birminghammail--2020-06-19--Rapist jailed after after being caught by the air freshener in his car

A rapist who preyed on sex workers was only caught by the distinctive air freshener in his car .
Petricia Gheorghita would pick up his victims in Coventry ’ s red light district and then drove them to secluded country lanes outside of the city , where he attacked them .
The victims provided excellent descriptions of Gheorghita and the vial of air freshener dangling from the rear view mirror of his white Ford Focus .
Gheorghita raped his two victims , and assaulted a third , between August and November last year and when police stopped the warehouse worker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was looking for his next victim .
The predator , aged 36 , of Culworth Court , Foleshill , was found guilty at Warwick Crown Court of two counts of rape against a 42-year-old woman in a car on a date between August 20 and 25 .
He was found not guilty of trying to rape a 21-year-old woman on November 15 , but instead convicted of assault .
The jury failed to reach a decision over whether he raped a 34-year-old woman in October − but a second jury found him guilty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday ( June 18 ) .
Gheorghita was jailed for 13 years , including being seen as a dangerous offender which means he will be under an extended period of supervision of eight years after his release from prison .
Investigating officer , Coventry Police Detective Constable Stephen Cleverley , praised the courage of the women in speaking out and for their compelling evidence .
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So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going on and what is being done about it by police and the criminal justice system .
Large , highly populated urban areas like Birmingham and the wider West Midlands always have plenty happening with crime reports and court hearings .
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Find it on Google Play Store and App Store He said : “ Gheorghita put these women through terrifying ordeals : they were driven to remote locations , outside of Coventry , and attacked down country lanes .
“ Despite the traumatic experience they all provided excellent evidence , including finer details about the car and its interior .
“ All of that helped us build up a strong case against Gheorghita and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been handed a long prison sentence .
“ The women can rightly be proud of their roles in helping us secure a conviction .
I have no doubt Gheorghita would have gone on to strike again so their actions have helped prevent other women suffering at his hands.
” Iain Willis , district crown prosecutor with CPS West Midlands , said : “ Petrica Gheorghita subjected his victims to a brutal and degrading sexual attack .
“ None of the women chose to be violated by the defendant and although he claimed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through his lies and convicted him for his crimes .
“ I want to commend these women for their bravery in coming forward and facing their attacker .
Everybody has the right to be safe .
“ I hope that this prosecution and sentencing sends out the important message that the Crown Prosecution Service will continue to seek justice for all victims of crime .
”

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A rapist who preyed on sex workers was only caught by the distinctive air freshener in his car.
Petricia Gheorghita would pick up his victims in Coventry’s red light district and then drove them to secluded country lanes outside of the city, where he attacked them.
The victims provided excellent descriptions of Gheorghita and the vial of air freshener dangling from the rear view mirror of his white Ford Focus.
Gheorghita raped his two victims, and assaulted a third, between August and November last year and when police stopped the warehouse worker in Hillfields in December they believe he was looking for his next victim.
The predator, aged 36, of Culworth Court, Foleshill, was found guilty at Warwick Crown Court of two counts of rape against a 42-year-old woman in a car on a date between August 20 and 25.
He was found not guilty of trying to rape a 21-year-old woman on November 15, but instead convicted of assault.
(Image: WMP)
The jury failed to reach a decision over whether he raped a 34-year-old woman in October − but a second jury found him guilty of that charge at the same court on Thursday (June 18).
Gheorghita was jailed for 13 years, including being seen as a dangerous offender which means he will be under an extended period of supervision of eight years after his release from prison.
Investigating officer, Coventry Police Detective Constable Stephen Cleverley, praised the courage of the women in speaking out and for their compelling evidence.
Crime and courts news - latest updates in your inbox with our free newsletter We all want to feel safe in our homes and streets. So it's important to know what's going on and what is being done about it by police and the criminal justice system. Large, highly populated urban areas like Birmingham and the wider West Midlands always have plenty happening with crime reports and court hearings. You can get the very latest crime news as well as information on court cases in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter. Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article. It has all the latest updates from police and local magistrates courts and crown courts. We also have a free app which you can download to get the most up-to-date news from across the region. Find it on Google Play Store and App Store
He said: “Gheorghita put these women through terrifying ordeals: they were driven to remote locations, outside of Coventry, and attacked down country lanes.
“Despite the traumatic experience they all provided excellent evidence, including finer details about the car and its interior.
“All of that helped us build up a strong case against Gheorghita and I’m pleased he’s now been handed a long prison sentence.
“The women can rightly be proud of their roles in helping us secure a conviction. I have no doubt Gheorghita would have gone on to strike again so their actions have helped prevent other women suffering at his hands.”
Iain Willis, district crown prosecutor with CPS West Midlands, said: “Petrica Gheorghita subjected his victims to a brutal and degrading sexual attack.
“None of the women chose to be violated by the defendant and although he claimed the encounters were consensual, the jury saw through his lies and convicted him for his crimes.
“I want to commend these women for their bravery in coming forward and facing their attacker. Everybody has the right to be safe.
“I hope that this prosecution and sentencing sends out the important message that the Crown Prosecution Service will continue to seek justice for all victims of crime.”


birminghammail--2020-06-19--Litha 2020 - summer solstice rituals for Midsummer festival in Wheel of the Year

Summer solstice 2020 is upon us and it 's time to celebrate , as much as is possible with social distancing restrictions in place .
The weather might not seem very summery at the moment but the solstice is still an event of significance in the astronomical , meteorological , astrological and religious calendars .
Summer solstice is the longest day of the year .
From then on the days will start drawing in until the winter solstice on December 21 , which is the shortest day of the year .
While some celebrate the summer solstice as Midsummer 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of days later on June 24 as it was merged with the Christian festival of St John 's Day .
Modern pagans call the celebrations Litha , and many mark it on summer solstice day of June 20 , as mentioned in the calendar of festivals on The Goddess and The Green Man website .
But others - such as ExploreWicca - say it should be marked on Midsummer 's Day of June 24 .
The actual solstice - the day when the sun reaches its highest point and when daylight is longest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That would typically be when revellers gather at Stonehenge to watch the sunrise .
So what does Litha mean and how is it celebrated among pagan communitiies ?
What is the meaning of Litha ?
Among modern pagan worshippers , summer solstice is known as Litha .
In olden times , the Saxons used the name Ærra Liða - translating as Before Litha - for the lunar month that takes place around June , and the name Æfterra Liða ( After Litha ) for the equivalent of our July .
The saint and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' or 'navigable ' because the sea breezes were calm and made sailing easier .
Modern pagans have taken the name Litha for the solstice because June is when the celestial event occurs .
Litha , one of the festivals in the Wheel of the Year in modern paganism , is the time of a battle between light and dark .
The Oak King is ruler of the year between winter solstice and summer solstice , and the Holly King from summer to winter .
At each solstice they battle for power , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holly King at the summer solstice .
Today 's pagans see this as a day where they can reflect on the conflict of light and darkness in their own life and in the world in general .
Is this what the Celts called summer solstice ?
Another term altogether was used for the summer solstice by the ancient Celts who were the predominant culture in Britain and western Europe before the arrival of the Romans and then the Saxons .
Celtic culture remained largely untouched in Ireland and parts of Wales , Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's said that the Celtic druids referred to the summer solstice as Alban Hefin , which means The Light of Summer .
This was seen as a time of change and new beginnings .
It was halfway through the growing season so Celts performed rituals to try to guarantee a good harvest .
According to Irish tourism site Vagabond : `` In order to banish any evil spirits that might harm their crops , the Celts would light bonfires , where they would sing , dance and feast .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and jump over bonfires .
This was thought to bring luck to their relationship .
Some believed the higher the lovers jumped , the higher their crops would grow .
`` Bonfires were lit on top of hills , at crossroads or in large openings .
It was a time of great merriment .
`` They would also pray to the Sun Goddess , who the Irish Celts knew as Grainne ( pronounced GRAWN-yah ) .
She was both the Winter Queen and Solar Sun Goddess , who was thought to protect seeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summer months . ''
What are the rituals of Litha ?
Typically , pagan worshippers might wish each other a Happy Solstice or Happy Litha on this day .
Blessings and greetings send love at solstice time and wish people joy , happiness and hope for the future .
Practices performed by modern pagans may include cleansing and purification rituals , pet blessings and consecration of charms and pendants .
You can find more details here and here on carrying out those particular activities .
Buttermilk bread , elderflower champagne and honey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and drink to use in the celebrations .
It 's said that old European cultures lit bonfires and rolled burning wheels downhill into rivers .
The wheel represented the sun , and it probably symbolised the point at which the length of the day reached a turning point .
After solstice , daylight begins to reduce as we start the downhill journey towards winter .
These days , small fires can be lit indoors or outside to represent the large bonfires of ancient times .
Candles can be used instead if a fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said to have gone out looking for magical herbs on this day and even in modern-day Wales , the solstice is still known as Gathering Day .
Even if you 're not picking ritual herbs , it 's said to be a good time to collect honey and harvest early fruit and vegetable crops .
And if you 're stuck at home on your own , due to coronavirus restrictions , there are solitary Litha rituals that can be done to celebrate this special day .

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Summer Solstice 2022 is upon us and it's time to celebrate. The solstice is an event of huge significance in the astronomical, meteorological, astrological and religious calendars.
For most people, Summer Solstice is well known as the longest day of the year. From then on the days will start drawing in until the Winter Solstice on December 21, which is the shortest day of the year.
While some celebrate the Summer Solstice as Midsummer's Day, that's actually a couple of days later on June 24 as it was merged with the Christian festival of St John's Day.
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Modern pagans call the celebrations Litha, and many will mark it on Summer Solstice day of June 21, as mentioned in the calendar of festivals on The Goddess and The Green Man website. But others - such as ExploreWicca - say it should be marked on Midsummer's Day of June 24.
The actual solstice - the day when the sun reaches its highest point and when daylight is longest - is June 21 this year. That's when revellers gather at Stonehenge to watch the sunrise. So what does Litha mean and how is it celebrated among pagan communities?
(Image: PA)
What is the meaning of Litha?
Among modern pagan worshippers, Summer Solstice is known as Litha. In olden times, the Saxons used the name Ærra Liða - translating as Before Litha - for the lunar month that takes place around June, and the name Æfterra Liða (After Litha) for the equivalent of our July.
The saint and historian Bede wrote that Litha means 'gentle' or 'navigable' because the sea breezes were calm and made sailing easier. Modern pagans have taken the name Litha for the solstice because June is when the celestial event occurs.
(Image: PA)
Litha, one of the festivals in the Wheel of the Year in modern paganism, is the time of a battle between light and dark. The Oak King is ruler of the year between Winter Solstice and Summer Solstice, and the Holly King from summer to winter. At each solstice they battle for power, with the Oak King defeated by the Holly King at the summer solstice.
Today's pagans see this as a day where they can reflect on the conflict of light and darkness in their own life and in the world in general.
Is this what the Celts called Summer Solstice?
Another term altogether was used for the Summer Solstice by the ancient Celts who were the predominant culture in Britain and western Europe before the arrival of the Romans and then the Saxons.
Celtic culture remained largely untouched in Ireland and parts of Wales, Scotland and Cornwall until the arrival of Christianity. It's said that the Celtic druids referred to the Summer Solstice as Alban Hefin, which means The Light of Summer.
This was seen as a time of change and new beginnings. It was halfway through the growing season so Celts performed rituals to try to guarantee a good harvest.
According to Irish tourism site Vagabond: "In order to banish any evil spirits that might harm their crops, the Celts would light bonfires, where they would sing, dance and feast. It was also customary for lovers to clasp hands and jump over bonfires. This was thought to bring luck to their relationship. Some believed the higher the lovers jumped, the higher their crops would grow.
"Bonfires were lit on top of hills, at crossroads or in large openings. It was a time of great merriment. They would also pray to the Sun Goddess, who the Irish Celts knew as Grainne (pronounced GRAWN-yah). She was both the Winter Queen and Solar Sun Goddess, who was thought to protect seeds during the winter and nurture them during the summer months."
What are the rituals of Litha?
Typically, pagan worshippers might wish each other a Happy Solstice or Happy Litha on this day. Blessings and greetings send love at solstice time and wish people joy, happiness and hope for the future.
Practices performed by modern pagans may include cleansing and purification rituals, pet blessings and consecration of charms and pendants. You can find more details here and here on carrying out those particular activities.
Buttermilk bread, elderflower champagne and honey cake are some suggested recipes for food and drink to use in the celebrations.
It's said that old European cultures lit bonfires and rolled burning wheels downhill into rivers. The wheel represented the sun, and it probably symbolised the point at which the length of the day reached a turning point. After solstice, daylight begins to reduce as we start the downhill journey towards winter.
These days, small fires can be lit indoors or outside to represent the large bonfires of ancient times. Candles can be used instead if a fire just isn't possible.
Druids are said to have gone out looking for magical herbs on this day and even in modern-day Wales, the solstice is still known as Gathering Day. Even if you're not picking ritual herbs, it's said to be a good time to collect honey and harvest early fruit and vegetable crops.
And if you're stuck at home on your own, due to coronavirus restrictions, there are solitary Litha rituals that can be done to celebrate this special day.


birminghammail--2020-06-19--Kevin Phillips believes West Brom hold a key advantage over Leeds

Kevin Phillips believes the experience in West Bromwich Albion 's squad gives his former club an advantage over Leeds United in the Championship title race .
The two clubs resume their long-running battle for top spot this weekend with Albion hosting Birmingham City on Saturday while Leeds travel to Cardiff a day later .
Slaven Bilic 's side are a point behind the Whites with nine fixtures remaining and hold a six-point advantage on third-placed Fulham .
And Phillips thinks the Baggies ' old guard will play their part in the crucial run-in .
There 's a quick and easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the West Bromwich Albion news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Albion news , views , gossip and opinion .
All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
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Google Play Store and App Store “ That ’ s what ’ s going to stand them in good stead against Leeds because they ’ ve got experience in there , ” the former striker told West Brom News .
“ The Gareth Barrys , the Livermores and Bruntys .
People who have been there , seen it , done it and won promotions .
“ They certainly won ’ t be getting too carried away .
They ’ re very professional and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If there are any young lads getting carried away , I ’ m sure the senior players will put them in their place .
“ Defensively , they ’ ve been fairly solid and they ’ ll need that again in these last nine games but I think the squad there has really gelled .
There ’ s a good team spirit and a lot of that is down to the manager and the players in the squad .
”

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Kevin Phillips believes the experience in West Bromwich Albion's squad gives his former club an advantage over Leeds United in the Championship title race.
The two clubs resume their long-running battle for top spot this weekend with Albion hosting Birmingham City on Saturday while Leeds travel to Cardiff a day later.
Slaven Bilic's side are a point behind the Whites with nine fixtures remaining and hold a six-point advantage on third-placed Fulham.
And Phillips thinks the Baggies' old guard will play their part in the crucial run-in.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
“That’s what’s going to stand them in good stead against Leeds because they’ve got experience in there,” the former striker told West Brom News.
“The Gareth Barrys, the Livermores and Bruntys. People who have been there, seen it, done it and won promotions.
“They certainly won’t be getting too carried away. They’re very professional and will want to get the job done.
“If there are any young lads getting carried away, I’m sure the senior players will put them in their place.
“Defensively, they’ve been fairly solid and they’ll need that again in these last nine games but I think the squad there has really gelled. There’s a good team spirit and a lot of that is down to the manager and the players in the squad.”


birminghammail--2020-06-19--Leeds United fans are furious with Aston Villa boss Dean Smith

Dean Smith 's response to the goal-line technology controversy in Aston Villa 's draw against Sheffield United has riled Leeds United fans .
Wednesday 's match at Villa Park , which was the first Premier League fixture in over three months , ended goalless .
But only after the Blades were denied a first-half opener when the goal-line technology failed to inform referee Michael Oliver that Orjan Nyland had fumbled the ball across his own line .
Nyland failed to cleanly catch an Oliver Norwood free-kick and stepped backwards behind the post .
There 's a quick and easy way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aston Villa news with our daily newsletter .
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Google Play Store and App Store Hawk-Eye , who supply the technology to the Premier League , released a statement after the match apologising to Chris Wilder 's side .
Leeds United 's official Twitter account joined in the reaction to the debate on Wednesday , posting `` FAO : @ AVFCOfficial # FairPlay '' in a reference to the incident-filled Championship clash against Villa at Elland Road last season in which the Whites allowed Albert Adomah to walk in a goal .
Leeds boss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adomah to score last April after Mateusz Klich put the hosts ahead while Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia was down injured and awaiting treatment .
Smith was asked if there were similarities between the incidents at Friday ’ s press conference and he rejected the comparison .
“ It was totally different , ” he told Sky Sports .
“ Because about five minutes before they scored we had a player down injured and we put the ball out .
“ Five minutes later we had a player down injured , our players stopped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rightly thought it was the right thing to do .
The comments caused a stir with Leeds fans on social media who clearly have n't forgotten what happened in the 1-1 draw between the sides .
One said : `` But knowing the technology has failed and a goal was actually scored brings integrity into play Dean . ''
`` We broke no rules by playing to the whistle , '' added another .
`` I 'll let you know about an actual rule though , if the ball crosses the line completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A third supporter asked : `` I 'm sure he was aware it was a goal at HT , so how is it not sporting integrity ? ''
`` Hypocrisy at its finest , '' said another angry fan .
`` Sporting integrity would have been for the Villa keeper and defenders to say 'it went in ' , '' claimed a fifth .

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Dean Smith's response to the goal-line technology controversy in Aston Villa's draw against Sheffield United has riled Leeds United fans.
Wednesday's match at Villa Park, which was the first Premier League fixture in over three months, ended goalless.
But only after the Blades were denied a first-half opener when the goal-line technology failed to inform referee Michael Oliver that Orjan Nyland had fumbled the ball across his own line.
Nyland failed to cleanly catch an Oliver Norwood free-kick and stepped backwards behind the post.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Hawk-Eye, who supply the technology to the Premier League, released a statement after the match apologising to Chris Wilder's side.
Leeds United's official Twitter account joined in the reaction to the debate on Wednesday, posting "FAO: @AVFCOfficial #FairPlay" in a reference to the incident-filled Championship clash against Villa at Elland Road last season in which the Whites allowed Albert Adomah to walk in a goal.
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa instructed his players to allow Adomah to score last April after Mateusz Klich put the hosts ahead while Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia was down injured and awaiting treatment.
Smith was asked if there were similarities between the incidents at Friday’s press conference and he rejected the comparison.
(Image: Carl Recine/Pool via Getty Images)
“It was totally different,” he told Sky Sports. “Because about five minutes before they scored we had a player down injured and we put the ball out.
“Five minutes later we had a player down injured, our players stopped and they carried on. Their manager rightly thought it was the right thing to do.
“That’s sporting integrity - this is technology, totally different.”
The comments caused a stir with Leeds fans on social media who clearly haven't forgotten what happened in the 1-1 draw between the sides.
One said: "But knowing the technology has failed and a goal was actually scored brings integrity into play Dean."
"We broke no rules by playing to the whistle," added another. "I'll let you know about an actual rule though, if the ball crosses the line completely then a goal is awarded."
A third supporter asked: "I'm sure he was aware it was a goal at HT, so how is it not sporting integrity?"
"Hypocrisy at its finest," said another angry fan.
"Sporting integrity would have been for the Villa keeper and defenders to say 'it went in'," claimed a fifth.


birminghammail--2020-06-19--Robert Snodgrass explains sacrifices he made at Aston Villa

Fan-favourite Robert Snodgrass has spoken out about the `` special connection '' he had at Aston Villa during his successful loan spell two years ago .
The 32-year-old resurrected his career at Villa Park in the Championship in 2017-18 after falling out of favour at West Ham .
Snodgrass was an immensely popular figure at Bodymoor Heath and was a real joker during Steve Bruce 's side 's run to the play-off final against Fulham .
The Scot played 43 times for Villa and scored seven goals .
Fast-forward to this season in the Premier League and the ex-Leeds United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Hammers .
Snodgrass , meanwhile , spoke to The Athletic about his time at Villa and how it helped him get back on track .
`` I travelled two and half hours to Birmingham — the same back home — every day , to go and conduct myself at a massive club like Aston Villa and I did it , '' he said .
`` I didn ’ t moan or complain .
I gave it my all for them .
`` Every team where I ’ ve been , it might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as long as I can look myself in the mirror and say I ’ ve given everything I possibly could… and sometimes , your body let ’ s you know that you ’ re travelling five hours per day and your back is in agony ; your hamstrings and calves .
“ The Championship season is really gruelling but I had a special connection with Villa at one point , that relationship between club and player , I ’ ve always had everywhere I ’ ve been .
`` At West Ham , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that but I ’ ve got that relationship now .
They know exactly what I can do and if I was a manager I would want a player like that , who was willing to give everything and put his body on the line .
`` On many occasions , I played through pain , took injections and would do everything I possibly could to try to be the best team-mate .
For me , it ’ s no different but I ’ ll do exactly the same .
Anything to give my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asks — no matter if it ’ s in business terms or going to work every day .
`` If you ’ re not doing it , then you ’ re probably not enjoying your workplace .
I love football .
I love every second of it . ''

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Fan-favourite Robert Snodgrass has spoken out about the "special connection" he had at Aston Villa during his successful loan spell two years ago.
The 32-year-old resurrected his career at Villa Park in the Championship in 2017-18 after falling out of favour at West Ham.
Snodgrass was an immensely popular figure at Bodymoor Heath and was a real joker during Steve Bruce's side's run to the play-off final against Fulham.
The Scot played 43 times for Villa and scored seven goals. Fast-forward to this season in the Premier League and the ex-Leeds United man has been a stand-out player for The Hammers.
Snodgrass, meanwhile, spoke to The Athletic about his time at Villa and how it helped him get back on track.
"I travelled two and half hours to Birmingham — the same back home — every day, to go and conduct myself at a massive club like Aston Villa and I did it," he said. "I didn’t moan or complain. I gave it my all for them.
"Every team where I’ve been, it might not have always been good enough but as long as I can look myself in the mirror and say I’ve given everything I possibly could… and sometimes, your body let’s you know that you’re travelling five hours per day and your back is in agony; your hamstrings and calves.
“The Championship season is really gruelling but I had a special connection with Villa at one point, that relationship between club and player, I’ve always had everywhere I’ve been.
"At West Ham, it didn’t start off like that but I’ve got that relationship now. They know exactly what I can do and if I was a manager I would want a player like that, who was willing to give everything and put his body on the line.
"On many occasions, I played through pain, took injections and would do everything I possibly could to try to be the best team-mate. For me, it’s no different but I’ll do exactly the same. Anything to give my all. That’s all everybody asks — no matter if it’s in business terms or going to work every day.
"If you’re not doing it, then you’re probably not enjoying your workplace. I love football. I love every second of it."


birminghammail--2020-06-19--Worcestershire coronavirus cases drop with fewer in June than peak April day

Coronavirus cases have dropped dramatically in Worcestershire from a peak in mid-April to zero yesterday .
Figures released by the Department of Health and Social Care reveal there were just two lab test confirmed positive CoViD-19 cases in the West Midlands in the 24 hours to 5pm on June 18 , with none that day in Worcestershire .
So far in June there have been just 42 positive CoViD-19 [ the disease caused by the coronavirus pandemic ] cases in the whole month to June 18 .
Whereas on the county ’ s biggest day for coronavirus cases there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month has seen the following positive cases in Worcestershire : Across the West Midlands there have been 568 CoViD positive cases in June to June 18 .
But the biggest day in the region for positive cases was April 2 with 447 people confirmed to have CoViD-19 .
Worcestershire has seen 1,439 people test positive for the virus in total to date .
The total number of positive cases in the county since the epidemic began are : The first coronavirus case detected in the West Midlands was in Worcestershire .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But there was no further confirmed case in the country until March 9 .
That month saw 322 cases in the three-week period from March 9 .
But case numbers continued to climb with April seeing 849 cases in Worcestershire .
This dipped to 225 in May and now 42 so far in June .
A similar rise and fall has been seen in the West Midlands region with two confirmed cases in February , rising to 3,826 in March , 9,378 in April , falling back to 3,123 in May and 591 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council has been allocated £2,752,192 out of a £300 million pot to support the country ’ s Test and Trace strategy .
Dr Kathryn Cobain , Director for Public Health for Worcestershire said ; “ Local authorities like Worcestershire , are central to the new NHS Test and Trace service .
Anyone in England with coronavirus symptoms can now get a test .
If it 's positive you 'll be contacted by text , email or phone and asked to log on to the NHS Test and Trace website .
There you will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Name , date of birth and postcode • Who you live with • Names and contact details of people you have been in close contact with in the 48 hours before your symptoms started • people you spend 15 minutes or more with at a distance of less than 2m • people you have direct contact with - such as sexual partners , household members or people with whom you have had face-to-face conversations at a distance of less than 1m The contact must have taken place between two days before and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
No-one contacted as a result of you testing positive for coronavirus will be told your identity .
A parent or guardian will need to give permission for a call with under-18s to continue .
The aim is for the scheme to eventually feature phonelines manned by contact tracers , a website , a smartphone app and a local response team on standby .
The contact tracing service and website were launched in England on 28 May .
The app is still being trialled on the Isle of Wight and has n't been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nadhim Zahawi suggested it would be in place by the end of June .
“ Each upper tier authority has been awarded funding to ensure a local outbreak control plan can be established , working alongside the NHS and other partners .
“ The funding will ensure Public Health England can focus on the containment of local outbreaks to help control the transmission of the virus and help save lives.
” There is capacity for 600 tests a day at Worcestershire Warriors rugby ground and everyone in the county with symptoms is urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the county ’ s health officials states the first step to take , is to self-isolate for at least 7 days from the start of any symptoms and then order or book a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 .
Anyone who tests positive must self-isolate for seven days if they live alone – or the whole household must self-isolate for 14 days if there are others living with them .
They will be contacted and contact tracers from the NHS Test and Trace service will ask for information about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with directly or within two metres for more than 15 minutes .
Those people will be contacted and told to self-isolate for 14 days .
Those asked to self-isolate by the team , are able to access support online at : www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help Dr Cobain added : “ It ’ s really important to book a test as soon as you develop symptoms of coronavirus , as this will help to protect you and those who you come into contact with .
“ The test itself , involves taking a swab of the nose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can do the test yourself , or someone else can do it for you .
You can get tested by visiting a regional testing site or ordering a test to be done at home .
“ If you can identify people you have been in contact with , you will help prevent the spread of the virus and keep other people safe.
” The symptoms of coronavirus include ; a new continuous cough , a high temperature and a loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell .

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Coronavirus cases have dropped dramatically in Worcestershire from a peak in mid-April to zero yesterday.
Figures released by the Department of Health and Social Care reveal there were just two lab test confirmed positive CoViD-19 cases in the West Midlands in the 24 hours to 5pm on June 18, with none that day in Worcestershire.
So far in June there have been just 42 positive CoViD-19 [the disease caused by the coronavirus pandemic] cases in the whole month to June 18.
Whereas on the county’s biggest day for coronavirus cases there were 50, on April 17.
This month has seen the following positive cases in Worcestershire:
Worcester 13
Bromsgrove 10
Redditch 9
Wyre Forest 5
Wychavon 4 and
Malvern 1
Across the West Midlands there have been 568 CoViD positive cases in June to June 18. But the biggest day in the region for positive cases was April 2 with 447 people confirmed to have CoViD-19.
Worcestershire has seen 1,439 people test positive for the virus in total to date.
The total number of positive cases in the county since the epidemic began are:
Bromsgrove district 398
Wychavon 263
Wyre Forest 250
Redditch 247
Worcester 233
Malvern Hills 138
The first coronavirus case detected in the West Midlands was in Worcestershire. It was discovered in Redditch on February 12. But there was no further confirmed case in the country until March 9.
That month saw 322 cases in the three-week period from March 9. But case numbers continued to climb with April seeing 849 cases in Worcestershire. This dipped to 225 in May and now 42 so far in June.
A similar rise and fall has been seen in the West Midlands region with two confirmed cases in February, rising to 3,826 in March, 9,378 in April, falling back to 3,123 in May and 591 so far this month.
Worcestershire County Council has been allocated £2,752,192 out of a £300 million pot to support the country’s Test and Trace strategy.
Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director for Public Health for Worcestershire said; “Local authorities like Worcestershire, are central to the new NHS Test and Trace service.
What is contact tracing? Anyone in England with coronavirus symptoms can now get a test. If it's positive you'll be contacted by text, email or phone and asked to log on to the NHS Test and Trace website. There you will be asked for personal information including: Name, date of birth and postcode
Who you live with
Places you visited recently
Names and contact details of people you have been in close contact with in the 48 hours before your symptoms started Close contacts are: people you spend 15 minutes or more with at a distance of less than 2m
people you have direct contact with - such as sexual partners, household members or people with whom you have had face-to-face conversations at a distance of less than 1m The contact must have taken place between two days before and up to seven days after symptoms appeared. No-one contacted as a result of you testing positive for coronavirus will be told your identity. A parent or guardian will need to give permission for a call with under-18s to continue. The aim is for the scheme to eventually feature phonelines manned by contact tracers, a website, a smartphone app and a local response team on standby. The contact tracing service and website were launched in England on 28 May. The app is still being trialled on the Isle of Wight and hasn't been released more widely, although business minister Nadhim Zahawi suggested it would be in place by the end of June.
“Each upper tier authority has been awarded funding to ensure a local outbreak control plan can be established, working alongside the NHS and other partners.
“The funding will ensure Public Health England can focus on the containment of local outbreaks to help control the transmission of the virus and help save lives.”
There is capacity for 600 tests a day at Worcestershire Warriors rugby ground and everyone in the county with symptoms is urged to get a test.
The guidance from the county’s health officials states the first step to take, is to self-isolate for at least 7 days from the start of any symptoms and then order or book a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.
Anyone who tests positive must self-isolate for seven days if they live alone – or the whole household must self-isolate for 14 days if there are others living with them.
They will be contacted and contact tracers from the NHS Test and Trace service will ask for information about people that person has been in contact with directly or within two metres for more than 15 minutes.
Those people will be contacted and told to self-isolate for 14 days.
Those asked to self-isolate by the team, are able to access support online at: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help
Dr Cobain added: “It’s really important to book a test as soon as you develop symptoms of coronavirus, as this will help to protect you and those who you come into contact with.
“The test itself, involves taking a swab of the nose and back of the throat. You can do the test yourself, or someone else can do it for you. You can get tested by visiting a regional testing site or ordering a test to be done at home.
“If you can identify people you have been in contact with, you will help prevent the spread of the virus and keep other people safe.”
The symptoms of coronavirus include; a new continuous cough, a high temperature and a loss of or change in your normal sense of taste or smell.


birminghammail--2020-06-19--Illegal raves warning from West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner

Lockdown-breaking revellers attending illegal raves at the weekend could face criminal prosecution , police have warned .
David Jamieson , West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner , said young people risked their families ' wellbeing by breaching social distancing rules .
He added there was an `` indication '' there may be an illegal gathering in or around the region this weekend .
Warning off anyone considering attending similar forthcoming gatherings , Mr Jamieson said : `` There have been , in other parts of the country , these raves to which large numbers of young people have turned up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it is expected - an upsurge among young people wanting to burst out of being at home .
I get that entirely .
`` All I would say to the parents and particularly their children is firstly , think about yourself and your family , and whether you 're going to a rave where there is virtually no distancing at all .
`` Is that a sensible thing ?
Do not go .
The second thing is , of course , you risk prosecution if you do actually try and organise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raves . ''
Staffordshire Police said they were aware of plans for further `` utterly unacceptable '' illegal raves and would have a heavy police presence patrolling `` potential hotspot areas '' .
The force warned anyone attending could be arrested if they fail to comply with a direction to leave , while organisers would be `` dealt with robustly and may be prosecuted '' .
Officers in Staffordshire have been working with West Midlands Police to assess where events may be taking place .
Chief Superintendent Carl Ratcliffe , of Staffordshire Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to illegal raves and risk your lives . ''
He also called on the public for help , adding : `` The key to stopping these events is early intelligence . ''
Staffordshire officers had to break up a gathering of more than 1,000 people in Lichfield last weekend .
Elsewhere last Saturday , a 20-year-old man died after a suspected drug overdose and three others were stabbed as thousands attended raves in Oldham and nearby Carrington in the Greater Manchester area .
At Carrington , there were reports of three separate stabbings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an allegation an 18-year-old woman had been raped at the same event .
Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes condemned the events , adding they were `` clearly a breach of coronavirus legislation '' which had ended with `` tragic consequences '' .

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Lockdown-breaking revellers attending illegal raves at the weekend could face criminal prosecution, police have warned.
David Jamieson, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, said young people risked their families' wellbeing by breaching social distancing rules.
He added there was an "indication" there may be an illegal gathering in or around the region this weekend.
(Image: PA)
Warning off anyone considering attending similar forthcoming gatherings, Mr Jamieson said: "There have been, in other parts of the country, these raves to which large numbers of young people have turned up.
"I fully understand - and I think it is expected - an upsurge among young people wanting to burst out of being at home. I get that entirely.
"All I would say to the parents and particularly their children is firstly, think about yourself and your family, and whether you're going to a rave where there is virtually no distancing at all.
"Is that a sensible thing? Do not go. The second thing is, of course, you risk prosecution if you do actually try and organise or do actually attend one of these raves."
Staffordshire Police said they were aware of plans for further "utterly unacceptable" illegal raves and would have a heavy police presence patrolling "potential hotspot areas".
The force warned anyone attending could be arrested if they fail to comply with a direction to leave, while organisers would be "dealt with robustly and may be prosecuted".
Officers in Staffordshire have been working with West Midlands Police to assess where events may be taking place.
Chief Superintendent Carl Ratcliffe, of Staffordshire Police, said: "Do not go to illegal raves and risk your lives."
He also called on the public for help, adding: "The key to stopping these events is early intelligence."
Staffordshire officers had to break up a gathering of more than 1,000 people in Lichfield last weekend.
Elsewhere last Saturday, a 20-year-old man died after a suspected drug overdose and three others were stabbed as thousands attended raves in Oldham and nearby Carrington in the Greater Manchester area.
At Carrington, there were reports of three separate stabbings, while an investigation was launched into an allegation an 18-year-old woman had been raped at the same event.
Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes condemned the events, adding they were "clearly a breach of coronavirus legislation" which had ended with "tragic consequences".


birminghammail--2020-06-19--"Every day has felt like a Saturday" - shop owners on their first week back

Shoppers returned to the High Streets this week after the lockdown for non-essential stores were eased .
Although supermarkets and petrol stations have remained open , many businesses from department stores to card shops have had no choice but to close their doors .
With businesses in England now being given the green-light to re-open on Monday , we spoke to shops around Birmingham and the Black Country to find out how badly they 've been hit by almost three months of closures - and what the future holds for them .
`` We 're having to wipe down every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TR Music has been a fixture in Walsall for almost 40 years but was one of many businesses which had to close its shutters back in March..
But with safety measures now in place , father and son duo Mike and James Tolley are now back trading at the Stafford Street store .
They will allow a maximum of six customers in the shop at any one time and have placed perspex screens on counters , crosses on the floor to aid social distancing and hand gels at the entrance .
During lock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 per cent of its usual turnover through limited online sales but he added the Government grant and furlough scheme helped cover costs and ensure they could prepare for reopening without too much stress .
James said : `` We reopened on Monday .
We did come here during lock down just doing what we could online and getting the shop ready .
`` I always knew we 'd open again but that when we did we 'd need to have measures in place .
But it was quite chilled as we had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In terms of trade , we probably did 10 per cent of our usual turnover during lock down .
`` Which is a huge reduction but because the help was there and staff being furloughed , a lot of our costs were reduced .
`` Trade wise , things have gone back to normal in many ways , how that will be moving forward we will have to wait and see .
`` Certainly with the guitar repairs , people have been messaging me for months , so all that has come in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week we will see . ''
One way in which things are not back to normal is the way instruments in the shop are handled - each piece of equipment being wiped down after they have been touched .
James said : `` With guitar repairs we are having to do them and then wipe them down which is something we never did before .
`` I have to do that with every single instrument that people want to try so we just make sure people who try the guitars are quite serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` A lot of our customers have become friends so its great catching up with people and hearing their stories . ''
`` Everyone appreciates the lengths we 're going to to keep them safe '' Staff at the crafting superstore Hobbycraft in Wednesfield , Wolverhampton , were greeted by a large queue of eager customers stretching around the block .
Manager Rachel Nevard said strict social distancing guidelines meant they were only allowing 15 people inside the store at any one time - which was entirely at odds with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' .
`` It was very strange for us to see people queueing up outside to come in , as we 're really not used to that at all , '' she said .
`` What was really rewarding was seeing a lot of familiar faces again - regular customers who were happy to wait for as long as it took and were just so excited to come back inside and have a browse .
`` At the beginning of the week we were only allowing 15 people in at a time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 , '' she added .
`` All our staff have the full , correct PPE and we have two hand sanitisation points at the door and one in the middle of the store , so people can clean their hands on the way in and out and also use it on their baskets .
`` We have one member of staff on the door at all times and have gone down to just two tills , which both have protective screens .
`` I think everyone really appreciates the lengths we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe . ''
`` I 've spoken to so many people this week that I 'm losing my voice '' Card store owner Emma Roberts said that closing her Castle Bromwhich store Special Occasions back in March had been the correct thing to do .
`` To be honest it really came down to the protection of staff and the customers and what was the right thing . ''
The Chester Road business reopened on Monday having made a number of alterations ; three customers are allowed in at any one time and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ installed .
And the plan is to phase the return of staff from the government 's furlough scheme .
`` I had a really good steady flow of people .
They all said how happy they were that we were open again .
`` I have spoken to everybody who has been in these past three days - I will probably lose my voice - asking them how they are feeling . ''
Ms Roberts admitted she had had `` no idea what to expect '' but the week had been `` really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you 've got a shop full of stock is n't an option '' Rebecca Benbrook , from Cristal Ladieswear , in Knowle , is among the many others to have done their first face-to-face sales for nearly 12 weeks .
Throughout the lockdown she has been selling online and also been posting regular videos for customers .
`` You have to adapt .
I had to stop and assess , '' said the 39-year-old , who took on the shop 12 years ago as a going concern .
`` Sitting at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full of stock is n't an option .
And people have been so supportive . ''
To prepare for reopening the St Johns Close premises , Ms Benbrook said she had consulted government guidelines .
Like many firms she has had plastic screens installed , sanitiser is on hand and the door is kept propped open to avoid customers having to touch the handle .
The business owner , who has worked in retail since she was 16 and lives in nearby Hampton-in-Arden , was heartened to see a good flow of visitors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very busy , it was like a Saturday for me , '' she said .
`` And people had more intention to buy than normal possibly because they have been stuck inside for so long . ''
Although she conceded that some customers would be reluctant to return for the time being and some she would not see for `` quite a while . ''
Looking ahead to the rest of the year , she said : `` I just want to get my head down for six months and get through it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Government grants have helped ... but trade has plummeted 70 % '' Steve Bull , the owner of Polar Bear Records in Kings Heath , said the shop had been busier than normal this week as regulars return for the first time since March 23 .
But he said his trade had dropped 70 per cent , with only online sales possible during the lockdown period , even allowing for the £10,000 small business grant from the Government .
Mr Bull , the owner of Polar Bear Records in Kings Heath , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 30 per cent of what it would normally be .
I have had the Government grants which have helped a little bit .
“ I don ’ t think there is any business that will come through this unscathed .
For want of a cliche , it is what it is .
“ Luckily for me , the business is just me - I haven ’ t had employees I have had to furlough .
My rent has been the same for a long time .
“ I do sell online .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t make up for footfall through the shop .
“ I am more worried about the future to be honest .
We still haven ’ t come to the end of this .
“ We have no idea once the furlough scheme stops , how that ’ s going to affect people ’ s employment .
“ If people are struggling financially , they shouldn ’ t be buying records.
” The shop opened in 1991 , initially as a partnership but has been owned solely by Mr Bull since 2007 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the city centre on a part-time basis , said : “ We reopened on Tuesday with reduced hours to ease our way back in see how things go .
“ We are taking some measures , like offering people disposable gloves to browse , and suggesting using the card machine .
Over the last few days we have had quite a few regulars back in .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Tom Dare, David Irwin, Joe Sweeney, Gurdip Thandi, Mark Cardwell)

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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
Shoppers returned to the High Streets this week after the lockdown for non-essential stores were eased.
Although supermarkets and petrol stations have remained open, many businesses from department stores to card shops have had no choice but to close their doors.
With businesses in England now being given the green-light to re-open on Monday, we spoke to shops around Birmingham and the Black Country to find out how badly they've been hit by almost three months of closures - and what the future holds for them.
"We're having to wipe down every instrument after someone has touched it"
TR Music has been a fixture in Walsall for almost 40 years but was one of many businesses which had to close its shutters back in March..
But with safety measures now in place, father and son duo Mike and James Tolley are now back trading at the Stafford Street store.
They will allow a maximum of six customers in the shop at any one time and have placed perspex screens on counters, crosses on the floor to aid social distancing and hand gels at the entrance.
During lock down James said the business only achieved 10 per cent of its usual turnover through limited online sales but he added the Government grant and furlough scheme helped cover costs and ensure they could prepare for reopening without too much stress.
James said: "We reopened on Monday. We did come here during lock down just doing what we could online and getting the shop ready.
"I always knew we'd open again but that when we did we'd need to have measures in place. But it was quite chilled as we had 10 weeks to get ready.
"In terms of trade, we probably did 10 per cent of our usual turnover during lock down.
"Which is a huge reduction but because the help was there and staff being furloughed, a lot of our costs were reduced.
"Trade wise, things have gone back to normal in many ways, how that will be moving forward we will have to wait and see.
"Certainly with the guitar repairs, people have been messaging me for months, so all that has come in now but if that goes quiet next week we will see."
One way in which things are not back to normal is the way instruments in the shop are handled - each piece of equipment being wiped down after they have been touched.
James said: "With guitar repairs we are having to do them and then wipe them down which is something we never did before.
"I have to do that with every single instrument that people want to try so we just make sure people who try the guitars are quite serious about buying them really."
He added: "A lot of our customers have become friends so its great catching up with people and hearing their stories."
"Everyone appreciates the lengths we're going to to keep them safe"
Staff at the crafting superstore Hobbycraft in Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, were greeted by a large queue of eager customers stretching around the block.
Manager Rachel Nevard said strict social distancing guidelines meant they were only allowing 15 people inside the store at any one time - which was entirely at odds with their policy of 'never keep the customer waiting'.
"It was very strange for us to see people queueing up outside to come in, as we're really not used to that at all," she said.
"What was really rewarding was seeing a lot of familiar faces again - regular customers who were happy to wait for as long as it took and were just so excited to come back inside and have a browse.
"At the beginning of the week we were only allowing 15 people in at a time, but we have now increased that to 19," she added.
"All our staff have the full, correct PPE and we have two hand sanitisation points at the door and one in the middle of the store, so people can clean their hands on the way in and out and also use it on their baskets.
"We have one member of staff on the door at all times and have gone down to just two tills, which both have protective screens.
"I think everyone really appreciates the lengths we have gone to in order to keep them safe."
"I've spoken to so many people this week that I'm losing my voice"
(Image: Emma Roberts)
Card store owner Emma Roberts said that closing her Castle Bromwhich store Special Occasions back in March had been the correct thing to do.
"To be honest it really came down to the protection of staff and the customers and what was the right thing."
The Chester Road business reopened on Monday having made a number of alterations; three customers are allowed in at any one time and a "till guard" has been installed. And the plan is to phase the return of staff from the government's furlough scheme.
"I had a really good steady flow of people. They all said how happy they were that we were open again.
"I have spoken to everybody who has been in these past three days - I will probably lose my voice - asking them how they are feeling."
Ms Roberts admitted she had had "no idea what to expect" but the week had been "really positive".
"Sitting at home when you've got a shop full of stock isn't an option"
(Image: Rebecca Benbrook)
Rebecca Benbrook, from Cristal Ladieswear, in Knowle, is among the many others to have done their first face-to-face sales for nearly 12 weeks.
Throughout the lockdown she has been selling online and also been posting regular videos for customers.
"You have to adapt. I had to stop and assess," said the 39-year-old, who took on the shop 12 years ago as a going concern.
"Sitting at home doing nothing when you have a shop full of stock isn't an option. And people have been so supportive."
To prepare for reopening the St Johns Close premises, Ms Benbrook said she had consulted government guidelines.
Like many firms she has had plastic screens installed, sanitiser is on hand and the door is kept propped open to avoid customers having to touch the handle.
The business owner, who has worked in retail since she was 16 and lives in nearby Hampton-in-Arden, was heartened to see a good flow of visitors on opening day.
"It was very busy, it was like a Saturday for me," she said.
"And people had more intention to buy than normal possibly because they have been stuck inside for so long."
Although she conceded that some customers would be reluctant to return for the time being and some she would not see for "quite a while."
Looking ahead to the rest of the year, she said: "I just want to get my head down for six months and get through it and see where we are."
"Government grants have helped... but trade has plummeted 70%"
(Image: LDRS)
Steve Bull, the owner of Polar Bear Records in Kings Heath, said the shop had been busier than normal this week as regulars return for the first time since March 23.
But he said his trade had dropped 70 per cent, with only online sales possible during the lockdown period, even allowing for the £10,000 small business grant from the Government.
(Image: LDRS)
Mr Bull, the owner of Polar Bear Records in Kings Heath, said: “My trade has plummeted to 30 per cent of what it would normally be. I have had the Government grants which have helped a little bit.
“I don’t think there is any business that will come through this unscathed. For want of a cliche, it is what it is.
“Luckily for me, the business is just me - I haven’t had employees I have had to furlough. My rent has been the same for a long time.
“I do sell online. May was very busy but it doesn’t make up for footfall through the shop.
“I am more worried about the future to be honest. We still haven’t come to the end of this.
“We have no idea once the furlough scheme stops, how that’s going to affect people’s employment.
“If people are struggling financially, they shouldn’t be buying records.”
The shop opened in 1991, initially as a partnership but has been owned solely by Mr Bull since 2007.
Gareth Owen, who manages Swordfish records in the city centre on a part-time basis, said: “We reopened on Tuesday with reduced hours to ease our way back in see how things go.
“We are taking some measures, like offering people disposable gloves to browse, and suggesting using the card machine. Over the last few days we have had quite a few regulars back in.”


birminghammail--2020-06-19--The brave boy with brain cancer Aston Villa fans are supporting

The widespread and big-hearted Aston Villa family are rallying right behind a five-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumour .
Loving , intelligent and Villa-mad Jago Jones was tragically diagnosed with the rare cancer DIPG , or diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma , just a month ago .
The severe condition affects just 20 to 30 children in the UK per year with the tumour developing in a part of the brain stem known as the pons , which controls essential bodily functions including heartbeat , breathing , swallowing , eyesight and balance .
The pons is inaccessible surgically .
Chemotherapy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth of the tumour , but is not curative .
Devastatingly , 90 per cent of children die within 18 months of diagnosis , and survival beyond two years is almost unheard of .
As for little Jago , though , the youngster from Enfield , north London , is still smiling but needs £43,500 for his first radiotherapy treatment .
Family friend , Rebecca James from Sutton Coldfield , told BirminghamLive : `` It 's devastating , it really is .
I 'm a mum-of-three and just had to reach out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to rally to organise a fund-raising raffle and to spread awareness of Jago 's story .
`` It all started just before Easter when Gabriele , Jago ’ s mum , noticed he wasn ’ t looking at her squarely in the face .
He was like angling his head slightly to the right .
He ’ d also become a bit clumsier .
Her first instinct was to call an optician .
However , due to lockdown – and the opticians not having PPE – they were referred to the emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Once there , Jago had his eyes checked over and there was no problem with them .
Then he was sent for an MRI .
`` Sitting there in the waiting room , Gabriele imagined being told there was a problem with the optic nerve .
As her little boy , as lively as ever , did laps of the waiting room , she wondered how they were going to get through it .
Even the nurses , who observed Jago playing animatedly with the hospital toys , didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waited and waited for the results until eventually two doctors came to speak to them .
Gabriele immediately knew it wasn ’ t going to be good news .
They told her that Jago had a lesion in the pons area of his brain and that they were going to transfer him to Great Ormond Street Hospital .
`` The diagnosis came the next morning and it didn ’ t feel real .
Those few words… No parent should hear them .
How can life deal such a cruel disease to such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we worry about as a parent , paediatric cancer was the least of them . ''
Jago 's family have opted for a clinical trial in Switzerland in the hope to at least ease his brain tumour .
The special drug has a high potency compared to the next best drug on the market , but the price starts at a staggering £450,000 so , without help , they can ’ t do this .
As for family friend Rebecca , she 's managed to source some top Aston Villa prizes to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £10,000 for Jago .
It 's £5 to have a go at Rebecca 's raffle with awards including a signed Aston Villa shirt , Marc Albrighton 's football boots and a shirt signed by Mile Jedinak .
To pledge your support to help Jago 's brain cancer battle and to win a number of top-quality prizes , donate £5 or more here and remember to add your full name .
Winners will be announced from 7pm on Sunday , June 21 .

The widespread and big-hearted Aston Villa family are rallying right behind a five-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumour.
Loving, intelligent and Villa-mad Jago Jones was tragically diagnosed with the rare cancer DIPG, or diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, just a month ago.
The severe condition affects just 20 to 30 children in the UK per year with the tumour developing in a part of the brain stem known as the pons, which controls essential bodily functions including heartbeat, breathing, swallowing, eyesight and balance.
The pons is inaccessible surgically. Chemotherapy is ineffective. Radiotherapy can temporarily slow growth of the tumour, but is not curative. Devastatingly, 90 per cent of children die within 18 months of diagnosis, and survival beyond two years is almost unheard of.
As for little Jago, though, the youngster from Enfield, north London, is still smiling but needs £43,500 for his first radiotherapy treatment.
Family friend, Rebecca James from Sutton Coldfield, told BirminghamLive : "It's devastating, it really is. I'm a mum-of-three and just had to reach out to help. That's why I've tried to rally to organise a fund-raising raffle and to spread awareness of Jago's story.
"It all started just before Easter when Gabriele, Jago’s mum, noticed he wasn’t looking at her squarely in the face. He was like angling his head slightly to the right. He’d also become a bit clumsier. Her first instinct was to call an optician. However, due to lockdown – and the opticians not having PPE – they were referred to the emergency eye clinic in their local hospital instead.
"Once there, Jago had his eyes checked over and there was no problem with them. Then he was sent for an MRI.
"Sitting there in the waiting room, Gabriele imagined being told there was a problem with the optic nerve. As her little boy, as lively as ever, did laps of the waiting room, she wondered how they were going to get through it. Even the nurses, who observed Jago playing animatedly with the hospital toys, didn’t imagine anything more serious.
"They waited and waited for the results until eventually two doctors came to speak to them. Gabriele immediately knew it wasn’t going to be good news. They told her that Jago had a lesion in the pons area of his brain and that they were going to transfer him to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
"The diagnosis came the next morning and it didn’t feel real. Those few words… No parent should hear them. How can life deal such a cruel disease to such a little child? Of all the things we worry about as a parent, paediatric cancer was the least of them."
Jago's family have opted for a clinical trial in Switzerland in the hope to at least ease his brain tumour. The special drug has a high potency compared to the next best drug on the market, but the price starts at a staggering £450,000 so, without help, they can’t do this.
As for family friend Rebecca, she's managed to source some top Aston Villa prizes to do her bit in a bid to raise £10,000 for Jago. It's £5 to have a go at Rebecca's raffle with awards including a signed Aston Villa shirt, Marc Albrighton's football boots and a shirt signed by Mile Jedinak.
To pledge your support to help Jago's brain cancer battle and to win a number of top-quality prizes, donate £5 or more here and remember to add your full name. Winners will be announced from 7pm on Sunday, June 21.


birminghammail--2020-06-19--Lee Longlands goes into administration as its stores reopen after lockdown

Lee Longlands has announced it has gone into administration - but insists it 's business as usual as stores reopen after lockdown .
The furniture chain , which has a flagship store in Broad Street , Birmingham , says all branches will all be trading as usual from June 20 .
Discounts of up to 70 per cent discounts are on offer to tempt shoppers .
But the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has meant that administrators have been appointed to manage the company 's finances .
Like all other non-essential retailers , Lee Longlands has been closed for three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the well-known furniture retailer are in Leamington Spa , Kidderminster , Derby , Cheltenham and Abingdon , Oxfordshire .
Bosses said all its stores would open doors to shoppers again from Saturday , June 20 .
The online order service resumed on June 18 .
But today the company announced it had been forced to bring in administrators in a bid to get its finances back on track .
In a statement on its website , Lee Longlands said : `` Matthew Ingram and Allan Graham of Duff & Phelps Ltd. were appointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Limited on 19 June 2020 .
`` The Joint Administrators will manage the affairs , business and property of the Company .
`` The Joint Administrators are neither personally adopting any contracts that may have been entered into by the Company , nor are they personally liable in any way in respect of them .
`` Lee Longlands & Co. Limited ( in Administration ) is continuing to trade under the control of the Joint Administrators .
Both are licensed in the UK by the Insolvency Practitioners Association and governed by the Code @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fourth generation family member and current director , said : `` We are very much open for business as usual and our customers can be assured we will continue to give them the highest levels of service as we restore our short-term finances and get back to work . ''
George Longland and Robert Lee – the great grandfather of the current director – established Lee Longlands in 1902 after serving their apprenticeships .
The duo opened their first store at 304 Broad Street , initially selling antiques before turning to manufacturing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the founders decided to build a brand new brick and Portland stone Art Deco building in Broad Street , the only store outside London to have curved glass windows .
Nearly a century later , the building still stands and remains an important part of Birmingham ’ s history .

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Lee Longlands has announced it has gone into administration - but insists it's business as usual as stores reopen after lockdown.
The furniture chain, which has a flagship store in Broad Street, Birmingham, says all branches will all be trading as usual from June 20.
Discounts of up to 70 per cent discounts are on offer to tempt shoppers.
But the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has meant that administrators have been appointed to manage the company's finances.
Like all other non-essential retailers, Lee Longlands has been closed for three months during lockdown.
(Image: Birmingham Post)
Other branches of the well-known furniture retailer are in Leamington Spa, Kidderminster, Derby, Cheltenham and Abingdon, Oxfordshire.
Bosses said all its stores would open doors to shoppers again from Saturday, June 20. The online order service resumed on June 18.
But today the company announced it had been forced to bring in administrators in a bid to get its finances back on track.
In a statement on its website, Lee Longlands said: "Matthew Ingram and Allan Graham of Duff & Phelps Ltd. were appointed Joint Administrators of Lee Longlands & Co. Limited on 19 June 2020.
"The Joint Administrators will manage the affairs, business and property of the Company.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"The Joint Administrators are neither personally adopting any contracts that may have been entered into by the Company, nor are they personally liable in any way in respect of them.
"Lee Longlands & Co. Limited (in Administration) is continuing to trade under the control of the Joint Administrators. Both are licensed in the UK by the Insolvency Practitioners Association and governed by the Code of Ethics."
Robert Lee, a fourth generation family member and current director, said: "We are very much open for business as usual and our customers can be assured we will continue to give them the highest levels of service as we restore our short-term finances and get back to work."
George Longland and Robert Lee – the great grandfather of the current director – established Lee Longlands in 1902 after serving their apprenticeships.
The duo opened their first store at 304 Broad Street, initially selling antiques before turning to manufacturing their own cabinet ranges.
In 1932 the founders decided to build a brand new brick and Portland stone Art Deco building in Broad Street, the only store outside London to have curved glass windows.
Nearly a century later, the building still stands and remains an important part of Birmingham’s history.


birminghammail--2020-06-19--Moment protesters halt on city street to mark lives of those killed in custody

This is the powerful moment hundreds of protesters took a moment to remember those people killed in police custody moments after marching through the streets of Birmingham .
Earlier a massive crowd of up to 800 people had gathered in Victoria Square waving placards and listening to speeches given by two families of men who had died in violent circumstances .
The demonstration gathered at Victoria Square was co-organised by Bishop Desmond Jaddoo and speaker 's included Kadisha Brown-Burrell , sister of Kingsley Burrell , who died in police custody .
They were protesting against police brutality , inequality , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brown-Burrell told those gathered in Victoria Square : “ Kingsley was not publicly harming anyone .
“ Race played a big part in Kingsley ’ s death .
He was a big black man , he was as humble as a lamb .
He didn ’ t know that he would be dead 72 hours later .
We can not sit in silence no more .
When Kingsley said he can ’ t breathe , who does that remind you of ?
” The crowd then chanted George Floyd ’ s name .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother of Julian Webster , who died after being held in a ‘ chin lock ’ in Manchester .
There was a stall set up offering free food , water , PPE and hand sanitisers for everyone attending .
The crowd was asked to say ‘ take your knee off my neck ’ nine times- the same amount of time George Floyd lay dying on the ground with cop Derek Chauvin 's knee on his neck .
They then took to their knees in solidarity .
One protester , Georgina , 32 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because this is our generation .
Our grandparents seems to have stood there and nothing seems to be changing .
It is not just Amercia , unfortunately this is everywhere.
” One of the organiser ’ s Tony , 29 , said : “ Our aim is for all of us to get together from different areas ad work together under one agenda .
“ When we ’ re going with different angles , it doesn ’ t work .
Every turnout is a great turnout .
As long as people turnout and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is the best thing .
We ’ re fighting for equality , nothing more , nothing less .
We want to be looked as equals .
“ Everyone wants to be looked as the same .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk ( birminghammail.co.uk, Rakeem Hyatt)

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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
This is the powerful moment hundreds of protesters took a moment to remember those people killed in police custody moments after marching through the streets of Birmingham.
Earlier a massive crowd of up to 800 people had gathered in Victoria Square waving placards and listening to speeches given by two families of men who had died in violent circumstances.
The demonstration gathered at Victoria Square was co-organised by Bishop Desmond Jaddoo and speaker's included Kadisha Brown-Burrell, sister of Kingsley Burrell, who died in police custody.
They were protesting against police brutality, inequality, the Windrush scandal and racism.
(Image: Tristan Potter / SWNS)
Kadisha Brown-Burrell told those gathered in Victoria Square: “ Kingsley was not publicly harming anyone.
“Race played a big part in Kingsley’s death. He was a big black man, he was as humble as a lamb. He didn’t know that he would be dead 72 hours later. We cannot sit in silence no more. When Kingsley said he can’t breathe, who does that remind you of ?”
The crowd then chanted George Floyd’s name.
Another speaker was Sonia Webster, the mother of Julian Webster, who died after being held in a ‘chin lock’ in Manchester.
There was a stall set up offering free food, water, PPE and hand sanitisers for everyone attending.
The crowd was asked to say ‘take your knee off my neck’ nine times- the same amount of time George Floyd lay dying on the ground with cop Derek Chauvin's knee on his neck.
They then took to their knees in solidarity.
What is Black Lives Matter? Founded in 2013 after George Zimmerman was acquitted of shooting and killing Trayvon Martin on the grounds of self-defence, Black Lives Matter have spent years protesting and demonstrating against racism and inequality. Although it has origins in the US, Black Lives Matter has become an international movement with supporters across the world holding protests and demonstrations in a variety of countries including Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. You can learn more about Black Lives Matter on their website .
One protester, Georgina, 32, said: “It’s important because this is our generation. Our grandparents seems to have stood there and nothing seems to be changing. It is not just Amercia, unfortunately this is everywhere.”
One of the organiser’s Tony, 29, said: “Our aim is for all of us to get together from different areas ad work together under one agenda.
“When we’re going with different angles, it doesn’t work. Every turnout is a great turnout. As long as people turnout and the message is getting out therem then that is the best thing. We’re fighting for equality, nothing more, nothing less. We want to be looked as equals.
“Everyone wants to be looked as the same.”


birminghammail--2020-06-19--Liverpool stance on Jimenez after 'incredible' transfer comments

Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez has been linked with Liverpool ahead of the summer transfer window .
The striker is enjoying a brilliant season for Nuno Espirito Santo 's side with 22 goals and 10 assists across all competitions .
Jimenez 's stay at Molineux was made permanent for £32.6m last year after he scored 17 times while on loan from Benfica .
His brilliant form has reportedly attracted several admirers with the likes of Liverpool , Manchester United and Real Madrid said to be interested .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news , views , gossip and opinion .
All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Play Store and App Store In an interview with Mexican actress Jessica Coch earlier this week , Jimenez said he is taking the rumours as a compliment .
Responding to the gossip , the 29-year-old told Bolavip ( via Sport Witness ) : “ It ’ s something very cool , I don ’ t know if they are true , they are rumours .
Since they are talking about me , different teams like Real Madrid , Barcelona , Juventus , Manchester City , Manchester United , Liverpool… They are teams that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ That they are mentioning you there , whether you want to or not , some rumour will come to them as well so there it can be opened .
It ’ s an incredible thing to be on the radar , be rumours there , and on the lips of those teams .
It ’ s something good to continue growing , making an effort and taking it as an incentive so that , if possible , give even more to achieve it.
” But according to the Liverpool Echo ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take Jimenez to Anfield this summer is unlikely .
The Reds passed up the chance to sign long-term target Timo Werner for around £50m from RB Leipzig because of the ongoing financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus outbreak .
Werner joined Chelsea instead and Wolves would be in a position to demand a significant fee for Jimenez , who is proven in the Premier League .

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Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez has been linked with Liverpool ahead of the summer transfer window.
The striker is enjoying a brilliant season for Nuno Espirito Santo's side with 22 goals and 10 assists across all competitions.
Jimenez's stay at Molineux was made permanent for £32.6m last year after he scored 17 times while on loan from Benfica.
His brilliant form has reportedly attracted several admirers with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid said to be interested.
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
In an interview with Mexican actress Jessica Coch earlier this week, Jimenez said he is taking the rumours as a compliment.
Responding to the gossip, the 29-year-old told Bolavip (via Sport Witness): “It’s something very cool, I don’t know if they are true, they are rumours. Since they are talking about me, different teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool… They are teams that in the history of football are important.
“That they are mentioning you there, whether you want to or not, some rumour will come to them as well so there it can be opened. It’s an incredible thing to be on the radar, be rumours there, and on the lips of those teams. It’s something good to continue growing, making an effort and taking it as an incentive so that, if possible, give even more to achieve it.”
But according to the Liverpool Echo’s Blood Red podcast, a deal to take Jimenez to Anfield this summer is unlikely.
The Reds passed up the chance to sign long-term target Timo Werner for around £50m from RB Leipzig because of the ongoing financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
Werner joined Chelsea instead and Wolves would be in a position to demand a significant fee for Jimenez, who is proven in the Premier League.


birminghammail--2020-06-19--Aston Villa fans react as Roy Keane singles out Jack Grealish

Roy Keane 's alarming comments suggesting Aston Villa and Jack Grealish were all too lackadaisical against Sheffield United has divided opinion .
The Manchester United legend and former Villa assistant questioned the attitude and application of Dean Smith 's side following the midweek 0-0 draw at Villa Park .
He said : `` You have to try and create something and , for Villa the other night , I just got the impression that they thought a draw 's not the end of the world .
Every time I looked at Grealish he was laughing .
Listen , do you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Because the supporters were n't there , maybe they got sucked into that the result almost does n't matter .
Of course it matters , your career depends on it . ''
Some sections of the Villa support have reacted with fury while others have agreed with Keane to suggest the performance against the Blades was all too nice - especially given the club 's worrying relegation predicament .
Here 's a round-up of some of the best reaction ... No Context Villa My god , Grealish would get criticised for breathing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but he is talking nonsense here , in my opinion .
Positivity from our captain is good thing - it also gives a moral boost to those players around him .
CJ Absolute nonsense .
Guess Grealish should not enjoy his time on the pitch then .
James He did absolutely nothing that game , but for some reason not allowed to be criticised .
Matt Mallin Does he not maybe think that Grealish just enjoys playing football and he was happy to be doing that .
Couldbearanything Premier league survival is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun .
Plus , as a Villa boy , he should n't be happy unless we are winning or out of the relegation places .
Trezzy Do you not sort of agree ?
Maybe highlighting individual players is wrong but I thought we were a little relaxed during the game , especially 2nd half , considering how poor Utd were and who they were missing .
I know it ’ s first game but every game is so important .
Scotty Keane always right fantastic leader he was .
Richard Blackmore I agree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a collective , need to realise what is at stake over the remaining games .
Wednesday wasn ’ t good enough .
Totally disagree with the comments on Grealish though ... so what if he ’ s laughing .
JMB Agree with Roy .
Dunno why some of our fans are getting touchy about it .
Kieran Both sets of players were joking and laughing in the drink break .
Longclaw 100 % agree with him , and it 's been similar all season .
We miss that nasty streak .
Even saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Villa Callum Nobody can disagree with these comments .
Paul Hawthorn I agree with him , Premier league survival is massive and I ’ d have liked to have seen us come out of the blocks with more urgency and hope we try to catch teams cold in the early games.If we go down any fee we get for Grealish just goes towards offsetting the premier league money .
Tony Disagree with Roy but we did look a bit too relaxed , tbh .
Mark Jirobe Are we expecting anything different from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putting on war paint , training 16 hours every day with bootlaces coming out of them if he had it his way .
And that 's why he 's now a pundit and not a coach .
Massive respect for him , but the world changed .

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Roy Keane's alarming comments suggesting Aston Villa and Jack Grealish were all too lackadaisical against Sheffield United has divided opinion.
The Manchester United legend and former Villa assistant questioned the attitude and application of Dean Smith's side following the midweek 0-0 draw at Villa Park.
He said: "You have to try and create something and, for Villa the other night, I just got the impression that they thought a draw's not the end of the world. Every time I looked at Grealish he was laughing. Listen, do you realise what's at stake here?
"Because the supporters weren't there, maybe they got sucked into that the result almost doesn't matter. Of course it matters, your career depends on it."
Some sections of the Villa support have reacted with fury while others have agreed with Keane to suggest the performance against the Blades was all too nice - especially given the club's worrying relegation predicament.
Here's a round-up of some of the best reaction...
No Context Villa My god, Grealish would get criticised for breathing.
Ant Not everyone hates life, Roy.
Andrew Ashburn I like Roy Keane, but he is talking nonsense here, in my opinion. Positivity from our captain is good thing - it also gives a moral boost to those players around him.
(Image: Getty Images)
CJ Absolute nonsense. Guess Grealish should not enjoy his time on the pitch then.
James He did absolutely nothing that game, but for some reason not allowed to be criticised.
Matt Mallin Does he not maybe think that Grealish just enjoys playing football and he was happy to be doing that.
Couldbearanything Premier league survival is a bit more important than Grealish having fun. Plus, as a Villa boy, he shouldn't be happy unless we are winning or out of the relegation places.
Alex Berwick He’s dead right tbf.
Trezzy Do you not sort of agree? Maybe highlighting individual players is wrong but I thought we were a little relaxed during the game, especially 2nd half, considering how poor Utd were and who they were missing. I know it’s first game but every game is so important.
Scotty Keane always right fantastic leader he was.
Richard Blackmore I agree with the sentiment that they, as a collective, need to realise what is at stake over the remaining games. Wednesday wasn’t good enough. Totally disagree with the comments on Grealish though... so what if he’s laughing.
JMB Agree with Roy. Dunno why some of our fans are getting touchy about it.
Kieran Both sets of players were joking and laughing in the drink break.
Longclaw 100% agree with him, and it's been similar all season. We miss that nasty streak. Even saw Mings congratulating Henderson for taking a catch.
Villa Callum Nobody can disagree with these comments.
Paul Hawthorn I agree with him,Premier league survival is massive and I’d have liked to have seen us come out of the blocks with more urgency and hope we try to catch teams cold in the early games.If we go down any fee we get for Grealish just goes towards offsetting the premier league money.
Tony Disagree with Roy but we did look a bit too relaxed, tbh.
OSC calm down old man x
Jamie He isn’t wrong..
Mark Jirobe Are we expecting anything different from Roy here? He'd have players putting on war paint, training 16 hours every day with bootlaces coming out of them if he had it his way. And that's why he's now a pundit and not a coach. Massive respect for him, but the world changed.