian Ward , city council leader , paid tribute then to school staff for their work through `` difficult '' circumstances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made by schools and his education officers to ensure children who are isolating continue to receive schoolwork and support .
He also said every school in the city had been given a small batch of tests to help children and staff who are symptomatic to access tests and these would be regularly replenished .
Dr Lola Abudu , Midlands Regional Deputy Director for Public Health England , indicated efforts were being made to limit the number of pupils sent home - including by helping schools target only those children at highest risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been doing a marvellous job in difficult circumstances . ''
But the aim now was for schools to be able to quarantine the fewest numbers of pupils and staff , while protecting them .
`` We really want to come down to those children who are most closely in contact with a case - health protection teams will be able to advise schools so the fewest number with highest risk are isolated . ''
Mrs Hewitt-Clarkson , whose school is in an area currently experiencing a high level of Covid-19 positive cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aim but difficult to achieve .
`` The return to school has gone incredibly well .
The measures we have in place are working brilliantly .
`` But we are also mindful that lots of people in our community and among our staff are scared of the virus , know people who have it or are worried about it .
We are doing a lot of work to look after people 's well-being .
`` So it is difficult .
We work closely with Public Health England who are very helpful to clarify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make decisions , based on their definitions of close contact .
`` Strictly speaking we should send home only those who have been in very close contact with those testing positive - this is defined as anyone who has been in face to face contact within a metre of someone for a minute , or within two metres for 15 minutes , or have skin to skin contact .
`` We can organise seating plans and limit interactions and seek to achieve those limits but when it comes to it we are all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We all want a feasible and safe plan to ensure as many children stay in school as possible but it is a difficult balance . ''

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Rising cases of coronavirus across Birmingham are having a profound impact on schools - with a staggering 12,995 pupils and 714 teachers off school isolating.
A quarter of the city's schools - 112 in total - are now affected by cases.
The numbers involved are rising as cases also balloon across the city.
Under current guidance, a single positive test triggers quarantine for every pupil or staff member deemed to have been in contact with them.
In most schools this results in an entire 'bubble' of a class or year group being sent home for a fortnight.
The impact - including the need for childcare arrangements for working parents - is falling hard on families.
For school leaders it is a battle to maintain a high level of education and support for youngsters while facing the dual challenge of having some in school and some at home.
One head teacher described the situation as "horrific" - but said school leaders were walking a tight rope.
"It is a balance between saving people from catching a deadly virus and saving education. All heads are absolutely committed to doing the right thing for their pupils, staff and families," said Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson, who is head at Anderton Park Primary in Sparkhill.
"It is horrific to have so many out of school and we have to have a safe and feasible way to manage this."
She currently has a small class isolating at home after a single case.
Out of 443 schools in the city, some 112 currently have bubbles of pupils isolating, said a Birmingham City Council spokesperson.
The number of pupils affected is 12,995, out of a total of 207,000.
A total of 412 staff are also isolating across the city.
City MP Liam Byrne, Birmingham Hodge Hill, said he has been speaking to head teachers this week and was desperately worried about the situation and the impact on schools and pupils.
He is calling for an emergency support package to help alleviate the situation, including on-site testing for children at school with a quick turnaround, to limit the numbers impacted; and funding aid to help schools cover the costs of extra teachers.
"We also need clarity urgently about GCSE and A-levels - pupils in those vital year groups have already lost learning time."
Access to tests quickly for families with symptoms - and those who had been in contact - continued to be a massive issue, he added.
The impact on pupils of being back at home so soon after restarting could not be understated, he added - particularly for youngsters entitled to free school meals who might now be missing out, and on kids whose home lives are blighted by domestic violence and other pressures.
Lack of access to online learning was also an issue in some households.
It's a theme taken up by another inner city head teacher who said it was an extremely challenging situation, particularly for schools in areas of deprivation.
"When children are at home the government expect online learning but many families have multiple children and limited bandwidth or devices, or none," said the head.
He said free laptops filled some of the gap but do not come with free internet.
Filling in for isolating teachers with agency staff was also problematic, due to limited budgets and additional health risks.
And meanwhile teachers with some of their cohort isolating and others in school face the challenge of having to try to teach in class and simultaneously support those at home.
Earlier this month we reported that the city had 82 schools, and 7,000 pupils affected by the need to self isolate. That number has clearly gone up considerably in the fortnight since.
Cllr Ian Ward, city council leader, paid tribute then to school staff for their work through "difficult" circumstances.
He said efforts were also being made by schools and his education officers to ensure children who are isolating continue to receive schoolwork and support.
He also said every school in the city had been given a small batch of tests to help children and staff who are symptomatic to access tests and these would be regularly replenished.
Dr Lola Abudu, Midlands Regional Deputy Director for Public Health England, indicated efforts were being made to limit the number of pupils sent home - including by helping schools target only those children at highest risk of contact.
She said: "Schools have been doing a marvellous job in difficult circumstances."
But the aim now was for schools to be able to quarantine the fewest numbers of pupils and staff, while protecting them.
"We really want to come down to those children who are most closely in contact with a case - health protection teams will be able to advise schools so the fewest number with highest risk are isolated."
Mrs Hewitt-Clarkson, whose school is in an area currently experiencing a high level of Covid-19 positive cases, said limited quarantining was an admirable aim but difficult to achieve.
Contact Me Have you been affected by this story? Get in touch, I'd love to hear from you. I am the Birmingham Mail/Live team's Politics and People Editor and I try shine a light on stories and issues that affect people and communities across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Got a story you want me to investigate, or want to tell me how the proposals or decisions of politicians are affecting you? Let me know, in complete confidence, by emailing jane.haynes@reachplc.com, or send me a Tweet @janerockhouse. You should also sign up for our weekly politics newsletter, which you can do here. Twitter: @janerockhouse Email: jane.haynes@reachplc.com Read more by Jane Haynes HERE
"The return to school has gone incredibly well. The measures we have in place are working brilliantly.
"But we are also mindful that lots of people in our community and among our staff are scared of the virus, know people who have it or are worried about it. We are doing a lot of work to look after people's well-being.
"So it is difficult. We work closely with Public Health England who are very helpful to clarify what needs to happen and how to make decisions, based on their definitions of close contact.
"Strictly speaking we should send home only those who have been in very close contact with those testing positive - this is defined as anyone who has been in face to face contact within a metre of someone for a minute, or within two metres for 15 minutes, or have skin to skin contact.
"We can organise seating plans and limit interactions and seek to achieve those limits but when it comes to it we are all erring on the side of caution.
"We all want a feasible and safe plan to ensure as many children stay in school as possible but it is a difficult balance."


birminghammail--2020-09-29--Which numbers are available to Krovinovic after Albion return

West Brom have been busy in the summer transfer window as they look to prepare themselves as best they can before the European and domestic deadlines arrive .
Albion have completed eight signings this summer , including the returns of four of last season ’ s loanees .
They ’ ve bid farewell to senior pair Chris Brunt ( 11 ) , Gareth Barry ( 18 ) after clinching promotion , but still they have plans to conduct transfer business in the days and weeks ahead .
With new signing Callum Robinson having claimed the number seven shirt , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the departed Brunt by wearing 11 , it ’ s left precious few numbers available for the returning Filip Krovinovic .
Below is the squad and their list of numbers as things stand - which numbers are available for Krovinovic , and indeed any new signings beyond him , to pinch ?
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West Brom concluded their January wheeling and dealing with the additions of three new faces right before the transfer deadline passed as the club and Sam Allardyce look to give themselves the best possible chance of clawing back the growing gap between themselves and the line of survival.
Albion brought in five new faces across the course of the month; Robert Snodgrass, Andy Lonergan, Mbaye Diagne, Okay Yokuslu and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, in turn, arrived at The Hawthorns as Allardyce stamped his mark on the squad he’d inherited when he took the job in December.
A number headed out the door in order to accommodate those new signings, too; seven players left the club either on permanent deals or loan arrangements elsewhere.
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Rekeem Harper, Kenneth Zohore and Cedric Kipre all secured game-time at other clubs until the end of the season, while Albion cut ties with Jonathan Bond and Filip Krovinovic.
Sam Field and Charlie Austin joined QPR in the Championship, both on initial loans; the latter has played his last game for Albion, while the former - a boyhood Baggie - has likely gone the same way. There’s an acceptance on his part that his career really must now get going.
The mini overhaul has meant a reshuffle on the back of the match-day programme when it comes to squad numbers. Here are the numbers for the new players.
The Albion squad numbers
01 - Sam Johnstone
02 - Darnell Furlong
03 - Kieran Gibbs
04 - Hal Robson-Kanu
05 - Kyle Bartley
06 - Semi Ajayi
07 - Callum Robinson
08 - Jake Livermore
09 - Kenneth Zohore (on loan at Millwall)
10 - Matt Phillips
11 - Grady Diangana
12 - Matheus Pereira
13 - Kamil Grosicki
14 - Conor Townsend
16 - Rekeem Harper (on loan at Birmingham City)
17 - Mbaye Diagne (on loan from Galatasaray)
18 - Conor Gallagher
19 - Romaine Sawyers
20 - Branislav Ivanovic
21 - Kyle Edwards
22 - Lee Peltier
23 - Robert Snodgrass
24 - Cedric Kipre (on loan at Charleroi)
25 - David Button
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
26 -
27 - Dara O’Shea
29 - Karlan Grant
30 - Ainsley Maitland-Niles (on loan from Arsenal)
31 - Andy Lonergan
32 - Jamie Soule
33 - Saul Shotton
34 -
35 - Okay Yokuslu (on loan from Celta Vigo)
36 -
37 - Josh Griffiths (on loan at Cheltenham Town)
38 -
39 - Rico Richards
40 - George Harmon
41 -
42 - Ted Cann
43 - Zak Delaney
44 - Tyrese Dyce
45 - Taylor Gardner-Hickman
46 - Tom Sharpe
47 - Aksum White
48 - Harry Williams
49 - Caleb Taylor
50 - Zak Brown
58 - Cheikh Diaby


birminghammail--2020-09-29--Thiago Alcantara to miss Villa clash after positive coronavirus test

Liverpool are set to be without Champions League winner Thiago Alcantara when they face Aston Villa this weekend .
The experienced midfielder who recently joined from Bayern Munich has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently self-isolating according to a club statement .
The 29-year-old , who missed Monday ’ s win against Arsenal , has exhibited minor symptoms of the virus but is said to be ‘ in good health and is getting better ’ .
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for fans .
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Google Play Store and App Store A Liverpool statement said : “ The club has , and will continue to follow , all protocols relating to COVID-19 and Thiago will remain in self-isolation for the required period of time.
” The Reds ’ first-team doctor , Dr Jim Moxon , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual whether they reveal publicly the outcome of a COVID-19 test .
“ We have followed all the protocols to the letter and Thiago is OK .
He will be self-isolating now as per the guidelines and hopefully he ’ ll be back with us soon ” The champions visit Villa Park on Sunday in a 7,15pm kick-off , with both teams having won every Premier League match they have played .
Both sides are in action before then , though , with Villa away at Stoke in Thursday night and Liverpool also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Arsenal .

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Liverpool are set to be without Champions League winner Thiago Alcantara when they face Aston Villa this weekend.
The experienced midfielder who recently joined from Bayern Munich has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently self-isolating according to a club statement.
The 29-year-old, who missed Monday’s win against Arsenal, has exhibited minor symptoms of the virus but is said to be ‘in good health and is getting better’.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
A Liverpool statement said: “The club has, and will continue to follow, all protocols relating to COVID-19 and Thiago will remain in self-isolation for the required period of time.”
The Reds’ first-team doctor, Dr Jim Moxon, said: “It is the choice of each individual whether they reveal publicly the outcome of a COVID-19 test.
“We have followed all the protocols to the letter and Thiago is OK. He will be self-isolating now as per the guidelines and hopefully he’ll be back with us soon”
The champions visit Villa Park on Sunday in a 7,15pm kick-off, with both teams having won every Premier League match they have played.
Both sides are in action before then, though, with Villa away at Stoke in Thursday night and Liverpool also playing in the Carabao Cup, again against Arsenal.


birminghammail--2020-09-29--Karlan Grant to Albion: Striker chase set to go down to the wire

West Brom are looking into a deal that would bring Karlan Grant to the club before the transfer window shuts .
The Huddersfield Town striker scored 19 goals in the Championship last season and appears destined to leave the club having been left out of the Terriers ’ league and cup campaign so far .
Albion are desperate to add a further attacker to their ranks as they look to give themselves the best chance of making an impact back in the top flight , and Grant is high up on their shortlist .
How does the land lie at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter BirminghamLive revealed that Albion had identified Grant as a target back in January .
At that time , Huddersfield weren ’ t pressured into selling and , amid a relegation battle , then boss Danny Cowley was understandably keen to hold onto his talisman .
Albion would eventually turn to Callum Robinson and Kamil Grosicki and the pair would aid Slaven Bilic as the Baggies ’ quest to secure promotion proved fruitful .
That interest doesn ’ t appear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Grant continuing to score goals into the second half of the campaign .
The striker fits the bill for what Albion are looking to do ; he ’ s a forward who will soon turn 23 , and impressed in a struggling Town side during his previous , fleeting , spell in the top flight .
Grant is a player , much like the already recruited Matheus Pereira , Cedric Kipre and Grady Diangana , who you ’ d imagine still has his best years ahead of him and who would represent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re-sale value .
Albion have worked hard in recent windows to bring the average age of the squad down where possible - it currently stands at a smidgen over 26 .
What Corberan has said '' I think the situation with Karlan Grant is the same situation : he continues being in the club with the possibility to move out of the club , '' Town boss Corberan said recently .
`` I think this is one situation that we need to analyse when the market is closed and we 've seen what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contribution of Grant last year was key because he scored a lot of goals that helped the team to take points and to continue in the Championship .
`` I know how important Grant was and the other clubs know that too and that 's why they are interested in a player like him .
`` He 's in the club , and if he continues training and comes back to training with the group and starts to be part of the group it would be great to have his support , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We 're in like a standby situation with him to see what his future will be .
`` Now we need to play with the players who are working with us and he 's not been part of the players to prepare for this game . ''
Signing a five-year deal after joining from West Ham United , winger Grady Diangana has hit the ground running in the top flight in Albion colours .
He posted on social media upon signing : “ Can ’ t wait to pick up where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s go !
!
” Among those to share comments with the winger were teammates Rekeem Harper , Alex Palmer and Kieran Gibbs , while Grant also added : “ Time to shine bro.
” Diangana replied to the striker : “ It ’ s time my brother.
” As you might imagine , many an Albion supporter pleaded with Grant to join Diangana at The Hawthorns for the club ’ s forthcoming top flight adventure .
Grant dropped a hint on social media that he may be about to be on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaction from Albion supporters on Tuesday evening when he tweeted : “ Always trust the process.
” That post was accompanied with emojis of an hourglass and hands in a sign of prayer , suggesting that Grant was hopeful something may be developing on the horizon .
Reports emerged in September of Grant making clear to the Huddersfield hierarchy of his desire to leave the club and pursue his Premier League dream , amid interest from Albion .
The Daily Mail reported that Grant had grown frustrated of Town 's stance as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player .
Diangana will without doubt be considered Albion ’ s big money signing of the summer ; the club saw fit to spend a significant portion of their playing budget on him after that successful loan spell last term .
That makes a deal for Grant less straightforward than it otherwise might ’ ve been , though the Baggies remain in contact with Town as they look to tempt them into parting with their talisman .
A loan deal with a substantial loan fee has been mooted , something Albion would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for argument ’ s sake , Albion signing the player next summer if they remained in the top flight .
At this moment in time , the Terriers aren ’ t understood to be overly keen on the idea of parting with their prized asset on loan .
Meanwhile , Albion are fielding interest in strikers Kenneth Zohore and Charlie Austin - and winger Kamil Grosicki .
If they were to find suitors for any of the above , that would strengthen their budget - and their chances of landing Grant .

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West Brom are looking into a deal that would bring Karlan Grant to the club before the transfer window shuts.
The Huddersfield Town striker scored 19 goals in the Championship last season and appears destined to leave the club having been left out of the Terriers’ league and cup campaign so far.
Albion are desperate to add a further attacker to their ranks as they look to give themselves the best chance of making an impact back in the top flight, and Grant is high up on their shortlist.
How does the land lie at this moment?
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter
The interest
BirminghamLive revealed that Albion had identified Grant as a target back in January. At that time, Huddersfield weren’t pressured into selling and, amid a relegation battle, then boss Danny Cowley was understandably keen to hold onto his talisman.
Albion would eventually turn to Callum Robinson and Kamil Grosicki and the pair would aid Slaven Bilic as the Baggies’ quest to secure promotion proved fruitful.
That interest doesn’t appear to have diminished in the meantime, with Grant continuing to score goals into the second half of the campaign.
What Bilic said
“There are rumours in the papers but there are two or three genuine ones that we would love to happen,” Bilic said, “and I am quite positive we will get it over the line, that position.
“The main thing is the player wants to come and I’m expecting us to finish that.
“Look, I’m not going to lie - there are those clichés like ‘they are other clubs’ players’ - so I’m respectful to those clubs and I’m respectful of the players that are here.
“The rumours are true - he is one that is on our list. Very quality player, of course."
Grant’s profile
The striker fits the bill for what Albion are looking to do; he’s a forward who will soon turn 23, and impressed in a struggling Town side during his previous, fleeting, spell in the top flight.
Grant is a player, much like the already recruited Matheus Pereira, Cedric Kipre and Grady Diangana, who you’d imagine still has his best years ahead of him and who would represent an investment in a player with potential re-sale value.
Albion have worked hard in recent windows to bring the average age of the squad down where possible - it currently stands at a smidgen over 26.
What Corberan has said
"I think the situation with Karlan Grant is the same situation: he continues being in the club with the possibility to move out of the club," Town boss Corberan said recently.
"I think this is one situation that we need to analyse when the market is closed and we've seen what happens with him. Of course the contribution of Grant last year was key because he scored a lot of goals that helped the team to take points and to continue in the Championship.
"I know how important Grant was and the other clubs know that too and that's why they are interested in a player like him.
"He's in the club, and if he continues training and comes back to training with the group and starts to be part of the group it would be great to have his support, but now the situation is the same situation. We're in like a standby situation with him to see what his future will be.
"Now we need to play with the players who are working with us and he's not been part of the players to prepare for this game."
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Signing a five-year deal after joining from West Ham United, winger Grady Diangana has hit the ground running in the top flight in Albion colours.
He posted on social media upon signing: “Can’t wait to pick up where we left off! @wba let’s go!!”
Among those to share comments with the winger were teammates Rekeem Harper, Alex Palmer and Kieran Gibbs, while Grant also added: “Time to shine bro.”
Diangana replied to the striker: “It’s time my brother.”
As you might imagine, many an Albion supporter pleaded with Grant to join Diangana at The Hawthorns for the club’s forthcoming top flight adventure.
Hint hint
Grant dropped a hint on social media that he may be about to be on the move.
Forward Grant sparked quite a reaction from Albion supporters on Tuesday evening when he tweeted: “Always trust the process.”
That post was accompanied with emojis of an hourglass and hands in a sign of prayer, suggesting that Grant was hopeful something may be developing on the horizon.
Wanting out
Reports emerged in September of Grant making clear to the Huddersfield hierarchy of his desire to leave the club and pursue his Premier League dream, amid interest from Albion.
The Daily Mail reported that Grant had grown frustrated of Town's stance as they held firm on their valuation of the player.
Chances of a deal
Diangana will without doubt be considered Albion’s big money signing of the summer; the club saw fit to spend a significant portion of their playing budget on him after that successful loan spell last term.
That makes a deal for Grant less straightforward than it otherwise might’ve been, though the Baggies remain in contact with Town as they look to tempt them into parting with their talisman.
A loan deal with a substantial loan fee has been mooted, something Albion would be interested in exploring - that would involve, for argument’s sake, Albion signing the player next summer if they remained in the top flight.
At this moment in time, the Terriers aren’t understood to be overly keen on the idea of parting with their prized asset on loan and will need coercing into a deal.
Meanwhile, Albion are fielding interest in strikers Kenneth Zohore and Charlie Austin - and winger Kamil Grosicki. If they were to find suitors for any of the above, that would strengthen their budget - and their chances of landing Grant.


birminghammail--2020-09-29--Man airlifted to hospital after two air ambulances scramble to crash

A man has been airlifted to hospital after a serious two-car smash in Wolverhampton .
The ambulance service received several 999 calls reporting the incident at the junction of Patshull Road and Holyhead Road in Albrighton at 12.49pm today ( Tuesday ) .
Two ambulances , a paramedic officer and two Midlands Air Ambulances , one from Tatenhill with critical care paramedics and the other from Cosford with a critical care paramedic and doctor on board , attended the scene .
One passenger , a man , was airlifted to hospital for further trauma care after he was released from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get themselves out of the cars and one was treated on scene .
Their injuries are not believed to be serious .
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said : “ There were three patients in total involving in the collision .
`` A passenger from one car , a man , sustained serious injuries .
Ambulance staff worked closely with the fire service to carefully extricate him from the car whilst he received treatment for his injuries .
`` Once released the man was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-extricated from their cars and were assessed by the team of ambulance staff .
`` One driver , a man , sustained injuries not believed to be serious and was treated on scene before he was taken by land ambulance to New Cross Hospital for further treatment .
The second driver declined assessment .
”

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A man has been airlifted to hospital after a serious two-car smash in Wolverhampton.
The ambulance service received several 999 calls reporting the incident at the junction of Patshull Road and Holyhead Road in Albrighton at 12.49pm today (Tuesday).
Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and two Midlands Air Ambulances, one from Tatenhill with critical care paramedics and the other from Cosford with a critical care paramedic and doctor on board, attended the scene.
One passenger, a man, was airlifted to hospital for further trauma care after he was released from a car.
Both drivers managed to get themselves out of the cars and one was treated on scene. Their injuries are not believed to be serious.
The second driver declined assessment.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “There were three patients in total involving in the collision.
"A passenger from one car, a man, sustained serious injuries. Ambulance staff worked closely with the fire service to carefully extricate him from the car whilst he received treatment for his injuries.
"Once released the man was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further trauma care.
“Both drivers had self-extricated from their cars and were assessed by the team of ambulance staff.
"One driver, a man, sustained injuries not believed to be serious and was treated on scene before he was taken by land ambulance to New Cross Hospital for further treatment. The second driver declined assessment.”


birminghammail--2020-09-29--Klopp makes transfer revelation after signing Jota from Wolves

Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Diogo Jota had been on his Liverpool transfer wish-list for ‘ two or three years ’ before the Portuguese attacker finally completed his move to Anfield from Wolves earlier this month .
Jota agreed a move from Molineux to Anfield in a deal worth up to £45m to Wolves - around three times what they paid for him in January 2018 - and he scored on his league debut for the Reds in the 3-1 win over Arsenal on Monday night .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news , views , gossip and opinion .
All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Play Store and App Store Klopp , who introduced Jota from the bench having opted to keep faith with first-choice attacking trio Roberto Firmino , Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah , admits that it ’ s difficult to strengthen what is already a high quality squad , a side who lifted the Premier League trophy at the end of last season .
Yet he ’ s remained a long term admirer of the international and has been keen to add Jota to his ranks for some time .
“ I ’ m really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after watching his side beat Arsenal .
“ It ’ s so difficult to improve a team like ours , to bring in players who fit in exactly , but I know for a while about Diogo Jota .
“ He ’ s been on my list for two or three years already , but it needed to be the right moment .
So I ’ m really happy that he ’ s here now and it ’ s been a great start .
”

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Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Diogo Jota had been on his Liverpool transfer wish-list for ‘two or three years’ before the Portuguese attacker finally completed his move to Anfield from Wolves earlier this month.
Jota agreed a move from Molineux to Anfield in a deal worth up to £45m to Wolves - around three times what they paid for him in January 2018 - and he scored on his league debut for the Reds in the 3-1 win over Arsenal on Monday night.
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Klopp, who introduced Jota from the bench having opted to keep faith with first-choice attacking trio Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, admits that it’s difficult to strengthen what is already a high quality squad, a side who lifted the Premier League trophy at the end of last season.
Yet he’s remained a long term admirer of the international and has been keen to add Jota to his ranks for some time.
“I’m really pleased for him,” Klopp said after watching his side beat Arsenal. “It’s so difficult to improve a team like ours, to bring in players who fit in exactly, but I know for a while about Diogo Jota.
“He’s been on my list for two or three years already, but it needed to be the right moment. So I’m really happy that he’s here now and it’s been a great start.”


birminghammail--2020-09-29--Full list of all the fines you now face for breaking coronavirus rules

New laws intended to control the spread of coronavirus were brought in from Monday , September 28 .
Ministers have updated the legislation which gives police new powers to hand out fines to people who flout the latest measures .
But there is a lot to remember .
Even the Prime Minister did n't get it right at first when asked explain new restrictions for the North East .
Civil liberties campaign group Big Brother Watch condemned the way the changes were introduced , saying : `` Yet again , this was imposed without scrutiny from parliament .
Where will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and should not legislate every part of our lives . ''
The latest laws for England include doubling the fines for not wearing a face covering , and fines going up to a whopping £10,000 for repeat offences such as failing to stay in self-isolation .
Here 's a round-up of all the fines you now face for not sticking to the rules around Covid-19 in England .
In England , the fine has doubled for not wearing a face covering in a long list of indoor settings , the Mirror reports .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For repeat offenders , the fine doubles for each subsequent breach so a second fine is £400 , then it goes up to£800 , £1,600 , £3,200 and £6,400 .
Fines are halved if you pay them within 14 days .
In England , you must wear a face covering in the following indoor settings : • transport hubs ( airports , rail and tram stations and terminals , maritime ports and terminals , bus and coach stations and terminals ) • shops and supermarkets ( places which offer goods or services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ premises providing hospitality ( bars , pubs , restaurants , cafes ) , except when seated at a table to eat or drink ( see exemptions ) • visitor attractions and entertainment venues ( museums , galleries , cinemas , theatres , concert halls , cultural and heritage sites , aquariums , indoor zoos and visitor farms , bingo halls , amusement arcades , adventure activity centres , indoor sports stadiums , funfairs , theme parks , casinos , skating rinks , bowling alleys , indoor play areas including soft-play areas ) You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before entering any of these places and must keep it on until you leave unless there is a reasonable excuse for removing it , such as when eating or drinking .
Police are legally allowed to issue you with a fine if they `` reasonably believe '' you have committed an offence .
The fines are given on the spot and you have 28 days to pay .
It does n't go on your criminal record .
But if you fail to pay , you can be charged and taken to court .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you must stay where you live - and not even leave for exercise - for 10 days from when your symptoms started .
This time period can be different if your test took too long to get done or come back .
In these rare cases , the 10-day clock will begin five days before you had your test .
For leaving self-isolation , first offenders can be fined £1,000 .
That rises to £2,000 , £4,000 and £10,000 for second , third and fourth offences .
Meanwhile , you must now also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came into contact with a positive Covid-19 case , and are told to isolate by NHS Test and Trace .
The 14-day period begins when the person you had contact with first developed symptoms .
Guidance says you must self-isolate for for 14 days if you come into close contact with someone who tested positive .
But the law only applies if you are told that officially after Monday 28 September .
This means being told by either NHS Test and Trace or a council officer .
It does not include if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the new Covid-19 app .
Check the lockdown rules for your area by typing your postcode in below : It 's now a crime to `` recklessly '' leave self-isolation in a way that puts someone else in danger .
This offence carries a much higher fine of £4,000 for first offenders - and jumps to £10,000 for a second offence .
Like the other offences , police hand you this fine on the spot and if you do n't pay it , you 'll be taken to court .
For this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these things must happen : • You had reason to believe you would come into close contact with another person or group • You then did come into close contact with another person or group • You were `` reckless as to the consequences of that close contact for the health of that other person '' The person you met does n't actually need to get coronavirus for you to be fined £4,000 .
Government sources suggest the law could be used to punish people who , for example , pop into their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're breaching rules .
4 .
£1,000 for making false claims about someone else Telling the Test and Trace service you met someone in the pub would force them into two weeks of quarantine if it turns out you have coronavirus .
But there is a big fine for lying about this .
It might be tempting to try to put an ex or enemy into self-isolation but there 's a special clause in the law to stop false and vindictive claims that force others into quarantine .
You are committing a criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , to Test and Trace or a council officer that `` someone is a close contact of a person who has tested positive for coronavirus '' .
If you are caught you can be fined £1,000 for a first offence , £2,000 for a second , £4,000 for a third and £10,000 for a fourth .
The law has been brought in for two reasons - the first being malicious reports like those described above .
The second reason is to stop people falsely claiming their friends and family have been exposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a £500 isolation payment .
5 .
£1,000 for deliberately not naming your family to Test and Trace Just as it 's a crime to wrongly force people into isolation , it 's a crime to help them avoid it .
It is now a criminal offence to `` knowingly give false information '' about self-isolation , either to the NHS Test and Trace or the local council 's public health team .
For example , the law says you must name every member of your household if asked to by NHS Test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is because if you test positive for Covid-19 , your household is meant to isolate with you for 14 days .
You are also legally required to tell Test and Trace or the council , if they ask you , the address at which you 're planning to self-isolate .
If you give false information about either of these things , you are committing a criminal offence .
If you 're caught you 'll be fined £1,000 for a first offence , then £2,000 , £4,000 and £10,000 if caught again .
6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children stay in isolation The fines in the new laws apply to adults aged 18 or over .
But children are not exempt - because the adult responsible for them can be fined in the same way if they do n't do their best to keep the child in isolation .
The responsible adult must tell Test and Trace or the council the address at which the child will self-isolate and keep them there for the specified period .
If you you fail to do this , you face the same fines system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - £1,000 then £2,000 , £4,000 and £10,000 .
7 .
£50 for failing to tell your boss you 're self-isolating Unless you work from home , it 's now a legal requirement to tell your boss if you have been ordered to self-isolate .
That includes telling your employer the start and end date of your isolation period .
You 're meant to do this `` as soon as reasonably practicable '' and in any event , before you were next due into work .
Similar laws apply to agency workers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pass the information up the chain to the firm that hired an agency in the first place .
The fine for failing to do this is much lower , at £50 .
The law has been brought in to ensure there 's a paper trail , meaning employers can be fined if they force self-isolating workers to come into the office .
8 .
£1,000 for forcing an isolating employee to come to work Firms can also be fined £1,000 - rising to £2,000 , £4,000 and £10,000 for repeat offences - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is a criminal offence to `` knowingly allow '' the worker to `` attend any place other than '' where they 're isolating , for the purposes of employment .
This excludes the places anyone is legally allowed to go while in self-isolation .
Like the other offences , this is punished with a fixed penalty but can also lead to a prosecution in the courts .
If an offence is committed by a corporate body , and `` neglect , consent or connivance '' is found on the part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be prosecuted personally .
Find out latest coronavirus cases in your area by typing your postcode in below 9 .
£1,000 for loud music or dancing in a pub New laws ban pubs , bars , restaurants and cafes from playing music which exceeds 85 decibels at the source of the music .
Live performances are exempt .
The manager must also take `` all reasonable measures '' to stop dancing on the premises by customers .
And they must also take `` all reasonable measures '' to stop singing by customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This converts what was already guidance for pub landlords into law .
The aim is to avoid an environment where people have to shout - which increases the risk of spreading the virus through the air .
Pub landlords or other directors or managers can be fined £1,000 for a first offence , rising to £10,000 on a fourth offence .
This halves to £500 if paid within 14 days .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Dan Bloom, David Bentley)

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New laws intended to control the spread of coronavirus were brought in from Monday, September 28.
Ministers have updated the legislation which gives police new powers to hand out fines to people who flout the latest measures.
But there is a lot to remember. Even the Prime Minister didn't get it right at first when asked to explain new restrictions for the North East.
Civil liberties campaign group Big Brother Watch condemned the way the changes were introduced, saying: "Yet again, this was imposed without scrutiny from parliament. Where will it end?
"Government cannot and should not legislate every part of our lives."
The latest laws for England include doubling the fines for not wearing a face covering, and fines going up to a whopping £10,000 for repeat offences such as failing to stay in self-isolation.
Here's a round-up of all the fines you now face for not sticking to the rules around Covid-19 in England.
1. £200 for not wearing a mask
In England, the fine has doubled for not wearing a face covering in a long list of indoor settings, the Mirror reports.
For a first offence it is £200. For repeat offenders, the fine doubles for each subsequent breach so a second fine is £400, then it goes up to£800, £1,600, £3,200 and £6,400. Fines are halved if you pay them within 14 days.
In England, you must wear a face covering in the following indoor settings:
public transport (planes, trains, trams and buses)
taxis and private hire vehicles
transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach stations and terminals)
shops and supermarkets (places which offer goods or services for retail sale or hire)
shopping centres (malls and indoor markets)
auction houses
premises providing hospitality (bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes), except when seated at a table to eat or drink (exemptions here)
post offices, banks, building societies, high-street solicitors and accountants, credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs and money service businesses
estate and lettings agents
theatres
premises providing personal care and beauty treatments (hair salons, barbers, nail salons, massage centres, tattoo and piercing parlours)
premises providing veterinary services
visitor attractions and entertainment venues (museums, galleries, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, cultural and heritage sites, aquariums, indoor zoos and visitor farms, bingo halls, amusement arcades, adventure activity centres, indoor sports stadiums, funfairs, theme parks, casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, indoor play areas including soft-play areas)
libraries and public reading rooms
places of worship
funeral service providers (funeral homes, crematoria and burial ground chapels)
community centres, youth centres and social clubs
exhibition halls and conference centres
public areas in hotels and hostels
storage and distribution facilities
You are expected to wear a face covering before entering any of these places and must keep it on until you leave unless there is a reasonable excuse for removing it, such as when eating or drinking.
Police are legally allowed to issue you with a fine if they "reasonably believe" you have committed an offence.
The fines are given on the spot and you have 28 days to pay. It doesn't go on your criminal record. But if you fail to pay, you can be charged and taken to court.
2. £1,000 for leaving self-isolation
If you test positive for Covid-19, you must stay where you live - and not even leave for exercise - for 10 days from when your symptoms started.
This time period can be different if your test took too long to get done or come back. In these rare cases, the 10-day clock will begin five days before you had your test.
For leaving self-isolation, first offenders can be fined £1,000. That rises to £2,000, £4,000 and £10,000 for second, third and fourth offences.
Meanwhile, you must now also legally self-isolate for 14 days if you came into contact with a positive Covid-19 case, and are told to isolate by NHS Test and Trace.
The 14-day period begins when the person you had contact with first developed symptoms.
Guidance says you must self-isolate for for 14 days if you come into close contact with someone who tested positive. But the law only applies if you are told that officially after Monday 28 September. This means being told by either NHS Test and Trace or a council officer. It does not include if you're told to isolate by an alert on the new Covid-19 app.
Check the lockdown rules for your area by typing your postcode in below:
3. £4,000 for 'recklessly' leaving self-isolation
It's now a crime to "recklessly" leave self-isolation in a way that puts someone else in danger.
This offence carries a much higher fine of £4,000 for first offenders - and jumps to £10,000 for a second offence.
Like the other offences, police hand you this fine on the spot and if you don't pay it, you'll be taken to court.
For this law to apply, all four of these things must happen:
You left self-isolation without reasonable excuse
You had reason to believe you would come into close contact with another person or group
You then did come into close contact with another person or group
You were "reckless as to the consequences of that close contact for the health of that other person"
The person you met doesn't actually need to get coronavirus for you to be fined £4,000.
Government sources suggest the law could be used to punish people who, for example, pop into their office or another crowded place knowing they're breaching rules.
(Image: Getty Images)
4. £1,000 for making false claims about someone else
Telling the Test and Trace service you met someone in the pub would force them into two weeks of quarantine if it turns out you have coronavirus.
But there is a big fine for lying about this. It might be tempting to try to put an ex or enemy into self-isolation but there's a special clause in the law to stop false and vindictive claims that force others into quarantine.
You are committing a criminal offence if you "knowingly falsely state", to Test and Trace or a council officer that "someone is a close contact of a person who has tested positive for coronavirus".
If you are caught you can be fined £1,000 for a first offence, £2,000 for a second, £4,000 for a third and £10,000 for a fourth.
The law has been brought in for two reasons - the first being malicious reports like those described above.
The second reason is to stop people falsely claiming their friends and family have been exposed to coronavirus in order to get them a £500 isolation payment.
5. £1,000 for deliberately not naming your family to Test and Trace
Just as it's a crime to wrongly force people into isolation, it's a crime to help them avoid it.
It is now a criminal offence to "knowingly give false information" about self-isolation, either to the NHS Test and Trace or the local council's public health team.
For example, the law says you must name every member of your household if asked to by NHS Test and Trace or the council.
This is because if you test positive for Covid-19, your household is meant to isolate with you for 14 days.
You are also legally required to tell Test and Trace or the council, if they ask you, the address at which you're planning to self-isolate.
If you give false information about either of these things, you are committing a criminal offence. If you're caught you'll be fined £1,000 for a first offence, then £2,000, £4,000 and £10,000 if caught again.
6. £1,000 for failing to ensure your children stay in isolation
The fines in the new laws apply to adults aged 18 or over.
But children are not exempt - because the adult responsible for them can be fined in the same way if they don't do their best to keep the child in isolation.
The responsible adult must tell Test and Trace or the council the address at which the child will self-isolate and keep them there for the specified period.
If you you fail to do this, you face the same fines system as if you were leaving self-isolation yourself - £1,000 then £2,000, £4,000 and £10,000.
7. £50 for failing to tell your boss you're self-isolating
Unless you work from home, it's now a legal requirement to tell your boss if you have been ordered to self-isolate.
That includes telling your employer the start and end date of your isolation period.
You're meant to do this "as soon as reasonably practicable" and in any event, before you were next due into work.
Similar laws apply to agency workers, whose employers then have a legal duty to pass the information up the chain to the firm that hired an agency in the first place.
The fine for failing to do this is much lower, at £50.
The law has been brought in to ensure there's a paper trail, meaning employers can be fined if they force self-isolating workers to come into the office.
8. £1,000 for forcing an isolating employee to come to work
Firms can also be fined £1,000 - rising to £2,000, £4,000 and £10,000 for repeat offences - if they force self-isolating staff into work.
It is a criminal offence to "knowingly allow" the worker to "attend any place other than" where they're isolating, for the purposes of employment.
This excludes the places anyone is legally allowed to go while in self-isolation.
Like the other offences, this is punished with a fixed penalty but can also lead to a prosecution in the courts.
If an offence is committed by a corporate body, and "neglect, consent or connivance" is found on the part of a director or manager, that manager can be prosecuted personally.
Find out latest coronavirus cases in your area by typing your postcode in below
9. £1,000 for loud music or dancing in a pub
New laws ban pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes from playing music which exceeds 85 decibels at the source of the music. Live performances are exempt.
The manager must also take "all reasonable measures" to stop dancing on the premises by customers.
And they must also take "all reasonable measures" to stop singing by customers in groups of more than six.
This converts what was already guidance for pub landlords into law. The aim is to avoid an environment where people have to shout - which increases the risk of spreading the virus through the air.
Pub landlords or other directors or managers can be fined £1,000 for a first offence, rising to £10,000 on a fourth offence. This halves to £500 if paid within 14 days.


birminghammail--2020-09-29--Birmingham City gunning for Everton in FA Women's Cup showpiece

Birmingham City Women will not be short of motivation in Wednesday evening ’ s FA Women ’ s Cup semi-final showdown with Everton .
Aside from the lure of a place in the final at Wembley , against one of the game ’ s powerhouses Arsenal or Manchester City , Carla Ward ’ s team have other , more private , reasons to do well .
Blues have been riled by two issues , firstly comments emanating from the Everton camp and secondly a sense of injustice at what Ward described as the ‘ ridiculous ’ scheduling .
Blues Women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moors ’ Sportsnation.bet stadium , kick-off 7.15pm , just three days after battling for 120 minutes and through a penalty shoot-out triumph over Brighton .
Ward ’ s small squad will be tested to its very limits by what she considers to be a ‘ ridiculous ’ turnaround , made all the more farcical by the fact Arsenal , who came through on Saturday , have two extra days before facing City on Thursday .
“ Whoever made that decision , honestly , I can not get my head around how anybody thinks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play the quarter final of the FA Cup , probably the most prestigious competition in football and then play three days later in the semi-final , ” Ward said .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter here “ It ’ s an injustice to the competition because actually these players have gone out there and given 120 minutes and we have had to pull them in on their day off to get in the pool and give us every chance .
“ And particularly for us , with this stupid five sub @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule , to be honest with you Brighton made six changes at the weekend , we have been in position to make one .
“ We have got 12 players that really need some recovery , we could do with the extra time , not gon na lie but if you want one word , it ’ s ridiculous.
” And then there ’ s the feeling that Everton , who have made a superb start to the season , perceive themselves to be hot favourites .
“ We have had a bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours with some of the murmurs coming out of the Everton dressing room – we will look forward to it – that ’ s for sure , ” Ward continued .
“ Maybe after the game I will take some pictures of the changing room but we will keep in house at the minute , it ’ s certainly in our armour.
” All of which mounts to a Herculean task for Blues – but one they are desperate to achieve .
“ It would be an unbelievably big achievement but the group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give everything .
”

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Birmingham City Women will not be short of motivation in Wednesday evening’s FA Women’s Cup semi-final showdown with Everton.
Aside from the lure of a place in the final at Wembley, against one of the game’s powerhouses Arsenal or Manchester City, Carla Ward’s team have other, more private, reasons to do well.
Blues have been riled by two issues, firstly comments emanating from the Everton camp and secondly a sense of injustice at what Ward described as the ‘ridiculous’ scheduling.
Blues Women go into the televised match at Solihull Moors’ Sportsnation.bet stadium, kick-off 7.15pm, just three days after battling for 120 minutes and through a penalty shoot-out triumph over Brighton.
Ward’s small squad will be tested to its very limits by what she considers to be a ‘ridiculous’ turnaround, made all the more farcical by the fact Arsenal, who came through on Saturday, have two extra days before facing City on Thursday.
“Whoever made that decision, honestly, I cannot get my head around how anybody thinks it would be the right decision to play the quarter final of the FA Cup, probably the most prestigious competition in football and then play three days later in the semi-final,” Ward said.
“It’s an injustice to the competition because actually these players have gone out there and given 120 minutes and we have had to pull them in on their day off to get in the pool and give us every chance.
“And particularly for us, with this stupid five sub rule – everyone knows I hate that rule, to be honest with you Brighton made six changes at the weekend, we have been in position to make one.
“We have got 12 players that really need some recovery, we could do with the extra time, not gonna lie but if you want one word, it’s ridiculous.”
(Image: Birmingham City/bcfc.com)
And then there’s the feeling that Everton, who have made a superb start to the season, perceive themselves to be hot favourites.
“We have had a bit of extra motivation in the last 48 hours with some of the murmurs coming out of the Everton dressing room – we will look forward to it – that’s for sure,” Ward continued.
“Maybe after the game I will take some pictures of the changing room but we will keep in house at the minute, it’s certainly in our armour.”
All of which mounts to a Herculean task for Blues – but one they are desperate to achieve. “It would be an unbelievably big achievement but the group are hungry to go out there and give everything.”


birminghammail--2020-09-29--Aston Villa FIFA 21 Ultimate Team player ratings in full confirmed

Ahead of the release of FIFA 21 , the full Aston Villa player ratings on Ultimate Team have been confirmed .
Unsurprisingly , the highest rated Villa player on FIFA 21 Ultimate Team is club captain Jack Grealish , who has been given an overall rating of 80 .
Villa 's other highest rated players include Tom Heaton , Wesley , John McGinn and Matt Targett .
New signings Emiliano Martinez , Ollie Watkins , Bertrand Traore and Matty Cash have also had their FUT 21 ratings confirmed , with Martinez rated highest .
Take a look at the full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ratings below , with the position of the player and overall rating shown .
Click here to subscribe to Level up !
The Esports and Gaming Show on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts and Spreaker .
EA have confirmed that FIFA 21 has an official UK and worldwide release date of October 9 , 2020 , but some editions will allow you to play FIFA 21 slightly earlier than this .
If you pre-order the FIFA 21 Ultimate Edition or Champions Edition on PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , and PC you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 , 2020 .
The Standard Edition allows fans to play FIFA 21 on the official UK and worldwide release date of October 9 , 2020 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Nathan Bliss, Ibrahim Mustapha)

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Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
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Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Ahead of the release of FIFA 21, the full Aston Villa player ratings on Ultimate Team have been confirmed.
Unsurprisingly, the highest rated Villa player on FIFA 21 Ultimate Team is club captain Jack Grealish, who has been given an overall rating of 80. Villa's other highest rated players include Tom Heaton, Wesley, John McGinn and Matt Targett.
New signings Emiliano Martinez, Ollie Watkins, Bertrand Traore and Matty Cash have also had their FUT 21 ratings confirmed, with Martinez rated highest.
Take a look at the full Aston Villa FIFA 21 Ultimate Team player ratings below, with the position of the player and overall rating shown.
Click here to subscribe to Level up! The Esports and Gaming Show on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spreaker.
Aston Villa FIFA 21 Ultimate Team player ratings in full confirmed
LW: Jack Grealish (80)
GK: Tom Heaton (78)
GK: Emiliano Martinez (78)
ST: Wesley (76)
RW: Bertrand Traore (76)
ST: Ollie Watkins (76)
CM: John McGinn (76)
LB: Matt Targett (76)
RB: Frederic Guilbert (76)
CB: Tyrone Mings (75)
CDM: Douglas Luiz (75)
GK: Lovre Kalinic (75)
RW: Anwar El Ghazi
CDM: Marvellous Nakamba (75)
CM: Conor Hourihane (75)
LW: Trezeguet (75)
RB: Matty Cash (75)
CB: Bjorn Engels (74)
RW: Jota (72)
GK: Orjan Nyland (72)
CB: Kortney Hause (72)
CB: Ezri Konsa (71)
RB: Ahmed Elmohamady (71)
GK: Jed Steer (71)
LB: Neil Taylor (70)
CM: Henri Lansbury (69)
ST: Keinan Davis (68)
LW: Indiana Vassilev (61)
CAM: Jacob Ramsey (55)
CDM: Jack Clarke (54)
CM: Callum Rowe (51)
EA have confirmed that FIFA 21 has an official UK and worldwide release date of October 9, 2020, but some editions will allow you to play FIFA 21 slightly earlier than this.
If you pre-order the FIFA 21 Ultimate Edition or Champions Edition on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC you’ll be able to play from October 6, 2020.
The Standard Edition allows fans to play FIFA 21 on the official UK and worldwide release date of October 9, 2020.