birminghammail--2020-02-06--James Chester breaks silence on 'emotional' Aston Villa exit and explains Stoke transfer

James Chester has opened up on his ‘ emotional ’ exit from Aston Villa – and explained exactly why he made the decision to join Stoke City .
Chester will spend the rest of the season with the Championship side after completing a loan move on transfer deadline day .
The popular centre-back joined Villa from West Bromwich Albion in 2016 and was a regular in the three Championship seasons afterwards .
But the FA Cup third round defeat to Fulham at the start of January was just his second appearance of the season with Chester having suffered a hamstring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competition to play in the Premier League when fit .
“ It was emotional , ” Chester told Stoke ’ s official website in his first interview since making the switch .
“ I 've been there nearly four years and I 've been a big part of what has happened over the time .
“ There were people there that I became really close with , became close to ... so it was difficult to leave in that respect .
“ For the sake of my own career , I think that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come and play the 16 or so games that are remaining in the season and that 's something I am looking forward to doing.
” Chester missed out on leading Villa out in last May 's play-off final at Wembley because he was recovering from a serious knee problem and after the win , admitted that playing while carrying the injury earlier in the season had caused indefinite damage to his body .
Villa are back at the national stadium for the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City in March .
Was it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance to be involved ?
`` That played a slight factor I suppose , but the bigger side of it was the emotional attachment I had to Villa and the people there , that was a really difficult thing to come to terms with , and with letting go of , '' he added .
`` It 's a really good club that I 've joined though and like I said there 's a lot of people here I know so I 'm looking forward to getting started . ''
The 31-year-old , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park in the summer , was keen to secure regular football at this stage of his career .
`` It was a huge factor , '' he said .
`` I had my injury issues and it 's been a while since I 've played real football , and I started to get the taste in the League Cup in December and the FA Cup game last month .
`` It was a feeling I 'd missed , and a feeling that I really enjoyed , so to have that more frequently was @ @ @ @ @

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James Chester has opened up on his ‘emotional’ exit from Aston Villa – and explained exactly why he made the decision to join Stoke City.
Chester will spend the rest of the season with the Championship side after completing a loan move on transfer deadline day.
The popular centre-back joined Villa from West Bromwich Albion in 2016 and was a regular in the three Championship seasons afterwards.
But the FA Cup third round defeat to Fulham at the start of January was just his second appearance of the season with Chester having suffered a hamstring problem in pre-season, and facing increased competition to play in the Premier League when fit.
“It was emotional,” Chester told Stoke’s official website in his first interview since making the switch. “I've been there nearly four years and I've been a big part of what has happened over the time.
“There were people there that I became really close with, became close to... so it was difficult to leave in that respect.
“For the sake of my own career, I think that it was a really good opportunity to come and play the 16 or so games that are remaining in the season and that's something I am looking forward to doing.”
Chester missed out on leading Villa out in last May's play-off final at Wembley because he was recovering from a serious knee problem and after the win, admitted that playing while carrying the injury earlier in the season had caused indefinite damage to his body.
Villa are back at the national stadium for the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City in March. Was it a tough decision to pass up the chance to be involved?
"That played a slight factor I suppose, but the bigger side of it was the emotional attachment I had to Villa and the people there, that was a really difficult thing to come to terms with, and with letting go of," he added.
"It's a really good club that I've joined though and like I said there's a lot of people here I know so I'm looking forward to getting started."
The 31-year-old, who is out of contract at Villa Park in the summer, was keen to secure regular football at this stage of his career.
"It was a huge factor," he said. "I had my injury issues and it's been a while since I've played real football, and I started to get the taste in the League Cup in December and the FA Cup game last month.
"It was a feeling I'd missed, and a feeling that I really enjoyed, so to have that more frequently was a big factor."


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Third UK coronavirus patient tests positive - what we know so far about them

A third person in the UK has tested positive for coronavirus , England 's Chief Medical Officer has said .
Professor Chris Whitty said the person , who contracted the virus in Asia but not in China , is currently being transferred to an infectious diseases centre for treatment .
The patient is thought to have been diagnosed in Brighton and is being transferred to London , where there are infectious diseases units at Guy 's and St Thomas ' and the Royal Free .
Two other patients are still being treated at the Royal Victoria Infirmary infectious diseases centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we know so far : What has the NHS said ?
In a statement , Prof Whitty said : `` The patient is being transferred to a specialist NHS centre , and we are using robust infection control measures to prevent any possible further spread of the virus .
`` The NHS is well prepared to manage these cases and we are now working quickly to identify any contacts the patient has had . ''
The University of Sussex , which has a large campus on the outskirts of Brighton , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a student or member of staff from the university .
What has the government said ?
The Government has also announced that people with recent travel to Asia who go to their doctor with symptoms will be tested for coronavirus .
Earlier , the Chinese ambassador to the UK warned against `` rumours and panic '' over coronavirus after concerns were raised that Boris Johnson has not offered a personal message of support to China 's leaders .
Speaking to reporters in London , Liu Xiaoming called on the UK Government to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak , but insisted that relations between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the UK Prime Minister are good .
He said : `` It is of hope that governments of all countries , including the UK , should understand and support China 's efforts , avoid overreaction , avoid creating panic , and ensure normal co-operation and exchanges between countries . ''
Earlier , Mr Liu tweeted that the UK should respect the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) , which has warned against travel and trade restrictions on China .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Office in the UK has advised Britons in China to leave if they are able to .
Mr Liu 's tweet said : `` WHO has reiterated that it disapproves of and is even against overreaction to the epidemic , including travel and trade restrictions on China .
`` We hope the UK will respect the professional advice of WHO and ensure the normal co-operation and exchanges between China and the UK . ''
What is the national picture ?
In other developments , more than 80 UK citizens and family members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Arrow Park Hospital on the Wirral have been told they can leave next Thursday .
Th group are spending 14 days in isolation but will be released next week as long as they remain symptom-free .
And what is the international picture ?
Meanwhile , 78 people with British passports - including crew - are currently in quarantine on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan , sources told the PA news agency .
Health workers in the port city of Yokohama said on Thursday that 10 more people on the Princess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease , in addition to 10 others on Wednesday when the ship was ordered to be isolated .
As those 20 people received treatment at nearby hospitals and the remaining passengers were confined to their cabins , Briton David Abel said medical examinations aimed at detecting new cases on board had seemed to have stopped over the past few days .
Mr Abel , who is on board with his wife , added : `` And what happens at the end of this quarantine period ?
There 's no guarantee it 's going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be longer .
`` And what happens when we finally get back to the UK ?
Are we going to be put in quarantine yet again for another 14 days ?
`` These are questions I need answered .
I 'm going to be contacting the UK Government ... to find out . ''
Sources have told PA that no British people on the ship have tested positive for coronavirus so far .
There are no plans to fly anyone off the ship and back to the UK at the moment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the World Dream , has about 66 British passport-holders on board , officials told PA. Nobody on that ship - of any nationality - has tested positive for the virus .
PA understands that passengers are unable to leave the ship but are not in quarantine and can move around freely on board .
Meanwhile , the global death toll from coronavirus rose to 565 on Thursday , with the number of confirmed cases rising to 28,273 .
Some 260 cases have been recorded outside China .

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A third person in the UK has tested positive for coronavirus, England's Chief Medical Officer has said.
Professor Chris Whitty said the person, who contracted the virus in Asia but not in China, is currently being transferred to an infectious diseases centre for treatment.
The patient is thought to have been diagnosed in Brighton and is being transferred to London, where there are infectious diseases units at Guy's and St Thomas' and the Royal Free.
Two other patients are still being treated at the Royal Victoria Infirmary infectious diseases centre in Newcastle upon Tyne.
This is what we know so far:
What has the NHS said?
In a statement, Prof Whitty said: "The patient is being transferred to a specialist NHS centre, and we are using robust infection control measures to prevent any possible further spread of the virus.
"The NHS is well prepared to manage these cases and we are now working quickly to identify any contacts the patient has had."
The University of Sussex, which has a large campus on the outskirts of Brighton, said in a statement the new case was not a student or member of staff from the university.
What has the government said?
The Government has also announced that people with recent travel to Asia who go to their doctor with symptoms will be tested for coronavirus.
Earlier, the Chinese ambassador to the UK warned against "rumours and panic" over coronavirus after concerns were raised that Boris Johnson has not offered a personal message of support to China's leaders.
Speaking to reporters in London, Liu Xiaoming called on the UK Government to support China in its handling of the coronavirus outbreak, but insisted that relations between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the UK Prime Minister are good.
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He said: "It is of hope that governments of all countries, including the UK, should understand and support China's efforts, avoid overreaction, avoid creating panic, and ensure normal co-operation and exchanges between countries."
Earlier, Mr Liu tweeted that the UK should respect the World Health Organisation (WHO), which has warned against travel and trade restrictions on China.
What has the Foreign Office advised?
(Image: Getty Images)
The Foreign Office in the UK has advised Britons in China to leave if they are able to.
Mr Liu's tweet said: "WHO has reiterated that it disapproves of and is even against overreaction to the epidemic, including travel and trade restrictions on China.
"We hope the UK will respect the professional advice of WHO and ensure the normal co-operation and exchanges between China and the UK."
What is the national picture?
In other developments, more than 80 UK citizens and family members who were the first to be quarantined at Arrow Park Hospital on the Wirral have been told they can leave next Thursday.
Th group are spending 14 days in isolation but will be released next week as long as they remain symptom-free.
And what is the international picture?
Meanwhile, 78 people with British passports - including crew - are currently in quarantine on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan, sources told the PA news agency.
Health workers in the port city of Yokohama said on Thursday that 10 more people on the Princess Cruises vessel had tested positive for the disease, in addition to 10 others on Wednesday when the ship was ordered to be isolated.
As those 20 people received treatment at nearby hospitals and the remaining passengers were confined to their cabins, Briton David Abel said medical examinations aimed at detecting new cases on board had seemed to have stopped over the past few days.
Mr Abel, who is on board with his wife, added: "And what happens at the end of this quarantine period? There's no guarantee it's going to be 14 days now. It could be longer.
"And what happens when we finally get back to the UK? Are we going to be put in quarantine yet again for another 14 days?
"These are questions I need answered. I'm going to be contacting the UK Government ... to find out."
Sources have told PA that no British people on the ship have tested positive for coronavirus so far.
There are no plans to fly anyone off the ship and back to the UK at the moment.
A separate ship in Hong Kong, the World Dream, has about 66 British passport-holders on board, officials told PA.
Nobody on that ship - of any nationality - has tested positive for the virus.
PA understands that passengers are unable to leave the ship but are not in quarantine and can move around freely on board.
Meanwhile, the global death toll from coronavirus rose to 565 on Thursday, with the number of confirmed cases rising to 28,273. Some 260 cases have been recorded outside China.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Tracy Brabin to sell dress off for charity after being branded 's***' in Commons

Tracy Brabin has announced she is auctioning the off-the-shoulder dress that drew criticism after she wore it in the Commons .
Ms Brabin was forced to defend her attire after the dress slipped off her shoulder when she leaned on the despatch box due to a broken ankle on Tuesday .
The Labour MP for Batley and Spen has since decided to sell the dress for charity on eBay , claiming it had sold out on ASOS as a result of the coverage .
`` Black dress worn by Tracy Brabin MP in 'shouldergate ' as widely covered across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This is an ASOS dress which has been flying off the shelves as a result of the coverage - and is now sold out ! ''
The money raised will go to Girlguiding , a charity for girls and young women in the UK .
`` All money raised will go to Girlguiding UK to support their work helping girls build confidence and self-esteem , in the hope that they grow up to be leaders , '' the listing continued .
Ms Brabin responded to criticism of her attire on social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted : `` Sorry I do n't have time to reply to all of you commenting on this but I can confirm I 'm not ... A slag , Hungover , A tart , About to breastfeed , A slapper , Drunk , Just been banged over a wheelie bin .
`` Who knew people could get so emotional over a shoulder ... ''

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Tracy Brabin has announced she is auctioning the off-the-shoulder dress that drew criticism after she wore it in the Commons.
Ms Brabin was forced to defend her attire after the dress slipped off her shoulder when she leaned on the despatch box due to a broken ankle on Tuesday.
The Labour MP for Batley and Spen has since decided to sell the dress for charity on eBay, claiming it had sold out on ASOS as a result of the coverage.
"Black dress worn by Tracy Brabin MP in 'shouldergate' as widely covered across the media," the listing read.
"This is an ASOS dress which has been flying off the shelves as a result of the coverage - and is now sold out!"
(Image: PA)
The money raised will go to Girlguiding, a charity for girls and young women in the UK.
"All money raised will go to Girlguiding UK to support their work helping girls build confidence and self-esteem, in the hope that they grow up to be leaders," the listing continued.
Ms Brabin responded to criticism of her attire on social media earlier in the week.
She had tweeted: "Sorry I don't have time to reply to all of you commenting on this but I can confirm I'm not... A slag, Hungover, A tart, About to breastfeed, A slapper, Drunk, Just been banged over a wheelie bin.
"Who knew people could get so emotional over a shoulder..."


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Harvey Weinstein rape trial prosecutors rest case after two weeks of evidence

Prosecutors in Harvey Weinstein 's rape trial have rested their case after more than two weeks of evidence punctuated by harrowing accounts from six women who say the disgraced film mogul ignored pleas and excused his behaviour as a Hollywood norm .
Now Weinstein 's lawyers will start calling witnesses of their own , including a psychologist who specialises in human memory .
The defence is looking to raise doubts about the women 's recollections of encounters that in some cases are more than a decade or two old .
Weinstein , 67 , maintains that any sexual encounters were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial in New York City are based on allegations that Weinstein raped a woman in March 2013 and that he forced oral sex on another woman , a TV and film production assistant , in 2006 .
The allegations against Weinstein helped fuel the £MeToo movement .
Prosecutors rested their case after the last of the other accusers finished telling jurors about an encounter with Weinstein in 2013 .
Lauren Marie Young , a model from suburban Philadelphia , alleged that Weinstein invited her to his Beverly Hills hotel room , lured her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clothes , pulled down her dress and groped her breast .
Additional women , including Ms Young , have been allowed to give evidence as prosecutors attempt to show there was a practised method to Weinstein 's alleged attacks , including inviting women to his hotel room to discuss business , then disrobing and demanding sexual favours .
Her evidence bookended that of the first accuser to testify , actress Annabella Sciorra , who alleges Weinstein barged into her apartment in the mid-1990s , threw her on a bed and raped her as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kicking and punching him .
In between , jurors heard similar stories of Weinstein ingratiating himself with much younger women , appearing to show interest in helping their careers before getting them into a hotel room or an apartment and allegedly violating them .
Jurors were also reminded of the complexity of the women 's relationships with Weinstein .
The woman Weinstein is charged with raping faced three days of questioning , much of it on cross-examination , as Weinstein 's lawyers scoured friendly , sometimes flirtatious emails she sent the film producer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledged meeting Weinstein for other sexual encounters .
She said she kept in touch because `` his ego was so fragile '' , and that contacting him `` made me feel safe '' .
At one point , Weinstein lawyer Donna Rotunno asked the woman why she would accept favours from `` your rapist '' .
The woman turned to jurors and declared : `` I want the jury to know that he is my rapist . ''
On Wednesday , prosecutors showed jurors emails they did not see during that exhaustive cross-examination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep their complex relationship afloat , pining for meetings as she latched on to excuses to avoid him .
After one instance of getting the cold shoulder , Weinstein emailed the woman 's roommate in October 2013 , writing : `` Tell your friend ...
I 'm friendly . ''
In December 2015 , Weinstein asked the woman : `` R u meeting me or forgetting me ... '' The trial has moved far quicker than anyone involved anticipated .
Jurors were initially told to expect six weeks of evidence .
Now the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Prosecutors in Harvey Weinstein's rape trial have rested their case after more than two weeks of evidence punctuated by harrowing accounts from six women who say the disgraced film mogul ignored pleas and excused his behaviour as a Hollywood norm.
Now Weinstein's lawyers will start calling witnesses of their own, including a psychologist who specialises in human memory.
The defence is looking to raise doubts about the women's recollections of encounters that in some cases are more than a decade or two old.
Weinstein, 67, maintains that any sexual encounters were consensual.
The criminal charges at the trial in New York City are based on allegations that Weinstein raped a woman in March 2013 and that he forced oral sex on another woman, a TV and film production assistant, in 2006.
The allegations against Weinstein helped fuel the £MeToo movement.
Prosecutors rested their case after the last of the other accusers finished telling jurors about an encounter with Weinstein in 2013.
Lauren Marie Young, a model from suburban Philadelphia, alleged that Weinstein invited her to his Beverly Hills hotel room, lured her to the bathroom, stripped off his clothes, pulled down her dress and groped her breast.
Additional women, including Ms Young, have been allowed to give evidence as prosecutors attempt to show there was a practised method to Weinstein's alleged attacks, including inviting women to his hotel room to discuss business, then disrobing and demanding sexual favours.
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Her evidence bookended that of the first accuser to testify, actress Annabella Sciorra, who alleges Weinstein barged into her apartment in the mid-1990s, threw her on a bed and raped her as she tried to fight him off by kicking and punching him.
In between, jurors heard similar stories of Weinstein ingratiating himself with much younger women, appearing to show interest in helping their careers before getting them into a hotel room or an apartment and allegedly violating them.
Jurors were also reminded of the complexity of the women's relationships with Weinstein.
The woman Weinstein is charged with raping faced three days of questioning, much of it on cross-examination, as Weinstein's lawyers scoured friendly, sometimes flirtatious emails she sent the film producer after the alleged assault.
The woman acknowledged meeting Weinstein for other sexual encounters.
She said she kept in touch because "his ego was so fragile", and that contacting him "made me feel safe".
At one point, Weinstein lawyer Donna Rotunno asked the woman why she would accept favours from "your rapist".
The woman turned to jurors and declared: "I want the jury to know that he is my rapist."
On Wednesday, prosecutors showed jurors emails they did not see during that exhaustive cross-examination that showed it was Weinstein trying to keep their complex relationship afloat, pining for meetings as she latched on to excuses to avoid him.
After one instance of getting the cold shoulder, Weinstein emailed the woman's roommate in October 2013, writing: "Tell your friend... I'm friendly."
In December 2015, Weinstein asked the woman: "R u meeting me or forgetting me..."
The trial has moved far quicker than anyone involved anticipated.
Jurors were initially told to expect six weeks of evidence.
Now the case could be decided by mid-February.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Michael Barrymore issues statement over Channel 4 pool death documentary

Michael Barrymore has said that he is unable to comment on a documentary about the death of a man at his home nearly 20 years ago , because he has not seen it .
The TV star , 67 , issued a statement ahead of Channel 4 's programme Barrymore : The Body In The Pool airing on Thursday , in which he also protested his innocence .
The programme looks into the unexplained death of 31-year-old Stuart Lubbock , whose body was found at Barrymore 's then-home in Roydon , Essex , on March 31 2001 .
Barrymore was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with any offence .
In a video posted on Twitter , Barrymore said that he has been repeatedly asked to comment on the documentary , adding : `` As I made clear to everyone , I 'm not able to comment because Channel 4 are refusing to show it to me , or let me know what it contains .
`` However , I will say to anyone who would like to get to the truth of the matter is they should watch the ITV interview I did last year with Piers Morgan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left no stone unturned .
The truth is I have always done everything anyone has asked of me , and I 've cooperated with everyone .
`` Essex Police 's own QC has said that , 'We know that Mr Barrymore has had nothing to do with this and that there is no evidence linking him with the injuries to Mr Lubbock or the pool ' . ''
Barrymore continued : `` I have had nothing to do with this whatsoever and yet I keep getting bashed and bullied by the media .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has watched the programme when it has aired .
`` In the meantime , my heartfelt sympathies are with the Lubbock family and I truly hope they find peace , and it is for that reason that I have constantly pressed for an independent police force to examine everything to do with the case and reach a proper conclusion , and I shall continue to do so , '' he added .
Barrymore , who was one of the UK 's best-known TV presenters when the body of Mr Lubbock was found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stories programme that he is `` 100 % innocent '' .
He later sued Essex Police claiming wrongful arrest , which he said had cost him about £2.5 million in lost earnings .
However , Court of Appeal judges concluded Barrymore would be entitled to only `` nominal '' damages .

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Michael Barrymore has said that he is unable to comment on a documentary about the death of a man at his home nearly 20 years ago, because he has not seen it.
The TV star, 67, issued a statement ahead of Channel 4's programme Barrymore: The Body In The Pool airing on Thursday, in which he also protested his innocence.
The programme looks into the unexplained death of 31-year-old Stuart Lubbock, whose body was found at Barrymore's then-home in Roydon, Essex, on March 31 2001.
Barrymore was arrested in 2007, but never charged with any offence.
(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
In a video posted on Twitter, Barrymore said that he has been repeatedly asked to comment on the documentary, adding: "As I made clear to everyone, I'm not able to comment because Channel 4 are refusing to show it to me, or let me know what it contains.
"However, I will say to anyone who would like to get to the truth of the matter is they should watch the ITV interview I did last year with Piers Morgan.
"He went into everything and left no stone unturned. The truth is I have always done everything anyone has asked of me, and I've cooperated with everyone.
"Essex Police's own QC has said that, 'We know that Mr Barrymore has had nothing to do with this and that there is no evidence linking him with the injuries to Mr Lubbock or the pool'."
(Image: PA)
Barrymore continued: "I have had nothing to do with this whatsoever and yet I keep getting bashed and bullied by the media."
He said he may comment after he has watched the programme when it has aired.
"In the meantime, my heartfelt sympathies are with the Lubbock family and I truly hope they find peace, and it is for that reason that I have constantly pressed for an independent police force to examine everything to do with the case and reach a proper conclusion, and I shall continue to do so," he added.
Barrymore, who was one of the UK's best-known TV presenters when the body of Mr Lubbock was found, last year told Morgan's Life Stories programme that he is "100% innocent".
He later sued Essex Police claiming wrongful arrest, which he said had cost him about £2.5 million in lost earnings.
However, Court of Appeal judges concluded Barrymore would be entitled to only "nominal" damages.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Councils no longer need to fly flags for Prince Andrew's birthday

The Government will tell councils they are no longer required to fly flags to mark the Duke of York 's 60th birthday after he stepped back from public duties over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein .
But the bells of Westminster Abbey were still expected to ring out in celebration of Andrew 's milestone birthday on February 19 .
The policy of flying Union flags on royal birthdays was being re-examined after councils were initially ordered to do so for Andrew , as is the custom .
Downing Street said the matter was being looked into after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offensive '' .
A Government spokesman said : `` The Department of Culture , Media and Sport will be advising councils that there is no requirement to fly flags on February 19 following the decision by the Duke of York to step back from public duties for the foreseeable future . ''
The decision will also apply to other government buildings .
Certain royal birthdays , including the duke 's , are traditionally marked by the ringing of bells at the Abbey .
A spokeswoman for the landmark London church said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bells are rung for the birthdays of HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh ; their children ; and TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children .
`` There are no plans to change these arrangements . ''

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The Government will tell councils they are no longer required to fly flags to mark the Duke of York's 60th birthday after he stepped back from public duties over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
But the bells of Westminster Abbey were still expected to ring out in celebration of Andrew's milestone birthday on February 19.
The policy of flying Union flags on royal birthdays was being re-examined after councils were initially ordered to do so for Andrew, as is the custom.
Downing Street said the matter was being looked into after critics branded the celebration "crass and offensive".
(Image: BBC)
A Government spokesman said: "The Department of Culture, Media and Sport will be advising councils that there is no requirement to fly flags on February 19 following the decision by the Duke of York to step back from public duties for the foreseeable future."
The decision will also apply to other government buildings.
Certain royal birthdays, including the duke's, are traditionally marked by the ringing of bells at the Abbey.
A spokeswoman for the landmark London church said: "Westminster Abbey is a Royal Peculiar and the bells are rung for the birthdays of HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh; their children; and TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children.
"There are no plans to change these arrangements."


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Dad grants son's birthday wish - to be picked up from school by Jason from Friday the 13th

This is the moment a dad granted his son 's birthday wish - to be picked up from school by JASON from Friday the 13th .
Sam Murphy wanted to surprise his son Carter , who has ADHD , with a special treat for his big day .
He asked Carter what he wanted and was told his one wish was to meet the legendary villain and serial slasher Jason Voorhees .
Despite warning his son that it would be difficult to pull off , Carter found 'Jason ' waiting for him outside the school gates and the pair walked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 45 , of Plymouth , Devon , said : `` I spoke to the school about it and they said they did n't want Jason waiting at the school gates so he had to be round the corner .
`` It was quite a nice experience , he was walking down the street holding hands with Jason .
He has issues with touching , he wo n't hold my hand . ''
The horror movie role was played by local make-up and special effects expert Tony Gartland who took on the job to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' Jason Voorhees .
The scene played out on Carter 's birthday on January 30 and was filmed by Sam .
Sam added : `` Carter has n't shut up about it , Jason gave him a t-shirt and he has n't taken it off since .
I ca n't get it in the wash. '' Jason came into the house with his shoes on and Carter said , 'dad , Jason left his shoes on ' and I replied , 'well , I 'm not telling him to take them off ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Carter was showing all his favourite toys , he showed him everything .
`` Carter then brought Jason downstairs and then he had to go , and I said we 'd drop him off in the city centre so he could go on a killing spree .
`` Carter was so excited , he has n't stopped speaking about it since .
`` Tony did n't break character once , he was great . ''
Tony , who lives in Saltash , Cornwall , owns a special effects and t-shirt printing business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make-up , masks and costumes .
He said he 's always been a horror fan and has even attended horror conventions as Jason Voorhees .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (John Bett, James Rodger)

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This is the moment a dad granted his son's birthday wish - to be picked up from school by JASON from Friday the 13th.
Sam Murphy wanted to surprise his son Carter, who has ADHD, with a special treat for his big day.
He asked Carter what he wanted and was told his one wish was to meet the legendary villain and serial slasher Jason Voorhees.
Despite warning his son that it would be difficult to pull off, Carter found 'Jason' waiting for him outside the school gates and the pair walked home hand in hand.
Sam, 45, of Plymouth, Devon, said: "I spoke to the school about it and they said they didn't want Jason waiting at the school gates so he had to be round the corner.
(Image: Sam Murphy /SWNS.COM)
"It was quite a nice experience, he was walking down the street holding hands with Jason. He has issues with touching, he won't hold my hand."
The horror movie role was played by local make-up and special effects expert Tony Gartland who took on the job to make himself look just like the 'real' Jason Voorhees.
The scene played out on Carter's birthday on January 30 and was filmed by Sam.
Sam added: "Carter hasn't shut up about it, Jason gave him a t-shirt and he hasn't taken it off since. I can't get it in the wash.
"Jason came into the house with his shoes on and Carter said, 'dad, Jason left his shoes on' and I replied, 'well, I'm not telling him to take them off'.
"They went to his bedroom and Carter was showing all his favourite toys, he showed him everything.
(Image: Sam Murphy /SWNS.COM)
"Carter then brought Jason downstairs and then he had to go, and I said we'd drop him off in the city centre so he could go on a killing spree.
"Carter was so excited, he hasn't stopped speaking about it since.
(Image: Sam Murphy /SWNS.COM)
"Tony didn't break character once, he was great."
Tony, who lives in Saltash, Cornwall, owns a special effects and t-shirt printing business and has plenty of experience with costume make-up, masks and costumes.
He said he's always been a horror fan and has even attended horror conventions as Jason Voorhees.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--UK's oldest cleaner returns to work two months after breaking hip in horror fall

One of Britain 's oldest cleaners has returned to work , two months after breaking her hip in a nasty fall .
Doctors last week gave 96-year-old Marjorie Rose the green light to go back to work at the Kent shopping centre where she has been cleaning for more than 30 years .
She tripped and fell on her way into work in December , putting her out of action .
But today Marjorie , who has 21 great-grandchildren , made her long-awaited return to The Mall in Maidstone , armed - as ever - with her feather duster .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lovely , everybody has been coming up to me saying it 's nice to see me back .
`` I 've got my duster with me , I 'm still working well .
There 's almost too many people to say hello to , I try holding my head down but they see me coming ! ''
Marge works at the shopping centre five days per week , and she 's showing no sign of slowing down .
Her grandson , David Gregory , said : `` She used to get up at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her cleaning job .
She still walks to work every day .
`` When I was 16 she beat me at the 100 metres .
She must have been in her 70s then , and I was playing football three times a week . ''
Last year Marge , who some shoppers prefer to call nan , had a cataract operation and returned to work after a week as she could n't bear to be away .
Mr Gregory , from Strood , said : `` So many people know her around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it keeps her active .
`` You 'd think she 'd be knackered but she is n't , it 's amazing and I think people need to know about her . ''
Marge has worked at the shopping centre for more than 30 years and is known for her wicked sense of humour .
Asked about the secret to her longevity in 2017 , she said : `` I don ’ t smoke and I don ’ t drink .
I advise other people not to drink . ''
Marge has worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , since 1985 - after her husband Bill died .
She was born in Cornwall on August 15 , 1923 , when Stanley Baldwin was Prime Minister .
Marge eventually moved to Kent with Bill and they had five children .
During the Second World War she worked as a fruit picker , sending healthy treats to the Army , and also spent 40 years working for Alan Firmin picking fruit and seeds .
Bill sadly died from Hodgkin 's lymphoma aged just 58 , and Marge took up her new cleaning job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life , the nonagenarian replied : `` I do n't smoke and I do n't drink , I advise other people not to drink . ''
At work , Marge enjoys meeting people and stopping for a chat , and says her wages help towards paying the bills .
When Marge turned 94 Suzie Brindle , marketing manager at The Mall , said : `` Marge is a fantastic member of the team and never fails to amaze us with her zest for life . ''
Locals are even suggesting the chirpy cleaner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long service to the town .
Christine Howard said : `` This wonderful lady should get a MBE for all her hard work .
God bless you darling , happy birthday . ''
Robbie Smith added : `` Happy birthday Marge .
Come on guys , this lady deserves to have a MBE - let 's start the campaign . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Henry Goodwin and Luke May, James Rodger)

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One of Britain's oldest cleaners has returned to work, two months after breaking her hip in a nasty fall.
Doctors last week gave 96-year-old Marjorie Rose the green light to go back to work at the Kent shopping centre where she has been cleaning for more than 30 years.
She tripped and fell on her way into work in December, putting her out of action.
But today Marjorie, who has 21 great-grandchildren, made her long-awaited return to The Mall in Maidstone, armed - as ever - with her feather duster.
She said: "It's been lovely, everybody has been coming up to me saying it's nice to see me back.
"I've got my duster with me, I'm still working well. There's almost too many people to say hello to, I try holding my head down but they see me coming!"
(Image: KMG /SWNS.COM)
Marge works at the shopping centre five days per week, and she's showing no sign of slowing down.
Her grandson, David Gregory, said: "She used to get up at 4am and make sandwiches, then head to her cleaning job. She still walks to work every day.
"When I was 16 she beat me at the 100 metres. She must have been in her 70s then, and I was playing football three times a week."
(Image: KMG /SWNS.COM)
Last year Marge, who some shoppers prefer to call nan, had a cataract operation and returned to work after a week as she couldn't bear to be away.
Mr Gregory, from Strood, said: "So many people know her around the town, she loves it there and it keeps her active.
"You'd think she'd be knackered but she isn't, it's amazing and I think people need to know about her."
(Image: KMG /SWNS.COM)
Marge has worked at the shopping centre for more than 30 years and is known for her wicked sense of humour.
Asked about the secret to her longevity in 2017, she said: "I don’t smoke and I don’t drink. I advise other people not to drink."
Marge has worked at The Mall in Maidstone, Kent, since 1985 - after her husband Bill died.
She was born in Cornwall on August 15, 1923, when Stanley Baldwin was Prime Minister.
Marge eventually moved to Kent with Bill and they had five children.
During the Second World War she worked as a fruit picker, sending healthy treats to the Army, and also spent 40 years working for Alan Firmin picking fruit and seeds.
Bill sadly died from Hodgkin's lymphoma aged just 58, and Marge took up her new cleaning job.
Asked the secret to her long life, the nonagenarian replied: "I don't smoke and I don't drink, I advise other people not to drink."
At work, Marge enjoys meeting people and stopping for a chat, and says her wages help towards paying the bills.
When Marge turned 94 Suzie Brindle, marketing manager at The Mall, said: "Marge is a fantastic member of the team and never fails to amaze us with her zest for life."
Locals are even suggesting the chirpy cleaner should be handed an MBE for her long service to the town.
Christine Howard said: "This wonderful lady should get a MBE for all her hard work. God bless you darling, happy birthday."
Robbie Smith added: "Happy birthday Marge. Come on guys, this lady deserves to have a MBE - let's start the campaign."


birminghammail--2020-02-06--School issues urgent warning about 'Starlett' Instagram account asking for pictures and then threate

School issues urgent warning about 'Starlett' Instagram account asking for pictures and then threatening kids

Parents across the Midlands have urgently been warned to be vigilant of their children communicating with a dangerous Instagram account .
A bogus modelling agency using the name Starlett has allegedly been preying on youngsters using the popular social media app , Instagram .
Posing as a booking agent , the account pressures children to send 'inappropriate images ' of themselves in an outfit , a bikini and then finally unclothed .
Police have said the children are threatened if they do not send over the pictures .
The stark warning was issued by Aldersley High School on Barnhurst Lane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school said : `` We have just received this alert from West Midlands Police .
If your child uses Instagram please share this with them .
`` 'Initially , these requests will be modelling their favourite outfits , then a bikini shoot and finally a naked photo to analyse their body type coupled with threats if not forthcoming . '
'' The warning has been issued across a wide area .
Cheshire Police say they are investigating the agency .
A spokeswoman said : “ We have been made aware of concerns about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media platforms .
“ I ’ d like to reassure you we are looking into this.
” Has something happened online that has made you feel worried or unsafe ?
Are you worried about the safety of your children when they are online ?
The CEOP ( Child Exploitation and Online Protection ) website allows you to report concerns online and to discover how young people can stay safe online from issues such as online abuse or sexual exploitation .
You can also find further online safety advice from Thinkuknow or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety , people acting inappropriately online , or if you fear you or your child is being sexually abused or groomed .

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Parents across the Midlands have urgently been warned to be vigilant of their children communicating with a dangerous Instagram account.
A bogus modelling agency using the name Starlett has allegedly been preying on youngsters using the popular social media app, Instagram.
Posing as a booking agent, the account pressures children to send 'inappropriate images' of themselves in an outfit, a bikini and then finally unclothed.
Police have said the children are threatened if they do not send over the pictures.
The stark warning was issued by Aldersley High School on Barnhurst Lane in Wolverhampton.
A spokesman for the school said: "We have just received this alert from West Midlands Police. If your child uses Instagram please share this with them.
"'We have had information that students at a number of secondary schools across Staffordshire, Stoke and Cheshire East have been contacted by a bogus modelling company, 'Starlett or Scarlett Bookings Agency' on Instagram pressurising young people into sending inappropriate images.
"'Initially, these requests will be modelling their favourite outfits, then a bikini shoot and finally a naked photo to analyse their body type coupled with threats if not forthcoming.'"
The warning has been issued across a wide area. Cheshire Police say they are investigating the agency.
A spokeswoman said: “We have been made aware of concerns about a modelling agency contacting young people on social media platforms.
“I’d like to reassure you we are looking into this.”
************
Has something happened online that has made you feel worried or unsafe? Are you worried about the safety of your children when they are online?
The CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) website allows you to report concerns online and to discover how young people can stay safe online from issues such as online abuse or sexual exploitation.
You can also find further online safety advice from Thinkuknow or the NSPCC if you are worried about online safety, people acting inappropriately online, or if you fear you or your child is being sexually abused or groomed.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Potential Aston Villa transfer blocked by striker's wife in January - reports

Krzysztof Piatek 's wife played a major part in his decision to snub interest from England and sign for Hertha Berlin , reports are claiming .
The Poland international ’ s switch to the German capital from AC Milan was confirmed late in the January window amid keen interest from the Premier League .
Aston Villa had been looking at Piatek , as well as Tottenham and Manchester United who are both thought to have made attempts to sign him .
Claims were made early in January that Villa had formally approached Milan over a potential transfer but Hertha secured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ German press have shed the light on why Piatek made the decision to move to the Bundesliga .
According to SportBild ( via Sport Witness ) , the striker 's wife was keen to move closer to home - which meant he chose Germany over England .
Speaking after the deal was confirmed , the striker said : “ The most important thing was the clarity of the plans the club has for me .
“ We want to achieve the greatest goals together .
As a striker , I want to score @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hertha and helping the team to move up the rankings .
“ It is very important for me to start well in a new championship .
We hope to qualify for a European competition next season.
” Villa brought in Ally Samatta from Genk and Borja Baston from Swansea City to boost Dean Smith 's options upfront .

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Krzysztof Piatek's wife played a major part in his decision to snub interest from England and sign for Hertha Berlin, reports are claiming.
The Poland international’s switch to the German capital from AC Milan was confirmed late in the January window amid keen interest from the Premier League.
Aston Villa had been looking at Piatek, as well as Tottenham and Manchester United who are both thought to have made attempts to sign him.
Claims were made early in January that Villa had formally approached Milan over a potential transfer but Hertha secured his signature.
And reports in the German press have shed the light on why Piatek made the decision to move to the Bundesliga.
According to SportBild (via Sport Witness), the striker's wife was keen to move closer to home - which meant he chose Germany over England.
poll loading How many points will Villa finish the season with? 1000+ VOTES SO FAR 25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 More than 50
Speaking after the deal was confirmed, the striker said:“The most important thing was the clarity of the plans the club has for me.
“We want to achieve the greatest goals together. As a striker, I want to score as many goals as possible for the Hertha and helping the team to move up the rankings.
“It is very important for me to start well in a new championship. We hope to qualify for a European competition next season.”
Villa brought in Ally Samatta from Genk and Borja Baston from Swansea City to boost Dean Smith's options upfront.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--ADVERTORIAL: Your chance to win a holiday at an award-winning family resort in Pembrokeshire

Bluestone in Pembrokeshire is giving one lucky family the chance to experience its magical resort with a free break worth up to £399 .
Bluestone National Park Resort is nestled in the beautiful countryside of Pembrokeshire National Park and it is packed with adventure and relaxation , making it the perfect place to spend a holiday .
Bluestone was also recently awarded Best UK Family Holiday Company at the 2019 British Travel Awards , cementing its reputation as one of the best in the travel industry .
But what can families expect if they head to west Wales and arrive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at the resort , some top tips and how to enter the competition… The best family holidays are filled with memories and a break at Bluestone gives families plenty of time to experience unforgettable magical moments together .
It has everything you need in the resort , from stunning accommodation nestled in beautiful surroundings to non-stop activities , so the biggest decision is what to do first .
Bluestone also changes with the seasons , with special activities throughout the year .
From January to the end of March there is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with activities centred around magic , stargazing and a stunning light show .
This is followed by Myths and Legends , Summer Festival , Bwbach and finally Christmasland .
Each season has its own themed show , parade , activities and pop-up treats .
Fun for the whole family This is only the beginning of the fun at Bluestone as it also has the Blue Lagoon , a subtropical water park which guests can visit as many times as they wish during their stay .
The water park has a bubble pool , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave machine .
Bluestone also has Serendome , which is home to over 100 activities , from high ropes to obstacle courses .
Serendome can be used come rain or shine , as it is housed under a beautiful transparent umbrella .
After all that fun , Bluestone understands families need some relaxation time too , so the Well Spa Retreat is a welcome addition .
The award-winning therapists will brush away any aches and pains with tailored treatments , and the thermal suite and hydrotherapy pool will wash away the stresses of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejuvenated .
If Bluestone is ticking a lot of boxes for your next family holiday , don ’ t miss out on the chance to win a break worth £399 .
Bluestone is giving away a four night midweek or a three night weekend stay during Bluestone ’ s Winter Lights Festival ( ending March 27 ) .
This is for four people and excludes arrival dates of February 14 , 17 and 21 .
Prize is subject to availability and terms and conditions apply .
To enter the competition , all you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page and comment on this post .
The closing date is February 11 , 2020 .
You ’ ll then be entered in a prize draw and the lucky winner will be selected at random .
For more information about Bluestone and to book a holiday , visit the website .

Bluestone in Pembrokeshire is giving one lucky family the chance to experience its magical resort with a free break worth up to £399.
Bluestone National Park Resort is nestled in the beautiful countryside of Pembrokeshire National Park and it is packed with adventure and relaxation, making it the perfect place to spend a holiday.
Bluestone was also recently awarded Best UK Family Holiday Company at the 2019 British Travel Awards, cementing its reputation as one of the best in the travel industry.
But what can families expect if they head to west Wales and arrive at Bluestone? Here’s a look at the resort, some top tips and how to enter the competition…
A holiday to remember
The best family holidays are filled with memories and a break at Bluestone gives families plenty of time to experience unforgettable magical moments together.
It has everything you need in the resort, from stunning accommodation nestled in beautiful surroundings to non-stop activities, so the biggest decision is what to do first.
Bluestone also changes with the seasons, with special activities throughout the year. From January to the end of March there is the Winter Lights Festival, a special event with activities centred around magic, stargazing and a stunning light show.
This is followed by Myths and Legends, Summer Festival, Bwbach and finally Christmasland. Each season has its own themed show, parade, activities and pop-up treats.
Fun for the whole family
This is only the beginning of the fun at Bluestone as it also has the Blue Lagoon, a subtropical water park which guests can visit as many times as they wish during their stay. The water park has a bubble pool, flume rides, lazy river and a wave machine.
Bluestone also has Serendome, which is home to over 100 activities, from high ropes to obstacle courses. Serendome can be used come rain or shine, as it is housed under a beautiful transparent umbrella.
After all that fun, Bluestone understands families need some relaxation time too, so the Well Spa Retreat is a welcome addition. The award-winning therapists will brush away any aches and pains with tailored treatments, and the thermal suite and hydrotherapy pool will wash away the stresses of everyday life, leaving guests feeling completely rejuvenated.
Competition time
If Bluestone is ticking a lot of boxes for your next family holiday, don’t miss out on the chance to win a break worth £399.
Bluestone is giving away a four night midweek or a three night weekend stay during Bluestone’s Winter Lights Festival (ending March 27). This is for four people and excludes arrival dates of February 14, 17 and 21. Prize is subject to availability and terms and conditions apply.
To enter the competition, all you need to do is visit our Facebook page and comment on this post. The closing date is February 11, 2020.
You’ll then be entered in a prize draw and the lucky winner will be selected at random.
Good luck!
For more information about Bluestone and to book a holiday, visit the website.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Woman and child injured in collision outside Joseph Chamberlain College

A woman and child were injured after they were struck by a car outside Joseph Chamberlain College .
The pedestrians @ @ @ @ @ Belgrave Middleway and Moseley Road , just outside the college , when they collided with @ @ @ @ @ the pair at the scene but their injuries were not said to be serious .
@ @ @ @ @ they were taken to hospital .
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoma n said : @ @ @ @ @ 4.16pm to reports of an RTC involving a pedestrian and a car , at the @ @ @ @ @ Moseley Road .
“ One ambulance is at the scene assessing two patients , one @ @ @ @ @ Their injuries are not believed to be serious.
” Officers from West Midlands Police temporarily @ @ @ @ @ traffic during the incident .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Charlotte Paxton,  birminghammail.co.uk)

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A woman and child were injured after they were struck by a car outside Joseph Chamberlain College.
The pedestrians were at the junction of Belgrave Middleway and Moseley Road, just outside the college, when they collided with the vehicle.
Paramedics assessed the pair at the scene but their injuries were not said to be serious.
It is not known if they were taken to hospital.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoma n said: “We were called at 4.16pm to reports of an RTC involving a pedestrian and a car, at the junction of Belgrave Middleway and Moseley Road.
“One ambulance is at the scene assessing two patients, one woman and one child. Their injuries are not believed to be serious.”
Officers from West Midlands Police temporarily blocked off Moseley Road to traffic during the incident.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--'Huge' - Aston Villa player sent pundit message after January transfer

James Chester has a ‘ huge part ’ to play at Stoke City after sealing a move to the Championship side from Aston Villa , Sky Sports pundit Andy Hinchcliffe has said .
Chester , who has experienced an injury-plagued last 13 months at Villa Park , joined the second tier strugglers on loan for the rest of the season on deadline day of the January window .
The switch means Chester has almost certainly played his last game in Villa colours , with the centre-back out of contract in the summer .
The 31-year-old will need to lean on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Potters to safety - and Hinchcliffe has backed him to do just that .
“ With James Chester , you know what you ’ re going to get , ” Hinchcliffe told Sky Sports after Stoke 's 4-0 thrashing to Derby County .
“ He is a proper central defender .
“ It looked like Stoke had climbed away from the bottom three and they were definitely improving but that was a huge setback at Derby .
“ It is a positive move .
Although it is a defender that they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things up at the back and to save themselves , that is where it has to start and Chester could play a huge part in that.
” The former club captain 's last league appearance for Dean Smith ’ s side came in a 2-1 Championship victory against Ipswich Town last January .
He has been through a gruelling injury spell after a recurring knee problem finally took its toll more than a year ago .
That kept Chester out for the rest of the promotion campaign , with the defender admitting after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had caused indefinite damage to his body .
After Chester worked hard to return to training , there was another set back when he suffered a hamstring injury in pre-season .
He recovered to play against Liverpool in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup in December and in the FA Cup third round defeat to Fuham .
Chester had been acting as backup to Villa 's three-man defence of Ezri Konsa , Tyrone Mings and Kourtney Hause and wanted to secure his future .

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James Chester has a ‘huge part’ to play at Stoke City after sealing a move to the Championship side from Aston Villa, Sky Sports pundit Andy Hinchcliffe has said.
Chester, who has experienced an injury-plagued last 13 months at Villa Park, joined the second tier strugglers on loan for the rest of the season on deadline day of the January window.
The switch means Chester has almost certainly played his last game in Villa colours, with the centre-back out of contract in the summer.
The 31-year-old will need to lean on all of his experience to help drag the Potters to safety - and Hinchcliffe has backed him to do just that.
poll loading How many points will Villa finish the season with? 1000+ VOTES SO FAR 25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 More than 50
“With James Chester, you know what you’re going to get,” Hinchcliffe told Sky Sports after Stoke's 4-0 thrashing to Derby County. “He is a proper central defender.
“It looked like Stoke had climbed away from the bottom three and they were definitely improving but that was a huge setback at Derby.
“It is a positive move. Although it is a defender that they’ve signed, they need to shore things up at the back and to save themselves, that is where it has to start and Chester could play a huge part in that.”
The former club captain's last league appearance for Dean Smith’s side came in a 2-1 Championship victory against Ipswich Town last January.
He has been through a gruelling injury spell after a recurring knee problem finally took its toll more than a year ago.
That kept Chester out for the rest of the promotion campaign, with the defender admitting after the play-off final win against Derby County he had caused indefinite damage to his body.
After Chester worked hard to return to training, there was another set back when he suffered a hamstring injury in pre-season.
He recovered to play against Liverpool in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup in December and in the FA Cup third round defeat to Fuham.
Chester had been acting as backup to Villa's three-man defence of Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Kourtney Hause and wanted to secure his future.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--'Worst decisions this season' - Referees, McEachran, Camp, Gimenez and more from Pep Clotet

Pep Clotet met with the media before Friday night ’ s trip to Ashton Gate to face in-form Bristol City .
The head coach discussed Birmingham City ’ s penalty shoot-out win over Coventry and the effect two hours of football with have on his team tomorrow night .
He was asked about his discussions with referees , the departure of Alvaro Gimenez and several other topics .
It would be better if the seven were wins , Bristol have four on the bounce .
But it ’ s very good in our opinion because we are coming from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The team point a lot of work to get out of it .
The fact we are seven games unbeaten is a big source of confidence and a reality check that the team is doing the right things and progressing .
Team have developed an attitude they won ’ t be beaten ... .
It ’ s very important .
Some games come your way and you work hard to win them and you take the three points .
In other games it ’ s tough for both sides , you at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the point you had at the beginning .
It ’ s very important to keep clean sheets or the scores low so that if you do score you can make a difference in points .
At the same time the team has become very good at things that are not so clear to the eye .
It ’ s easy to see a very good passing combination or going forward .
But there is another side of the game that the team needs to be very good tactically or mentally .
The ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make things easy for when we have the ball and don ’ t get in too open a game , work a lot on balance .
I think the team has become very good in the last month in these details .
When we prepared for the game of course you never want to go to extra time but we prepared for it to happen , that is why there was a certain rotation in the squad .
At the same time it granted opportunities for young players to make their debut .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ extra time because we had three very good chances for Montero , one very good one-v-one with Bela and the goalkeeper .
But Coventry was very good as well in shots on target .
Despite playing extra time that gives us a boost for the next game .
We know that we played 120 minutes but we have worked very hard on recovering the players to make sure we are ready to compete again tomorrow It would be very easy to use that as an excuse but it is our work to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have the physical levels we need to compete for three point against Bristol and show the same resilience we showed on Tuesday .
He is a player that as soon as he came in He is becoming a very important player for us , he managed to come from a different county and adapt quickly , he knows the language , he has a link with the fans as well and immense confidence in himself that spreads through the team .
Surprised how quickly he has settled ?
He came here in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with him and we did all we could to make it happen in the summer while we were in preseason and I think he did all he could as well .
It happened a little bit later I knew straight away he would be a player who would make an instant positive impact on us .
He got used to the Championship quick – he had no other choice , his fitness levels improved and the fact he is French and was already playing abroad in Spain helped us in this , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abroad .
That speeded it up .
He is facing a tough moment , he knows he has all our support of everyone at the club .
He is facing an ACL injury that will take him months away and he needs a surgery .
It is very similar to the one Maikel Kieftenbeld had so six-to-nine months .
I spoke to him this morning , he has never had a big injury before , so it ’ s new for him .
All the players need to carry and build resilience .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mature about the situation , he is a little bit down of course but knowing that it will get done and he will get back on the pitch .
The ACL nowadays is not a career finish – not like it was before .
It will just be a bump on the road in his career .
Jacques Maghoma he does not require surgery but his tendon is affected in the quad and we are estimating six weeks away for him .
We are doing everything we can to make sure he can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What did you make of Caolan Boyd-Munce and Jack Concannon ?
First of all I am very happy for them because every time one of them steps on the pitch it is something very positive that our clubs needs going forward – and our team needed the other day .
We know we can use them and they will keep a good level .
Jack had to adapt himself to a slightly different position to what he is used to but I think he did the job that was asked .
Muncey was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more of an impact but I am very positive about them both and wish them to carry on along the same path .
Important they are there if needed ?
It is important they are all ready and if the club needs them they need to be up for it , mentally , physically , technically and tactically .
Made of Bristol City and what expecting ?
Bristol has been a strong contender for play-off positions for a number of years , they have been backing trying to get the team promoted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have .
They have been doing the right improvement for several years , playing the same idea , tweaking very few details .
At the minute they are very strong because they used the January transfer window very well .
Individually some of their players are on the top of the league in their position – like Eliasson on the wing .
They fought hard to bring Nahki Wells in as a striker so they have plenty of options going forward .
They have experience and strength at the back , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole club has been going for it for years .
That is why they have success now with four wins in a row .
But we know our strengths and resilience again will have to play a big part – we don ’ t take the extra time as an excuse .
We know our strengths and will try to turn the game to focus on our strengths and minimise our weaknesses .
For me it ’ s very important , we know our team is growing , our team is now in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because we are so thin because of the injuries that we have .
But we do have the resources we need to get through it , we have a very resilient side , fighting for the badge since day one .
We have had a couple of bad games as does everyone else and we had a bad run and got out of it .
At the minute the most important thing is we know all the fans understand the moment we are in now and they are backing us , supporting us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With this mentality and a nice cup run we are having , something to cheer for after Tuesday , it is very important we understand we need to fight together with a game-by-game mentality .
We go to Bristol tomorrow , I hope we fill the away stadium , that the players feel that backing , we won there last season and we want to win again tomorrow .
For that we need all our fans helping us and all our players giving everything they have – and luck to be on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our share of bad luck , let ’ s hope it can turn .
It ’ s up to us to put in that performance , united with our fans and fight for every point .
Everything is tight , you never know , as we said on Tuesday , football teaches you lessons and you never say ‘ Never ’ .
If you have that resilience and that attitude – football backs you .
I am expecting Maikel to play today , 75 minutes and possibly be ready to be on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slowly get his minutes competing with us as well because it is very different from 23s .
Dan Crowley looks to be in the last moments of his recovery , so possibly we will try to integrate him into training on Sunday .
I don ’ t want to take extra risks on Dan .
Kerim is possibly a couple of weeks behind Dan .
The centre-half pairing and all three of them playing well ?
Yes , of course , but that ’ s very good because we have options .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jake because since he came back from injury , there ’ s always a little bit of risk because of the shoulder and he ’ s been playing everything since he came back .
I think it ’ s good rotation there .
He ’ s in a good moment and so is Harlee and so is Robbo .
It ’ s important we manage those two ( Roberts and Clarke-Salter ) to make sure we get through the games with those players that are in a very good moment at the minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting with referees ?
We had the meeting last week .
It was a very good meeting and very productive .
We saw all the situations that we ’ ve faced this season where we thought we thought the decisions were not right .
We discussed every one of them .
I used the time as well to get Jukey in the meeting to highlight the fact that sometimes Jukey gets more fouls given against him than he ’ s given .
It ’ s not normal because Jukey always wants to compete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not looking at grabbing or pushing .
The referees agreed on the fact that they don ’ t need to take the physicality of a player into a tackle or challenge .
Because a player is strong and quick , if he gets a foul , he gets a foul .
It doesn ’ t matter if he ’ s strong .
We highlighted that because we were able to back it up and it was a very good meeting .
We discussed a lot about the handball rule and the ball back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I think in my opinion , that have been the worst decisions this season we ’ ve suffered .
The second one I understand how the ref handled it , the first one is the water break against Preston .
It came completely out of the blue and was something I didn ’ t understand at that moment .
But it was talked about in that meeting and I understood it .
The second one is obviously the play against Middlesbrough , when I think the referee could have stopped the play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that situation .
It was a very productive meeting .
I understood at time , but I still think the referee should have stopped the game when he saw it .
The ref was put in a situation where he was forced to act like that because of the pitch invasion .
They do it with every club , but it was important for us .
What was important for us was especially the fact with Jukey because centre-backs in this league they act on the rule that ' I can do whatever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a goal kick and if the striker does anything to me then I ’ m going to get the foul ' .
The referees should look into that and that was pointed out .
Possibly they will discuss this because it is very obvious .
It ’ s not normal that if Campy takes a goal kick and Jukey competes for the ball and the defender always gets the foul .
If you see a foul in that position normally it ’ s against us .
It should not be like that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try and stop the game .
At the last moment it was a good option to get some playing minutes .
It came from Spain .
I think he made a big effort to adapt to us , the football , the life here and the league .
But him not becoming a regular and not being able to adapt quicker , we thought that for the investment of the club it would be good for both sides to get him some game time .
Think he ’ ll probably move on ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the deal .
Try to make Bristol attack small space and defend big spaces .
If they get ahead they are very good dropping and counter-attacking .
It ’ s important to try to make sure the space is on our side not their side .
Lee Johnson been there for four years , shows with continuity you go on upward trajectory ?
Yes , stability , not only in football but in life , business , politics , normally brings equilibrium and growth .
Bristol and Brentford have shown that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharing the vision of the club , working with the club to chase is very good .
Lee Camp out of contract in summer .
Carry on in the Championship ?
Yes , obviously .
Lee Camp is showing everyone week in and week out that he is a very good goalkeeper in this division .
I ’ m sure he can stay at this level .
Good around the club as well ?
He was a massive back-up to Connal all the way through to when he was not playing .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard so that when the tide turned , he was ready and be even better than you were .
He ’ s proven that .
He ’ s a very good professional .

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Pep Clotet met with the media before Friday night’s trip to Ashton Gate to face in-form Bristol City.
The head coach discussed Birmingham City’s penalty shoot-out win over Coventry and the effect two hours of football with have on his team tomorrow night.
He was asked about his discussions with referees, the departure of Alvaro Gimenez and several other topics.
Here’s a transcript.
Seven games unbeaten
It would be better if the seven were wins, Bristol have four on the bounce. But it’s very good in our opinion because we are coming from a very tough Christmas which affected our results.
The team point a lot of work to get out of it. The fact we are seven games unbeaten is a big source of confidence and a reality check that the team is doing the right things and progressing.
Team have developed an attitude they won’t be beaten....
It’s very important. Some games come your way and you work hard to win them and you take the three points.
In other games it’s tough for both sides, you at least need to make sure you rescue the point you had at the beginning.
It’s very important to keep clean sheets or the scores low so that if you do score you can make a difference in points.
At the same time the team has become very good at things that are not so clear to the eye. It’s easy to see a very good passing combination or going forward.
But there is another side of the game that the team needs to be very good tactically or mentally.
The ability to lock up opposition options, to make things easy for when we have the ball and don’t get in too open a game, work a lot on balance.
I think the team has become very good in the last month in these details.
Tired after the FA Cup?
When we prepared for the game of course you never want to go to extra time but we prepared for it to happen, that is why there was a certain rotation in the squad. At the same time it granted opportunities for young players to make their debut.
The team showed immense character and attitude.
We did enough not to go to extra time because we had three very good chances for Montero, one very good one-v-one with Bela and the goalkeeper.
But Coventry was very good as well in shots on target.
Despite playing extra time that gives us a boost for the next game.
We know that we played 120 minutes but we have worked very hard on recovering the players to make sure we are ready to compete again tomorrow
It would be very easy to use that as an excuse but it is our work to make sure we are ready and set and we have the physical levels we need to compete for three point against Bristol and show the same resilience we showed on Tuesday.
Jeremie Bela progress
He is a player that as soon as he came in
He is becoming a very important player for us, he managed to come from a different county and adapt quickly, he knows the language, he has a link with the fans as well and immense confidence in himself that spreads through the team.
Surprised how quickly he has settled?
He came here in the summer, we had good talks with him and we did all we could to make it happen in the summer while we were in preseason and I think he did all he could as well. It happened a little bit later I knew straight away he would be a player who would make an instant positive impact on us.
He got used to the Championship quick – he had no other choice, his fitness levels improved and the fact he is French and was already playing abroad in Spain helped us in this, he is already adapted to living and playing abroad. That speeded it up.
(Image: Morgan Harlow/Getty Images)
Josh McEachran and Jacques Maghoma update
He is facing a tough moment, he knows he has all our support of everyone at the club. He is facing an ACL injury that will take him months away and he needs a surgery.
It is very similar to the one Maikel Kieftenbeld had so six-to-nine months.
I spoke to him this morning, he has never had a big injury before, so it’s new for him. All the players need to carry and build resilience.
I saw him very focused and very mature about the situation, he is a little bit down of course but knowing that it will get done and he will get back on the pitch.
The ACL nowadays is not a career finish – not like it was before. It will just be a bump on the road in his career.
Jacques Maghoma he does not require surgery but his tendon is affected in the quad and we are estimating six weeks away for him. We are doing everything we can to make sure he can help us as much as possible.
What did you make of Caolan Boyd-Munce and Jack Concannon?
First of all I am very happy for them because every time one of them steps on the pitch it is something very positive that our clubs needs going forward – and our team needed the other day.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
We know we can use them and they will keep a good level. Jack had to adapt himself to a slightly different position to what he is used to but I think he did the job that was asked.
Muncey was more used to that position and had more of an impact but I am very positive about them both and wish them to carry on along the same path.
Important they are there if needed?
It is important they are all ready and if the club needs them they need to be up for it, mentally, physically, technically and tactically.
Made of Bristol City and what expecting?
Bristol has been a strong contender for play-off positions for a number of years, they have been backing trying to get the team promoted, financially and on the idea of football they have.
They have been doing the right improvement for several years, playing the same idea, tweaking very few details.
At the minute they are very strong because they used the January transfer window very well. Individually some of their players are on the top of the league in their position – like Eliasson on the wing.
(Image: Getty Images)
They fought hard to bring Nahki Wells in as a striker so they have plenty of options going forward.
They have experience and strength at the back, they are chasing what they want and the whole club has been going for it for years.
That is why they have success now with four wins in a row.
But we know our strengths and resilience again will have to play a big part – we don’t take the extra time as an excuse.
We know our strengths and will try to turn the game to focus on our strengths and minimise our weaknesses.
Ten points from seventh to 17th, tight Championship.....
For me it’s very important, we know our team is growing, our team is now in a little bit of a tough situation because we are so thin because of the injuries that we have.
But we do have the resources we need to get through it, we have a very resilient side, fighting for the badge since day one.
We have had a couple of bad games as does everyone else and we had a bad run and got out of it.
At the minute the most important thing is we know all the fans understand the moment we are in now and they are backing us, supporting us, fighting with us for every point.
With this mentality and a nice cup run we are having, something to cheer for after Tuesday, it is very important we understand we need to fight together with a game-by-game mentality.
We go to Bristol tomorrow, I hope we fill the away stadium, that the players feel that backing, we won there last season and we want to win again tomorrow.
For that we need all our fans helping us and all our players giving everything they have – and luck to be on our side.
We have had plenty of our share of bad luck, let’s hope it can turn. It’s up to us to put in that performance, united with our fans and fight for every point.
Everything is tight, you never know, as we said on Tuesday, football teaches you lessons and you never say ‘Never’.
If you have that resilience and that attitude – football backs you.
Dan Crowley, Kieftenbeld, Mrabti
I am expecting Maikel to play today, 75 minutes and possibly be ready to be on the bench very, very soon and slowly get his minutes competing with us as well because it is very different from 23s.
Dan Crowley looks to be in the last moments of his recovery, so possibly we will try to integrate him into training on Sunday.
I don’t want to take extra risks on Dan.
Kerim is possibly a couple of weeks behind Dan.
The centre-half pairing and all three of them playing well?
Yes, of course, but that’s very good because we have options.
I took the decision on Tuesday to rest Jake because since he came back from injury, there’s always a little bit of risk because of the shoulder and he’s been playing everything since he came back.
I think it’s good rotation there. He’s in a good moment and so is Harlee and so is Robbo.
It’s important we manage those two (Roberts and Clarke-Salter) to make sure we get through the games with those players that are in a very good moment at the minute.
(Image: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Can you tell us about the meeting with referees?
We had the meeting last week. It was a very good meeting and very productive.
We saw all the situations that we’ve faced this season where we thought we thought the decisions were not right. We discussed every one of them.
I used the time as well to get Jukey in the meeting to highlight the fact that sometimes Jukey gets more fouls given against him than he’s given.
It’s not normal because Jukey always wants to compete for the ball. He’s not looking at grabbing or pushing.
The referees agreed on the fact that they don’t need to take the physicality of a player into a tackle or challenge.
Because a player is strong and quick, if he gets a foul, he gets a foul. It doesn’t matter if he’s strong.
We highlighted that because we were able to back it up and it was a very good meeting.
We discussed a lot about the handball rule and the ball back in play and obviously the two situations that I think in my opinion, that have been the worst decisions this season we’ve suffered.
The second one I understand how the ref handled it, the first one is the water break against Preston.
It came completely out of the blue and was something I didn’t understand at that moment.
But it was talked about in that meeting and I understood it.
The second one is obviously the play against Middlesbrough, when I think the referee could have stopped the play way before to avoid getting himself into that situation. It was a very productive meeting.
Understood why referee made the Middlesbrough decision?
(Image: Tim Easthope)
I understood at time, but I still think the referee should have stopped the game when he saw it. The ref was put in a situation where he was forced to act like that because of the pitch invasion.
They do it with every club, but it was important for us.
What was important for us was especially the fact with Jukey because centre-backs in this league they act on the rule that 'I can do whatever I want to a striker, competing from a goal kick and if the striker does anything to me then I’m going to get the foul'. The referees should look into that and that was pointed out.
Any indication things might change?
Possibly they will discuss this because it is very obvious. It’s not normal that if Campy takes a goal kick and Jukey competes for the ball and the defender always gets the foul. If you see a foul in that position normally it’s against us. It should not be like that. The centre-backs use that tactic to try and stop the game.
Explain thinking in allowing Alvaro Gimenez to leave?
At the last moment it was a good option to get some playing minutes.
It came from Spain. I think he made a big effort to adapt to us, the football, the life here and the league.
But him not becoming a regular and not being able to adapt quicker, we thought that for the investment of the club it would be good for both sides to get him some game time.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
Think he’ll probably move on?
Yes, I think it might be part of the deal.
How hurt Bristol City?
Try to make Bristol attack small space and defend big spaces. If they get ahead they are very good dropping and counter-attacking.
It’s important to try to make sure the space is on our side not their side.
Lee Johnson been there for four years, shows with continuity you go on upward trajectory?
Yes, stability, not only in football but in life, business, politics, normally brings equilibrium and growth. Bristol and Brentford have shown that.
Four years in a club, sharing the vision of the club, working with the club to chase is very good.
Lee Camp out of contract in summer. Carry on in the Championship?
Yes, obviously. Lee Camp is showing everyone week in and week out that he is a very good goalkeeper in this division. I’m sure he can stay at this level.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
Good around the club as well?
He was a massive back-up to Connal all the way through to when he was not playing.
At the same time, he was working hard so that when the tide turned, he was ready and be even better than you were. He’s proven that. He’s a very good professional.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Cops release CCTV after reveller left with broken jaw in Broad Street fight

Police have released CCTV images after three friends were allegedly attacked - and one left with a broken jaw - @ @ @ @ @ Broad Street Club .
The pals were partying at Shooters Bar on December 7 , @ @ @ @ @ assaulted by a group of Asian men , around 10pm .
They were all removed @ @ @ @ @ security from the premises but the brawl continued outside .
One of the friends is @ @ @ @ @ fractured jaw in the disorder .
Police have released CCTV images as part of the @ @ @ @ @ may have information about what happened .
If you recognise anyone pictured , please get @ @ @ @ @ at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight , quoting crime number 20BW/291745B/19 .

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Police have released CCTV images after three friends were allegedly attacked - and one left with a broken jaw - by a gang at a Broad Street Club.
The pals were partying at Shooters Bar on December 7, when police said they were assaulted by a group of Asian men, around 10pm.
They were all removed by the club’s security from the premises but the brawl continued outside.
(Image: WMP)
One of the friends is said to have sustained a fractured jaw in the disorder.
Police have released CCTV images as part of the investigation and believe those pictured may have information about what happened.
If you recognise anyone pictured, please get in touch via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, quoting crime number 20BW/291745B/19.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--‘Just like with Bruno Fernandes’ - Manchester United fans dismiss Jack Grealish transfer rival

Barcelona and Real Madrid have joined the race for Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish , according to reports .
Grealish is enjoying an outstanding season for Villa , with nine goals and seven assists in all competitions , and he ’ s expected to be named in the next England squad .
Villa are determined to hold onto the midfielder , who signed a new five-year contract in 2018 , and it would take a huge fee to prise him away .
Manchester United are known to be admirers and now , both Barca and Real are tracking the 24-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the Sun .
Former England manager Sam Allardyce then backed a potential move to one of Spain 's elite sides when he discussed the rumours today .
“ Usually the rumours are true there is an interest , ” he said on talkSPORT .
“ The way he ’ s handled himself , the games I ’ ve watched when Villa are playing , he ’ s the key highlight in everything Villa seem to do , in terms of assists .
“ He seems to have scored more goals this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real player and he ’ s handled the Premier League like he should have been always there .
“ That is going to create a massive interest across the European clubs , because of the quality of play he shows on the ball .
The calmness , the final pass and the finish now .
“ So it wouldn ’ t be beyond a club like that [ Barcelona or Real Madrid ] looking at him.
” Recent reports have claimed Grealish is one of United ’ s top targets for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford .
But what are the chances of that happening now there is rumoured interest from abroad ?
One United fan said : “ Just like they did with Bruno Fernandes and he ended up at Manchester United.
” “ Wow , ” was the simple response from another .

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Barcelona and Real Madrid have joined the race for Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish, according to reports.
Grealish is enjoying an outstanding season for Villa, with nine goals and seven assists in all competitions, and he’s expected to be named in the next England squad.
Villa are determined to hold onto the midfielder, who signed a new five-year contract in 2018, and it would take a huge fee to prise him away.
Manchester United are known to be admirers and now, both Barca and Real are tracking the 24-year-old ahead of the summer transfer window, according to the Sun.
Former England manager Sam Allardyce then backed a potential move to one of Spain's elite sides when he discussed the rumours today.
“Usually the rumours are true there is an interest,” he said on talkSPORT. “The way he’s handled himself, the games I’ve watched when Villa are playing, he’s the key highlight in everything Villa seem to do, in terms of assists.
“He seems to have scored more goals this season, he’s looking like a real player and he’s handled the Premier League like he should have been always there.
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“That is going to create a massive interest across the European clubs, because of the quality of play he shows on the ball. The calmness, the final pass and the finish now.
“So it wouldn’t be beyond a club like that [Barcelona or Real Madrid] looking at him.”
Recent reports have claimed Grealish is one of United’s top targets for the next transfer window despite the arrival of Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford.
But what are the chances of that happening now there is rumoured interest from abroad?
One United fan said: “Just like they did with Bruno Fernandes and he ended up at Manchester United.”
A second predicted: “Easy win (for Man Utd).”
“Wow,” was the simple response from another.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Appeal to find owner of wedding ring found in Sutton Coldfield restaurant loo

A hunt to find a husband who may have faced a ‘ ringing ’ in his ears after losing a precious wedding item at a Sutton Coldfield restaurant has been launched .
The hapless diner at Chennai Indian and Bangladeshi Restaurant and Takeaway in Clarence Road has lost his wedding ring after a recent visit .
While clearing out a towel bin , used by diners drying their hands after a visit to the toilet , staff found the ring in amongst the dirty laundry .
Rak , the assistant manager at the eatery , is appealing for the rightful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will need to prove when they visited and the ring is theirs .
Rak said : “ We have small towels or napkins for people to use after washing their hands and then pit in a basket .
“ When we emptied it in there was a ring .
It ’ s a wedding ring – but we ’ d like the owner to describe it and prove it is theirs .
“ No one has come forward and claimed it yet and we need to find the owner .
“ My Mrs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man ’ if I came home without my wedding ring !
“ I can understand how someone could dry their hands and the ring coming off .
They may not have thought they lost it at our restaurant .
“ But I personally would be looking for the ring if I lost it .
Anybody would be worried .
But they may have thought how the hell could I lose it at the restaurant.
” The Four Oaks restaurant is open from 5pm every day bar Thursdays for the owner to come forward @

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A hunt to find a husband who may have faced a ‘ringing’ in his ears after losing a precious wedding item at a Sutton Coldfield restaurant has been launched.
The hapless diner at Chennai Indian and Bangladeshi Restaurant and Takeaway in Clarence Road has lost his wedding ring after a recent visit.
While clearing out a towel bin, used by diners drying their hands after a visit to the toilet, staff found the ring in amongst the dirty laundry.
Rak, the assistant manager at the eatery, is appealing for the rightful honour to come forward – but they will need to prove when they visited and the ring is theirs.
Rak said: “We have small towels or napkins for people to use after washing their hands and then pit in a basket.
“When we emptied it in there was a ring. It’s a wedding ring – but we’d like the owner to describe it and prove it is theirs.
“No one has come forward and claimed it yet and we need to find the owner.
“My Mrs would think ‘where have you been man’ if I came home without my wedding ring!
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“I can understand how someone could dry their hands and the ring coming off. They may not have thought they lost it at our restaurant.
“But I personally would be looking for the ring if I lost it. Anybody would be worried. But they may have thought how the hell could I lose it at the restaurant.”
The Four Oaks restaurant is open from 5pm every day bar Thursdays for the owner to come forward.