birminghammail--2020-07-30--The Premier League winner Villa boss Dean Smith should go after

Aston Villa 's first team coaching set up was among the topics up for discussion in our latest Claret & Blue podcast .
News that Jesus Garcia Pitarch , AKA 'Suso ' , has already been replaced by Johan Lange as sporting director , shows that Villa are wasting no time at all getting even more Premier League ready following their stunning last day survival .
The automatic doors on the Bodymoor Heath players ' entrance are expected to be opening and closing at a frantic rate again with transfer ins and outs ahead of the fast-approaching new season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ backroom staff - what changes if any will be made to improve the team behind the team for 2020-21 ?
Smith himself has vindicated the bold and loyal decision of owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens and CEO Christian Purslow to stick by him even when the going got relegation zone tough .
You can watch the full debate on our Claret & Blue podcast here - or read on below : But does Smith need a little bit more support alongside him to make sure he is able to coach the absolute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at his disposal ?
With rumours continuing to link assistant boss John Terry with all manner of top-half Championship/bottom-half Premier League manager jobs , will there be a Villa vacancy coming along soon ?
Even if there is n't , BirminghamLive football editor Mat Kendrick reckons another former Premier League winner is worth Deano drafting in to his claret and blue backroom team .
`` I 've got a bit of a leftfield theory , '' Mat told our Claret & Blue podcast .
`` I think Villa should recruit a Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Craig Shakespeare is back on the market now that Nigel Pearson has been sacked at Watford .
`` He was with Leicester under Claudio Ranieri after initially being there with Pearson .
`` He was with Ranieri when they won the Premier League title and is one of the highest rated coaches in the Premier League .
`` And he knows Dean Smith .
They were together at Walsall as players and I just think he could bring something fresh and something different . ''
Terry was not Smith 's choice when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in October 2018 , but the pair have forged a good working relationship along with Richard O'Kelly .
Smith knows Terry 's brother Paul well and there was a strong mutual respect already when the club 's hierarchy made it clear they wanted the Chelsea legend to be part of the new man 's coaching set-up .
Against the odds they have guided Vila into the Premier League and kept them there , but there has always been an acknowledgement that JT would go out on his own when the right chance crops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a vacancy for another Villa coach under Smith eventually , '' Mat continued .
`` John Terry is going to think ' I 've served my apprenticeship here ' .
`` He 's been linked with the Bristol City job and any time a bottom half Premier Leaguer or a decent Championship job comes up his names in the frame and I think it will happen . ''
Villa 's post-lockdown revival has emphasised the importance - not that it needed emphasising - of good coaching .
Douglas Luiz in particular has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work on his game , while the Villa defence has also benefited from the extra time and attention from the coaching team .
`` We 've seen what spotting issues and trying to rectify them can do because we 've seen Villa 's improvement post lockdown , '' added Mat .
`` The question has been asked do we give him more power over transfers , but just as importantly do we give him more power over what his coaching team looks like ?
`` Even if someone else is bringing the players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team the best possible chance of getting the best out of the players . ''
If Villa were to be in the market for coaching reinforcements then Shakespeare certainly fits the bill .
The 56-year-old Brummie is available after becoming collateral damage in Watford 's crazy last-gasp decision to sack a management team who had restored hope of survival .
It did n't end well , at least not for the relegated Hornets , anyway .
Premier League Villa came out of it very well indeed .
It transpires that , like Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blue allegiances .
During his brief stint at Vicarage Road he told the Watford FC official website : “ Yes , I 'm a Villa fan !
The best game was actually a game they lost but they ended up winning the league .
`` It was at Highbury against Arsenal [ in May 1981 ] .
Villa lost the game 2-0 but Ipswich did n't get the result they needed so Villa won the league .
`` I slept in my brother-in-law 's car that night !
” But more than that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who again like Smith , was shaped as a player and a man by his experiences at Walsall back in the 1980s .
Shakespeare came through the ranks and made over 300 appearances for the Saddlers before playing alongside Pearson at Sheffield Wednesday and then moving to West Bromwich Albion .
The forward-thinking midfielder had spells at Grimsby Town and Scunthorpe and hung up his boots in 2000 after non league stints with Telford United and Hednesford Town .
After retiring from playing , Shakespeare was Albion 's community officer , academy coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager .
Shakespeare remained at The Hawthorns until joining Pearson at Leicester as assistant manager in 2008 .
Having helped Pearson get the Foxes from League One to the Premier League and then pull off the Great Escape ( with that trilogy interrupted slightly by a brief spell together at Hull City ) , Shakespeare famously stayed on to assist Claudio Ranieri , but more of that historic Premier League title triumph in a moment .
Shakespeare had a short-lived spell in Sam Allardyce 's England set-up , combining club and international roles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was over before it started as Big Sam was sacked after just one game and 67 days .
After Ranieri 's shock dismissal at Leicester in February 2017 , Shakespeare took caretaker charge at the King Power and got off to a flier .
He was rewarded with a three-year deal in the summer but with the Foxes in the bottom three Shakespeare was sacked in October with a Premier League record of eight wins , five draws and eight defeats .
LeicestershireLive 's Foxes writer Jordan Blackwell cites Shakespeare as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win - and insists the coach remains a popular figure among the King Power Stadium faithful .
`` The defining image of Craig Shakespeare at Leicester City is him on the pitch before a match with a ball under each arm , taking the players through their drills , '' he explains .
`` Even when he moved from assistant to the main man , he still did the pre-game warm-ups , unlike most bosses , who finalise their tactics in the changing room or watch from a distance .
`` He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career .
During training sessions , he coached the side alongside Nigel Pearson and Claudio Ranieri , although his role grew in importance under the latter .
`` The title-winning Italian was more aloof then Pearson , and the players often went to Shakespeare to discuss team matters .
For all our latest Claret & Blue video and podcast content , sign up to our newsletter here '' Hence , when Ranieri was sacked , Shakespeare was a very popular appointment and he sparked an immediate response in the team .
He became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first five Premier League matches in charge . ''
Shakespeare 's personality probably makes him a better fit as a first team coach or an assistant than as the main man and he really thrives as a conduit between the manager 's office and the dressing room .
`` Tactically , he was better than many expected , '' added Jordan .
`` In the Champions League quarter-final against an Atletico Madrid side at the peak of their powers , he made a double half-time substitution and formation change that had Diego Simeone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` When he was sacked , the players were “ cheesed off ” as assistant Michael Appleton diplomatically put it , such was his popularity .
`` He was always honest with the players and asked for feedback on training sessions , so the squad were always happy with the work they did during the week .
`` He always seemed a reluctant number one though .
He was pleasant with the press , but didn ’ t thrive on it .
`` And because of how he was with players , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that more stand-offish managers have .
That , and an unlucky set of fixtures , led to his downfall at the King Power Stadium . ''
After a Premier League return that was tense to the point of knuckle-chewing , perhaps Villa should swap being on shaky ground for having Shakey on the training ground ?

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (James Rushton, Jordan Blackwell, Mat Kendrick)

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Aston Villa's first team coaching set up was among the topics up for discussion in our latest Claret & Blue podcast.
News that Jesus Garcia Pitarch, AKA 'Suso', has already been replaced by Johan Lange as sporting director, shows that Villa are wasting no time at all getting even more Premier League ready following their stunning last day survival.
The automatic doors on the Bodymoor Heath players' entrance are expected to be opening and closing at a frantic rate again with transfer ins and outs ahead of the fast-approaching new season.
But what about Dean Smith and his backroom staff - what changes if any will be made to improve the team behind the team for 2020-21?
Smith himself has vindicated the bold and loyal decision of owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens and CEO Christian Purslow to stick by him even when the going got relegation zone tough.
You can watch the full debate on our Claret & Blue podcast here - or read on below:
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
But does Smith need a little bit more support alongside him to make sure he is able to coach the absolute maximum from existing and any new players at his disposal?
With rumours continuing to link assistant boss John Terry with all manner of top-half Championship/bottom-half Premier League manager jobs, will there be a Villa vacancy coming along soon?
Even if there isn't, BirminghamLive football editor Mat Kendrick reckons another former Premier League winner is worth Deano drafting in to his claret and blue backroom team.
"I've got a bit of a leftfield theory," Mat told our Claret & Blue podcast. "I think Villa should recruit a Premier League winner.
"Allow me to explain. Craig Shakespeare is back on the market now that Nigel Pearson has been sacked at Watford.
"He was with Leicester under Claudio Ranieri after initially being there with Pearson.
"He was with Ranieri when they won the Premier League title and is one of the highest rated coaches in the Premier League.
"And he knows Dean Smith. They were together at Walsall as players and I just think he could bring something fresh and something different."
Terry was not Smith's choice when he succeeded Steve Bruce as Vila boss in October 2018, but the pair have forged a good working relationship along with Richard O'Kelly.
Smith knows Terry's brother Paul well and there was a strong mutual respect already when the club's hierarchy made it clear they wanted the Chelsea legend to be part of the new man's coaching set-up.
(Image: PA)
Against the odds they have guided Vila into the Premier League and kept them there, but there has always been an acknowledgement that JT would go out on his own when the right chance crops up.
"I think there will be a vacancy for another Villa coach under Smith eventually," Mat continued.
"John Terry is going to think 'I've served my apprenticeship here'.
"He's been linked with the Bristol City job and any time a bottom half Premier Leaguer or a decent Championship job comes up his names in the frame and I think it will happen."
Villa's post-lockdown revival has emphasised the importance - not that it needed emphasising - of good coaching.
Douglas Luiz in particular has returned in fine form after time to work on his game, while the Villa defence has also benefited from the extra time and attention from the coaching team.
"We've seen what spotting issues and trying to rectify them can do because we've seen Villa's improvement post lockdown," added Mat.
"Dean Smith inherited Suso and he inherited John Terry.
"The question has been asked do we give him more power over transfers, but just as importantly do we give him more power over what his coaching team looks like?
"Even if someone else is bringing the players in, give Smith and his coaching team the best possible chance of getting the best out of the players."
If Villa were to be in the market for coaching reinforcements then Shakespeare certainly fits the bill.
The 56-year-old Brummie is available after becoming collateral damage in Watford's crazy last-gasp decision to sack a management team who had restored hope of survival.
It didn't end well, at least not for the relegated Hornets, anyway. Premier League Villa came out of it very well indeed.
It transpires that, like Smith, Shakespeare too possesses boyhood claret and blue allegiances.
During his brief stint at Vicarage Road he told the Watford FC official website: “Yes, I'm a Villa fan! The best game was actually a game they lost but they ended up winning the league.
"It was at Highbury against Arsenal [in May 1981]. Villa lost the game 2-0 but Ipswich didn't get the result they needed so Villa won the league.
"I slept in my brother-in-law's car that night!”
But more than that he is a very shrewd coach, who again like Smith, was shaped as a player and a man by his experiences at Walsall back in the 1980s.
Shakespeare came through the ranks and made over 300 appearances for the Saddlers before playing alongside Pearson at Sheffield Wednesday and then moving to West Bromwich Albion.
The forward-thinking midfielder had spells at Grimsby Town and Scunthorpe and hung up his boots in 2000 after non league stints with Telford United and Hednesford Town.
After retiring from playing, Shakespeare was Albion's community officer, academy coach and then reserve team boss and caretaker manager.
Shakespeare remained at The Hawthorns until joining Pearson at Leicester as assistant manager in 2008.
Having helped Pearson get the Foxes from League One to the Premier League and then pull off the Great Escape (with that trilogy interrupted slightly by a brief spell together at Hull City), Shakespeare famously stayed on to assist Claudio Ranieri, but more of that historic Premier League title triumph in a moment.
Shakespeare had a short-lived spell in Sam Allardyce's England set-up, combining club and international roles in the summer of 2016, but it was over before it started as Big Sam was sacked after just one game and 67 days.
After Ranieri's shock dismissal at Leicester in February 2017, Shakespeare took caretaker charge at the King Power and got off to a flier.
He was rewarded with a three-year deal in the summer but with the Foxes in the bottom three Shakespeare was sacked in October with a Premier League record of eight wins, five draws and eight defeats.
LeicestershireLive's Foxes writer Jordan Blackwell cites Shakespeare as a major factor in the 2016 5000-1 title win - and insists the coach remains a popular figure among the King Power Stadium faithful.
"The defining image of Craig Shakespeare at Leicester City is him on the pitch before a match with a ball under each arm, taking the players through their drills," he explains.
"Even when he moved from assistant to the main man, he still did the pre-game warm-ups, unlike most bosses, who finalise their tactics in the changing room or watch from a distance.
"He was hands-on right the way through his City career. During training sessions, he coached the side alongside Nigel Pearson and Claudio Ranieri, although his role grew in importance under the latter.
"The title-winning Italian was more aloof then Pearson, and the players often went to Shakespeare to discuss team matters.
"Hence, when Ranieri was sacked, Shakespeare was a very popular appointment and he sparked an immediate response in the team. He became the first British boss to win their first five Premier League matches in charge."
Shakespeare's personality probably makes him a better fit as a first team coach or an assistant than as the main man and he really thrives as a conduit between the manager's office and the dressing room.
"Tactically, he was better than many expected," added Jordan. "In the Champions League quarter-final against an Atletico Madrid side at the peak of their powers, he made a double half-time substitution and formation change that had Diego Simeone’s side on the ropes.
"When he was sacked, the players were “cheesed off” as assistant Michael Appleton diplomatically put it, such was his popularity.
"He was always honest with the players and asked for feedback on training sessions, so the squad were always happy with the work they did during the week.
"He always seemed a reluctant number one though. He was pleasant with the press, but didn’t thrive on it.
"And because of how he was with players, he perhaps didn’t possess the authority that more stand-offish managers have. That, and an unlucky set of fixtures, led to his downfall at the King Power Stadium."
After a Premier League return that was tense to the point of knuckle-chewing, perhaps Villa should swap being on shaky ground for having Shakey on the training ground?


birminghammail--2020-07-30--Council calls time on charities serving up ice creams and drinks at shop

Local charities which have served up ice creams , drinks and souvenirs at the Upper Lodge in the castle grounds have been told that the arrangement must come to an end .
Volunteers from various local groups have run the kiosk on behalf of the council for over 20 years , and in return have received a percentage of its profits for their charities .
But Tamworth Borough Council has called time on the scheme and the groups have received notice to quit by Monday , August 3 .
Alderman Margaret Clark is involved in various charities in the town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council decision .
She said : “ Volunteers came from many charity organisations in our town , cleaning , ordering goods and maintaining the shop in a secure condition .
“ Volunteers enthusiastically promoted Tamworth to visitors and issued cold drinks and ice creams to many throughout the hot holiday months .
“ The plethora of helpful groups including Cancer & Wellbeing Care , Midland Air Ambulance , Lupus Care , MIND and several more , did enjoy some income from the council for their labours .
“ As we all know , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long way to helping many people , both individuals and groups .
“ They will miss this extra help if the council proceed with the closure , as the shop is a very useful resource to Tamworth and its volunteer groups .
“ We hope the council will reconsider their proposal.
” But the council says it plans to rebrand the shop this summer and sell castle souvenirs , gifts and refreshments from it as an in-house venture .
Cllr Jeremy Oates , Tamworth Borough Council ’ s Cabinet member for Heritage and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kiosk ’ situated at the bottom of the castle entrance , at the top of Holloway Drive , is owned by Tamworth Borough Council and has been managed for some years as a small charitable business .
“ The business has done a wonderful job raising money for charities in Tamworth for many years .
I would like to say thank you to them for their work .
“ We have taken the decision to serve notice earlier this month as part of our response to both the financial impact of the Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the council and castle in a more commercial way , in an attempt to slow the increasing requirements for subsidies from the council tax payer .
“ Our aim is to take the shop back to manage in-house and provide a service for the town in the absence of the castle shop and cafe being open .
We look forward to re-branding the shop this summer and offering customers an opportunity to purchase castle souvenirs , along with refreshments and other gifts .
”

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Local charities which have served up ice creams, drinks and souvenirs at the Upper Lodge in the castle grounds have been told that the arrangement must come to an end.
Volunteers from various local groups have run the kiosk on behalf of the council for over 20 years, and in return have received a percentage of its profits for their charities.
But Tamworth Borough Council has called time on the scheme and the groups have received notice to quit by Monday, August 3.
Alderman Margaret Clark is involved in various charities in the town and says she is disappointed by the council decision.
She said: “Volunteers came from many charity organisations in our town, cleaning, ordering goods and maintaining the shop in a secure condition.
“Volunteers enthusiastically promoted Tamworth to visitors and issued cold drinks and ice creams to many throughout the hot holiday months.
“The plethora of helpful groups including Cancer & Wellbeing Care, Midland Air Ambulance, Lupus Care, MIND and several more, did enjoy some income from the council for their labours.
“As we all know, our charities can make donations go a long way to helping many people, both individuals and groups.
“They will miss this extra help if the council proceed with the closure, as the shop is a very useful resource to Tamworth and its volunteer groups.
“We hope the council will reconsider their proposal.”
But the council says it plans to rebrand the shop this summer and sell castle souvenirs, gifts and refreshments from it as an in-house venture.
Cllr Jeremy Oates, Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Heritage and Growth, said: “The ‘kiosk’ situated at the bottom of the castle entrance, at the top of Holloway Drive, is owned by Tamworth Borough Council and has been managed for some years as a small charitable business.
“The business has done a wonderful job raising money for charities in Tamworth for many years. I would like to say thank you to them for their work.
“We have taken the decision to serve notice earlier this month as part of our response to both the financial impact of the Covid-19, and in a drive to operate the council and castle in a more commercial way, in an attempt to slow the increasing requirements for subsidies from the council tax payer.
“Our aim is to take the shop back to manage in-house and provide a service for the town in the absence of the castle shop and cafe being open. We look forward to re-branding the shop this summer and offering customers an opportunity to purchase castle souvenirs, along with refreshments and other gifts.”


birminghammail--2020-07-30--Tamworth Police say criminals find three in ten car doors unlocked

Opportunist criminals are finding rich pickings in cars across Tamworth , as motorists are leaving their vehicles unlocked – with valuables inside .
Tamworth ’ s new police commander , Chief Inspector Paul Talbot , said that thieves who randomly try car doors in the town , find them unlocked in 30 per cent of cases – making it easy for them to swipe wallets , phones , sat navs and cash left inside .
He is urging drivers to keep their vehicles locked and their valuables out of sight after an increase in thefts from cars across various areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numerous incidents in the last few weeks where criminals have raided unlocked cars .
Stolen items have included cash , bank cards and electronics .
Figures show that criminals are successful in gaining entry to three out of every ten cars that they try – simply because the vehicles have been left unsecured .
Ch Insp Talbot said : “ The investigation into this latest series of thefts from vehicles in Tamworth is a priority for our local policing team and we are following a number of lines of enquiry .
“ However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ support by taking simple steps to stop yourselves from becoming a victim of car crime .
`` Please make sure your vehicle is locked , even for short stops and especially overnight .
Also make sure you remove your valuables , sat nav systems , loose change , wallets , coats , bags ; don ’ t leave anything on show for opportunistic thieves .
“ If you have to store your work equipment in your vehicle , please make sure tools and other equipment are securely locked away , items have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We also recommend marking any machinery or tools and place a sticker in your window to say you have done so .
It can be an effective deterrent or help us to identify your property in the future.
” For more crime prevention advice please visit ; https : //www.staffordshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/theft-of-a-vehicle/vehicle-attracting-thieves/ If you have any information about vehicle crime or want to report an incident or suspicious behaviour , please call Staffordshire Police on 101 or report it online .

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Opportunist criminals are finding rich pickings in cars across Tamworth, as motorists are leaving their vehicles unlocked – with valuables inside.
Tamworth’s new police commander, Chief Inspector Paul Talbot, said that thieves who randomly try car doors in the town, find them unlocked in 30 per cent of cases – making it easy for them to swipe wallets, phones, sat navs and cash left inside.
He is urging drivers to keep their vehicles locked and their valuables out of sight after an increase in thefts from cars across various areas of the town.
There have been numerous incidents in the last few weeks where criminals have raided unlocked cars.
Stolen items have included cash, bank cards and electronics. Figures show that criminals are successful in gaining entry to three out of every ten cars that they try – simply because the vehicles have been left unsecured.
Ch Insp Talbot said: “The investigation into this latest series of thefts from vehicles in Tamworth is a priority for our local policing team and we are following a number of lines of enquiry.
“However, please could I ask for residents’ support by taking simple steps to stop yourselves from becoming a victim of car crime.
"Please make sure your vehicle is locked, even for short stops and especially overnight. Also make sure you remove your valuables, sat nav systems, loose change, wallets, coats, bags; don’t leave anything on show for opportunistic thieves.
“If you have to store your work equipment in your vehicle, please make sure tools and other equipment are securely locked away, items have been stolen from unsecured vehicles.
“We also recommend marking any machinery or tools and place a sticker in your window to say you have done so. It can be an effective deterrent or help us to identify your property in the future.”
For more crime prevention advice please visit; https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/theft-of-a-vehicle/vehicle-attracting-thieves/
If you have any information about vehicle crime or want to report an incident or suspicious behaviour, please call Staffordshire Police on 101 or report it online.


birminghammail--2020-07-30--Wolves battling Leicester City in £20m deal for 19-cap midfielder

Wolves have joined Premier League rivals Leicester City in the hunt for Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie .
The 21-year-old United States international moved to European football from MLS franchise FC Dallas in 2016 , spending less than a year in the club 's academy before being promoted to the first-team squad .
He made his debut on the final day of the 2016-17 season at the age of just 18 , which continued his meteoric rise , before netting on his debut for the US national side in November of the same year in a friendly against Portugal .
Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearances - 28 of which came in the recently concluded season , the highest tally of his career so far .
McKennie is contracted with the Bundesliga side until 2024 but is keen on a move to the Premier League , where he would face off against compatriot Christian Pulisic , who has excelled with Chelsea .
Wolves and Leicester are both keen on securing a £20m move for the highly-rated midfielder , while recent reports from Germany have attributed Southampton with an interest .
The Dallas-born midfielder has made no secret of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Premier League , making his goal clear earlier this year .
`` For me , the next goal is England .
It has always been my dream to play in the Premier League , ” he told Goal in May .
“ I want to join a club that fights for a place in Europe – the Champions League or the Europa League .
For now , I 'm happy at Schalke because I get to play.
” Wolves ' European fate hinges on this weekend 's FA Cup final , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santo 's side miss out on Europa League involvement next season .

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Wolves have joined Premier League rivals Leicester City in the hunt for Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie.
The 21-year-old United States international moved to European football from MLS franchise FC Dallas in 2016, spending less than a year in the club's academy before being promoted to the first-team squad.
He made his debut on the final day of the 2016-17 season at the age of just 18, which continued his meteoric rise, before netting on his debut for the US national side in November of the same year in a friendly against Portugal.
Since then, he has made 75 Bundesliga appearances - 28 of which came in the recently concluded season, the highest tally of his career so far.
McKennie is contracted with the Bundesliga side until 2024 but is keen on a move to the Premier League, where he would face off against compatriot Christian Pulisic, who has excelled with Chelsea.
Wolves and Leicester are both keen on securing a £20m move for the highly-rated midfielder, while recent reports from Germany have attributed Southampton with an interest.
The Dallas-born midfielder has made no secret of his desire to ply his trade in the Premier League, making his goal clear earlier this year.
"For me, the next goal is England. It has always been my dream to play in the Premier League,” he told Goal in May.
“I want to join a club that fights for a place in Europe – the Champions League or the Europa League. For now, I'm happy at Schalke because I get to play.”
Wolves' European fate hinges on this weekend's FA Cup final, as victory for Arsenal would see Nuno Espirito Santo's side miss out on Europa League involvement next season.


birminghammail--2020-07-30--Christine McGuinness posts emotional rant after being made to 'feel like s***'

Christine McGuinness has posted a series of emotional videos on social media - telling her fans she feels like `` s*** '' after a tough week .
The wife of Take Me Out presenter Paddy took to the social media platform to speak out to followers .
Posting a series of emotional and frank videos , Christine was seen passionately describing her feelings to her Insta followers .
The mum-of-three and 32-year-old fumed : `` This week someone made me feel very small , they really made me feel like s**t. '' That has n't happened for awhile , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school , but I 'm 32 , married with three kids , kind of do n't want to be spoken to like a child . ''
She continued : `` This week it made me feel s*** and I 've kept thinking about it and I never said anything back to this person because I would n't want to make anyone feel like s*** so I kind of laughed it off .
`` But it has got to me and I keep thinking about it , I think it was unnecessary .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with a lot , life is really really tough but I 'm happy with where I am and where I 'm at .
`` My kids are amazing , all I ever wanted to be was a mum , I do n't expect anyone to know who I am , or think anything of me , or who I 'm married to .
`` I 'm simply just a mum and anything on top of that is a bonus .
`` I 've been really fortunate with some of the things that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had really good fun on a TV show for two years . ''
She added : `` It 's still tough sometimes , I 'm raising three kids with additional needs , on my own a lot of the time because my husband works away and I have n't got any kind of special training for that .
`` What I 'm saying is we 're all still human and life is s**t sometimes and I think just still be kind . ''

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Christine McGuinness has posted a series of emotional videos on social media - telling her fans she feels like "s***" after a tough week.
The wife of Take Me Out presenter Paddy took to the social media platform to speak out to followers.
Posting a series of emotional and frank videos, Christine was seen passionately describing her feelings to her Insta followers.
The mum-of-three and 32-year-old fumed: "This week someone made me feel very small, they really made me feel like s**t.
"That hasn't happened for awhile, I used to get it a lot in school, but I'm 32, married with three kids, kind of don't want to be spoken to like a child."
She continued: "This week it made me feel s*** and I've kept thinking about it and I never said anything back to this person because I wouldn't want to make anyone feel like s*** so I kind of laughed it off.
"But it has got to me and I keep thinking about it, I think it was unnecessary.
"I am quite thick skinned, I deal with a lot, life is really really tough but I'm happy with where I am and where I'm at.
"My kids are amazing, all I ever wanted to be was a mum, I don't expect anyone to know who I am, or think anything of me, or who I'm married to.
"I'm simply just a mum and anything on top of that is a bonus.
"I've been really fortunate with some of the things that have happened in life, I've had really good fun on a TV show for two years."
She added: "It's still tough sometimes, I'm raising three kids with additional needs, on my own a lot of the time because my husband works away and I haven't got any kind of special training for that.
"What I'm saying is we're all still human and life is s**t sometimes and I think just still be kind."


birminghammail--2020-07-30--Mamma Mia! Tamworth couple to host ABBA concert in their back garden!

Take a chance on a super trouper concert hosted in a Tamworth couple ’ s back garden !
ABBA fans will be saying ‘ thank you for the music ’ when Vikki Holland-Bowyer and Greg Stevenson , aged 49 and 53 , who run The Reunion Group , host the spectacle from their home in Main Road , Harlaston , on Saturday , August 8 .
There will be something in the air that night with a socially-distanced 70s Music Micro Fest and The ABBA Reunion Tribute Show playing in front of 200 people .
“ If you told me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ End that I would be ordering Portaloos to my garden and building a stage ready to perform ABBA I would have laughed , ” admit Vikki and Greg , who have licensed their own back garden in a bold bid to start performing again !
“ But it ’ s actually happening !
We may be completely bonkers but , as the old saying goes , the show must go on !
“ This is definitely the craziest thing we have ever done ourselves .
We did do a crazy show and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bonkers !
“ It is going to be so good .
The communities all around us , Tamworth , Edingale , Elford , Burton , Swadlincote have been really good about it .
It has been really well received .
“ To do this in our hometown in front of a smaller crowd than usual is really exciting , it is going to be such a good laugh .
So many people have heard about our shows but because we work a lot of national and international stuff they have never got to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like numerous other businesses , work suddenly stopped .
Tours were cancelled , just like that , overnight and with the unworkable new government guidelines for theatre , we are not starting again any time soon .
“ Entertainment , live music especially , is great for everyone ’ s mental health and as the government are now allowing outdoor music , we have decided to bring live performances back and stage a few small festivals on our acre plot garden .
This is the first one of its kind with social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to do something not only to keep our heads above water but people want to have a bit of fun .
“ Theatres just can ’ t open to the capacity that the Government want and obviously be-cause we have no overheads in our garden we can afford to do it , lift spirits and help us survive .
“ The performance has already sold so well we ’ ve put a second date on sale for an 80s Mania Festival on August 29 .
We actually have the space to sell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smaller is safer – plus far more enjoyable for our audience .
“ The risk assessments have been done , it is going to be a safe , monitored , fantastic environment – almost like a big garden party.
” The fun starts at 5pm and ends at 11pm .
The ABBA Reunion Tribute Show will be supported by Discolicious , a 70s party duo guaranteed to ‘ shake your body down ‘ , Lisa Oliver , a vocalist performing the sounds of Kate Bush and Stevie Nicks , Trinity , a classic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DJ Phil Marr .
Squares will be marked out on the grass with the social distance ruling of being more than one metre apart .
These are called ‘ Personal Party Pitches ’ and a ‘ Party Pitch ’ holds up to six people .
You can arrive in your social bubble ( deck chairs and blankets welcome ) , then a steward will take you to your allocated Personal Party Pitch .
This will remain your safe space for the whole event .
There will also be a licensed bar , barbecue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raise money for Harlaston playing fields .
There is free car parking off site and free santisiser and masks .
For tickets go to https : //ticketlab.co.uk/event/id/5210 or call 01827 706705 where you can arrange to collect in person and pay cash .

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Take a chance on a super trouper concert hosted in a Tamworth couple’s back garden!
ABBA fans will be saying ‘thank you for the music’ when Vikki Holland-Bowyer and Greg Stevenson, aged 49 and 53, who run The Reunion Group, host the spectacle from their home in Main Road, Harlaston, on Saturday, August 8.
There will be something in the air that night with a socially-distanced 70s Music Micro Fest and The ABBA Reunion Tribute Show playing in front of 200 people.
“If you told me back when I was on the West End that I would be ordering Portaloos to my garden and building a stage ready to perform ABBA I would have laughed,” admit Vikki and Greg, who have licensed their own back garden in a bold bid to start performing again!
“But it’s actually happening! We may be completely bonkers but, as the old saying goes, the show must go on!
“This is definitely the craziest thing we have ever done ourselves. We did do a crazy show and had to fly to Mongolia which was really bonkers!
“It is going to be so good. The communities all around us, Tamworth, Edingale, Elford, Burton, Swadlincote have been really good about it. It has been really well received.
“To do this in our hometown in front of a smaller crowd than usual is really exciting, it is going to be such a good laugh. So many people have heard about our shows but because we work a lot of national and international stuff they have never got to see us.
“Since lockdown, like numerous other businesses, work suddenly stopped. Tours were cancelled, just like that, overnight and with the unworkable new government guidelines for theatre, we are not starting again any time soon.
“Entertainment, live music especially, is great for everyone’s mental health and as the government are now allowing outdoor music, we have decided to bring live performances back and stage a few small festivals on our acre plot garden. This is the first one of its kind with social distancing in place.
“We had to try to do something not only to keep our heads above water but people want to have a bit of fun.
“Theatres just can’t open to the capacity that the Government want and obviously be-cause we have no overheads in our garden we can afford to do it, lift spirits and help us survive.
“The performance has already sold so well we’ve put a second date on sale for an 80s Mania Festival on August 29. We actually have the space to sell more tickets however we’ve decided smaller is safer – plus far more enjoyable for our audience.
“The risk assessments have been done, it is going to be a safe, monitored, fantastic environment – almost like a big garden party.”
The fun starts at 5pm and ends at 11pm.
The ABBA Reunion Tribute Show will be supported by Discolicious, a 70s party duo guaranteed to ‘shake your body down‘, Lisa Oliver, a vocalist performing the sounds of Kate Bush and Stevie Nicks, Trinity, a classic rock band, and Midlands personality and DJ Phil Marr.
Squares will be marked out on the grass with the social distance ruling of being more than one metre apart. These are called ‘Personal Party Pitches’ and a ‘Party Pitch’ holds up to six people.
You can arrive in your social bubble (deck chairs and blankets welcome), then a steward will take you to your allocated Personal Party Pitch. This will remain your safe space for the whole event. There will also be a licensed bar, barbecue, fancy dress competition and raffle to raise money for Harlaston playing fields.
There is free car parking off site and free santisiser and masks.
For tickets go to https://ticketlab.co.uk/event/id/5210 or call 01827 706705 where you can arrange to collect in person and pay cash.


birminghammail--2020-07-30--Man has cardiac arrest at train station

Man has cardiac arrest at train station

Emergency services were called to Lea Hall Station shortly before 1pm today - July 30 - following reports of a @ @ @ @ @ .
Ambulance crews and the British Transport Police flooded the scene on Lea Hall Road @ @ @ @ @ the station show a large number of emergency vehicles at the scene .
The station @ @ @ @ @ this afternoon and commuters advised to find alternative routes .
Emergency crews have since left @ @ @ @ @ Ambulance Service confirmed two ambulances , a paramedic officers and a trauma doctor were sent @ @ @ @ @ We were called at 12.52pm to reports of a cardiac arrest at Lea Hall train @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman said .
`` We sent two ambulances , a paramedic officer and a MERIT @ @ @ @ @ . ''
A British Transport Police spokesman said : `` British Transport Police were called @ @ @ @ @ 1.02pm today ( July 30 ) , following a report of a medical incident .

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A city train station was shut after a man suffered a cardiac arrest.
Emergency services were called to Lea Hall Station shortly before 1pm today - July 30 - following reports of a man having a cardiac arrest.
Ambulance crews and the British Transport Police flooded the scene on Lea Hall Road.
Pictures taken from outside the station show a large number of emergency vehicles at the scene.
The station was reportedly sealed off earlier this afternoon and commuters advised to find alternative routes.
Emergency crews have since left the scene.
West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed two ambulances, a paramedic officers and a trauma doctor were sent to the incident.
"We were called at 12.52pm to reports of a cardiac arrest at Lea Hall train station," a WMAS spokeswoman said.
"We sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a MERIT trauma doctor to the scene."
A British Transport Police spokesman said: "British Transport Police were called to Lea Hall station at 1.02pm today (July 30), following a report of a medical incident.
"Officers attended to support the ambulance service."


birminghammail--2020-07-30--Important shielding changes from Saturday August 1

The government has announced major changes for more than 2.2million people in England who have been 'shielding ' from coronavirus from Saturday August 1 .
Since March , millions of clinically vulnerable people have been in virtual hibernation .
In July some restrictions were lifted but from Saturday August 1 , the advice to shield ends completely .
What will change from August 1 ?
From Saturday 1 August , the 2.2million plus clinically vulnerable people in England will officially be told they no longer have to shield from the virus .
It will bring to an end a period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
People will be able to go out shopping and enjoy a coffee in a cafe or meal in a restaurant - providing you are not showing virus symptoms .
However you must try to maintain a two metre distance where possible if you 're in a social environment outside your bubble .
But at the same time as lifting restrictions on freedom of comment , the government is shutting down on support in regards to `` free food parcels medicine deliveries and care '' .
The priority access to supermarket deliveries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have registered by the July 17 cut off date .
From August 1 , The NHS Volunteer Responders service will be on hand `` if you need it '' .
According to the latest advice , these volunteers `` can deliver the food you buy , prescriptions and essential items '' .
The government has given the green light to return to work and a Covid 10 safe work place .
But the advice states to carry on working from home if you can still fulfill your job role from there .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help you to transition back to work safely and support you to keep to social distancing in your workplace ( if you can ’ t work from home ) . ''
Statutory Sick Pay will no longer be available `` on the basis of being clinically extremely vulnerable '' .
Can vulnerable children go to school ?
The guidelines state : `` Health services will be in touch with children and their families over the summer , ahead of the new school term , to discuss what the new evidence means for them @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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The government has announced major changes for more than 2.2million people in England who have been 'shielding' from coronavirus from Saturday August 1.
Since March, millions of clinically vulnerable people have been in virtual hibernation. In July some restrictions were lifted but from Saturday August 1, the advice to shield ends completely.
What will change from August 1?
From Saturday 1 August, the 2.2million plus clinically vulnerable people in England will officially be told they no longer have to shield from the virus.
It will bring to an end a period of isolation lasting more than four months.
People will be able to go out shopping and enjoy a coffee in a cafe or meal in a restaurant - providing you are not showing virus symptoms.
However you must try to maintain a two metre distance where possible if you're in a social environment outside your bubble.
But at the same time as lifting restrictions on freedom of comment, the government is shutting down on support in regards to "free food parcels medicine deliveries and care".
The priority access to supermarket deliveries, will remain in place - if you have registered by the July 17 cut off date.
From August 1, The NHS Volunteer Responders service will be on hand "if you need it".
According to the latest advice, these volunteers "can deliver the food you buy, prescriptions and essential items".
Back to work and Statutory Sick Pay
The government has given the green light to return to work and a Covid 10 safe work place.
But the advice states to carry on working from home if you can still fulfill your job role from there.
The guidelines say: "Your employer should help you to transition back to work safely and support you to keep to social distancing in your workplace (if you can’t work from home)."
Statutory Sick Pay will no longer be available "on the basis of being clinically extremely vulnerable".
Can vulnerable children go to school?
The guidelines state: "Health services will be in touch with children and their families over the summer, ahead of the new school term, to discuss what the new evidence means for them personally in the longer term."


birminghammail--2020-07-30--Fears of drunks in dressing gowns as shop gets licence in West Brom

Early morning pyjama-clad boozers are making life miserable for people in a West Bromwich street , it has been claimed .
The sight of drunks in dressing gowns came to light as Sandwell councillors were asked to grant an alcohol licence to a proposed store on Bromford Lane .
Licensing committee members were told an objector had contacted the authority saying : “ We already have two premises selling alcohol that are on the street and we can see regular drinkers walking along , some in dressing gowns , in the morning drinking alcohol from bottles and cans that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed the shop would add to parking and traffic problems on the lane in an area ‘ where it is obvious alcohol is a problem for some people ’ , pleading : “ Enough is enough.
” Patrick Burke , representing the applicants , said his clients had many years experience in retail , including selling alcohol , and their store was still being built and had not opened yet .
In reference to early morning drinking he said : “ The objector states there are regulars who walk down the road in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clients can not be blamed for anything that is already happening , if it is already happening .
“ This is a busy road and whatever this shop opens up as it will always be a busy road and issues of parking and traffic are not relevant to the licensing objectives.
” He reminded the committee that guidance to councils required licensing decisions to be based on evidence and not on what might happen .
He added there was only one objector , while the police had raised no concerns .
After taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the objector had not evidenced their fears .

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Early morning pyjama-clad boozers are making life miserable for people in a West Bromwich street, it has been claimed.
The sight of drunks in dressing gowns came to light as Sandwell councillors were asked to grant an alcohol licence to a proposed store on Bromford Lane.
Licensing committee members were told an objector had contacted the authority saying: “We already have two premises selling alcohol that are on the street and we can see regular drinkers walking along, some in dressing gowns, in the morning drinking alcohol from bottles and cans that are then dumped.”
The unnamed complainant also claimed the shop would add to parking and traffic problems on the lane in an area ‘where it is obvious alcohol is a problem for some people’, pleading: “Enough is enough.”
Patrick Burke, representing the applicants, said his clients had many years experience in retail, including selling alcohol, and their store was still being built and had not opened yet.
In reference to early morning drinking he said: “The objector states there are regulars who walk down the road in the early morning drinking.
”My clients cannot be blamed for anything that is already happening, if it is already happening.
“This is a busy road and whatever this shop opens up as it will always be a busy road and issues of parking and traffic are not relevant to the licensing objectives.”
He reminded the committee that guidance to councils required licensing decisions to be based on evidence and not on what might happen.
He added there was only one objector, while the police had raised no concerns.
After taking legal advice councillors granted the application saying the objector had not evidenced their fears.


birminghammail--2020-07-30--Helen McCourt's mum waits to hear whether release of killer will be reviewed

A pensioner is waiting to hear whether judges will order a review of a Parole Board decision to release a man convicted of murdering her 22-year-old daughter more than 30 years ago .
Marie McCourt , 77 , of Billinge , Merseyside , says former pub landlord Ian Simms should not be released from jail until he reveals where Helen McCourt 's body is hidden .
She claims a November 2019 Parole Board decision to release Simms , now 64 , on licence was wrong and should be reviewed .
Two judges finished considering her judicial review application at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lady Justice Macur and Mr Justice Chamberlain are expected to deliver a ruling in the near future .
Judges heard Ms McCourt was murdered in Billinge in February 1988 , while on her way home .
Simms was found guilty of her abduction and murder after a trial at Liverpool Crown Court in March 1989 and given a life sentence , with a minimum term of 16 years .
He says Mrs McCourt 's application should be dismissed .
Simms , who was released on licence early this year , has always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday : `` I am pleased that I have had the opportunity to take my case to the High Court .
`` The decision is now in the hands of the court .
`` All I can do now is hope and pray that justice will be done . ''
Ms McCourt would have turned 55 on Wednesday - the day the High Court hearing began .
Mrs McCourt added : `` It has been particularly hard bringing this action on what would have been my daughter 's 55th birthday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just for her but for all the other families who will find themselves in this situation .
`` I have taken this stand in the public interest . ''

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A pensioner is waiting to hear whether judges will order a review of a Parole Board decision to release a man convicted of murdering her 22-year-old daughter more than 30 years ago.
Marie McCourt, 77, of Billinge, Merseyside, says former pub landlord Ian Simms should not be released from jail until he reveals where Helen McCourt's body is hidden.
She claims a November 2019 Parole Board decision to release Simms, now 64, on licence was wrong and should be reviewed.
Two judges finished considering her judicial review application at a virtual two-day High Court hearing on Thursday.
Lady Justice Macur and Mr Justice Chamberlain are expected to deliver a ruling in the near future.
Judges heard Ms McCourt was murdered in Billinge in February 1988, while on her way home.
(Image: Daily Mirror)
Simms was found guilty of her abduction and murder after a trial at Liverpool Crown Court in March 1989 and given a life sentence, with a minimum term of 16 years.
He says Mrs McCourt's application should be dismissed.
Simms, who was released on licence early this year, has always maintained his innocence.
Mrs McCourt said on Thursday: "I am pleased that I have had the opportunity to take my case to the High Court.
"The decision is now in the hands of the court.
"All I can do now is hope and pray that justice will be done."
Ms McCourt would have turned 55 on Wednesday - the day the High Court hearing began.
Mrs McCourt added: "It has been particularly hard bringing this action on what would have been my daughter's 55th birthday.
"But I had to do it, not just for her but for all the other families who will find themselves in this situation.
"I have taken this stand in the public interest."


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Fire rips through two homes and a conservatory

A huge fire has ripped through two houses and a conservatory in Tividale .
There are currently around 40 firefighters @ @ @ @ @ Way , which broke out just after 11am this morning ( Friday , July 31 @ @ @ @ @ using a hydraulic platform to extinguish the flames from above .
It is not known @ @ @ @ @ but West Midlands Ambulance Service has sent an ambulance and paramedic officer to the scene @ @ @ @ @ Midlands Fire Service said : `` The call came in at 11.11am to Temple Way @ @ @ @ @ fire involves two terraced houses and one conservatory .
We have around 40 firefighters at @ @ @ @ @ are trying to stop the spread of the fire through the roof space . ''
@ @ @ @ @ is currently unknown .
Officers from West Midlands Police are also in attendance .
Black @ @ @ @ @ force for comment .

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A huge fire has ripped through two houses and a conservatory in Tividale.
There are currently around 40 firefighters tackling the blaze in Temple Way, which broke out just after 11am this morning (Friday, July 31).
Crews are also using a hydraulic platform to extinguish the flames from above.
It is not known if there are any injuries but West Midlands Ambulance Service has sent an ambulance and paramedic officer to the scene.
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "The call came in at 11.11am to Temple Way in Tividale.
"The fire involves two terraced houses and one conservatory. We have around 40 firefighters at the scene.
"Crews are trying to stop the spread of the fire through the roof space."
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The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
Officers from West Midlands Police are also in attendance.
Black Country Live has contacted the force for comment.


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Aston Villa quoted fee for John Swift deal from Reading

Aston Villa will have to pay only a modest fee to sign John Swift from Reading , according to reports .
Swift , 25 , is reported to be a target for Villa in the summer transfer window having impressed in the Championship .
According to the Reading Chronicle , Villa are among the sides weighing up a move for the midfielder , who scored six goals and provided 10 assists in the 2019/20 season .
It was claimed Swift is seen as a potential replacement for Jack Grealish should the Villa captain move on amid interest from Manchester United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here The same paper reports Swift would be available for just £6m with Reading having to cash in on key assets to balance the books .
Sheffield United are thought to have made a bid for the former England under-21 international who joined the Royals from Chelsea five years ago , while Leeds United have also been linked after their promotion to the Premier League .
Villa appointed Johan Lange as their new sporting director this week after Jesus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also known as 'Suso ' - was tasked with overseeing the club 's recruitment strategy last summer as Villa spent £140million on 12 new players following promotion to the top-flight .
But he came under increasing scrutiny as Dean Smith 's side flirted with relegation before surviving by a point .

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Aston Villa will have to pay only a modest fee to sign John Swift from Reading, according to reports.
Swift, 25, is reported to be a target for Villa in the summer transfer window having impressed in the Championship.
According to the Reading Chronicle, Villa are among the sides weighing up a move for the midfielder, who scored six goals and provided 10 assists in the 2019/20 season.
It was claimed Swift is seen as a potential replacement for Jack Grealish should the Villa captain move on amid interest from Manchester United.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
The same paper reports Swift would be available for just £6m with Reading having to cash in on key assets to balance the books.
Sheffield United are thought to have made a bid for the former England under-21 international who joined the Royals from Chelsea five years ago, while Leeds United have also been linked after their promotion to the Premier League.
Villa appointed Johan Lange as their new sporting director this week after Jesus Garcia Pitarch's departure.
Pitarch - also known as 'Suso' - was tasked with overseeing the club's recruitment strategy last summer as Villa spent £140million on 12 new players following promotion to the top-flight.
But he came under increasing scrutiny as Dean Smith's side flirted with relegation before surviving by a point.


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Boris Johnson bans 7 places from reopening tomorrow - full list

The further easing of lockdown restrictions in England due on August 1 including allowing small wedding receptions and the reopening of bowling alleys and casinos , has been postponed for at least two weeks , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said .
The PM has confirmed the postponement of the reopening of casinos , ice rinks , bowling alleys in England for a fortnight .
He also said wedding gatherings of more than 30 people could not go ahead , as indoor restrictions would continue for another two weeks .
They were due to lift tomorrow .
The Prime Minister says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had warned further lockdowns were possible .
Boris Johnson said : “ I wont stand by and allow this virus threaten to cause more heartache and more pain in this country.
” Face coverings rules will be extended to more indoor settings .
Museums , art galleries , cinemas and places of worship will be affected .
The Prime Minister said the new law would kick in from August 9 .
He added the plan to reopen the economy was “ conditional.
” “ We would not hesitate to put the brake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from reopening are : The Prime Minister opened his press conference at noon by saying he has consistently warned of ‘ swift and decisive action ’ on coronavirus outbreaks .
The PM said the number of daily deaths and people on ventilators in the UK is going down .
However he explained that the government has reacted to a fresh rise in community transmission .
Millions in Greater Manchester , parts of east Lancashire , and West Yorkshire are banned from indoor meetings after the government imposed stricter lockdown measures last night .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdowns just hours before the rules came into force , with millions saying they felt left in the dark .
The new restrictions are set to be laid out in new laws today , and will mean people are unable to mix in private homes but can still go to pubs and restaurants as long as they only attend with members of their own household .

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The further easing of lockdown restrictions in England due on August 1 including allowing small wedding receptions and the reopening of bowling alleys and casinos, has been postponed for at least two weeks, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.
The PM has confirmed the postponement of the reopening of casinos, ice rinks, bowling alleys in England for a fortnight.
He also said wedding gatherings of more than 30 people could not go ahead, as indoor restrictions would continue for another two weeks.
They were due to lift tomorrow.
The Prime Minister says the government must act rapidly, adding he had warned further lockdowns were possible.
Boris Johnson said: “I wont stand by and allow this virus threaten to cause more heartache and more pain in this country.”
Face coverings rules will be extended to more indoor settings.
Museums, art galleries, cinemas and places of worship will be affected.
The Prime Minister said the new law would kick in from August 9.
He added the plan to reopen the economy was “conditional.”
“We would not hesitate to put the brake on as required.”
The places banned from reopening are:
Bowling alleys, casinos, ice rinks
Beauty services
Wedding venues
Indoor theatres
Concert venues
The Prime Minister opened his press conference at noon by saying he has consistently warned of ‘swift and decisive action’ on coronavirus outbreaks.
The PM said the number of daily deaths and people on ventilators in the UK is going down.
However he explained that the government has reacted to a fresh rise in community transmission.
Millions in Greater Manchester, parts of east Lancashire, and West Yorkshire are banned from indoor meetings after the government imposed stricter lockdown measures last night.
Heath Secretary Matt Hancock announced the new lockdowns just hours before the rules came into force, with millions saying they felt left in the dark.
The new restrictions are set to be laid out in new laws today, and will mean people are unable to mix in private homes but can still go to pubs and restaurants as long as they only attend with members of their own household.


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Worker 'hit by car' at recycling centre - appeal for witnesses

An appeal has been launched by police after a tip worker was hit by a car in Worcestershire .
The incident took place at the Malvern Recycling Centre in Gloucester Close between 1pm and 1.30pm on Thursday , July 16 .
A Peugeot 308 driver is said to have allegedly ‘ ignored road markings and queueing traffic ’ before hitting a staff member who was directing traffic , despite them wearing a high vis uniform .
A spokeswoman for West Mercia Police said : “ We are appealing for witnesses after an incident at Malvern Recycling Centre on Thursday 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a member of the recycling centre staff was in collision with a Peugeot 308 .
`` The recycling centre was busy at the time , with queuing vehicles , the driver of the Peugeot appears to have ignored the road markings and queuing traffic before colliding with the member of staff dressed in high visibility uniform who was directing the traffic .
“ If you were at the recycling centre and saw this incident or have information please contact us on 101 quoting reference 22/58982/20 .
“ Alternatively report to us online www.westmercia.police.uk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .
West Midlands Ambulance Service said they did not attend the incident .

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An appeal has been launched by police after a tip worker was hit by a car in Worcestershire.
The incident took place at the Malvern Recycling Centre in Gloucester Close between 1pm and 1.30pm on Thursday, July 16.
A Peugeot 308 driver is said to have allegedly ‘ignored road markings and queueing traffic’ before hitting a staff member who was directing traffic, despite them wearing a high vis uniform.
A spokeswoman for West Mercia Police said: “We are appealing for witnesses after an incident at Malvern Recycling Centre on Thursday 16 July.
“Between 1pm and 1.30pm a member of the recycling centre staff was in collision with a Peugeot 308.
"The recycling centre was busy at the time, with queuing vehicles, the driver of the Peugeot appears to have ignored the road markings and queuing traffic before colliding with the member of staff dressed in high visibility uniform who was directing the traffic.
“If you were at the recycling centre and saw this incident or have information please contact us on 101 quoting reference 22/58982/20.
“Alternatively report to us online www.westmercia.police.uk tell us about section.” Anonymous reports can be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said they did not attend the incident.


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Appeal after pregnant cashier threatened in knifepoint raid

A pregnant woman was threatened by a weapon-wielding raider who targeted a Wolverhampton bookmakers .
The cashier was forced to hand over the contents of the till during the knifepoint raid at Coral in Linthouse Lane .
West Midlands Police said the woman was left `` extremely shaken '' by the ordeal .
Officers have now released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the incident which happened at 4.30pm on Saturday , July 4 .
A spokesman for the force said : `` Do you know who this man is ?
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pregnant cashier was forced to hand over money at knifepoint during a robbery at Coral bookmakers in Wolverhampton earlier this month .
`` A man armed with a knife entered the shop in Linthouse Lane at just after 4.30pm on Saturday , July 4 , and demanded the woman give him the contents of the till .
`` The cashier was not injured but was understandably left extremely shaken by the incident . ''
Anyone with any information can contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight .
Alternatively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anonymous , contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .
People are asked to quote crime number 20WV/155269A/20 when passing on information .

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A pregnant woman was threatened by a weapon-wielding raider who targeted a Wolverhampton bookmakers.
The cashier was forced to hand over the contents of the till during the knifepoint raid at Coral in Linthouse Lane.
West Midlands Police said the woman was left "extremely shaken" by the ordeal.
Officers have now released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the incident which happened at 4.30pm on Saturday, July 4.
A spokesman for the force said: "Do you know who this man is?
"We want to speak to him after a pregnant cashier was forced to hand over money at knifepoint during a robbery at Coral bookmakers in Wolverhampton earlier this month.
"A man armed with a knife entered the shop in Linthouse Lane at just after 4.30pm on Saturday, July 4, and demanded the woman give him the contents of the till.
"The cashier was not injured but was understandably left extremely shaken by the incident."
Anyone with any information can contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight.
Alternatively, call 101 anytime or to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
People are asked to quote crime number 20WV/155269A/20 when passing on information.


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Coronavirus lockdown changes from August 1 cancelled at last minute

Casinos and ice rink re-openings are off the cards as the government scrambles to postpone lockdown changes .
Plans to reopen bowling alleys , casinos and ice rinks in England from tomorrow will be postponed .
On 17 July , Boris Johnson held a press conference to announce sweeping relaxations of lockdown rules .
These were expected to take effect from tomorrow , Saturday August 1 .
The Prime Minister said he wanted to “ allow a more significant return to normality from November , at the earliest , possibly in time for Christmas.
” He also announced bowling alleys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salons could all reopen .
And wedding receptions of up to 30 people were also to be allowed .
The decision to scrap the changes comes as Mr Johnson and England 's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty prepare for a press conference at midday from 10 Downing Street .
The Government is today facing a backlash over its announcement of new coronavirus rules for millions of people in northern England .
Commenting on new lockdown restrictions affecting people in Greater Manchester , East Lancashire and West Yorkshire , Labour leader Keir Starmer said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Government .
Writing on Twitter , he said : `` Despite poor communication from the Government , it 's crucial that we all follow the advice to help prevent another outbreak .
`` If you live in Greater Manchester , East Lancashire , West Yorkshire or Leicester City please follow the new restrictions .
`` Please do not meet anyone from another household inside a home or garden ( except if from your support bubble ) , visit someone else 's home or garden even if they live outside the affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in your household in other indoor public venues . ''
In a statement on the latest lockdown measures , Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said : `` Given the infection levels in parts of the country , and international warnings of a resurgence in the virus , Labour understands why measures have had to be taken to bring infection rates down .
`` The virus remains widely distributed across the UK and yesterday 's official statistics confirming we have had the highest excess death rate in Europe is a clear reminder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consequences .
`` But the way in which the Government has made the announcement has caused widespread confusion , anxiety and upset . ''
Labour has called on the Government to answer 12 questions on the situation , including : what is the guidance for clinically extremely vulnerable people in these areas ?
And what is the evidence behind pausing shielding for these groups given the local peaks ? ''

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Casinos and ice rink re-openings are off the cards as the government scrambles to postpone lockdown changes.
Plans to reopen bowling alleys, casinos and ice rinks in England from tomorrow will be postponed.
On 17 July, Boris Johnson held a press conference to announce sweeping relaxations of lockdown rules.
These were expected to take effect from tomorrow, Saturday August 1.
The Prime Minister said he wanted to “allow a more significant return to normality from November, at the earliest, possibly in time for Christmas.”
He also announced bowling alleys, skating rinks, casinos and beauty salons could all reopen.
And wedding receptions of up to 30 people were also to be allowed.
(Image: PA)
The decision to scrap the changes comes as Mr Johnson and England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty prepare for a press conference at midday from 10 Downing Street.
The Government is today facing a backlash over its announcement of new coronavirus rules for millions of people in northern England.
Commenting on new lockdown restrictions affecting people in Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and West Yorkshire, Labour leader Keir Starmer said there had been "poor communication" from the Government.
Writing on Twitter, he said: "Despite poor communication from the Government, it's crucial that we all follow the advice to help prevent another outbreak.
"If you live in Greater Manchester, East Lancashire, West Yorkshire or Leicester City please follow the new restrictions.
"Please do not meet anyone from another household inside a home or garden (except if from your support bubble), visit someone else's home or garden even if they live outside the affected areas, or socialise with people not in your household in other indoor public venues."
In a statement on the latest lockdown measures, Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: "Given the infection levels in parts of the country, and international warnings of a resurgence in the virus, Labour understands why measures have had to be taken to bring infection rates down.
"The virus remains widely distributed across the UK and yesterday's official statistics confirming we have had the highest excess death rate in Europe is a clear reminder that being slow to act has devastating consequences.
"But the way in which the Government has made the announcement has caused widespread confusion, anxiety and upset."
Labour has called on the Government to answer 12 questions on the situation, including: what is the guidance for clinically extremely vulnerable people in these areas? And what is the evidence behind pausing shielding for these groups given the local peaks?"


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Breaking - Emergency incident team set up over Covid surge in Sandwell

An emergency incident has been declared amid continued fears about surges in infections in Smethwick and West Bromwich .
Sandwell Council is asking all residents to STOP allowing visitors to their homes other than 'essential ' visits , for shielded people to continue to stay home and for anyone with symptoms to get a test .
The move is one of a series of measures aiming to prevent a wider formal lockdown , an emergency meeting of the council has just heard .
An emergency incident management team has been set up today between council , public health and police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Sandwell has seen an alarming increase in the number of people contracting Covid-19 .
`` The latest data shows 85 confirmed cases in week up to July 28 - that represents a 500 % increase for the same period in June .
`` Nationally Sandwell now has the eighth highest rate of cases in the country .
`` The overall number of cases continues to rise rapidly , especially in Smethwick and West Bromwich .
`` It 's vital we do all we can to reduce transmission rates and prevent the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Matt Hancock said today the Government is prepared to take action across other parts of England if necessary .
Last night he announced emergency measures were being introduced in Greater Manchester and in parts of East Lancashire and West Yorkshire to reduce the risk of community transmission , particularly between households .
People have been told not to meet up with other households at home as part of new lockdown restrictions .
Mr Stevens , speaking at a virtual meeting this morning , said : `` Because of the number of cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the national watch list today as an area of concern .
`` This means we will have to detail our local plans to the national Government 's contain team .
`` We have sought support from the national programme and from Public Health England and thank them for their support .
`` The emergency plan sets out a broad range of actions we need the public to do to contain an outbreak . ''
He said an emergency incident management team would be set up today with council officers , health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incident .
The group would report to the regional strategic coordination group and on to government .
Its goal is to reduce the number of new cases and reduce the impact of the pandemic on the most vulnerable . ''
They will also work together to decide if a full 'local lockdown ' is needed .
`` Understanding what is driving transmission and its barriers are vital .
We will need to put in place measures to address those , building up on the excellent partnerships we have across the area and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consider any further steps and impact on local services .
Councillor Maria Crompton , acting leader , said : `` This is very serious .
Nobody is without risk of catching this awful virus .
It has already claimed many lives and it is absolutely everyone 's responsibility to stop and limit the spread of this virus .
`` We are targeting all available resources to assess the situation but every member of the community has a part to play .
`` We need to limit the risk of exposure .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone is showing symptoms do not leave home .
Wear face coverings in accordance with the guidelines .
`` We need to ask everyone to do your part . ''
The measures approved by the council 's emergency committee are to endorse the plans to keep Sandwell residents safe contained in the Sandwell COVID-19 Stay Safe In Sandwell document , and start a media campaign designed to take measures to avoid government instructing us to undertake a local lock down of Sandwell , appealing to our local residents to do three things • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so .
• Don ’ t have non-essential visitors in your home .
• If you have symptoms , self-isolate at home and book a test .
The moves would apply 'across Sandwell ' despite spikes being focussed in certain areas , including Smethwick and West Bromwich .
Added Mr Stevens : `` It is safer and more effective to apply this advice to all people living in Sandwell . ''

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An emergency incident has been declared amid continued fears about surges in infections in Smethwick and West Bromwich.
Sandwell Council is asking all residents to STOP allowing visitors to their homes other than 'essential' visits, for shielded people to continue to stay home and for anyone with symptoms to get a test.
The move is one of a series of measures aiming to prevent a wider formal lockdown, an emergency meeting of the council has just heard.
An emergency incident management team has been set up today between council, public health and police.
Chief executive David Stevens said today: "Sandwell has seen an alarming increase in the number of people contracting Covid-19.
"The latest data shows 85 confirmed cases in week up to July 28 - that represents a 500% increase for the same period in June.
"Nationally Sandwell now has the eighth highest rate of cases in the country.
"The overall number of cases continues to rise rapidly, especially in Smethwick and West Bromwich.
"It's vital we do all we can to reduce transmission rates and prevent the spread of the disease."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Added to 'national Watch List'
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said today the Government is prepared to take action across other parts of England if necessary.
Last night he announced emergency measures were being introduced in Greater Manchester and in parts of East Lancashire and West Yorkshire to reduce the risk of community transmission, particularly between households. People have been told not to meet up with other households at home as part of new lockdown restrictions.
Mr Stevens, speaking at a virtual meeting this morning, said: "Because of the number of cases it is likely Sandwell will be added to the national watch list today as an area of concern.
"This means we will have to detail our local plans to the national Government's contain team.
"We have sought support from the national programme and from Public Health England and thank them for their support.
"The emergency plan sets out a broad range of actions we need the public to do to contain an outbreak."
He said an emergency incident management team would be set up today with council officers, health and police would work together to deal with the incident.
The group would report to the regional strategic coordination group and on to government.
Its goal is to reduce the number of new cases and reduce the impact of the pandemic on the most vulnerable."
They will also work together to decide if a full 'local lockdown' is needed.
"Understanding what is driving transmission and its barriers are vital. We will need to put in place measures to address those, building up on the excellent partnerships we have across the area and region."
The team will also consider any further steps and impact on local services.
(Image: Sandwell Council.)
Councillor Maria Crompton, acting leader, said: "This is very serious. Nobody is without risk of catching this awful virus. It has already claimed many lives and it is absolutely everyone's responsibility to stop and limit the spread of this virus.
"We are targeting all available resources to assess the situation but every member of the community has a part to play.
"We need to limit the risk of exposure.
"I know how difficult it is but if anyone is showing symptoms do not leave home. Wear face coverings in accordance with the guidelines.
"We need to ask everyone to do your part."
The measures approved by the council's emergency committee are to endorse the plans to keep Sandwell residents safe contained in the Sandwell COVID-19 Stay Safe In Sandwell document, and start a media campaign designed to take measures to avoid government instructing us to undertake a local lock down of Sandwell, appealing to our local residents to do three things
• If you are shielding, continue to do so.
• Don’t have non-essential visitors in your home.
• If you have symptoms, self-isolate at home and book a test.
The moves would apply 'across Sandwell' despite spikes being focussed in certain areas, including Smethwick and West Bromwich.
Added Mr Stevens: "It is safer and more effective to apply this advice to all people living in Sandwell."


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Shamima Begum still can't return to UK as government appeal approved

The UK 's highest court will consider whether Shamima Begum should be allowed to return to the UK to challenge the deprivation of her British citizenship .
Ms Begum , now 20 , was one of three east London schoolgirls who travelled to Syria to join the so-called Islamic State group ( IS ) in February 2015 .
She lived under IS rule for more than three years before she was found , nine months pregnant , in a Syrian refugee camp in February last year .
Then-home secretary Sajid Javid revoked her British citizenship on national security grounds later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Court of Appeal ruled that `` the only way in which she can have a fair and effective appeal is to be permitted to come into the United Kingdom to pursue her appeal '' .
Lord Justice Flaux - sitting with Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Singh - said : `` Fairness and justice must , on the facts of this case , outweigh the national security concerns , so that the leave to enter appeals should be allowed . ''
The judge also found that `` the national security concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if she returns to the United Kingdom '' .
At a remote hearing on Friday , the Court of Appeal granted the Home Office permission to appeal against its ruling at the Supreme Court .
Lady Justice King said the case raised `` points of law of general public importance '' which should be considered by the UK 's highest court .
The judge also granted permission for Ms Begum 's lawyers to challenge the Court of Appeal 's decision that the absence of a fair and effective appeal did not mean her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Supreme Court accepting that part of the case .
Sir James Eadie QC , for the Home Office , earlier said there was `` a big issue at stake '' , namely `` what principles and approach should govern a case in which someone at present can not have a fair and effective hearing in a deprivation appeal , but they can not do so because they have placed themselves , not as a result of any of the Secretary of State 's actions , ( but ) where that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with terrorist groups '' .
Sir James said it was `` an issue of real pressing public importance '' which was `` perhaps the central democratic issue of our times '' .
He added : `` This can not be assumed to be unique or even , given the number of people who have aligned in this way , to be a highly unusual case . ''
Sir James said Ms Begum was `` in precisely the category that causes real concern '' .
He submitted that , while there may be `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the age she was when she left the jurisdiction ... she did leave the jurisdiction with the intention of , and then did align with violent extremists in Syria '' .
The court also heard that the apparent leaking of the Court of Appeal 's draft judgment `` or the essential contents of that judgment '' to The Sun ahead of its formal publication would be referred to the Attorney General .
At the outset of Friday 's hearing , Lady Justice King said : `` There was a breach of the embargo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until hand down , the judgment having been circulated to the parties on July 9 .
`` Either a copy of that judgment , or the essential contents of that judgment , were disclosed or passed on to The Sun national newspaper in advance of the judgment being handed down on July 16 . ''
The judge added that `` the article was removed during the course of the night '' before the Court of Appeal gave its ruling .
Lady Justice King also said that the article `` rightly or wrongly referred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been the source of the information '' .
She said : `` We intend to report that matter to the Attorney General . ''
Sir James told the court that Sir Jonathan Jones , the head of the Government Legal Department , was conducting an investigation into the leak and would provide a final report on the matter in two to four weeks .
He added that there was `` no suggestion or accusation that it was the appellant ( Ms Begum ) or someone on her legal team who might be responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not assume it was Her Majesty 's Government '' .
Ms Begum was one of three schoolgirls from Bethnal Green Academy who left their homes and families to join IS , shortly after Sharmeena Begum , who is no relation , travelled to Syria in December 2014 .
Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase , then 16 and 15 respectively , and Ms Begum boarded a flight from Gatwick Airport to Istanbul , Turkey , on February 17 2015 , before making their way to Raqqa in Syria .
Ms Begum claims she married @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arriving in IS territory , with all three of her school friends also reportedly marrying foreign IS fighters .
She told The Times last February that she left Raqqa in January 2017 with her husband but her children , a one-year-old girl and a three-month-old boy , had both since died .
Her third child died shortly after he was born .

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The UK's highest court will consider whether Shamima Begum should be allowed to return to the UK to challenge the deprivation of her British citizenship.
Ms Begum, now 20, was one of three east London schoolgirls who travelled to Syria to join the so-called Islamic State group (IS) in February 2015.
She lived under IS rule for more than three years before she was found, nine months pregnant, in a Syrian refugee camp in February last year.
Then-home secretary Sajid Javid revoked her British citizenship on national security grounds later that month.
Earlier this month, the Court of Appeal ruled that "the only way in which she can have a fair and effective appeal is to be permitted to come into the United Kingdom to pursue her appeal".
Lord Justice Flaux - sitting with Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Singh - said: "Fairness and justice must, on the facts of this case, outweigh the national security concerns, so that the leave to enter appeals should be allowed."
The judge also found that "the national security concerns about her could be addressed and managed if she returns to the United Kingdom".
At a remote hearing on Friday, the Court of Appeal granted the Home Office permission to appeal against its ruling at the Supreme Court.
Lady Justice King said the case raised "points of law of general public importance" which should be considered by the UK's highest court.
(Image: Sky News)
The judge also granted permission for Ms Begum's lawyers to challenge the Court of Appeal's decision that the absence of a fair and effective appeal did not mean her British citizenship should be restored, subject to the Supreme Court accepting that part of the case.
Sir James Eadie QC, for the Home Office, earlier said there was "a big issue at stake", namely "what principles and approach should govern a case in which someone at present cannot have a fair and effective hearing in a deprivation appeal, but they cannot do so because they have placed themselves, not as a result of any of the Secretary of State's actions, (but) where that is the result of going abroad and aligning with terrorist groups".
Sir James said it was "an issue of real pressing public importance" which was "perhaps the central democratic issue of our times".
He added: "This cannot be assumed to be unique or even, given the number of people who have aligned in this way, to be a highly unusual case."
Sir James said Ms Begum was "in precisely the category that causes real concern".
He submitted that, while there may be "some potential for sympathy in light of the age she was when she left the jurisdiction ... she did leave the jurisdiction with the intention of, and then did align with violent extremists in Syria".
The court also heard that the apparent leaking of the Court of Appeal's draft judgment "or the essential contents of that judgment" to The Sun ahead of its formal publication would be referred to the Attorney General.
At the outset of Friday's hearing, Lady Justice King said: "There was a breach of the embargo which preserved the confidentiality of the judgment until hand down, the judgment having been circulated to the parties on July 9.
"Either a copy of that judgment, or the essential contents of that judgment, were disclosed or passed on to The Sun national newspaper in advance of the judgment being handed down on July 16."
The judge added that "the article was removed during the course of the night" before the Court of Appeal gave its ruling.
Lady Justice King also said that the article "rightly or wrongly referred to 'senior Government sources' as having been the source of the information".
She said: "We intend to report that matter to the Attorney General."
Sir James told the court that Sir Jonathan Jones, the head of the Government Legal Department, was conducting an investigation into the leak and would provide a final report on the matter in two to four weeks.
He added that there was "no suggestion or accusation that it was the appellant (Ms Begum) or someone on her legal team who might be responsible", but that "one cannot assume it was Her Majesty's Government".
Ms Begum was one of three schoolgirls from Bethnal Green Academy who left their homes and families to join IS, shortly after Sharmeena Begum, who is no relation, travelled to Syria in December 2014.
Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase, then 16 and 15 respectively, and Ms Begum boarded a flight from Gatwick Airport to Istanbul, Turkey, on February 17 2015, before making their way to Raqqa in Syria.
Ms Begum claims she married Dutch convert Yago Riedijk 10 days after arriving in IS territory, with all three of her school friends also reportedly marrying foreign IS fighters.
She told The Times last February that she left Raqqa in January 2017 with her husband but her children, a one-year-old girl and a three-month-old boy, had both since died.
Her third child died shortly after he was born.