birminghammail--2020-10-07--No parades but Remembrance services to go ahead

Remembrance Sunday parades in Walsall have been scrapped this year due to Covid-19 but smaller services to honour the fallen will still take place .
Councillor Garry Perry , portfolio holder for community , leisure and culture , confirmed parades through the town will not be held while members of the public are being encouraged not to attend annual events next month amidst safety concerns .
But he said the borough will still honour those who gave their lives in past conflicts in a different way to what people are used to .
A two minutes ' silence for reflection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will still take place .
Walsall Council had been waiting for Government guidance on how best to proceed with the events but Councillor Perry said they needed to decide now so local organisers were clear on what they can or ca n't do .
Among the big changes to this year 's events include : • A smaller group of dignitaries at each services • Wreaths will be laid before the Sunday services • Only roads around memorials to be closed for safety reasons • Events being live streamed or recorded for later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ print out and put in their windows Councillor Perry , who is part of the organising committee for Remembrance services in his Pelsall ward , said people who do choose to attend are being asked to take responsibility for their own social distancing .
He said : `` Some parts of the country are in the depths of massive increases in infection rates and we 're are still in the midst of it , so public health guidance has to be followed .
`` We could not hold off the decision any longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involve elderly people and veterans .
`` So we could n't just let it go through and then a week before say , 'actually you ca n't do it now ' .
`` We did n't want to be in a position where it was too late to change things or you 're expecting people to react to guidance a week or so before the event .
It 's not fair .
`` We took a decision to not go ahead with parades and we are asking the public not to attend .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ focused acts of remembrance at Walsall at each of the cenotaphs with a very reduced number of people following the 'rule of six ' .
`` If residents still choose to attend we are asking them to take responsibility for their own social distancing .
It 's not fair to expect organisers to be responsible for others ' social distancing .
`` Remembrance is sacrosanct to me .
Whilst it wo n't be in the same way as normal , that act of remembrance and that acknowledgement of all those who served before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be done in a very different way to maintain personal safety .
`` We know how much this means to our communities and Walsall will remember .
`` But even more so this year , given the amount of suffering and anguish and anxiety that has happened because of Covid , people will look to it as a period for reflection .
`` We want to ensure that takes place but takes place safely . ''

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Remembrance Sunday parades in Walsall have been scrapped this year due to Covid-19 but smaller services to honour the fallen will still take place.
Councillor Garry Perry, portfolio holder for community, leisure and culture, confirmed parades through the town will not be held while members of the public are being encouraged not to attend annual events next month amidst safety concerns.
But he said the borough will still honour those who gave their lives in past conflicts in a different way to what people are used to.
A two minutes' silence for reflection and the playing of The Last Post will still take place.
Walsall Council had been waiting for Government guidance on how best to proceed with the events but Councillor Perry said they needed to decide now so local organisers were clear on what they can or can't do.
Among the big changes to this year's events include:
No parades or hymn singing
A smaller group of dignitaries at each services
Wreaths will be laid before the Sunday services
Only roads around memorials to be closed for safety reasons
Events being live streamed or recorded for later viewing
Downloadable poppies for people to print out and put in their windows
Councillor Perry, who is part of the organising committee for Remembrance services in his Pelsall ward, said people who do choose to attend are being asked to take responsibility for their own social distancing.
(Image: PA)
He said: "Some parts of the country are in the depths of massive increases in infection rates and we're are still in the midst of it, so public health guidance has to be followed.
"We could not hold off the decision any longer as most of the organisers and volunteers involve elderly people and veterans.
"So we couldn't just let it go through and then a week before say, 'actually you can't do it now'.
"We didn't want to be in a position where it was too late to change things or you're expecting people to react to guidance a week or so before the event. It's not fair.
(Image: BPM)
"We took a decision to not go ahead with parades and we are asking the public not to attend.
"There will be very short and focused acts of remembrance at Walsall at each of the cenotaphs with a very reduced number of people following the 'rule of six'.
"If residents still choose to attend we are asking them to take responsibility for their own social distancing. It's not fair to expect organisers to be responsible for others' social distancing.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"Remembrance is sacrosanct to me. Whilst it won't be in the same way as normal, that act of remembrance and that acknowledgement of all those who served before will still continue. It will just be done in a very different way to maintain personal safety.
"We know how much this means to our communities and Walsall will remember.
"But even more so this year, given the amount of suffering and anguish and anxiety that has happened because of Covid, people will look to it as a period for reflection.
"We want to ensure that takes place but takes place safely."


birminghammail--2020-10-07--Entire year group at school told to self-isolate

An entire year group at a Midland school has been forced to self-isolate after two confirmed cases of Covid-19 .
South Bromsgrove High School told parents the Year 13 bubble would stay at home for 14 days but other years would attend as normal .
Worcestershire County Council confirmed two people tested positive for the virus and the school continues to be supported by Public Health .
Dozens of schools and colleges across Worcestershire have already had pupils off due to Covid concerns , with more than 40 school-related coronavirus cases recorded .
A council spokesperson said : “ Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have tested positive for Covid-19 .
“ The school continues to be supported by Public Health .
“ Students in the affected year group are now also self-isolating for 14 days in line with guidance and will continue their learning through remote access.
” The director of public health for Worcestershire previously warned that Bromsgrove 's infection rate put the area in a 'precarious position ' and said residents could face tougher restrictions if the situation did not improve .
Figures provided by Worcestershire County Council earlier this month confirmed some 26 educational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a result of coronavirus worries .
Of those , at least half had returned to school .
A spokeswoman for Worcestershire County Council said : “ We have now had 26 schools and colleges which have had closed bubbles .
Thirteen of which have now reopened .
“ Related to 22 of these schools there have been 26 positive cases .
“ In addition there have been a further 18 positive cases notified but had not been in school whilst infectious.
” Among the latest schools to confirm cases was St Augustine ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It had two students test positive for Covid-19 , while a student from another school has tested positive and they used a gym at the same time as students from the school .
Meanwhile Crabbs Cross Academy , also in Redditch , was advised to close two classes by Public Health officials .
The council says it no longer provides a list of schools affected by Covid but Worcestershire Live is aware of the following 17 schools and colleges in the county to have had children off due to coronavirus concerns : Heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the county ) .

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An entire year group at a Midland school has been forced to self-isolate after two confirmed cases of Covid-19.
South Bromsgrove High School told parents the Year 13 bubble would stay at home for 14 days but other years would attend as normal.
Worcestershire County Council confirmed two people tested positive for the virus and the school continues to be supported by Public Health.
Dozens of schools and colleges across Worcestershire have already had pupils off due to Covid concerns, with more than 40 school-related coronavirus cases recorded.
A council spokesperson said: “Two further individuals from South Bromsgrove High School have tested positive for Covid-19.
“The school continues to be supported by Public Health.
“Students in the affected year group are now also self-isolating for 14 days in line with guidance and will continue their learning through remote access.”
The director of public health for Worcestershire previously warned that Bromsgrove's infection rate put the area in a 'precarious position' and said residents could face tougher restrictions if the situation did not improve.
Figures provided by Worcestershire County Council earlier this month confirmed some 26 educational establishments had ‘closed bubbles’ as a result of coronavirus worries.
Of those, at least half had returned to school.
A spokeswoman for Worcestershire County Council said: “We have now had 26 schools and colleges which have had closed bubbles. Thirteen of which have now reopened.
“Related to 22 of these schools there have been 26 positive cases.
“In addition there have been a further 18 positive cases notified but had not been in school whilst infectious.”
Among the latest schools to confirm cases was St Augustine’s Catholic High School in Redditch.
It had two students test positive for Covid-19, while a student from another school has tested positive and they used a gym at the same time as students from the school.
Meanwhile Crabbs Cross Academy, also in Redditch, was advised to close two classes by Public Health officials.
The council says it no longer provides a list of schools affected by Covid but Worcestershire Live is aware of the following 17 schools and colleges in the county to have had children off due to coronavirus concerns:
Heart of Worcestershire College (which has campuses across the county).
Bromsgrove
Belbroughton Primary School
Millfields First School
Rigby Hall School
South Bromsgrove High School
Woodrush High School
Redditch
Arrow Vale RSA Academy
Crabbs Cross Academy
Ipsley CE RSA Academy
St Augustine Catholic High School
Worcester
Bishop Perowne CE College
King’s Worcester
Northwick Manor Primary
Perdiswell Primary
Stanley Road Primary
Wychavon
Pebworth First School
Wyre Forest
Burlish Primary School, Stourport


birminghammail--2020-10-07--The story and strategy of Aston Villa's transfer window

Quality over quantity was the remit for Aston Villa 's summer transfer window this year and did n't they just deliver .
Matty Cash , record-buy Ollie Watkins , Emi Martinez , Bertrand Traore and loan ace Ross Barkley completed a memorable month of business for Dean Smith .
Four of Villa 's five new recruits have started off like a house on fire while £17 million wing addition Traore has already shown flashes of brilliance in the Carabao Cup .
Villa , of course , sit pretty in second-place in the Premier League after their perfect start having whacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 've said before the season started that physically we 're in a better position now , '' detailed Smith after hammering the champions .
`` We 've got more athletes in the team and better quality .
If you 've got that you 've got a better chance of getting results like today . ''
That above statement pretty much nails Villa 's transfer dealings in this window and basically spells out what was on Smith 's summer shopping list .
The head coach wanted a prime goalkeeper with real pedigree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his recovery time , at 34 , was deemed too high a risk to go into the season with just Jed Steer and back-up keepers Orjan Nyland and Lovre Kalinic .
Smith , new sporting director Johan Lange and chief executive Christian Purslow all monitored Martinez 's situation at Arsenal .
He was constantly in the limelight having performed heroics in place of the injured Bernd Leno .
Martinez also guided the Gunners to FA Cup and Community Shield glory and broke down on TV in a post-match interview having battled back from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No.1 .
Prior to breaking through last term Martinez previously made just six Premier League appearances in a decade at Arsenal .
The Argentinian fast became a fans ' favourite in north London but Mikel Arteta made it known Leno was his No.1 and Martinez moved to Villa to become Smith 's No.1 .
Back to Villa 's first signing of the window and , again , it pointed to a new direction Smith wanted to go .
Cash came in and , initially , eyebrows were raised as Villa already had Frederic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Forest favourite had long been admired by Smith and stood out like sore thumb in the Championship .
Literally just seconds into his Premier League debut at Villa Park the quality and the reasoning was there to see : Cash was a massive upgrade on what Villa had previously .
It 's Cash 's ability on the ball that made Smith and Villa push to sign him .
The boss , as you 've seen , wants to play out from the back this season and Cash is a player who 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tight areas .
As well as quality it 's that athleticism Smith has banged on about - and Cash has it in abundance .
The 23-year-old is like a whippet , fit as a fiddle and Premier League-ready .
The £14 million deal here represents sound business given a : his age and b : his quality .
He 's an immensely-likeable character within the group already , too , and has an admirable desire to keep on improving .
Following Cash through the door was another Championship star and Smith 's priority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think people questioned the price tag for a Championship player , '' Smith said of his hat-trick against Liverpool .
`` I was never in doubt I 'd get a performance like that from him .
I 've known him a long time .
He 's a great kid and his application and attitude is getting better and it 's there with the best players I 've seen . ''
The £28 million man has already scored five goals in just six games - that 's one off what Wesley managed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The deal itself was always going to happen and Brentford drove a hard bargain to get top-dollar for their star asset .
Villa thought they 'd pinch Watkins for around £20 million after the Bees were beaten in the play-off final but the London club stood firm and could bank £33 million should Watkins become a massive hit at Villa .
Again , Watkins is another one with quality and physicality .
`` I have no doubts he will score goals for us this season and be a very much loved Aston Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Watkins , who says the No.11 gives Villa another dimension - as Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez found out on Monday night .
Villa 's final two arrivals of this window came with big-league pedigree , the first of which was instigated by Lange who had Traore fly into Copenhagen to complete a medical .
Smith was desperate for a right-winger and wanted something he had n't already got .
The Burkinabe is tall , gangly and graceful and is heavily left-footed .
Again , this addition gives Villa another dimension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kid can also play as a No.9 .
Traore 's a size , too , and it was his former Chelsea teammate John Terry who gave him a good character reference when Smith and Lange asked about him .
`` I know him very well , '' Terry said , after Traore 's brilliance at Bristol in the cup .
`` It 's not about pushing , I know my role very well at the football club , kind of advising and steering people in the right way .
We want bigger and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've had previous experience with him and I can give a very good character reference on him as well . ''
Aston Villa webchat - how to get involved Hello !
At Birmingham Live , we are keen to give the fans as much opportunity to discuss the beautiful game as much as possible .
That is why we have decided to launch a brand new webchat forum , which allows supporters to interact with both our writers and each other .
At several points every week , we will be opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take part in live Q & As about transfers and tactics , as well as the chance to air your opinions about the end of the Premier League season with your fellow fans .
With no fans allowed at stadiums , we want to replicate that community feel here .
Talking , and keeping in touch , has never been more important .
If you want to take part in these chats , all you have to do is follow these four simple steps to register .
1 .
Write your message in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ click on the blue marker , as shown below .
2 .
This will prompt a new box to appear , where you can either sign-in if you already have an account , or register if you do not have an account .
3 .
When you click 'register ' , this box will appear .
Once you have entered your details , you can click 'create account ' to confirm .
4 .
And now you 're ready to take part in the chat , with your username initials appearing at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It really is that simple .
Remember : you have to sign up to take part , and we want our discussions to be polite , civil and considerate .
Enjoy .
Last and by no means least the deal to pull off the Barkley loan was a lauded as a huge statement by Smith .
The 26-year-old admitted it was the head coach - and Jack Grealish - who `` swayed '' him into joining `` the project '' of helping Villa to get back where they belong .
`` Jack knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explained , `` so he would only have said positive things about Villa to him .
But it still takes something for a player at one of the top four clubs in this country to turn their head .
Jack managed to do that , and me and JT were working on Ross as well . ''
And worked they did as the deal was signed , sealed and delivered just hours after Barkley sat on the bench in Chelsea 's shoot-out defeat to Spurs last week .
A quick dart up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Barkley held the Villa shirt aloft with Smith and Lange .
There 's no buy option in this loan , though , which is an agreement Villa favour .
Pushing ahead with this move just shows how much of an opportunity it was to get Barkley in .
Just four days later , Smith bombed out Conor Hourihane despite his assist and goal showing at Fulham and drafted Barkley straight into his starting XI , admitting he wanted my physicality against Liverpool .
Did n't it work a treat , too , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself a goal to boot .
The link-up play with Grealish was something to behold too and it 's Watkins who looks set to have an absolute field day playing just in front of them .
As far as this summer window is concerned we 're yet to mention Villa rolling out the red carpet for Grealish in terms of his new five-year contract at a reported £125,000-a-week .
The skipper dazzled against Liverpool and looks primed for his best-ever season having scored three goals already .
The owners , Nassef Sawiris and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the emblem of this football club '' and they see the No.10 as the beacon of hope as Villa look to gate crash the European places over the next few seasons .
The captain did admit he did n't even know where his future lay even before facing off against Manchester United in a friendly just three weeks ago , yet after a sit-down chat with Smith , Purslow and Sawiris over FaceTime , he just knew his future was at Villa with excitement set to roll .
Tyrone Mings , too , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he made sure he 's a mainstay in Smith 's revamped Villa team for the foreseeable future .
Overall , the window itself has been nothing short of miraculous and must go down as one of the best-ever in Villa 's recent history - which has been rubber-stamped given Villa 's sensational start to 2020/21 .
What can Villa realistically achieve this season ?
Who knows but the window has provided an enthralling peep into the future .
`` I do n't know , '' was Smith 's reply when asked where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's just one small step at the moment .
That performance ( vs Liverpool ) will give us a lot of momentum and confidence going into the international period .
We 've got nine or 10 players going away which just shows the strength of the squad we 've got now . ''
And what a strong squad it most-certainly is .
The mood around Villa Park mirrors the Martin O'Neill years and , who knows , Villa could be onto something big once again with Smith at the helm .

Quality over quantity was the remit for Aston Villa's summer transfer window this year and didn't they just deliver. Matty Cash, record-buy Ollie Watkins, Emi Martinez, Bertrand Traore and loan ace Ross Barkley completed a memorable month of business for Dean Smith.
Four of Villa's five new recruits have started off like a house on fire while £17 million wing addition Traore has already shown flashes of brilliance in the Carabao Cup. Villa, of course, sit pretty in second-place in the Premier League after their perfect start having whacked champions Liverpool 7-2 last time out.
"I've said before the season started that physically we're in a better position now," detailed Smith after hammering the champions. "We've got more athletes in the team and better quality. If you've got that you've got a better chance of getting results like today."
That above statement pretty much nails Villa's transfer dealings in this window and basically spells out what was on Smith's summer shopping list. The head coach wanted a prime goalkeeper with real pedigree. No.1 Tom Heaton remained injured and his recovery time, at 34, was deemed too high a risk to go into the season with just Jed Steer and back-up keepers Orjan Nyland and Lovre Kalinic. Smith, new sporting director Johan Lange and chief executive Christian Purslow all monitored Martinez's situation at Arsenal.
He was constantly in the limelight having performed heroics in place of the injured Bernd Leno. Martinez also guided the Gunners to FA Cup and Community Shield glory and broke down on TV in a post-match interview having battled back from the brink to be Arsenal's newfound No.1. Prior to breaking through last term Martinez previously made just six Premier League appearances in a decade at Arsenal. The Argentinian fast became a fans' favourite in north London but Mikel Arteta made it known Leno was his No.1 and Martinez moved to Villa to become Smith's No.1.
Back to Villa's first signing of the window and, again, it pointed to a new direction Smith wanted to go. Cash came in and, initially, eyebrows were raised as Villa already had Frederic Guilbert and Ahmed Elmohamady at right-back. The Forest favourite had long been admired by Smith and stood out like sore thumb in the Championship. Literally just seconds into his Premier League debut at Villa Park the quality and the reasoning was there to see: Cash was a massive upgrade on what Villa had previously. It's Cash's ability on the ball that made Smith and Villa push to sign him.
The boss, as you've seen, wants to play out from the back this season and Cash is a player who's more than comfortable on the ball in tight areas. As well as quality it's that athleticism Smith has banged on about - and Cash has it in abundance. The 23-year-old is like a whippet, fit as a fiddle and Premier League-ready.
The £14 million deal here represents sound business given a: his age and b: his quality. He's an immensely-likeable character within the group already, too, and has an admirable desire to keep on improving.
Following Cash through the door was another Championship star and Smith's priority signing of the summer, Watkins. "I think people questioned the price tag for a Championship player," Smith said of his hat-trick against Liverpool. "I was never in doubt I'd get a performance like that from him. I've known him a long time. He's a great kid and his application and attitude is getting better and it's there with the best players I've seen." The £28 million man has already scored five goals in just six games - that's one off what Wesley managed last year in his 22 appearances.
The deal itself was always going to happen and Brentford drove a hard bargain to get top-dollar for their star asset. Villa thought they'd pinch Watkins for around £20 million after the Bees were beaten in the play-off final but the London club stood firm and could bank £33 million should Watkins become a massive hit at Villa.
Again, Watkins is another one with quality and physicality. "I have no doubts he will score goals for us this season and be a very much loved Aston Villa centre-forward," was Smith's assessment of Watkins, who says the No.11 gives Villa another dimension - as Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez found out on Monday night.
Villa's final two arrivals of this window came with big-league pedigree, the first of which was instigated by Lange who had Traore fly into Copenhagen to complete a medical. Smith was desperate for a right-winger and wanted something he hadn't already got. The Burkinabe is tall, gangly and graceful and is heavily left-footed. Again, this addition gives Villa another dimension - not least because the ex-Chelsea wonder kid can also play as a No.9. Traore's a size, too, and it was his former Chelsea teammate John Terry who gave him a good character reference when Smith and Lange asked about him.
"I know him very well," Terry said, after Traore's brilliance at Bristol in the cup. "It's not about pushing, I know my role very well at the football club, kind of advising and steering people in the right way. We want bigger and better players in the building. Where I've had previous experience with him and I can give a very good character reference on him as well."
Aston Villa webchat - how to get involved Hello! At Birmingham Live, we are keen to give the fans as much opportunity to discuss the beautiful game as much as possible. That is why we have decided to launch a brand new webchat forum, which allows supporters to interact with both our writers and each other. At several points every week, we will be opening up our webchats, with opportunities to take part in live Q&As about transfers and tactics, as well as the chance to air your opinions about the end of the Premier League season with your fellow fans. With no fans allowed at stadiums, we want to replicate that community feel here. Talking, and keeping in touch, has never been more important. If you want to take part in these chats, all you have to do is follow these four simple steps to register. 1. Write your message in the box and either press enter or click on the blue marker, as shown below. 2. This will prompt a new box to appear, where you can either sign-in if you already have an account, or register if you do not have an account. 3. When you click 'register', this box will appear. Once you have entered your details, you can click 'create account' to confirm. 4. And now you're ready to take part in the chat, with your username initials appearing at the bottom left-hand side of the page. It really is that simple. Remember: you have to sign up to take part, and we want our discussions to be polite, civil and considerate. Enjoy.
Last and by no means least the deal to pull off the Barkley loan was a lauded as a huge statement by Smith. The 26-year-old admitted it was the head coach - and Jack Grealish - who "swayed" him into joining "the project" of helping Villa to get back where they belong. "Jack knows Ross off the field," Smith explained, "so he would only have said positive things about Villa to him. But it still takes something for a player at one of the top four clubs in this country to turn their head. Jack managed to do that, and me and JT were working on Ross as well."
And worked they did as the deal was signed, sealed and delivered just hours after Barkley sat on the bench in Chelsea's shoot-out defeat to Spurs last week. A quick dart up the M1 and, all of a sudden, Barkley held the Villa shirt aloft with Smith and Lange. There's no buy option in this loan, though, which is an agreement Villa favour. Pushing ahead with this move just shows how much of an opportunity it was to get Barkley in.
(Image: Peter Powell/NMC Pool/PA Wire)
Just four days later, Smith bombed out Conor Hourihane despite his assist and goal showing at Fulham and drafted Barkley straight into his starting XI, admitting he wanted my physicality against Liverpool. Didn't it work a treat, too, as Barkley tormented the Reds and got himself a goal to boot. The link-up play with Grealish was something to behold too and it's Watkins who looks set to have an absolute field day playing just in front of them.
As far as this summer window is concerned we're yet to mention Villa rolling out the red carpet for Grealish in terms of his new five-year contract at a reported £125,000-a-week. The skipper dazzled against Liverpool and looks primed for his best-ever season having scored three goals already.
The owners, Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, labelled Grealish as "the emblem of this football club" and they see the No.10 as the beacon of hope as Villa look to gate crash the European places over the next few seasons. The captain did admit he didn't even know where his future lay even before facing off against Manchester United in a friendly just three weeks ago, yet after a sit-down chat with Smith, Purslow and Sawiris over FaceTime, he just knew his future was at Villa with excitement set to roll.
Tyrone Mings, too, followed suit just a week later and he made sure he's a mainstay in Smith's revamped Villa team for the foreseeable future.
Overall, the window itself has been nothing short of miraculous and must go down as one of the best-ever in Villa's recent history - which has been rubber-stamped given Villa's sensational start to 2020/21. What can Villa realistically achieve this season? Who knows but the window has provided an enthralling peep into the future. "I don't know," was Smith's reply when asked where he can take Villa this term. "It's just one small step at the moment. That performance (vs Liverpool) will give us a lot of momentum and confidence going into the international period. We've got nine or 10 players going away which just shows the strength of the squad we've got now."
And what a strong squad it most-certainly is. The mood around Villa Park mirrors the Martin O'Neill years and, who knows, Villa could be onto something big once again with Smith at the helm.


birminghammail--2020-10-07--Wolves transfer claim made regarding potential €18m deal

Patrick Cutrone ’ s move to Fiorentina wasn ’ t quite as clear cut as it might ’ ve otherwise been , the player ’ s agent has claimed .
Striker Cutrone signed for Wolves in the summer of 2019 from AC Milan , but after only six months , 24 appearances and three goals the forward returned to Italy with the Viola .
The agreement was that it ’ d be an 18-month loan deal , running until the summer of 2021 , and then the club from Florence would have the obligation to buy the player outright for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region of €15m , on top of the €3m loan fee they forked out in the January transfer window .
That , in total , matched the sum Wolves spent to bring him to Molineux in the first place .
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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 Cutrone ’ s agent , Giovanni Branchini , has now been quoted as saying that negotiations between Wolves , Fiorentina and the player himself were complicated by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy-back option in Cutrone ’ s agreement - something that is increasingly common in modern day transfer business , in certain deals .
Branchini also claimed that the attacker , an Italian international , will have to start 26 matches for Fiorentina to be able to exercise the obligation - something he is well on his way to doing .
“ We did everything to bring Cutrone to Florence and he is very happy to be here .
He expects to have the same chances as the other strikers , ” Branchini told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He never enters with the muzzle on his face , but on the contrary , he always shows a lot of grit .
Let ’ s not forget that Cutrone is just 22-years-old .
“ The negotiation for him was very difficult because Wolverhampton wanted to have the chance to buy the boy back .
In order to trigger the redemption obligation , Cutrone must play 26 games as a starter and has already played 11.
” While it mightn ’ t have worked out for Cutrone in England , he has still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too dissimilar to Helder Costa , Ivan Cavaleiro and , potentially , Ruben Vinagre .

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Patrick Cutrone’s move to Fiorentina wasn’t quite as clear cut as it might’ve otherwise been, the player’s agent has claimed.
Striker Cutrone signed for Wolves in the summer of 2019 from AC Milan, but after only six months, 24 appearances and three goals the forward returned to Italy with the Viola.
The agreement was that it’d be an 18-month loan deal, running until the summer of 2021, and then the club from Florence would have the obligation to buy the player outright for a fee believed to be in the region of €15m, on top of the €3m loan fee they forked out in the January transfer window.
That, in total, matched the sum Wolves spent to bring him to Molineux in the first place.
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Cutrone’s agent, Giovanni Branchini, has now been quoted as saying that negotiations between Wolves, Fiorentina and the player himself were complicated by the fact that Wolves wanted to insert a buy-back option in Cutrone’s agreement - something that is increasingly common in modern day transfer business, in certain deals.
Branchini also claimed that the attacker, an Italian international, will have to start 26 matches for Fiorentina to be able to exercise the obligation - something he is well on his way to doing.
“We did everything to bring Cutrone to Florence and he is very happy to be here. He expects to have the same chances as the other strikers,” Branchini told TuttoMercatoWeb, via Sport Witness.
“He never enters with the muzzle on his face, but on the contrary, he always shows a lot of grit. Let’s not forget that Cutrone is just 22-years-old.
“The negotiation for him was very difficult because Wolverhampton wanted to have the chance to buy the boy back. In order to trigger the redemption obligation, Cutrone must play 26 games as a starter and has already played 11.”
While it mightn’t have worked out for Cutrone in England, he has still provided value to Wolves in scenario not too dissimilar to Helder Costa, Ivan Cavaleiro and, potentially, Ruben Vinagre.


birminghammail--2020-10-07--307 students at city university test positive for Covid-19

More than 300 students at the University of Birmingham have tested positive for Covid-19 , BirminghamLive can reveal .
Eight members of staff also tested positive for the virus between September 30 and October 6 .
All those affected were in a 14-day isolation following Public Health and Government guidelines .
The university was due to issue an official statement shortly but confirmed the details to BirminghamLive .
The university has its own test , trace and protect process , which `` complements the NHS and Public Health England process '' .
Explaining the process on its website , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes a range of other measures we have taken to reopen campus safely , including COVID-building risk assessments before any space can reopen , social distancing measures and signage across campus , wearing face-coverings , enhanced cleaning and access to hand sanitisers , a bi-modal approach to teaching and blended approach to working at home and on campus .
`` To support staff and students to access a test , Birmingham is the first university campus in the UK with end to end pillar two testing capabilities .
This includes the Local Testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first University-based Turnkey Laboratory .
`` The lab , based at the Medical School , forms part of NHS Test and Trace , joining Britain ’ s largest network of diagnostic testing facilities in increasing coronavirus testing capacity .
`` The Birmingham lab is the first of the new facilities to open and will deliver over 3,000 tests per day over the coming months .
`` As a city , Birmingham is also currently carrying out higher levels of testing than other cities , including London .
It is important that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are read in this context .
Academic colleagues in the University ’ s Institute of Applied Health Research are providing analysis of case data and expert advice on how to reduce transmission . ''

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More than 300 students at the University of Birmingham have tested positive for Covid-19, BirminghamLive can reveal.
Eight members of staff also tested positive for the virus between September 30 and October 6.
All those affected were in a 14-day isolation following Public Health and Government guidelines.
The university was due to issue an official statement shortly but confirmed the details to BirminghamLive.
The university has its own test, trace and protect process, which "complements the NHS and Public Health England process".
Explaining the process on its website, it said: "The University's process includes a range of other measures we have taken to reopen campus safely, including COVID-building risk assessments before any space can reopen, social distancing measures and signage across campus, wearing face-coverings, enhanced cleaning and access to hand sanitisers, a bi-modal approach to teaching and blended approach to working at home and on campus.
"To support staff and students to access a test, Birmingham is the first university campus in the UK with end to end pillar two testing capabilities. This includes the Local Testing Site on the edge of campus and the first University-based Turnkey Laboratory.
"The lab, based at the Medical School, forms part of NHS Test and Trace, joining Britain’s largest network of diagnostic testing facilities in increasing coronavirus testing capacity.
"The Birmingham lab is the first of the new facilities to open and will deliver over 3,000 tests per day over the coming months.
"As a city, Birmingham is also currently carrying out higher levels of testing than other cities, including London. It is important that the data below on cases at the University are read in this context. Academic colleagues in the University’s Institute of Applied Health Research are providing analysis of case data and expert advice on how to reduce transmission."
More follows.


birminghammail--2020-10-07--£1.8m for West Mids Police to enforce lockdown rules

West Midlands Police is to receive an extra £1.8m to step up enforcement of coronavirus rules , as part of the Government ’ s attempt to tackle the rise in infections .
The cash will be used partly to increase patrols in town centres and ensure that people are complying with restrictions , including nationwide rules and the local restrictions in the West Midlands , Ministers say .
Police will also provide more support to Local Authorities and NHS Test & Trace , to enforce self-isolation requirements .
Home Secretary Priti Patel suggested the cash was needed because some people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We will not allow a small minority of people to reverse our hard-won progress . ''
West Mercia Police are to receive £466,243 , Warwickshire Police are to receive £205,897 and Staffordshire Police are to receive £452,169 .
It 's part of £30 million to be distributed to police forces nationwide .
There will also be another £30m distributed to councils nationwide , with details to be published later .
Councils wll be asked to use the funding to increase their compliance work and enforcement checks on businesses .
Enforcement officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by councils , are responsible for explaining and encouraging businesses and communities to follow the latest guidelines , carrying out inspections , issuing fines and closing premises in the case of non-compliance .
Ms Patel said : `` The vast majority of the British public has come together , followed the law and helped prevent the spread of this virus .
But we ’ ve been clear that , with infections rising , we will not allow a small minority of people to reverse our hard-won progress .
`` This extra funding will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcing the law and make sure that those who jeopardise public health face the consequences.
” The comments , which appear to blame rising infection rates on the public , are likely to anger the Government 's critics , who say local lockdown rules have not been explained clearly , and claim the Government has failed to introduce a working test and trace system .
Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick said : `` Since the start of the pandemic people and businesses across the country have pulled together and followed the latest guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever as we head into the winter .
That ’ s why we are giving councils a further £30 million in new funding to support their work on compliance and enforcement in their communities .
`` Councils play a crucial role in protecting people ’ s safety , supporting businesses and helping the public to better understand the guidance .
This new funding will ensure they can step this up further and continue to act proactively . ''
Police will be required to prove that they are using the extra money to enforce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Home Office with enforcement plans to demonstrate how the money is being used to tackle non-compliance with public health rules .
The Home Office is also launching an income loss recovery scheme for police forces to recover a proportion of income they have been losing due to the pandemic .
The scheme will apply to sales , fees and charges where forces would usually generate income , such as policing of sporting fixtures or providing security at airports .
The scheme will enable forces to recover 75p in every £1 of budgeted income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year once forces have absorbed 5 % of those losses themselves .

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West Midlands Police is to receive an extra £1.8m to step up enforcement of coronavirus rules, as part of the Government’s attempt to tackle the rise in infections.
The cash will be used partly to increase patrols in town centres and ensure that people are complying with restrictions, including nationwide rules and the local restrictions in the West Midlands, Ministers say. Police will also provide more support to Local Authorities and NHS Test & Trace, to enforce self-isolation requirements.
Home Secretary Priti Patel suggested the cash was needed because some people are ignoring lockdown rules. She said: "We will not allow a small minority of people to reverse our hard-won progress."
West Mercia Police are to receive £466,243, Warwickshire Police are to receive £205,897 and Staffordshire Police are to receive £452,169.
It's part of £30 million to be distributed to police forces nationwide. There will also be another £30m distributed to councils nationwide, with details to be published later. Councils wll be asked to use the funding to increase their compliance work and enforcement checks on businesses.
Enforcement officers such as Environmental Health Officers, employed by councils, are responsible for explaining and encouraging businesses and communities to follow the latest guidelines, carrying out inspections, issuing fines and closing premises in the case of non-compliance.
Ms Patel said: "The vast majority of the British public has come together, followed the law and helped prevent the spread of this virus. But we’ve been clear that, with infections rising, we will not allow a small minority of people to reverse our hard-won progress.
"This extra funding will strengthen the police’s role in enforcing the law and make sure that those who jeopardise public health face the consequences.”
The comments, which appear to blame rising infection rates on the public, are likely to anger the Government's critics, who say local lockdown rules have not been explained clearly, and claim the Government has failed to introduce a working test and trace system.
Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick said: "Since the start of the pandemic people and businesses across the country have pulled together and followed the latest guidelines – this will be more important than ever as we head into the winter. That’s why we are giving councils a further £30 million in new funding to support their work on compliance and enforcement in their communities.
"Councils play a crucial role in protecting people’s safety, supporting businesses and helping the public to better understand the guidance. This new funding will ensure they can step this up further and continue to act proactively."
Police will be required to prove that they are using the extra money to enforce Covid-19 rules. Forces will provide the Home Office with enforcement plans to demonstrate how the money is being used to tackle non-compliance with public health rules.
The Home Office is also launching an income loss recovery scheme for police forces to recover a proportion of income they have been losing due to the pandemic.
The scheme will apply to sales, fees and charges where forces would usually generate income, such as policing of sporting fixtures or providing security at airports. The scheme will enable forces to recover 75p in every £1 of budgeted income lost due to COVID-19 restrictions this financial year once forces have absorbed 5% of those losses themselves.


birminghammail--2020-10-07--Universal Credit crisis as families plunged into debt

Families claiming Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit are being pushed into debt and forced to turn to charities for basics such as food and clothes .
A new study has found that six in 10 families receiving benefits have fallen into debt in the past two months and more than a third have resorted to asking charities for help .
On average , families claiming Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit who took out loans borrowed more than £1,700 in the past two months , according to Save the Children .
And 38 per cent of families receiving state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help from charities for food and clothes , the poll found .
The charity surveyed 3,100 parents of children under 18 across the UK between September 17 and 30 .
Half of all those surveyed said they are in rent arrears or behind on household bills .
It also found that four in 10 low income families say they have been left even worse off due to the coronavirus pandemic .
More than a quarter ( 27 per cent ) of families say they are finding it harder to afford food than they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of lockdown , and 26 per cent say they are already cutting back on heating and electricity .
Less than half of those polled thought the Government was doing enough to help low income families like them .
Save the Children is warning this winter will be more difficult than ever for many families , with an inevitable rise in heating and other household costs and the prospect of further restrictions and job losses increasing the pressure on already overstretched budgets .
It is calling for families to be provided with an extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The charity is also urging Chancellor Rishi Sunak to scrap a £1,000 benefit cut in April 2021 , when it is planned that a boost to Universal Credit introduced at the start of the pandemic will be taken away .
Head of child poverty , Becca Lyon , said : `` With winter on its way and more job losses expected , things are about to get even more difficult for families still reeling from the cost of lockdown .
`` Parents tell us they 're already having to go without meals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and many are worried that the cost of heating their homes through the winter will push them into even more debt .
`` It 's just not right that parents are having to borrow money , sell their possessions or rely on charity to buy winter coats for their children .
`` Our country 's safety net is supposed to help those who need it through difficult times .
But families with children , many of whom were struggling even before the crisis , are being left - quite literally - in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job vacancies in your area by typing your postcode in the box below : A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said : `` Universal Credit is providing a vital safety net to those affected by the pandemic and we have injected more than £9.3 billion into the welfare system - including increasing Universal Credit by up to £1,040 a year - to help those in most need .
`` We have provided further support by introducing income protection schemes , mortgage holidays and additional help for renters .
`` This is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support the lowest paid families , including raising the living wage , ending the benefit freeze and increasing work incentives , and there are 100,000 fewer children living in absolute poverty than in 2009/10 . ''

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Families claiming Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit are being pushed into debt and forced to turn to charities for basics such as food and clothes.
A new study has found that six in 10 families receiving benefits have fallen into debt in the past two months and more than a third have resorted to asking charities for help.
On average, families claiming Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit who took out loans borrowed more than £1,700 in the past two months, according to Save the Children.
(Image: Daily Mirror)
And 38 per cent of families receiving state support have been forced to rely on help from charities for food and clothes, the poll found.
The charity surveyed 3,100 parents of children under 18 across the UK between September 17 and 30.
Half of all those surveyed said they are in rent arrears or behind on household bills.
It also found that four in 10 low income families say they have been left even worse off due to the coronavirus pandemic.
More than a quarter (27 per cent) of families say they are finding it harder to afford food than they were in April, in the middle of lockdown, and 26 per cent say they are already cutting back on heating and electricity.
Less than half of those polled thought the Government was doing enough to help low income families like them.
Save the Children is warning this winter will be more difficult than ever for many families, with an inevitable rise in heating and other household costs and the prospect of further restrictions and job losses increasing the pressure on already overstretched budgets.
It is calling for families to be provided with an extra £10 per week during the winter months.
The charity is also urging Chancellor Rishi Sunak to scrap a £1,000 benefit cut in April 2021, when it is planned that a boost to Universal Credit introduced at the start of the pandemic will be taken away.
Head of child poverty, Becca Lyon, said: "With winter on its way and more job losses expected, things are about to get even more difficult for families still reeling from the cost of lockdown.
"Parents tell us they're already having to go without meals or electricity when their money runs out, and many are worried that the cost of heating their homes through the winter will push them into even more debt.
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"It's just not right that parents are having to borrow money, sell their possessions or rely on charity to buy winter coats for their children.
"Our country's safety net is supposed to help those who need it through difficult times. But families with children, many of whom were struggling even before the crisis, are being left - quite literally - in the cold."
Look for local job vacancies in your area by typing your postcode in the box below:
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: "Universal Credit is providing a vital safety net to those affected by the pandemic and we have injected more than £9.3 billion into the welfare system - including increasing Universal Credit by up to £1,040 a year - to help those in most need.
"We have provided further support by introducing income protection schemes, mortgage holidays and additional help for renters.
"This is in addition to the significant steps already taken to support the lowest paid families, including raising the living wage, ending the benefit freeze and increasing work incentives, and there are 100,000 fewer children living in absolute poverty than in 2009/10."


birminghammail--2020-10-07--Thugs threaten shopworkers in Bloxwich armed robbery

Three men brandishing a blade and suspected gun raided a store in daylight .
Hundreds of pounds of stock - including a haul of toy cars - were stolen during the armed robbery .
Shop workers bravely tried to chase after the robbers but were threatened with the weapons .
The terrifying incident unfolded on Harrison Street this afternoon ( October 7 ) at around 1.30pm .
Three men fled the scene armed with the goods sparking a police investigation .
A West Midlands Police spokesman said : `` We are investigating a robbery at an electrical store in Bloxwich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Wednesday , October 7 ) and we are urging anyone who has information or is offered the pictured remote controlled cars to buy , to let us know .
`` We were called to Harrison Street earlier , where hundreds of pounds worth of stock was stolen .
Staff ran after them , but they had a knife and a suspected gun waved at them .
`` The three men left the scene in a car and luckily there were no injuries , but we want to find whoever was involved .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is asked to contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight , or call 101 anytime .
Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
Please quote log number 2242 of October 7 . ''

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Three men brandishing a blade and suspected gun raided a store in daylight.
Hundreds of pounds of stock - including a haul of toy cars - were stolen during the armed robbery.
Shop workers bravely tried to chase after the robbers but were threatened with the weapons.
The terrifying incident unfolded on Harrison Street this afternoon (October 7) at around 1.30pm.
Three men fled the scene armed with the goods sparking a police investigation.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "We are investigating a robbery at an electrical store in Bloxwich in Walsall just before 1.30pm this afternoon (Wednesday, October 7) and we are urging anyone who has information or is offered the pictured remote controlled cars to buy, to let us know.
(Image: WMP)
"We were called to Harrison Street earlier, where hundreds of pounds worth of stock was stolen. Staff ran after them, but they had a knife and a suspected gun waved at them.
"The three men left the scene in a car and luckily there were no injuries, but we want to find whoever was involved.
"Enquiries continue and anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101 anytime. Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote log number 2242 of October 7."


birminghammail--2020-10-07--Dean Smith told to secure 'great' Villa transfer ahead of deadline

Former Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton is convinced Bournemouth striker Josh King is on Dean Smith 's shortlist ahead of the domestic transfer deadline .
Villa broke their transfer record to land Ollie Watkins earlier in the summer and the 24-year-old opened his Premier League account in emphatic fashion with a hat-trick in the 7-2 victory against Liverpool on Sunday .
But King continues to be touted for a move to Villa Park with Smith having previously targeted two new forwards during the window .
The Manchester United trainee is widely expected to leave Bournemouth before the October 16 deadline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Hutton thinks he would represent a smart option for Villa .
“ The window ’ s open to the 16th , ” Hutton told Football Insider .
“ He ’ d be a great addition .
“ If he doesn ’ t come in , look , I think they ’ ve had one of the best transfer windows for a long time so it ’ s not a bad thing if they didn ’ t but if you ’ re looking at the squad , they ’ ve got Ollie Watkins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maybe looking to bring someone else in just in case .
“ It would be a good fit , I think he can play in several positions which is another tick in the box but I ’ m sure he ’ s got a few admirers .
“ I don ’ t think they would want to go overboard in the price for him , I don ’ t think they have to .
If they could get a deal , I ’ m sure they ’ d definitely look at it because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the squad.
” King scored six goals and registered four assists in 26 matches for relegated Bournemouth last season , including a goal in his side 's 2-1 win at Villa last August .
Reports in the national press say Bournemouth are willing to accept £10million for King , who is said to to be 'desperate to quit ' the Championship club in the next nine days .
King 's contract expires next summer and the Cherries know they risk losing him on a free transfer if he does n't leave in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also interested in the 28-year-old Norway international .

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Former Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton is convinced Bournemouth striker Josh King is on Dean Smith's shortlist ahead of the domestic transfer deadline.
Villa broke their transfer record to land Ollie Watkins earlier in the summer and the 24-year-old opened his Premier League account in emphatic fashion with a hat-trick in the 7-2 victory against Liverpool on Sunday.
But King continues to be touted for a move to Villa Park with Smith having previously targeted two new forwards during the window.
The Manchester United trainee is widely expected to leave Bournemouth before the October 16 deadline for deals between top-flight and EFL clubs and Hutton thinks he would represent a smart option for Villa.
“The window’s open to the 16th,” Hutton told Football Insider. “He’d be a great addition.
“If he doesn’t come in, look, I think they’ve had one of the best transfer windows for a long time so it’s not a bad thing if they didn’t but if you’re looking at the squad, they’ve got Ollie Watkins, Keinan Davis – they’re maybe looking to bring someone else in just in case.
“It would be a good fit, I think he can play in several positions which is another tick in the box but I’m sure he’s got a few admirers.
“I don’t think they would want to go overboard in the price for him, I don’t think they have to. If they could get a deal, I’m sure they’d definitely look at it because he’d be a great addition to the squad.”
King scored six goals and registered four assists in 26 matches for relegated Bournemouth last season, including a goal in his side's 2-1 win at Villa last August.
Reports in the national press say Bournemouth are willing to accept £10million for King, who is said to to be 'desperate to quit' the Championship club in the next nine days.
King's contract expires next summer and the Cherries know they risk losing him on a free transfer if he doesn't leave in the next fortnight.
West Bromwich Albion are also interested in the 28-year-old Norway international.


birminghammail--2020-10-07--Police release footage of high speed chase of cloned car suspects

This is the moment police officers were forced to abandon a high speed chase through Erdington .
West Midlands Police @ @ @ @ @ the car , which was on cloned plates , down College Road .
The cloned @ @ @ @ @ is filmed going into reverse and over some ground .
The chase was abandoned and @ @ @ @ @ recognises the two men in the vehicle to contact them .
A spokeswoman said : @ @ @ @ @ these two men who were in a car we pursued in Birmingham .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ cloned plates , failed to stop for us on College Road , Erdington , at @ @ @ @ @ “ Know who they are ?
Get in touch , quoting log 4783 of 12 @ @ @

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This is the moment police officers were forced to abandon a high speed chase through Erdington.
West Midlands Police released footage showing officers pursuing the car, which was on cloned plates, down College Road.
The cloned car suddenly lost control and is filmed going into reverse and over some ground.
The chase was abandoned and officers are asking anyone who recognises the two men in the vehicle to contact them.
A spokeswoman said: “We need to identify these two men who were in a car we pursued in Birmingham.
“The car, which was on cloned plates, failed to stop for us on College Road, Erdington, at 9pm on 12 August.
“Know who they are? Get in touch, quoting log 4783 of 12 August.”


birminghammail--2020-10-07--City's message to Boris -  Home is where Covid is caught, so hands off our pubs

Birmingham 's political and business leaders have told the Government there is no evidence for more lockdown restrictions affecting pubs , restaurants and cafes - because nearly every case of coronavirus here is picked up at home .
Fears are mounting that Boris Johnson 's Government plans to impose uniform restrictions on all areas with similarly high numbers of cases as a way to avoid confusing variations .
The upshot could be more damaging restrictions on the city 's fragile hospitality sector - even though all the evidence suggests that hardly any infection is transmitted there .
Just 2 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from entertainment and hospitality venues , and there have been no major outbreaks , says the letter sent today by Birmingham City Council and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce .
`` The Government can not claim to be following the science when imposing restrictions if it is not supported by evidence collated on the ground , '' they write .
`` A failure to do so will erode the public 's trust and confidence in the necessity of restrictions and impact on the levels of adherence to them . ''
The letter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ward , deputy leader Cllr Brigid Jones , and Chambers chief executive Paul Faulkner , says just 2 % of all infections traced locally are thought to emanate from hospitality venues - the vast majority , nine out of ten cases ( 91 % ) , are picked up at home , or when visiting another home .
They make a strong case for avoiding imposing a ban on households mixing in bars , restaurants and other indoor venues , like that already in force in worst hit areas in the North-west and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports that the Government 's proposed three tier 'traffic light ' lockdown system will impose wholesale restrictions on areas in particular tiers , with one the least restricted and three the most restricted .
The city 's current infection rate of around 130 to 140 cases per 100,000 people would likely place it in the second tier , according to leaked reports .
If correct , this is likely to trigger a set of restrictions including : *a ban on households mixing with people from other households in pubs , restaurants or other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fall into tier three , reserved for the areas with the highest infection rates of all , additional restrictions would likely include : *closure of all non essential business , which would restrict the hospitality sector again to takeaway only .
Either set of restrictions `` would have a devastating impact on the hospitality sector and related supply chain , '' says the letter .
They instead urge the Government to be more transparent about what rate of infections would trigger escalation ; to take local expertise and insight into account ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of lockdown measures .
And they end by urging a strong financial package for businesses affected to take them through winter .
Get all the latest politics updates in our daily BirminghamLive newsletter Politics plays a huge part in all our lives , much more than we immediately realise .
News and updates on the world of politics seemed to become much more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic as we waited for news of the Government 's responses to the crisis and how it affected our daily lives .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter .
Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article .
There are all the Government briefings and announcements as well as new laws , decisions on the economy that affect businesses and our personal finances , policies on benefits such as Universal Credit and of course local and national elections that decide who represents us .
There 's also all the news from Birmingham City Council and other Midlands authorities on housing , education , bin collections , roads , transport , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And how much council tax they 'll charge us for delivering those services .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Find it on Google Play Store and App Store '' Without such support many businesses , jobs and livelihoods just will not survive to see 2021 . ''
They also say the measures in Birmingham at present `` are correct '' and proportionate .
They also make the case for vital support for the sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prior to the pandemic the hospitality sector supported more than 135,000 jobs contributing more than £12.6 billion to the West Midlands economy .
`` Without the appropriate support it may never recover to those levels '' - and that will devastate the region .
And major projects like the arrival of HS2 , the Commonwealth Games and Coventry City of Culture `` will not be fully exploited if the hospitality sector is damaged beyond repair . ''
Earlier today , former Health Minister Lord Hunt of Kings Heath , a Birmingham resident , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions on pubs and restaurants in Birmingham .
He said : `` The Minister will be aware that , in Birmingham , 15 % of cases since the start of September have been in the five to 18 age range , so school transmission is now a significant driver .
Contact tracing data since the start of September shows that 83 % of contacts for confirmed cases were within households .
`` Hospitality accounts for only 2 % of contacts , yet we are threatened with further restrictions on the hospitality trade .
@

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Birmingham's political and business leaders have told the Government there is no evidence for more lockdown restrictions affecting pubs, restaurants and cafes - because nearly every case of coronavirus here is picked up at home.
Fears are mounting that Boris Johnson's Government plans to impose uniform restrictions on all areas with similarly high numbers of cases as a way to avoid confusing variations.
The upshot could be more damaging restrictions on the city's fragile hospitality sector - even though all the evidence suggests that hardly any infection is transmitted there.
Just 2% of local cases are thought to come from entertainment and hospitality venues, and there have been no major outbreaks, says the letter sent today by Birmingham City Council and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.
"The Government cannot claim to be following the science when imposing restrictions if it is not supported by evidence collated on the ground," they write.
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"A failure to do so will erode the public's trust and confidence in the necessity of restrictions and impact on the levels of adherence to them."
The letter, co-signed by city council leader Cllr Ian Ward, deputy leader Cllr Brigid Jones, and Chambers chief executive Paul Faulkner, says just 2% of all infections traced locally are thought to emanate from hospitality venues - the vast majority, nine out of ten cases (91%), are picked up at home, or when visiting another home.
They make a strong case for avoiding imposing a ban on households mixing in bars, restaurants and other indoor venues, like that already in force in worst hit areas in the North-west and North-east.
The letter was responding to reports that the Government's proposed three tier 'traffic light' lockdown system will impose wholesale restrictions on areas in particular tiers, with one the least restricted and three the most restricted.
The city's current infection rate of around 130 to 140 cases per 100,000 people would likely place it in the second tier, according to leaked reports.
If correct, this is likely to trigger a set of restrictions including:
*a ban on households mixing with people from other households in pubs, restaurants or other settings
*no non-essential travel
If the city and region was to fall into tier three, reserved for the areas with the highest infection rates of all, additional restrictions would likely include:
*closure of all non essential business, which would restrict the hospitality sector again to takeaway only.
Either set of restrictions "would have a devastating impact on the hospitality sector and related supply chain," says the letter.
They instead urge the Government to be more transparent about what rate of infections would trigger escalation; to take local expertise and insight into account; and to have a clear exit strategy out of lockdown measures.
And they end by urging a strong financial package for businesses affected to take them through winter.
"Without such support many businesses, jobs and livelihoods just will not survive to see 2021."
They also say the measures in Birmingham at present "are correct" and proportionate.
They also make the case for vital support for the sector, if more restrictions are imposed.
Prior to the pandemic the hospitality sector supported more than 135,000 jobs contributing more than £12.6 billion to the West Midlands economy.
"Without the appropriate support it may never recover to those levels" - and that will devastate the region.
And major projects like the arrival of HS2, the Commonwealth Games and Coventry City of Culture "will not be fully exploited if the hospitality sector is damaged beyond repair."
Earlier today, former Health Minister Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, a Birmingham resident, asked the Government not to impose new restrictions on pubs and restaurants in Birmingham.
He said: "The Minister will be aware that, in Birmingham, 15% of cases since the start of September have been in the five to 18 age range, so school transmission is now a significant driver. Contact tracing data since the start of September shows that 83% of contacts for confirmed cases were within households.
"Hospitality accounts for only 2% of contacts, yet we are threatened with further restrictions on the hospitality trade."


birminghammail--2020-10-07--Police crackdown in Cannock and Tamworth after spate of crime

Six people were arrested for drug offences following a spate of crime within 24 hours .
The first series of arrests were made after officers stopped a stolen van being driven erratically .
Two men fled from the vehicle in a bid to evade police capture .
A police dog caught one man and a second suspect was found hiding nearby following the incident in Eastern Way in Cannock .
Two women were also arrested .
Staffordshire Police said a 35-year-old man from Bloxwich was arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicle , driving with alcohol above the limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A 19-year-old from Cannock was also arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicle .
Both have been released under investigation while enquiries continue .
The women who were arrested were released without further action .
The spate of crime continued in Tamworth as two men were also charged with drugs offences .
Daniel Hepple , 39 , of Amington , was charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine , driving while disqualified and without insurance .
Raymond Germaine , 30 , of Northfield , Birmingham , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supply heroin and crack cocaine and possessing criminal property .
The arrests were made as part of Operation Disrupt to target criminality with warrants , searches and vehicle checks across the county .
There have been 146 arrests in the first two weeks of the operation which aims to disrupt criminal activity in Staffordshire .

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Six people were arrested for drug offences following a spate of crime within 24 hours.
The first series of arrests were made after officers stopped a stolen van being driven erratically.
Two men fled from the vehicle in a bid to evade police capture.
A police dog caught one man and a second suspect was found hiding nearby following the incident in Eastern Way in Cannock.
Two women were also arrested.
Staffordshire Police said a 35-year-old man from Bloxwich was arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicle, driving with alcohol above the limit, dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle taking.
A 19-year-old from Cannock was also arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicle.
Both have been released under investigation while enquiries continue. The women who were arrested were released without further action.
The spate of crime continued in Tamworth as two men were also charged with drugs offences.
Daniel Hepple, 39, of Amington, was charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine, driving while disqualified and without insurance.
Raymond Germaine, 30, of Northfield, Birmingham, was charged with possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine and possessing criminal property.
The arrests were made as part of Operation Disrupt to target criminality with warrants, searches and vehicle checks across the county.
There have been 146 arrests in the first two weeks of the operation which aims to disrupt criminal activity in Staffordshire.


birminghammail--2020-10-07--Is Walsall going into lockdown? Rising Covid rates edge towards new restrictions

Rocketing numbers of coronavirus cases in Walsall have pushed the borough 's R rate beyond that of Sandwell and Solihull , where local lockdowns are in place .
And while levels are not yet as high as those seen in Birmingham , which is also subject to localised restrictions , many people are now asking if Walsall is going into lockdown .
Latest figures for new cases of Covid-19 for local authority areas in England show Walsall with an R rate of 117.3 per 100,000 people .
The figures , for the seven days to October 4 , are based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals and public health labs ) combined with Pillar 2 data ( from tests carried out in the community and via home testing ) .
Data for the most recent three days ( October 5-7 ) has been excluded as it is incomplete and likely to be revised .
Based on local authority areas , Walsall is now the worst of the four boroughs in the Black Country : Check all the lockdown rules for your area - or for any area you want to know about - by putting the postcode into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borough has the lowest infection rate in the Black Country , there is an emerging hotspot within it .
Based on a map produced by Public Health England , the worst parts of the Black Country are as shown below , for the latest period from September 26 to October 2 .
The map indicates the number of people with a lab-confirmed positive test result by neighbourhood and is updated each weekday to show the latest seven days for which near-complete data is available .
We 've looked at all the areas with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest period of September 26 to October 2 , and included the previous figure for September 25 to October 1 in brackets to indicate whether infections are rising or falling .
Rather than boroughs or council wards , these are neighbourhoods used in the national census , but they give a clear idea of smaller localised areas where infections are flaring up .
As Britain teeters on the edge of further restrictions including a nationwide two-week circuit breaker , ministers have been urged to provide evidence to demonstrate how local lockdowns will show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Covid-19 pandemic .
The warning came as MPs debated local lockdown restrictions in Merseyside , Halton , Warrington , Hartlepool and Middlesbrough , and an easing of restrictions for Bolton .
Speaking in the Commons , Health minister Helen Whately told MPs : `` Many areas across the north of England have already been subject to extra restrictions , in some cases for weeks , and I know this is really hard for people day in , day out - and for many businesses . ''
Conservative former minister Mark Harper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she able to set out for us some of the evidence that actually demonstrates that these measures introduced in the Liverpool area are actually likely to have some prospect of working , because I think that 's what 's going to be important for reassuring our constituents ithat the Government has got a grip on the situation . ''
In Scotland , Nicola Sturgeon has announced tough new lockdown restrictions focused on the hospitality sector as part of a `` short , sharp '' package of measures aimed at curbing the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus would be `` out of control '' by the end of this month without action , as she announced that in the five regions across central Scotland with the highest number of cases , licensed premises will have to shut for a 16-day period .
These outlets can still operate on a take away basis .
This strict regime - the toughest in the UK - will apply in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde , Lanarkshire , Ayrshire and Arran , Lothian , and the Forth Valley health board areas , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In other areas , pubs and restaurants will only be able to open indoor spaces between 6am and 6pm and will be barred from serving alcohol there - though they can sell drinks outside until 10pm .

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Rocketing numbers of coronavirus cases in Walsall have pushed the borough's R rate beyond that of Sandwell and Solihull, where local lockdowns are in place.
And while levels are not yet as high as those seen in Birmingham, which is also subject to localised restrictions, many people are now asking if Walsall is going into lockdown.
Latest figures for new cases of Covid-19 for local authority areas in England show Walsall with an R rate of 117.3 per 100,000 people.
The figures, for the seven days to October 4, are based on Pillar 1 data (tests in hospitals and public health labs) combined with Pillar 2 data (from tests carried out in the community and via home testing).
Data for the most recent three days (October 5-7) has been excluded as it is incomplete and likely to be revised.
Based on local authority areas, Walsall is now the worst of the four boroughs in the Black Country:
Walsall 117.3 (335), 83.4 (238)
Sandwell 112.0 (368), 113.3 (372)
Wolverhampton 73.7 (194), 83.2 (219)
Dudley 73.1 (235), 56.3 (181)
Check all the lockdown rules for your area - or for any area you want to know about - by putting the postcode into the box below:
But while Dudley borough has the lowest infection rate in the Black Country, there is an emerging hotspot within it.
Based on a map produced by Public Health England, the worst parts of the Black Country are as shown below, for the latest period from September 26 to October 2.
The map indicates the number of people with a lab-confirmed positive test result by neighbourhood and is updated each weekday to show the latest seven days for which near-complete data is available.
(Image: Public Health England)
We've looked at all the areas with 20 coronavirus cases or more for the latest period of September 26 to October 2, and included the previous figure for September 25 to October 1 in brackets to indicate whether infections are rising or falling.
Great Bridge & Dudley Port - 31 cases (21)
Smethwick East - 30 cases (28)
Palfrey - 25 cases (27)
Smethwick North & West - 24 cases (26)
Middlemore - 20 cases (20)
Rather than boroughs or council wards, these are neighbourhoods used in the national census, but they give a clear idea of smaller localised areas where infections are flaring up.
As Britain teeters on the edge of further restrictions including a nationwide two-week circuit breaker, ministers have been urged to provide evidence to demonstrate how local lockdowns will show they have "got a grip" on the Covid-19 pandemic.
The warning came as MPs debated local lockdown restrictions in Merseyside, Halton, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough, and an easing of restrictions for Bolton.
Speaking in the Commons, Health minister Helen Whately told MPs: "Many areas across the north of England have already been subject to extra restrictions, in some cases for weeks, and I know this is really hard for people day in, day out - and for many businesses."
Conservative former minister Mark Harper, intervening, asked: "Is she able to set out for us some of the evidence that actually demonstrates that these measures introduced in the Liverpool area are actually likely to have some prospect of working, because I think that's what's going to be important for reassuring our constituents ithat the Government has got a grip on the situation."
In Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has announced tough new lockdown restrictions focused on the hospitality sector as part of a "short, sharp" package of measures aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus.
The First Minister warned the virus would be "out of control" by the end of this month without action, as she announced that in the five regions across central Scotland with the highest number of cases, licensed premises will have to shut for a 16-day period. These outlets can still operate on a take away basis.
This strict regime - the toughest in the UK - will apply in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian, and the Forth Valley health board areas, with an exemption for hotels serving residents.
In other areas, pubs and restaurants will only be able to open indoor spaces between 6am and 6pm and will be barred from serving alcohol there - though they can sell drinks outside until 10pm.


birminghammail--2020-10-07--From Barkley and Watkins to Samatta: Villa's transfer deals rated

An initial £75 million spend on five special new recruits and trimming the fat by letting five fringe players depart for nothing or small fees .
That was Aston Villa 's summer/autumn transfer window in a nutshell as Dean Smith 's seemingly shopped in Harrods as opposed to Poundland .
Five key additions have added pedigree , promise and pizazz to Smith 's new-look Villa side who are flying high after three wins from three .
Here , we take a look at the dealings involving Villa 's transfers both in and out and mark them out of 10 based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As far as Villa transfers go the £14 million deal to get Forest 's Matty Cash raised eyebrows the most knowing Villa already had two right-backs at the club .
The 23-year-old has slotted in seamlessly , though , and looks every bit a modern-day Premier League full-back - that 's despite 260 minutes of top-flight action .
Supporters and this reporter now understand why Smith went out to get Cash knowing his ability in possession and concentration levels .
Cash has arguably been Villa 's unsung hero to date and is right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ astute addition .
Villa 's record-signing has gone from getting bashed from pillar to post playing for Weston-super-Mare to giving the world 's best defender Virgil van Dijk the runaround in just six years .
Sunday 's hat-trick proved Villa were only right to fork out the £28 million fee to bring Watkins in from the Championship .
The 24-year-old is a long-term investment and has everything in his locker - as outlined by the way he took his perfect hat-trick against Liverpool .
Has got a massive future at Villa Park - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abundance .
It 's got to be another perfect 10 here given the way the Argentinian has just slotted in to Villa 's rock-solid back line .
You can tell Villa 's four-man defence in front of him know they 've got a man they can rely on behind them .
Martinez is n't afraid to dish out the odd rollicking either which is always a good thing .
That penalty save , staying alert until the death at Fulham and as many as six saves against Liverpool has been a splendid start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his ability with his feet that has made him such a big hit as well having been schooled at Arsenal .
He 's a bit of a fan 's favourite at Villa already .
What a goalkeeper .
Now we 're yet to see the real Bertrand Traore yet as Trezeguet has rightly been keeping the £17 million summer signing out of Smith 's Premier League XI .
Traore , of course , showed glimpses of brilliance against Bristol City including that deft first-time finish .
He oozed confidence at Ashton Gate but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Stoke .
The Burkinabe is physically tall , tricky on the ball and has all of the hallmarks to be success at Villa Park - providing he can get into this unbeaten team .
A wildcard winger who could come good .
A statement signing of the highest order .
The way he burst through Liverpool on Sunday showcased his scary ability while the link-up play with Jack Grealish was simply frightening at times - so much so that it 's got supporters dreaming for the campaign ahead .
You 'd probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2008 signing of James Milner but , again , Milner was just 22 when he signed compared to Barkley who 's in his prime at 26 with almost 300 first-team appearances to his name .
The excitement level of this signing is off the Richter scale .
The only blot is it 's a loan with no option to buy .
Villa will , you 'd envisage , look to make it permanent next summer all being well .
A star signing .
Just 16 appearances for Jota following what was a cheap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Clearly not cut out for the physicality of the Premier League .
If you compare the size of the Spaniard and Barkley , for example , it 's like comparing a featherweight boxer to a super-heavyweight .
Jota will be remembered for a brilliant pre-season and an assist and star showing against Everton on THAT Friday night .
The 29-year-old had his contract terminated and has joined Alaves looking to resurrect his career .
Was never going to make the grade .
The man behind arguably the best-ever goalkeeping display in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cup semi-final second leg at Villa Park .
Nyland 's Villa career lasted two years and , with Villa having five keepers on their books prior to his departure , then the writing was always on the wall - especially knowing he had just eight months left on his contract .
Technically good but always nervy .
Had to go .
A disastrous £9 million signing from January 2017 , Scott Hogan for Aston Villa was never the Brentford Scott Hogan and the striker soon became disillusioned under Steve Bruce who never really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bees , Smith , felt the same as Hogan was a shadow of his former self .
Back at Blues on a long-term contract after an OK loan spell last season with Villa taking a big hit on the 28-year-old by , according to reports , allowing Aitor Karanka to take him for under £1 million .
Got to be among Villa 's worst-ever signings given the fee forked out .
The Premier League 's only Tanzanian recorded just 16 appearances for Villa following his £8.5 million arrival from Racing Club Genk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devastating injury and the initial signs were good having scored on his Premier League debut and at Wembley .
Did n't score again after that and never looked like scoring either but put in a shift to help Villa survive .
Did n't suit Villa 's style of play and has been initially loaned out to Fenerbahce ahead of an obligatory £5.5 million next summer , a fee that could rise to £6.2 million with add-ons - meaning Villa will take a £2 million hit on the transfer .
Already scored two in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best for both parties .
Arrived in the same window as Hogan and has since departed back to a place he found solace last season .
The right-back made 28 appearances for Villa and filled in at centre-back at a time of real need under Smith around the festive period back in 2018-19 .
Transferred to Luton on a permanent this summer after becoming a mainstay on loan last term .
Signed for £3.15 million under Bruce in 2017 .
Again , was never going to make the grade .

An initial £75 million spend on five special new recruits and trimming the fat by letting five fringe players depart for nothing or small fees.
That was Aston Villa's summer/autumn transfer window in a nutshell as Dean Smith's seemingly shopped in Harrods as opposed to Poundland.
Five key additions have added pedigree, promise and pizazz to Smith's new-look Villa side who are flying high after three wins from three.
Here, we take a look at the dealings involving Villa's transfers both in and out and mark them out of 10 based on value and performances to date:
Transfers in
Matty Cash: 9
(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
As far as Villa transfers go the £14 million deal to get Forest's Matty Cash raised eyebrows the most knowing Villa already had two right-backs at the club. The 23-year-old has slotted in seamlessly, though, and looks every bit a modern-day Premier League full-back - that's despite 260 minutes of top-flight action. Supporters and this reporter now understand why Smith went out to get Cash knowing his ability in possession and concentration levels. Cash has arguably been Villa's unsung hero to date and is right at home at Bodymoor Heath. An astute addition.
Ollie Watkins: 10
(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Villa's record-signing has gone from getting bashed from pillar to post playing for Weston-super-Mare to giving the world's best defender Virgil van Dijk the runaround in just six years. Sunday's hat-trick proved Villa were only right to fork out the £28 million fee to bring Watkins in from the Championship. The 24-year-old is a long-term investment and has everything in his locker - as outlined by the way he took his perfect hat-trick against Liverpool. Has got a massive future at Villa Park - especially knowing he'll have ammunition in abundance.
Emiliano Martinez: 10
(Image: Peter Powell/NMC Pool/PA Wire)
It's got to be another perfect 10 here given the way the Argentinian has just slotted in to Villa's rock-solid back line. You can tell Villa's four-man defence in front of him know they've got a man they can rely on behind them. Martinez isn't afraid to dish out the odd rollicking either which is always a good thing. That penalty save, staying alert until the death at Fulham and as many as six saves against Liverpool has been a splendid start to life in B6. It's his ability with his feet that has made him such a big hit as well having been schooled at Arsenal. He's a bit of a fan's favourite at Villa already. What a goalkeeper.
Bertrand Traore: 8
Now we're yet to see the real Bertrand Traore yet as Trezeguet has rightly been keeping the £17 million summer signing out of Smith's Premier League XI. Traore, of course, showed glimpses of brilliance against Bristol City including that deft first-time finish. He oozed confidence at Ashton Gate but largely disappointed (didn't everyone) against Stoke. The Burkinabe is physically tall, tricky on the ball and has all of the hallmarks to be success at Villa Park - providing he can get into this unbeaten team. A wildcard winger who could come good.
Ross Barkley: 10
(Image: Rui Vieira - Pool/Getty Images)
A statement signing of the highest order. The way he burst through Liverpool on Sunday showcased his scary ability while the link-up play with Jack Grealish was simply frightening at times - so much so that it's got supporters dreaming for the campaign ahead. You'd probably say it's up there with the 2008 signing of James Milner but, again, Milner was just 22 when he signed compared to Barkley who's in his prime at 26 with almost 300 first-team appearances to his name. The excitement level of this signing is off the Richter scale. The only blot is it's a loan with no option to buy. Villa will, you'd envisage, look to make it permanent next summer all being well. A star signing.
Transfers out
Jota: 10
Just 16 appearances for Jota following what was a cheap deal in the first instance last summer. Clearly not cut out for the physicality of the Premier League. If you compare the size of the Spaniard and Barkley, for example, it's like comparing a featherweight boxer to a super-heavyweight. Jota will be remembered for a brilliant pre-season and an assist and star showing against Everton on THAT Friday night. The 29-year-old had his contract terminated and has joined Alaves looking to resurrect his career. Was never going to make the grade.
Orjan Nyland: 10
The man behind arguably the best-ever goalkeeping display in recent memory against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Villa Park. Nyland's Villa career lasted two years and, with Villa having five keepers on their books prior to his departure, then the writing was always on the wall - especially knowing he had just eight months left on his contract. Technically good but always nervy. Had to go.
Scott Hogan: 10
A disastrous £9 million signing from January 2017, Scott Hogan for Aston Villa was never the Brentford Scott Hogan and the striker soon became disillusioned under Steve Bruce who never really fancied him. His former boss at the Bees, Smith, felt the same as Hogan was a shadow of his former self. Back at Blues on a long-term contract after an OK loan spell last season with Villa taking a big hit on the 28-year-old by, according to reports, allowing Aitor Karanka to take him for under £1 million. Got to be among Villa's worst-ever signings given the fee forked out.
Mbwana Samatta: 9
The Premier League's only Tanzanian recorded just 16 appearances for Villa following his £8.5 million arrival from Racing Club Genk in January. Signed after Wesley's devastating injury and the initial signs were good having scored on his Premier League debut and at Wembley. Didn't score again after that and never looked like scoring either but put in a shift to help Villa survive. Didn't suit Villa's style of play and has been initially loaned out to Fenerbahce ahead of an obligatory £5.5 million next summer, a fee that could rise to £6.2 million with add-ons - meaning Villa will take a £2 million hit on the transfer. Already scored two in two for Fenerbahce. Samatta leaving was best for both parties.
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James Bree: 10
Arrived in the same window as Hogan and has since departed back to a place he found solace last season. The right-back made 28 appearances for Villa and filled in at centre-back at a time of real need under Smith around the festive period back in 2018-19. Transferred to Luton on a permanent this summer after becoming a mainstay on loan last term. Signed for £3.15 million under Bruce in 2017. Again, was never going to make the grade.
Loaned out: Jack Clarke (Yeovil), Vassilev (Burton), Sinisalo (Ayr United), Archer (Solihull Moors), Ben Guy (Portadown).
Released: Borja Bastón, Isaiah Bazeley-Graham, Jack Birch, James Chester, Jake Doyle-Hayes, Andre Green, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, Anton Hooper, Colin Odutayo, Callum O'Hare, Matija Sarkic, Dimitri Sea, Jamie Searle.