birminghammail--2020-09-01--Confirmed: Birmingham City announce Adam Clayton signing

Adam Clayton has become Birmingham City ’ s sixth signing of the window , after his free transfer was confirmed .
The former Middlesbrough midfielder , will link back up with Aitor Karanka and has signed a two-year deal at St Andrew ’ s .
Clayton follows ex- Boro teammate George Friend , attacking midfielders Jon Toral and Ivan Sanchez , winger Jonathan Leko and goalkeeper Andres Prieto , as Karanka continues to shape his squad .
Manchester-born Clayton , 31 , has huge experience in the Championship , having played over 300 matches in the second tier for Boro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as Leeds United and Huddersfield Town .
Clayton adds another option for the new Blues boss at the heart of their midfield , joining Ivan Sunjic , Gary Gardner , Maikel Kieftenbeld , David Davis , Charlie Lakin and the injured Josh McEachran .
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Blues signed off their pre-season preparations on Tuesday , with a comfortable , 3-0 win over a much-changed Walsall team .
Goals from Agus Medina , Amari Miller and Odin Bailey ensured Karanka ’ s side will go into Saturday ’ s Carabao Cup tie with @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Adam Clayton has become Birmingham City’s sixth signing of the window, after his free transfer was confirmed.
The former Middlesbrough midfielder, will link back up with Aitor Karanka and has signed a two-year deal at St Andrew’s.
Clayton follows ex- Boro teammate George Friend, attacking midfielders Jon Toral and Ivan Sanchez, winger Jonathan Leko and goalkeeper Andres Prieto, as Karanka continues to shape his squad.
Manchester-born Clayton, 31, has huge experience in the Championship, having played over 300 matches in the second tier for Boro - many of those under Karanka - as well as Leeds United and Huddersfield Town.
Clayton adds another option for the new Blues boss at the heart of their midfield, joining Ivan Sunjic, Gary Gardner, Maikel Kieftenbeld, David Davis, Charlie Lakin and the injured Josh McEachran.
Join our new fantasy league Do you think you’re a hot hand at Fantasy Premier League? Do you back yourself to play your chips in the right gameweeks, and nail your captain every single time? Now is your chance to prove it – and win some prizes in the process. Reach Fantasy Football Live (RFFL) is a brand-new FPL community, which will bring you weekly tips and hints on how to get the very best out of your team from the first kick of the season until the last. By signing up, you will also be given the code for our exclusive, private league, with the winner receiving: £250 A 2020/21 replica football shirt of your choice The inaugural RFFL winner’s trophy and certificate To enter, simply sign up here. You will then receive an invite code to join the Reach Fantasy Football Live league, where you will be pitted against fellow fans, with the person who comes out on top taking home the prizes at the end of the campaign. What’s more, you’ll receive a weekly bonus newsletter to help you in your quest to lift the RFFL trophy – and win some cash and kit.
Blues signed off their pre-season preparations on Tuesday, with a comfortable, 3-0 win over a much-changed Walsall team.
Goals from Agus Medina, Amari Miller and Odin Bailey ensured Karanka’s side will go into Saturday’s Carabao Cup tie with an extra spring in their step.


birminghammail--2020-09-01--Strictly Come Dancing 2020 - this year's line-up so far

Actress Caroline Quentin , former NFL star Jason Bell and The Wanted singer Max George are the first three famous faces confirmed to appear in Strictly Come Dancing .
The Men Behaving Badly actress was the first contestant to be unveiled during The One Show on BBC One .
She said : `` I am thrilled and terrified in equal measure to be taking part . ''
Asked about her previous dancing experience , Quentin joked on The One Show it had been 50 years since she had tried any of it .
She said : `` Like most little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age of three , until , I suppose I did ballet seriously until I was about 12 , and then after that I did a bit of modern dance and a little bit of tap and things like that .
`` What I 'd say is I do remember some of what I 've learned but my knees are 50 years older than the last time I attempted any of it .
And it 's my knees and my under garments that are troubling me most as a notion at the moment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants , is best known to UK audiences as the host of The NFL Show on the BBC , alongside Osi Umenyiora , with whom he also hosts The Jason & Osi Podcast .
He was unveiled second on the show and said : `` Strictly is the epitome of British television and this year , more than ever , I 'm so proud and humbled to be participating .
`` Strictly was the first show I ever watched when I moved to the UK and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My six-year-old daughter never got the chance to see me run out on the field at an NFL game but she is very excited about me taking to the dancefloor .
I hope I can do her proud . ''
George was the third star to be unveiled and will follow in the footsteps of his former bandmate Jay McGuiness , who won the show in 2015 with professional partner Aliona Vilani .
The musician , who is also an actor and appeared as Clint in the sixth series of Glee , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year .
Not really one for the dancefloor , but I take a lot of comfort in the fact that Jay McGuiness set The Wanted 's bar so low . ''
The show will be shorter this year because of precautions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic .
Bruno Tonioli will be missing from the judging panel for Saturday night shows when the series returns later this year because he is in Los Angeles , where he is on the panel for the US version of the show , Dancing With The Stars , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back and forth .
However , he will be involved remotely in the Sunday night results show each week and will return to the show full-time towards the end of the series .
Shirley Ballas , Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood are all expected to return to their judging roles .
The show would usually return at the end of September , with the final just before Christmas , but its 2020 launch is expected to be slightly delayed .

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Actress Caroline Quentin, former NFL star Jason Bell and The Wanted singer Max George are the first three famous faces confirmed to appear in Strictly Come Dancing.
The Men Behaving Badly actress was the first contestant to be unveiled during The One Show on BBC One.
She said: "I am thrilled and terrified in equal measure to be taking part."
(Image: PA)
Asked about her previous dancing experience, Quentin joked on The One Show it had been 50 years since she had tried any of it.
She said: "Like most little girls, I did ballet from the age of three, until, I suppose I did ballet seriously until I was about 12, and then after that I did a bit of modern dance and a little bit of tap and things like that.
"What I'd say is I do remember some of what I've learned but my knees are 50 years older than the last time I attempted any of it. And it's my knees and my under garments that are troubling me most as a notion at the moment."
(Image: BBC)
Bell, who used to play for the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants, is best known to UK audiences as the host of The NFL Show on the BBC, alongside Osi Umenyiora, with whom he also hosts The Jason & Osi Podcast.
He was unveiled second on the show and said: "Strictly is the epitome of British television and this year, more than ever, I'm so proud and humbled to be participating.
"Strictly was the first show I ever watched when I moved to the UK and I'm a massive fan.
"My six-year-old daughter never got the chance to see me run out on the field at an NFL game but she is very excited about me taking to the dancefloor. I hope I can do her proud."
(Image: PA)
George was the third star to be unveiled and will follow in the footsteps of his former bandmate Jay McGuiness, who won the show in 2015 with professional partner Aliona Vilani.
The musician, who is also an actor and appeared as Clint in the sixth series of Glee, said: "Buzzing to be on Strictly this year. Not really one for the dancefloor, but I take a lot of comfort in the fact that Jay McGuiness set The Wanted's bar so low."
The show will be shorter this year because of precautions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
Bruno Tonioli will be missing from the judging panel for Saturday night shows when the series returns later this year because he is in Los Angeles, where he is on the panel for the US version of the show, Dancing With The Stars, and will not be able to travel back and forth.
However, he will be involved remotely in the Sunday night results show each week and will return to the show full-time towards the end of the series.
Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood are all expected to return to their judging roles.
The show would usually return at the end of September, with the final just before Christmas, but its 2020 launch is expected to be slightly delayed.


birminghammail--2020-09-01--Ollie Watkins responds to viral Aston Villa transfer theory

`` That was n't me , lad '' was Ollie Watkins ' quick-fire response to a viral photo doing the rounds on social media involving Aston Villa boss Dean Smith and his back-room staff conducting a meeting at a local pub .
Assistants John Terry and Craig Shakespeare can be seen alongside Smith and his team in a private room of a country pub after a training session at Bodymoor Heath .
The sneaky snap has been put out on all social media platforms but , after being posted by @ _Villa_news_ on Instagram , well-documented transfer target Watkins was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the image .
The caption read : 'Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins spotted in the Fig and Olive with Aston Villa backroom staff ... ' .
Watkins , 24 , who was left out of Brentford 's third-successive pre-season friendly today against Oxford , replied : `` That was n't me , lad . ''
with two crying face emojis .
Watkins , of course , remains Villa 's top priority with Brentford valuing last season 's Championship player of the year at £25 million .
The Bees , though , have since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in League One hot-shot Ivan Toney from Peterborough .
Regarding today 's viral snap , Smith and his back-room team enjoyed a quiet pint while dissecting their latest training session , targets and hopes for the season ahead .
Despite wide-ranging reports , our colleagues at NottinghamshireLive have informed us Villa are yet to reach an agreement to sign Forest right-back Matty Cash who 's valued at £15 million .
Do you think you ’ re a hot hand at Fantasy Premier League ?
Do you back yourself to play your chips in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captain every single time ?
Now is your chance to prove it – and win some prizes in the process .
Reach Fantasy Football Live ( RFFL ) is a brand-new FPL community , which will bring you weekly tips and hints on how to get the very best out of your team from the first kick of the season until the last .
By signing up , you will also be given the code for our exclusive , private league , with the winner receiving : To enter , simply sign up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invite code to join the Reach Fantasy Football Live league , where you will be pitted against fellow fans , with the person who comes out on top taking home the prizes at the end of the campaign .
What ’ s more , you ’ ll receive a weekly bonus newsletter to help you in your quest to lift the RFFL trophy – and win some cash and kit .
Villa 's season kicks off in earnest with a Carabao Cup tie week commencing Monday , September 14 before their first Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday , September 20 ( 2pm kick-off ) .
The likes of Jack Grealish , Tyrone Mings , John McGinn , Conor Hourihane and Orjan Nyland are all away on international duty at present and will return back to training next Thursday ( September 17 ) .

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"That wasn't me, lad" was Ollie Watkins ' quick-fire response to a viral photo doing the rounds on social media involving Aston Villa boss Dean Smith and his back-room staff conducting a meeting at a local pub.
Assistants John Terry and Craig Shakespeare can be seen alongside Smith and his team in a private room of a country pub after a training session at Bodymoor Heath.
The sneaky snap has been put out on all social media platforms but, after being posted by @_Villa_news_ on Instagram, well-documented transfer target Watkins was quick to reply after being tagged in the image.
The caption read: 'Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins spotted in the Fig and Olive with Aston Villa backroom staff...'.
Watkins, 24, who was left out of Brentford's third-successive pre-season friendly today against Oxford, replied: "That wasn't me, lad." with two crying face emojis.
Watkins, of course, remains Villa's top priority with Brentford valuing last season's Championship player of the year at £25 million. The Bees, though, have since forked out a seven-figure fee to bring in League One hot-shot Ivan Toney from Peterborough.
Regarding today's viral snap, Smith and his back-room team enjoyed a quiet pint while dissecting their latest training session, targets and hopes for the season ahead.
Despite wide-ranging reports, our colleagues at NottinghamshireLive have informed us Villa are yet to reach an agreement to sign Forest right-back Matty Cash who's valued at £15 million.
Join our new fantasy league Do you think you’re a hot hand at Fantasy Premier League? Do you back yourself to play your chips in the right gameweeks, and nail your captain every single time? Now is your chance to prove it – and win some prizes in the process. Reach Fantasy Football Live (RFFL) is a brand-new FPL community, which will bring you weekly tips and hints on how to get the very best out of your team from the first kick of the season until the last. By signing up, you will also be given the code for our exclusive, private league, with the winner receiving: £250 A 2020/21 replica football shirt of your choice The inaugural RFFL winner’s trophy and certificate To enter, simply sign up here. You will then receive an invite code to join the Reach Fantasy Football Live league, where you will be pitted against fellow fans, with the person who comes out on top taking home the prizes at the end of the campaign. What’s more, you’ll receive a weekly bonus newsletter to help you in your quest to lift the RFFL trophy – and win some cash and kit.
Villa's season kicks off in earnest with a Carabao Cup tie week commencing Monday, September 14 before their first Premier League game at home to Sheffield United on Sunday, September 20 (2pm kick-off).
The likes of Jack Grealish, Tyrone Mings, John McGinn, Conor Hourihane and Orjan Nyland are all away on international duty at present and will return back to training next Thursday (September 17).


birminghammail--2020-09-01--Police searching for missing 15 year old girl  find body

Seesha Dack was reported missing on Sunday after last being seen near the Fish Quay , North Shields .
Officers @ @ @ @ @ body of a female near Tanners Bank , North Shields , tonight ( Sept 1 @ @ @ @ @ yet to take place but police believe the body is the missing teenager .
Superintendent @ @ @ @ @ Police , said : `` We will continue to carry out enquiries to establish the @ @ @ @ @ at this stage we do not believe there to be any third party involvement .
@

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Police searching for a missing 15-year-old girl have found a body.
Seesha Dack was reported missing on Sunday after last being seen near the Fish Quay, North Shields.
Officers said they had found the body of a female near Tanners Bank, North Shields, tonight (Sept 1).
Formal identification is yet to take place but police believe the body is the missing teenager.
(Image: PA)
Superintendent Barrie Joisce, of Northumbria Police, said: "We will continue to carry out enquiries to establish the circumstances around the death but at this stage we do not believe there to be any third party involvement."


birminghammail--2020-09-01--Zante passengers flying into Cardiff told to self-isolate amid Covid-19 risk

Holidaymakers heading home to Cardiff Airport from the Greek island of Zante have been told to isolate by the Welsh government amid the risk of spreading Covid-19 .
Passengers landing at the airport in Wales tonight ( Sept 1 ) are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days after travel in the island was linked to a number of clusters in England and Wales , The Mirror reports .
Scotland is also asking people travelling from Greece to quarantine from Thursday , but England has not released any restrictions .
It came after an entire Tui flight of 200 passengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revealed as the source of at least seven confirmed coronavirus cases .
In a written statement , Welsh health and social services minister Vaughan Gething said : `` In the last week our NHS Wales Test Trace Protect service has identified multiple separate clusters linked to the Greek island of Zante which currently has no returning quarantine restrictions . ''
He continued : `` There are currently six clusters amounting to over 30 cases in the last week from four flights , of which two of these flights landed in England .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams that the current advice and control measures for returning travellers are insufficient .
`` Unfortunately our consultants in communicable disease control have several examples of Covid-19 positive travellers who have not self-isolated on return to Wales .
That is a real concern for all of us .
`` Public Health Wales have expressed direct concerns about the public health risk posed by passengers returning to Cardiff this evening from Zante .
`` I share that concern .
It is almost certain that travellers returning to Wales from areas of higher Covid-19 incidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within Wales .
`` Travel into Wales from mainland Europe drove the first wave of Covid-19 . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Talia Shadwell, Stephanie Balloo)

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Holidaymakers heading home to Cardiff Airport from the Greek island of Zante have been told to isolate by the Welsh government amid the risk of spreading Covid-19.
Passengers landing at the airport in Wales tonight (Sept 1) are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days after travel in the island was linked to a number of clusters in England and Wales, The Mirror reports.
Scotland is also asking people travelling from Greece to quarantine from Thursday, but England has not released any restrictions.
It came after an entire Tui flight of 200 passengers were ordered to self-isolate as it was revealed as the source of at least seven confirmed coronavirus cases.
In a written statement, Welsh health and social services minister Vaughan Gething said: "In the last week our NHS Wales Test Trace Protect service has identified multiple separate clusters linked to the Greek island of Zante which currently has no returning quarantine restrictions."
He continued: "There are currently six clusters amounting to over 30 cases in the last week from four flights, of which two of these flights landed in England.
"There are concerns from our public health teams that the current advice and control measures for returning travellers are insufficient.
"Unfortunately our consultants in communicable disease control have several examples of Covid-19 positive travellers who have not self-isolated on return to Wales. That is a real concern for all of us.
"Public Health Wales have expressed direct concerns about the public health risk posed by passengers returning to Cardiff this evening from Zante.
"I share that concern. It is almost certain that travellers returning to Wales from areas of higher Covid-19 incidence will lead to further seeding of infections within Wales.
"Travel into Wales from mainland Europe drove the first wave of Covid-19."


birminghammail--2020-09-01--DJ Erick Morillo dead - 'I Like To Move It' hitmaker dies aged 49 in Miami Beach

The body of the 49-year-old musician was found this morning .
New York-born Morillo was best known for his 90s house music anthem I Like To Move It , released under the name Reel 2 Real .
The club and chart hit reached No 5 in the UK in February 1994 .
It made Morillo a millionaire .
The dance track led to an album and further releases through the 90s , including four more top 20 singles in the UK .
According to TMZ , law enforcement sources said the music producer 's body was found this morning at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miami Beach , Florida .
Circumstances surrounding his death are currently not known .
Officers say they received a 911 call at 10.42am and quickly headed to the address .
His death comes weeks after he was arrested in Miami and charged with sexual battery .
The charges stemmed from an alleged incident with a female DJ after a private party in December 2019 on Star Island in Miami Beach .
He turned himself in on August 6 and was scheduled to appear in court on Friday , September 4 .
Morillo 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across Europe , with appearances at Gatecrasher in Birmingham as well as Ibiza clubs such as Space .
He won the Best International DJ and Best House DJ titles three times each at the DJ Awards held annually at Pacha Ibiza .
But he took a break in 2013 to `` refocus my attention on my health and well-being '' after he had to be escorted off stage during a set on Long Island following `` erratic behaviour . ''
We 'll bring you more on this breaking story as we hear it @

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House music legend Erick Morillo has died.
The body of the 49-year-old musician was found this morning.
New York-born Morillo was best known for his 90s house music anthem I Like To Move It, released under the name Reel 2 Real.
The club and chart hit reached No 5 in the UK in February 1994. It made Morillo a millionaire.
The dance track led to an album and further releases through the 90s, including four more Top 20 singles in the UK.
According to TMZ, law enforcement sources said the music producer's body was found this morning at a property in La Gorce Drive, Miami Beach, Florida.
Circumstances surrounding his death are currently not known.
(Image: SHARED CONTENT UNIT)
Officers say they received a 911 call at 10.42am and quickly headed to the address.
Morillo's death comes weeks after he was arrested in Miami and charged with sexual battery.
The charges stemmed from an alleged incident with a female DJ after a private party in December 2019 on Star Island in Miami Beach.
He turned himself in on August 6 and was scheduled to appear in court on Friday, September 4.
Morillo's success turned him into a big-name DJ across Europe, with appearances including Gatecrasher in Birmingham as well as Ibiza clubs such as Space.
He won the Best International DJ and Best House DJ titles three times each at the DJ Awards held annually at Pacha Ibiza.
But he took a break in 2013 to "refocus my attention on my health and well-being" after he had to be escorted off stage during a set on Long Island following "erratic behaviour."


birminghammail--2020-09-01--The new intu Merry Hill store sure to be a hit with cheese fans

The Chuckling Cheese Company is opening a new store at intu Merry Hill .
After enjoying a 'gouda ' run with a kiosk at the Brierley Hill shopping centre over the last 12 months , the firm decided to take the plunge and expand its offering .
Founded by Emma and Stuart Colclough in 2012 , the company specialises in a selection of cheeses in a variety of flavours - including mango , horseradish , gin and tonic and an edible-coal infused cheddar - plus chutneys , sweet treats and pork scratchings .
But the new store - located in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hotel Chocolat on the lower mall - will also allow the firm to introduce its range of comedy beers , gins , vodkas , coffee syrups , fudge bars , giant meringues and more .
Emma Colclough , director at The Chuckling Cheese Company , said : `` Having had a kiosk in the centre for over 12 months we have been looking to move into a shop to allow us to increase the range of products we have on offer and bring the full Chuckling Cheese experience to Merry Hill .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to open a new store , we are determined not to let coronavirus slow us down .
`` We look forward to welcoming our regular customers and new customers to our store . ''
The store ’ s grand opening will take place at 11am on Saturday , September 5 .

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The Chuckling Cheese Company is opening a new store at intu Merry Hill.
After enjoying a 'gouda' run with a kiosk at the Brierley Hill shopping centre over the last 12 months, the firm decided to take the plunge and expand its offering.
Founded by Emma and Stuart Colclough in 2012, the company specialises in a selection of cheeses in a variety of flavours - including mango, horseradish, gin and tonic and an edible-coal infused cheddar - plus chutneys, sweet treats and pork scratchings.
But the new store - located in the former Virgin Media unit, near Hotel Chocolat on the lower mall - will also allow the firm to introduce its range of comedy beers, gins, vodkas, coffee syrups, fudge bars, giant meringues and more.
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Emma Colclough, director at The Chuckling Cheese Company, said: "Having had a kiosk in the centre for over 12 months we have been looking to move into a shop to allow us to increase the range of products we have on offer and bring the full Chuckling Cheese experience to Merry Hill.
"Although this seems to be a strange time to open a new store, we are determined not to let coronavirus slow us down.
"We look forward to welcoming our regular customers and new customers to our store."
The store’s grand opening will take place at 11am on Saturday, September 5.


birminghammail--2020-09-01--Jack Grealish call should send Aston Villa huge transfer message

Jack Grealish rocked up at St George 's Park in his Aston Villa trackie , gave the camera a big thumbs-up and smiled from ear to ear prior to training with England today .
The photos doing the rounds online show Villa 's main man like a kid on Christmas Day out on the training pitches in Staffordshire ahead of the Three Lions ' Nations League double header over in Iceland ( Sat , Sept 5 ) and Denmark ( Tues , Sept 8 ) .
`` I ’ ve played against these guys when they ’ ve been playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with not a lot of success , '' Grealish told The Sun in a rare interview .
`` Now I can ’ t wait to actually train beside them and , hopefully , team up with the likes of Harry Kane , Raheem Sterling and Trent Alexander-Arnold , rather than trying to stop them !
I know I can become an even better player by learning from these amazing players . ''
Grealish , 24 , will quickly realise the brutally sky-high standard of training sessions and the cut-throat demands expected playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the crop under the watchful eye of Gareth Southgate and his assistant , Steve Holland .
And he 'll be pitting his wits against classy players of a similar ilk : your Phil Fodens , Mason Mounts as well as England star boys Jadon Sancho , Sterling , Mason Greenwood & Co. Villa 's skipper , though , will fancy his chances in training given the season he 's just had and the endless bounds of confidence he possesses - but there will be one big , burning question that will no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon as he drives back past the claret and blue gates and in at Bodymoor Heath in a little over a week 's time : can Villa match my ambitions ?
`` Some of the guys in the squad made the breakthrough at 18 and 19 , '' Grealish added , with a tinge of resentment .
`` I ’ m 24 but I ’ m desperate to learn and improve .
`` I also want to improve and I ’ m eager to learn what it takes to be a success at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe the better the players you play with or against , then the better you will perform yourself .
I ’ ve always believed that .
`` When you look around the England squad , they are not just the best players in the country — they are the best in the world .
`` I know I can become an even better player by learning from these amazing players . ''
Now , if you read into Grealish 's sound bites , above , then the same message keeps jumping out : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'best in the world ' ... 'become an even better player ' and , once more , ' I want to improve ' .
He also said the word 'better ' four times which tells you everything you need to know about his relentless desire to improve .
Do you think you ’ re a hot hand at Fantasy Premier League ?
Do you back yourself to play your chips in the right gameweeks , and nail your captain every single time ?
Now is your chance to prove it – and win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fantasy Football Live ( RFFL ) is a brand-new FPL community , which will bring you weekly tips and hints on how to get the very best out of your team from the first kick of the season until the last .
By signing up , you will also be given the code for our exclusive , private league , with the winner receiving : To enter , simply sign up here .
You will then receive an invite code to join the Reach Fantasy Football Live league , where you will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person who comes out on top taking home the prizes at the end of the campaign .
What ’ s more , you ’ ll receive a weekly bonus newsletter to help you in your quest to lift the RFFL trophy – and win some cash and kit .
Back at Villa , head coach Dean Smith told us last season how Grealish kept banging his office door down , urging the boss to improve him and to take his game to the next level .
The play-maker constantly questioned Smith , agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for knowledge on ways to add to his goals and assists tally .
`` He 's stats-mad , '' was Smith 's take , too , as he told this reporter that Grealish analyses every single molecule of his game with a toothcomb .
He was also known to be in a bit of a grump about going on a 16-game goal drought prior to that survival-clinching strike down at West Ham .
Grealish , though , will quickly realise what it takes to be an England performer and will look at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with envy given the way they 've been fast-tracked to the senior setup .
It 'll no doubt make the star from Solihull sit up , think and question 'what if ' when you look at what he could go onto achieve with incredible players around him at club level and how that would develop his game tenfold to become among `` the best in the world '' he mentioned in his interview .
There 's a clear drive and determination to reach the pinnacle with Grealish and , in this transfer window @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambitions with Smith , chief executive Christian Purslow and owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens tasked with building a side around their insanely-talented No.10 that can at least compete - over 90 minutes - with your Liverpools , Manchester Citys and Tottenhams as Grealish himself mentioned .
When co-owner Edens text the players after the final day last term , Grealish would have been the very first the American would have contacted to say , as John McGinn put it : `` They ’ d support us with new players and improve the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The owners made it clear that they want Villa back where we belong , challenging at the top end of English and European football . ''
And that 's why this week with England will act as a wake-up call to Grealish and , more pressingly , Villa who must look to , as Edens put it , `` kick on '' for the sake of keeping their talismanic captain around for the years ahead .
Grealish will want assurances he can go onto the next level he 's craving to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elsewhere .
Villa must , must make a statement with their new arrivals in the coming days and weeks to send out a clear message and to answer their captain 's call to improve significantly once more .

Jack Grealish rocked up at St George's Park in his Aston Villa trackie, gave the camera a big thumbs-up and smiled from ear to ear prior to training with England today.
The photos doing the rounds online show Villa's main man like a kid on Christmas Day out on the training pitches in Staffordshire ahead of the Three Lions' Nations League double header over in Iceland (Sat, Sept 5) and Denmark (Tues, Sept 8).
"I’ve played against these guys when they’ve been playing for Liverpool, Manchester City and Spurs, with not a lot of success," Grealish told The Sun in a rare interview.
"Now I can’t wait to actually train beside them and, hopefully, team up with the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Trent Alexander-Arnold, rather than trying to stop them! I know I can become an even better player by learning from these amazing players."
Grealish, 24, will quickly realise the brutally sky-high standard of training sessions and the cut-throat demands expected playing alongside - and against - the cream of the crop under the watchful eye of Gareth Southgate and his assistant, Steve Holland.
And he'll be pitting his wits against classy players of a similar ilk: your Phil Fodens, Mason Mounts as well as England star boys Jadon Sancho, Sterling, Mason Greenwood & Co.
Villa's skipper, though, will fancy his chances in training given the season he's just had and the endless bounds of confidence he possesses - but there will be one big, burning question that will no doubt play over in his mind as soon as he drives back past the claret and blue gates and in at Bodymoor Heath in a little over a week's time: can Villa match my ambitions?
"Some of the guys in the squad made the breakthrough at 18 and 19," Grealish added, with a tinge of resentment. "I’m 24 but I’m desperate to learn and improve.
"I also want to improve and I’m eager to learn what it takes to be a success at this level. If anything, I believe the better the players you play with or against, then the better you will perform yourself. I’ve always believed that.
"When you look around the England squad, they are not just the best players in the country — they are the best in the world.
"I know I can become an even better player by learning from these amazing players."
Now, if you read into Grealish's sound bites, above, then the same message keeps jumping out: 'desperate to learn and improve'... 'best in the world'... 'become an even better player' and, once more, 'I want to improve'. He also said the word 'better' four times which tells you everything you need to know about his relentless desire to improve.
Join our new fantasy league Do you think you’re a hot hand at Fantasy Premier League? Do you back yourself to play your chips in the right gameweeks, and nail your captain every single time? Now is your chance to prove it – and win some prizes in the process. Reach Fantasy Football Live (RFFL) is a brand-new FPL community, which will bring you weekly tips and hints on how to get the very best out of your team from the first kick of the season until the last. By signing up, you will also be given the code for our exclusive, private league, with the winner receiving: £250 A 2020/21 replica football shirt of your choice The inaugural RFFL winner’s trophy and certificate To enter, simply sign up here. You will then receive an invite code to join the Reach Fantasy Football Live league, where you will be pitted against fellow fans, with the person who comes out on top taking home the prizes at the end of the campaign. What’s more, you’ll receive a weekly bonus newsletter to help you in your quest to lift the RFFL trophy – and win some cash and kit.
Back at Villa, head coach Dean Smith told us last season how Grealish kept banging his office door down, urging the boss to improve him and to take his game to the next level. The play-maker constantly questioned Smith, agreed and disagreed, and was a thirst for knowledge on ways to add to his goals and assists tally. "He's stats-mad," was Smith's take, too, as he told this reporter that Grealish analyses every single molecule of his game with a toothcomb. He was also known to be in a bit of a grump about going on a 16-game goal drought prior to that survival-clinching strike down at West Ham.
Grealish, though, will quickly realise what it takes to be an England performer and will look at the likes of Mount, Foden and Greenwood with envy given the way they've been fast-tracked to the senior setup. It'll no doubt make the star from Solihull sit up, think and question 'what if' when you look at what he could go onto achieve with incredible players around him at club level and how that would develop his game tenfold to become among "the best in the world" he mentioned in his interview.
There's a clear drive and determination to reach the pinnacle with Grealish and, in this transfer window, Villa must look to match his ambitions with Smith, chief executive Christian Purslow and owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens tasked with building a side around their insanely-talented No.10 that can at least compete - over 90 minutes - with your Liverpools, Manchester Citys and Tottenhams as Grealish himself mentioned.
When co-owner Edens text the players after the final day last term, Grealish would have been the very first the American would have contacted to say, as John McGinn put it: "They’d support us with new players and improve the depth of the squad to kick on. The owners made it clear that they want Villa back where we belong, challenging at the top end of English and European football."
And that's why this week with England will act as a wake-up call to Grealish and, more pressingly, Villa who must look to, as Edens put it, "kick on" for the sake of keeping their talismanic captain around for the years ahead. Grealish will want assurances he can go onto the next level he's craving to be at with his boyhood club and not elsewhere. Villa must, must make a statement with their new arrivals in the coming days and weeks to send out a clear message and to answer their captain's call to improve significantly once more.


birminghammail--2020-09-01--Jon Toral returns for Blues against Walsall - this is how he did

For all the lack of lasting meaning in Birmingham City ’ s 3-0 friendly win over Walsall , for one player the game represented a significant moment .
Jon Toral pulled on the Blues shirt for the first time since rejoining the club on a free transfer – and the first since April 2016 when his loan from Arsenal effectively ended with an injury time red card against Burnley .
A few weeks later he returned in a sharp suit to plunder the end of season awards ceremony but since then – nada .
Or not much anyway .
Much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the interests of Toral and Blues are once more aligned .
Aitor Karanka , the Birmingham City supporters and Toral himself will all be hoping he can rediscover the form that made his one of the most successful loan periods of the last decade .
So how did he do ?
Where did he play ?
In his customary No .
10 role in a 4-2-3-1 system , a position in which he thrived under Gary Rowett .
With Odin Bailey one side , Amari Miller the other , the 25-year-old operated just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was surrounded by youth .
He lasted 68 minutes before being replaced by another of Blues ’ hopefuls Charlie Lakin .
Having barely been involved the ball reached Toral in the middle of the Walsall half , he looked up and curled a delicious pass to the left wing that compelled Miller upfield .
The weight and the flight on the ball were trademark Toral .
On the half hour he picked up possession just outside the Walsall penalty area and impudently scooped a pass into Bailey ’ s path , setting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Toral .
He played with his head up , looking for angles and inviting blue shirts forward .
His radar wasn ’ t flawless , he found opponents rather than team-mates with passes you ’ d expect him to make – and often found himself too far from goal .
In truth he spent too little time in the box .
He and Bailey linked up just after the hour when Bailey returned the compliment with a ball chipped on to his chest .
With his back to goal Toral tried an overhead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot .
Clearly injury is the biggest fear , the one knock on him coming from Hull was that no-one doubted his ability , yet a string of niggles and strains denied him the opportunity to demonstrate it .
His first touch after a few minutes ended with him laying off the ball to Agus Medina – who knew the low-profile ex-UE Cornella midfielder is actually David Beckham reincarnated ?
– and then twisting awkwardly .
He looked down at his lower leg , hobbled and then decided he was OK after all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Sam Perry dumped him on the floor on halfway and Toral stayed down for 30 seconds before gingerly regaining his feet and limping off .
Thankfully he managed to make it to the final quarter being coming off – seemingly unscathed .
The shine was there , beneath a thick layer of rust .
Toral seems to have lost none of his composure but some of his assertiveness .
His conditioning will improve , so too , we hope will his confidence .
He ’ s back in his happy place now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Karanka will largely be up to him but with the best part of 70 minutes under his belt , he is at least on a football field and looking for his form among friends .
The 2015/2016 Toral is still in there .

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For all the lack of lasting meaning in Birmingham City’s 3-0 friendly win over Walsall, for one player the game represented a significant moment.
Jon Toral pulled on the Blues shirt for the first time since rejoining the club on a free transfer – and the first since April 2016 when his loan from Arsenal effectively ended with an injury time red card against Burnley.
A few weeks later he returned in a sharp suit to plunder the end of season awards ceremony but since then – nada. Or not much anyway.
Much water has passed under both bridges yet the interests of Toral and Blues are once more aligned.
Aitor Karanka, the Birmingham City supporters and Toral himself will all be hoping he can rediscover the form that made his one of the most successful loan periods of the last decade.
So how did he do?
Blues writer Brian Dick provides a scouting report.
Where did he play?
In his customary No. 10 role in a 4-2-3-1 system, a position in which he thrived under Gary Rowett. With Odin Bailey one side, Amari Miller the other, the 25-year-old operated just behind Jayden Reid. In short he was surrounded by youth.
He lasted 68 minutes before being replaced by another of Blues’ hopefuls Charlie Lakin.
The good
Having barely been involved the ball reached Toral in the middle of the Walsall half, he looked up and curled a delicious pass to the left wing that compelled Miller upfield. The weight and the flight on the ball were trademark Toral.
On the half hour he picked up possession just outside the Walsall penalty area and impudently scooped a pass into Bailey’s path, setting the 20-year-old free. The vision? Classic Toral.
He played with his head up, looking for angles and inviting blue shirts forward.
(Image: Birmingham City FC/bcfc.com)
The bad
His radar wasn’t flawless, he found opponents rather than team-mates with passes you’d expect him to make – and often found himself too far from goal. In truth he spent too little time in the box.
He and Bailey linked up just after the hour when Bailey returned the compliment with a ball chipped on to his chest. With his back to goal Toral tried an overhead kick but ended up with an air shot.
The worry
Clearly injury is the biggest fear, the one knock on him coming from Hull was that no-one doubted his ability, yet a string of niggles and strains denied him the opportunity to demonstrate it.
His first touch after a few minutes ended with him laying off the ball to Agus Medina – who knew the low-profile ex-UE Cornella midfielder is actually David Beckham reincarnated? – and then twisting awkwardly. He looked down at his lower leg, hobbled and then decided he was OK after all.
After half an hour Walsall’s Sam Perry dumped him on the floor on halfway and Toral stayed down for 30 seconds before gingerly regaining his feet and limping off.
Thankfully he managed to make it to the final quarter being coming off – seemingly unscathed.
Overall
The shine was there, beneath a thick layer of rust. Toral seems to have lost none of his composure but some of his assertiveness. His conditioning will improve, so too, we hope will his confidence.
He’s back in his happy place now, how much game-time he gets under Karanka will largely be up to him but with the best part of 70 minutes under his belt, he is at least on a football field and looking for his form among friends.
The 2015/2016 Toral is still in there.


birminghammail--2020-09-01--West Brom 'in talks' over £16m deal for striker Karlan Grant

West Brom have reportedly opened negotiations with Huddersfield Town over a move for Karlan Grant .
The striker , who netted 19 times last season , has been extensively linked with the Baggies in recent months .
BirminghamLive revealed in January that West Brom had identified Grant as a forward they liked ; his profile fitted the bill of what they wanted as they looked to bolster Slaven Bilic ’ s hand heading into the second half of the campaign .
Nothing came of that interest in the winter however , and Albion instead pursued Callum Robinson and Kamil Grosicki @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hawthorns during the window , Albion will once again , need reinforcements going forward .
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Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have reported that Albion are in talks with the Terriers , with the Championship club demanding a fee of £16m .
Earlier this summer , Town boss Carlos Corberan admitted that he understood why teams were chasing his signature and respected that some players will look to ‘ grow in their careers ’ .
“ I understand why clubs can be interested in him , ” he told the Huddersfield Examiner .
“ As a coach , we need to understand his ideas .
When you are at one club and the player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you have to know and feel that these players are going to increase the interest of other clubs .
“ I also understand that sometimes players need challenges and want to continue to grow in their careers , but we are working him , he is with the squad , and we will work with every player from the first day to the last whether that ’ s one year , one week , one month or maybe 10 years .

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West Brom have reportedly opened negotiations with Huddersfield Town over a move for Karlan Grant.
The striker, who netted 19 times last season, has been extensively linked with the Baggies in recent months.
BirminghamLive revealed in January that West Brom had identified Grant as a forward they liked; his profile fitted the bill of what they wanted as they looked to bolster Slaven Bilic’s hand heading into the second half of the campaign.
Nothing came of that interest in the winter however, and Albion instead pursued Callum Robinson and Kamil Grosicki.
But with Kenneth Zohore possibly leaving the Hawthorns during the window, Albion will once again, need reinforcements going forward.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
Sky Sports have reported that Albion are in talks with the Terriers, with the Championship club demanding a fee of £16m.
Earlier this summer, Town boss Carlos Corberan admitted that he understood why teams were chasing his signature and respected that some players will look to ‘grow in their careers’.
“I understand why clubs can be interested in him,” he told the Huddersfield Examiner.
“As a coach, we need to understand his ideas. When you are at one club and the player has a high level of impact here, you have to know and feel that these players are going to increase the interest of other clubs.
“I also understand that sometimes players need challenges and want to continue to grow in their careers, but we are working him, he is with the squad, and we will work with every player from the first day to the last whether that’s one year, one week, one month or maybe 10 years.


birminghammail--2020-09-01--West Brom tie down promising striker to long-term deal - reports

West Bromwich Albion have agreed a lengthy new contract with promising young striker Callum Morton , according to reports .
The 20-year-old hitman , who says he bases his game on those of Jamie Vardy and former Albion attacker Shane Long , thrived on loan at Northampton Town last season .
Morton bagged twice in Town 's League Two play-off semi-final win over Cheltenham and scored again in a 4-0 victory over Exeter in the final at Wembley to prick the attention of several Championship clubs .
But Albion have moved to ward off interest in Morton by agreeing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Athletic journalist Steve Madeley reported .
It 's claimed the Torquay-born striker will join League One side Lincoln City later this week on a season-long loan after his new contract at The Hawthorns is announced .
Lincoln boss Michael Appleton knows all about Morton 's predatory prowess having coached him when he was in charge of Albion 's Under-23s last year .
The former Albion player , coach and caretaker manager is expected to give the youngster sufficient game time to enhance his development .
West Brom signed Morton to a first-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few weeks after the youngster scored a screamer in Yeovil Town 's 3-2 FA Youth Cup win over the Baggies at The Hawthorns .
It 's thought Appleton will also make a move for West Brom 's rookie goalkeeper Alex Palmer who helped Plymouth Argyle win promotion to League One last season .
Palmer made 41 appearances in all competitions on loan with the Pilgrims .

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West Bromwich Albion have agreed a lengthy new contract with promising young striker Callum Morton, according to reports.
The 20-year-old hitman, who says he bases his game on those of Jamie Vardy and former Albion attacker Shane Long, thrived on loan at Northampton Town last season.
Morton bagged twice in Town's League Two play-off semi-final win over Cheltenham and scored again in a 4-0 victory over Exeter in the final at Wembley to prick the attention of several Championship clubs.
But Albion have moved to ward off interest in Morton by agreeing a new four-year deal with the forward, The Athletic journalist Steve Madeley reported.
It's claimed the Torquay-born striker will join League One side Lincoln City later this week on a season-long loan after his new contract at The Hawthorns is announced.
Lincoln boss Michael Appleton knows all about Morton's predatory prowess having coached him when he was in charge of Albion's Under-23s last year.
The former Albion player, coach and caretaker manager is expected to give the youngster sufficient game time to enhance his development.
West Brom signed Morton to a first-year scholarship in January 2017, just a few weeks after the youngster scored a screamer in Yeovil Town's 3-2 FA Youth Cup win over the Baggies at The Hawthorns.
It's thought Appleton will also make a move for West Brom's rookie goalkeeper Alex Palmer who helped Plymouth Argyle win promotion to League One last season.
Palmer made 41 appearances in all competitions on loan with the Pilgrims.


birminghammail--2020-09-01--Birmingham City's players rated as Walsall are beaten

Birmingham City rounded off pre-season with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Walsall at Wast Hills .
Aitor Karanka ’ s second string put a team of Saddlers triallists to the sword , with a first half free kick from Agus Medina and two second half goals from Amari Miller and Odin Bailey .
That gave them their first win and first clean sheet in the final game of their friendly programme and sends them into Saturday ’ s clash with Cambridge in good heart .
Do you think you ’ re a hot hand at Fantasy Premier League ?
Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the right gameweeks , and nail your captain every single time ?
Now is your chance to prove it – and win some prizes in the process .
Reach Fantasy Football Live ( RFFL ) is a brand-new FPL community , which will bring you weekly tips and hints on how to get the very best out of your team from the first kick of the season until the last .
By signing up , you will also be given the code for our exclusive , private league , with the winner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up here .
You will then receive an invite code to join the Reach Fantasy Football Live league , where you will be pitted against fellow fans , with the person who comes out on top taking home the prizes at the end of the campaign .
What ’ s more , you ’ ll receive a weekly bonus newsletter to help you in your quest to lift the RFFL trophy – and win some cash and kit .
Blues probably could have played without their new goalkeeper who barely had anything to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Made some enterprising runs forward and linked up well with Odin Bailey at times , one shaky tackle in his own area late on .
Dominant in the air and never really required to get out of second gear .
Might have scored at the back post from a second half corner .
Looked pretty composed against a scratch Walsall attack , didn ’ t make any gaffes but didn ’ t need to stand out .
Was perpetual motion up and down the left touchline , determined in attack and defence – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team-mates .
Looked like a player who has had a season of senior football .
A neat finish and a perfect pass for Miller ’ s goal .
You wanted him to impress against this opposition – and he did .
A couple of glimpses of the play-maker Blues enjoyed four years ago – but plenty of rust to go with it .
He ’ ll be better for the minutes on the pitch .
As with Bailey , you want your attacking players creating and taking chances – and after a nervy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sweet finish for his goal .
Looked more comfortable and in control than he has at Championship level so far .
Roberts ( for Gordon , 61 ) 6 Did OK

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Birmingham City rounded off pre-season with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Walsall at Wast Hills.
Aitor Karanka’s second string put a team of Saddlers triallists to the sword, with a first half free kick from Agus Medina and two second half goals from Amari Miller and Odin Bailey.
That gave them their first win and first clean sheet in the final game of their friendly programme and sends them into Saturday’s clash with Cambridge in good heart.
Join our new fantasy league Do you think you’re a hot hand at Fantasy Premier League? Do you back yourself to play your chips in the right gameweeks, and nail your captain every single time? Now is your chance to prove it – and win some prizes in the process. Reach Fantasy Football Live (RFFL) is a brand-new FPL community, which will bring you weekly tips and hints on how to get the very best out of your team from the first kick of the season until the last. By signing up, you will also be given the code for our exclusive, private league, with the winner receiving: £250 A 2020/21 replica football shirt of your choice The inaugural RFFL winner’s trophy and certificate To enter, simply sign up here. You will then receive an invite code to join the Reach Fantasy Football Live league, where you will be pitted against fellow fans, with the person who comes out on top taking home the prizes at the end of the campaign. What’s more, you’ll receive a weekly bonus newsletter to help you in your quest to lift the RFFL trophy – and win some cash and kit.
Here’s how Karanka’s men rated
Formation
4-2-3-1
Players
Andres Prieto 6
Blues probably could have played without their new goalkeeper who barely had anything to do - yet did it proficiently.
Josh Dacres-Cogley 6.5
Made some enterprising runs forward and linked up well with Odin Bailey at times, one shaky tackle in his own area late on.
Marc Roberts 6.5
Dominant in the air and never really required to get out of second gear. Might have scored at the back post from a second half corner.
Nico Gordon 6.5
Looked pretty composed against a scratch Walsall attack, didn’t make any gaffes but didn’t need to stand out.
Steve Seddon 7.5
Was perpetual motion up and down the left touchline, determined in attack and defence – when needed – and constantly chivying his team-mates. Looked like a player who has had a season of senior football.
Agus Medina 7
Sensational free kick and reasonable contribution all-round.
David Davis 6
A mixed bag, some wayward passing, some strong break-up play.
Odin Bailey 8
A neat finish and a perfect pass for Miller’s goal. You wanted him to impress against this opposition – and he did.
Jon Toral 6
A couple of glimpses of the play-maker Blues enjoyed four years ago – but plenty of rust to go with it. He’ll be better for the minutes on the pitch.
Amari Miller 7.5
As with Bailey, you want your attacking players creating and taking chances – and after a nervy start Miller did both. A sweet, sweet finish for his goal.
Jayden Reid 6
Looked more comfortable and in control than he has at Championship level so far.
Substitutes
Roberts (for Gordon, 61) 6 Did OK
Lakin (for Toral, 68) 7 Bright
Not used: Jeacock, Campbell, Colin, Dean, Kieftenbeld, Bela, Sunjic, George, Pedersen, Friend, Crowley


birminghammail--2020-09-01--Robert the Robot cleaner using UV light to kill germs at hospital

A special cleaning robot is being used to help prevent the spread of germs and the threat of Covid-19 at a hospital .
Robert the Robot , which uses ultraviolet ( UVC ) light rays to destroy bacteria and viruses , is being trialled at Spire Little Aston Hospital in Sutton Coldfield .
The space-aged weapon , which costs between £50,000 and £70,000 , kills 99.9 percent of all pathogens .
He can be programmed for any kind of room and can render it virus and bacteria-free behind closed doors within minutes .
`` The robot can be controlled by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call the robot to a room and deploy it safely , '' said Dan Harding , from infection control experts Sychem .
`` There 's no need to be present .
It will operate behind closed doors . ''
Robert will have various rooms and patient areas mapped into his memory .
Once he arrives at the specified destination his operator makes sure the area has no patients or staff before the door is closed and a keypad button pressed .
It will then move around the room giving off UVC light .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will open the door and Robert will move along to his next target room .
Sychem , the UK distributor for the robots , are also supplying similar systems to NHS and private hospitals throughout the country .
Michael Robert , the hospitality manager at the hospital , said : “ We already carry out a two-stage cleaning process with the areas first cleaned before being thoroughly disinfected .
Robert will take this process one stage further by killing the germs and bacteria that even intense physical cleaning can not reach .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleaning is concerned you simply can not be too thorough .
We will be keeping a close eye on Robert over the next few weeks and really hope he proves he is the one who can help us keep our hospital as germ-free as is possible .
”

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A special cleaning robot is being used to help prevent the spread of germs and the threat of Covid-19 at a hospital.
Robert the Robot, which uses ultraviolet (UVC) light rays to destroy bacteria and viruses, is being trialled at Spire Little Aston Hospital in Sutton Coldfield.
The space-aged weapon, which costs between £50,000 and £70,000, kills 99.9 percent of all pathogens. He can be programmed for any kind of room and can render it virus and bacteria-free behind closed doors within minutes.
"The robot can be controlled by its tablet so the cleaning team will call the robot to a room and deploy it safely," said Dan Harding, from infection control experts Sychem.
"There's no need to be present. It will operate behind closed doors."
Robert will have various rooms and patient areas mapped into his memory. Once he arrives at the specified destination his operator makes sure the area has no patients or staff before the door is closed and a keypad button pressed.
It will then move around the room giving off UVC light. When the programme is complete the operator will open the door and Robert will move along to his next target room.
Sychem, the UK distributor for the robots, are also supplying similar systems to NHS and private hospitals throughout the country.
Michael Robert, the hospitality manager at the hospital, said: “We already carry out a two-stage cleaning process with the areas first cleaned before being thoroughly disinfected. Robert will take this process one stage further by killing the germs and bacteria that even intense physical cleaning cannot reach.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has proved that where cleaning is concerned you simply cannot be too thorough. We will be keeping a close eye on Robert over the next few weeks and really hope he proves he is the one who can help us keep our hospital as germ-free as is possible.”


birminghammail--2020-09-01--Birmingham mosques urge Muslims to join NHS plasma appeal to help Covid patients

Birmingham mosques are urging members of the Muslim community to sign up to a new NHS campaign to help save the lives of coronavirus patients .
They are asking people who have recovered from Covid-19 to donate blood plasma because it contains antibodies that can be used to treat others who develop the disease .
The NHS has launched the appeal as it prepares for the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus .
Around 17 mosques in Birmingham have signed up to a 'joint statement ' to promote the campaign to their congregation via social media , videos and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are part of the city initiative include Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre ( GLMCC ) in Small Heath , Birmingham Central Mosque in Highgate and Masjid Al Falaah in Aston .
Muslims across the city will be asked to take part in the NHS Mosques Plasma Drive , which is running from September 4 to 18 .
In a statement , the mosques said : `` The NHS are in urgent need of blood plasma from the Birmingham BAME community .
They would like masjids and Islamic leaders to get behind the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , mosques in Birmingham have played their part , from helping deliver emergency support to the most vulnerable through to enforcing social distancing and taking the unprecedented decision to voluntarily close places of worship .
`` However , we are again needed to help create awareness about a convalescent plasma drive being led by NHS Blood and Transplant .
`` Convalescent plasma is part of the blood that is rich with antibodies .
Plasma from patients that have recovered from Covid-19 has been used in trials to treat other Covid-19 patients and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Handsworth in Birmingham was one of the first recipients on the trial and said that the use of plasma has probably helped to save his life .
`` As a group of mosques , it is important that we raise awareness of this potentially lifesaving treatment .
`` The NHS has also stated that the Asian community are more likely to have antibody rich plasma that could save the lives of people with coronavirus .
`` We know that saving lives is a central component of our faith , in fact the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Whoever saves a life – it is as if he had saved humanity . ''
`` We are encouraging those from our Asian community who have recovered from the Caronavirus to donate their blood plasma .
`` We believe that these actions are crucial in saving lives and to help to build up plasma supplies for any second wave of Covid-19 .
`` it ’ s the same process as donating blood so very simple and straightforward .
It ’ s imperative that we do everything we can to save more lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus . ''
To find out the latest figures on coronavirus cases in your area , simply type your postcode into our interactive tool below : The NHS is looking for men and women who have already had coronavirus to take part in this latest campaign .
It says high numbers of donors from Asian communities have plasma suitable for treating others .
It said : `` We are urgently appealing for donors ahead of any second wave of Covid-19 .
`` If you have tested positive for Covid-19 or its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus , you may be able to donate plasma to help treat coronavirus patients . ''
To volunteer as a plasma donor you must : • be aged 17 or over • have a large enough blood volume ( calculated by height and weight before we invite you to donate ) Find out more and sign up at the NHS plasma donor page here

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Birmingham mosques are urging members of the Muslim community to sign up to a new NHS campaign to help save the lives of coronavirus patients.
They are asking people who have recovered from Covid-19 to donate blood plasma because it contains antibodies that can be used to treat others who develop the disease.
The NHS has launched the appeal as it prepares for the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus.
Around 17 mosques in Birmingham have signed up to a 'joint statement' to promote the campaign to their congregation via social media, videos and announcements at Friday prayers.
(Image: PA)
Mosques that are part of the city initiative include Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC) in Small Heath, Birmingham Central Mosque in Highgate and Masjid Al Falaah in Aston.
Muslims across the city will be asked to take part in the NHS Mosques Plasma Drive, which is running from September 11 to 25.
In a statement, the mosques said: "The NHS are in urgent need of blood plasma from the Birmingham BAME community. They would like masjids and Islamic leaders to get behind the campaign.
"Throughout the ongoing pandemic, mosques in Birmingham have played their part, from helping deliver emergency support to the most vulnerable through to enforcing social distancing and taking the unprecedented decision to voluntarily close places of worship.
"However, we are again needed to help create awareness about a convalescent plasma drive being led by NHS Blood and Transplant.
"Convalescent plasma is part of the blood that is rich with antibodies. Plasma from patients that have recovered from Covid-19 has been used in trials to treat other Covid-19 patients and has shown promising results.
(Image: PA)
"Ahmed Bhayat from Handsworth in Birmingham was one of the first recipients on the trial and said that the use of plasma has probably helped to save his life.
"As a group of mosques, it is important that we raise awareness of this potentially lifesaving treatment.
"The NHS has also stated that the Asian community are more likely to have antibody rich plasma that could save the lives of people with coronavirus.
"We know that saving lives is a central component of our faith, in fact the Qur’an states (5:32): Whoever saves a life – it is as if he had saved humanity."
"We are encouraging those from our Asian community who have recovered from the Caronavirus to donate their blood plasma.
"We believe that these actions are crucial in saving lives and to help to build up plasma supplies for any second wave of Covid-19.
"it’s the same process as donating blood so very simple and straightforward. It’s imperative that we do everything we can to save more lives and prepare stocks for any second wave of the virus."
To find out the latest figures on coronavirus cases in your area, simply type your postcode into our interactive tool below:
The NHS is looking for men and women who have already had coronavirus to take part in this latest campaign.
It says high numbers of donors from Asian communities have plasma suitable for treating others.
It said: "We are urgently appealing for donors ahead of any second wave of Covid-19.
"If you have tested positive for Covid-19 or its antibodies, or had symptoms of the virus, you may be able to donate plasma to help treat coronavirus patients."
To volunteer as a plasma donor you must:
be fit and healthy
be aged 17 or over
have a large enough blood volume (calculated by height and weight before we invite you to donate)
Find out more and sign up at the NHS plasma donor page here


birminghammail--2020-09-01--Dramatic moment man 'tasered' in busy city centre street while shoppers look on

This is the dramatic moment a man appears to have been tasered in front of dozens of stunned city centre shoppers by police .
The man dropped to the ground where Bull Street meets Dale End as it looks as if the volts are being deployed by an officer .
In the video , it appears knives have fallen onto the pavement beside the man .
A witness who took the footage said the incident happened at 3pm on Saturday , August 29 .
West Midlands Police told BirminghamLive it was unable to find a record of the incident .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , dressed in an apron , running in amongst the commotion to pick up the blades off the floor .
He holds one of the knives in his hand as he 's told to 'put it down ' by a female officer on scene .
Another police siren blares in the near distance shortly before the Tasered man is handcuffed with his hands behind his back .
Meanwhile , large crowds stand motionless with all eyes on the astonishing police incident unfolding before them .
Quick-thinking officers , who were passing by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a commotion in the street , a witness said .
Kevin Burke , who witnessed the incident on his first shopping trip in the city centre since lockdown , said : `` I heard a bit of a commotion and just started recording .
The person had come from a shop .
`` Another person , I think was a chef , started picking the weapons up off the floor .
I think they must have belonged to him .
`` He just walked in amongst it all and he would n't listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be given a bit of credit .
I felt it was all properly dealt with by police and the public should have been more understanding . ''
The shopper , also a dad , added : `` I have not been to town for three months and it just seems like things have got worse .
`` It 's not somewhere I would feel safe taking my children . ''

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This is the dramatic moment a man appears to have been tasered in front of dozens of stunned city centre shoppers by police.
The man dropped to the ground where Bull Street meets Dale End as it looks as if the volts are being deployed by an officer.
In the video, it appears knives have fallen onto the pavement beside the man.
A witness who took the footage said the incident happened at 3pm on Saturday, August 29.
West Midlands Police told BirminghamLive it was unable to find a record of the incident.
The footage also shows a second man, dressed in an apron, running in amongst the commotion to pick up the blades off the floor.
He holds one of the knives in his hand as he's told to 'put it down' by a female officer on scene.
Another police siren blares in the near distance shortly before the Tasered man is handcuffed with his hands behind his back.
Meanwhile, large crowds stand motionless with all eyes on the astonishing police incident unfolding before them.
Quick-thinking officers, who were passing by the area, had stepped in after hearing a commotion in the street, a witness said.
Kevin Burke, who witnessed the incident on his first shopping trip in the city centre since lockdown, said: "I heard a bit of a commotion and just started recording. The person had come from a shop.
"Another person, I think was a chef, started picking the weapons up off the floor. I think they must have belonged to him.
"He just walked in amongst it all and he wouldn't listen to the police.
"The police should be given a bit of credit. I felt it was all properly dealt with by police and the public should have been more understanding."
The shopper, also a dad, added: "I have not been to town for three months and it just seems like things have got worse.
"It's not somewhere I would feel safe taking my children."


birminghammail--2020-09-01--'Amazing players' - Expert view on West Brom signing and target

They 're the flamboyant foreign imports who helped to spearhead West Brom 's automatic promotion campaign .
Matheus Pereira and Filip Krovinovic lit up the second tier after signing on loan from Sporting Lisbon and Benfica , respectively , last summer .
Pereira finished the season with the most assists in the Championship ( 16 ) and also notched eight goals in 43 matches while Krovinovic flourished in the second half of the campaign to help Albion over the line .
The Baggies spent £8.25 million last month to turn Pereira 's loan into a permanent move , making the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signing .
And head coach Slaven Bilic is desperate to extend Krovinovic 's stay , via a second loan likely to contain an option to buy , labelling his compatriot `` a priority '' .
The pair , who made 86 appearances between them last term , have taken everything in their stride and forged a close friendship during their time in the West Midlands .
They adapted to English football and life sooner than anyone could have expected - apart from one person , perhaps .
Sports writer Paul Suart spoke to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who coached Krovinovic at Rio Ave in 2016/17 and Pereira at fellow Primeira Liga side Chaves the following season - to get the full lowdown .
As the Baggies edge closer to retaining the services of both for the Premier League campaign ahead , we reflect on what Severino had to say about his former charges last year .
What were Matheus and Filip like to work with ?
They were in different moments in their careers .
Philip was in his second year .
He had special qualities when he started to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games with us and was one of the best players in the league .
He ’ s a great professional , a great person , very humble and very focused on his training .
He likes to asks questions , why he ’ s doing a certain drill and why he ’ s doing that kind of position .
He has that profile .
Matheus was in a different moment in his career .
He was in the opposite direction .
He came from a big club , Sporting Lisbon on loan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had problems adapting to the city and being alone in the very north of the country .
It ’ s a small town and it was difficult .
Similar to Krovinovic , when he started to play he gained consistency and for me , Matheus was maybe the best player in the league if you don ’ t count the big three clubs in Portugal .
He was very focused .
He likes training and to understand why he ’ s doing that kind of things so they both have that trait .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive way , they like to ask questions and they are big professionals .
How did you and head coach Luis Castro get the best out of them ?
We have our own way of working and our own philosophy .
We come from the school of ( revered sports scientist ) Professor Vitor Frade from Porto and his tactical organisation .
The way we see the sessions is to fit the best qualities of the players and the game model we defend .
The ideas depend on the qualities of the players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sessions the players feel they can gain something from and that ’ s totally related to the game plan , the game idea and our philosophy .
What positions did they play in , under you and Luis ?
Filip played as a number eight central midfielder in a system of 4-3-3 , also he played as a wing , but not a real wing .
He played on the outside , but would come inside to search for space because he ’ s a very good receiver .
He can find the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Matheus for us 99 per cent of the time we played with him on the right wing , but also not as a typical wing because he liked to come inside on his left foot .
He ’ s very good at finding the free man to pass to and also to shoot because he ’ s very good at doing this , from the right coming into the middle .
Why haven ’ t they succeeded at Benfica and Sporting ?
They are big clubs and have their own reasons .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He had his first experience playing outside in Chaves and spent one year in Germany on loan .
He ’ s an amazing player .
He ’ s playing at a very good club and in a very good competition , the Championship in England , but of course I believe he will attain higher levels .
Filip is different .
He was playing very good for Benfica .
He had a knee injury and after he didn ’ t get the same kind of opportunities to play and then he didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injury was a very important moment for him , in a negative way .
As a coincidence he had the injury in a game against Chaves , I was on the bench on the other side and remember perfectly well .
Are you surprised to see them taking the Championship by storm ?
I ’ m not surprised at all .
Sometimes I speak with them and I follow their career .
When I speak to friends and colleagues I say ‘ one of these days you ’ ll see these two guys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I know they are top players .
They are very technical players and very cognitive players .
They can make amazing decisions .
They understand the game , understand the space , understand the timing .
They 're very good friends at Albion .
Does that surprise you ?
We work with hundreds of players in our careers , but you don ’ t have the same relationship with every player .
Of course I respect all of them .
Some of them are close , some are not , it depends like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular cases , Filip and Matheus , I have a very good relationship with them .
I sometimes send messages to them and we speak about what ’ s going on .
They are two very nice young boys .
Good professionals , very focused , they know what they want and I ’ m not surprised by this relationship they have .
With them in the squad do West Brom have a good chance of winning promotion ?
With these two players in the team , every team on the world will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for sure .
They complement each other really well .
They make good decisions , they understand the game , they understand the training and they ’ re the kind of players you want .
You will see them play the same way in a stadium with 3,000 people and 60,000 people .
That ’ s a trait of the big , big players and they have this profile .
They ’ re both young , how far can they go in the game ?
Only time will say that , but in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play in the Premier League for sure .
They are amazing players , with very good skills , but also they are good people and good professionals who are very dedicated .
That ’ s very important .
They need to grow and develop a few things and they will do for sure .
This could be a great year for both .
Maybe in the future they can represent their respective nations .
At Benfica , people started to say this about Filip , but then he had the injury .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing I know for sure is they ’ re amazing young players and I wish them all the best .

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They're the flamboyant foreign imports who helped to spearhead West Brom's automatic promotion campaign.
Matheus Pereira and Filip Krovinovic lit up the second tier after signing on loan from Sporting Lisbon and Benfica, respectively, last summer.
Pereira finished the season with the most assists in the Championship (16) and also notched eight goals in 43 matches while Krovinovic flourished in the second half of the campaign to help Albion over the line.
The Baggies spent £8.25 million last month to turn Pereira's loan into a permanent move, making the brilliant Brazilian the club's first summer signing.
And head coach Slaven Bilic is desperate to extend Krovinovic's stay, via a second loan likely to contain an option to buy, labelling his compatriot "a priority".
The pair, who made 86 appearances between them last term, have taken everything in their stride and forged a close friendship during their time in the West Midlands.
They adapted to English football and life sooner than anyone could have expected - apart from one person, perhaps.
Sports writer Paul Suart spoke to Shakhtar Donetsk assistant manager Vítor Severino - who coached Krovinovic at Rio Ave in 2016/17 and Pereira at fellow Primeira Liga side Chaves the following season - to get the full lowdown.
As the Baggies edge closer to retaining the services of both for the Premier League campaign ahead, we reflect on what Severino had to say about his former charges last year.
What were Matheus and Filip like to work with?
They were in different moments in their careers. Philip was in his second year. He had special qualities when he started to play.
Eventually he played all the games with us and was one of the best players in the league. He’s a great professional, a great person, very humble and very focused on his training.
He likes to asks questions, why he’s doing a certain drill and why he’s doing that kind of position. He has that profile.
Matheus was in a different moment in his career. He was in the opposite direction. He came from a big club, Sporting Lisbon on loan to Chaves.
In the beginning, he had problems adapting to the city and being alone in the very north of the country. It’s a small town and it was difficult.
Similar to Krovinovic, when he started to play he gained consistency and for me, Matheus was maybe the best player in the league if you don’t count the big three clubs in Portugal.
He was very focused. He likes training and to understand why he’s doing that kind of things so they both have that trait.
They are critical people, in a positive way, they like to ask questions and they are big professionals.
How did you and head coach Luis Castro get the best out of them?
We have our own way of working and our own philosophy. We come from the school of (revered sports scientist) Professor Vitor Frade from Porto and his tactical organisation.
The way we see the sessions is to fit the best qualities of the players and the game model we defend. The ideas depend on the qualities of the players.
We try to do drills and sessions the players feel they can gain something from and that’s totally related to the game plan, the game idea and our philosophy.
What positions did they play in, under you and Luis?
Filip played as a number eight central midfielder in a system of 4-3-3, also he played as a wing, but not a real wing.
He played on the outside, but would come inside to search for space because he’s a very good receiver. He can find the space inside when there is no space.
Matheus for us 99 per cent of the time we played with him on the right wing, but also not as a typical wing because he liked to come inside on his left foot.
He’s very good at finding the free man to pass to and also to shoot because he’s very good at doing this, from the right coming into the middle.
Why haven’t they succeeded at Benfica and Sporting?
They are big clubs and have their own reasons. Matheus came from the academy of Sporting. He had his first experience playing outside in Chaves and spent one year in Germany on loan.
He’s an amazing player. He’s playing at a very good club and in a very good competition, the Championship in England, but of course I believe he will attain higher levels.
Filip is different. He was playing very good for Benfica. He had a knee injury and after he didn’t get the same kind of opportunities to play and then he didn’t have the success.
The injury was a very important moment for him, in a negative way. As a coincidence he had the injury in a game against Chaves, I was on the bench on the other side and remember perfectly well.
Are you surprised to see them taking the Championship by storm?
I’m not surprised at all. Sometimes I speak with them and I follow their career.
When I speak to friends and colleagues I say ‘one of these days you’ll see these two guys on a very high level’ because I know they are top players.
They are very technical players and very cognitive players. They can make amazing decisions. They understand the game, understand the space, understand the timing.
They're very good friends at Albion. Does that surprise you?
We work with hundreds of players in our careers, but you don’t have the same relationship with every player. Of course I respect all of them. Some of them are close, some are not, it depends like everything in life.
In these two particular cases, Filip and Matheus, I have a very good relationship with them. I sometimes send messages to them and we speak about what’s going on.
They are two very nice young boys. Good professionals, very focused, they know what they want and I’m not surprised by this relationship they have.
With them in the squad do West Brom have a good chance of winning promotion?
With these two players in the team, every team on the world will have their chances and play good football for sure. They complement each other really well.
They make good decisions, they understand the game, they understand the training and they’re the kind of players you want.
You will see them play the same way in a stadium with 3,000 people and 60,000 people. That’s a trait of the big, big players and they have this profile.
They’re both young, how far can they go in the game?
Only time will say that, but in my opinion they are good enough to play in the Premier League for sure. They are amazing players, with very good skills, but also they are good people and good professionals who are very dedicated. That’s very important.
They need to grow and develop a few things and they will do for sure. This could be a great year for both. Maybe in the future they can represent their respective nations.
At Benfica, people started to say this about Filip, but then he had the injury. You never know in football, but one thing I know for sure is they’re amazing young players and I wish them all the best.