birminghammail--2020-01-16--‘Broken’ - Aston Villa sent sobering Christian Benteke transfer warning

Garry Thompson has become the latest former Aston Villa player to warn the club about re-signing Christian Benteke .
Benteke has been heavily touted to return to Villa Park this month as Dean Smith ’ s transfer team scour the market for a new striker .
Sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch is busy exploring potential avenues and Benteke is believed to have been offered to Villa by Crystal Palace .
But Thompson says a reunion should be avoided because of how severely the 29-year-old has struggled since leaving B6 five years ago .
`` I 'd say no , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think he 's a romantic choice and a nostalgic choice .
I think Benteke looks to me like a broken centre-forward .
`` If he comes back , he might have it straight away .
He might score some goals .
But generally , the way he has played over the last few years , I can not see him finding that form again . ''
Benteke scored 49 goals in just 101 games for Villa in a three-season spell after joining from Belgian side Genk in 2012 .
Having cost around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the forward when he was sold to Liverpool for £32.5m after Villa narrowly avoided relegation under Tim Sherwood .
Benteke bagged an impressive 27 goals in his first two seasons after leaving the club but that streak soon deserted the forward , who has scored just four times in the Premier League since December 2017 .
Thompson 's comments come after Stan Collymore also told Villa to steer clear of the Belgian international .

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Garry Thompson has become the latest former Aston Villa player to warn the club about re-signing Christian Benteke.
Benteke has been heavily touted to return to Villa Park this month as Dean Smith’s transfer team scour the market for a new striker.
Sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch is busy exploring potential avenues and Benteke is believed to have been offered to Villa by Crystal Palace.
But Thompson says a reunion should be avoided because of how severely the 29-year-old has struggled since leaving B6 five years ago.
"I'd say no," Thompson told BBC Radio WM. "I think he's a romantic choice and a nostalgic choice. I think Benteke looks to me like a broken centre-forward.
"If he comes back, he might have it straight away. He might score some goals. But generally, the way he has played over the last few years, I cannot see him finding that form again."
Benteke scored 49 goals in just 101 games for Villa in a three-season spell after joining from Belgian side Genk in 2012.
Having cost around £7m, they made a massive profit on the forward when he was sold to Liverpool for £32.5m after Villa narrowly avoided relegation under Tim Sherwood.
Benteke bagged an impressive 27 goals in his first two seasons after leaving the club but that streak soon deserted the forward, who has scored just four times in the Premier League since December 2017.
Thompson's comments come after Stan Collymore also told Villa to steer clear of the Belgian international.


birminghammail--2020-01-16--This is how many tickets Birmingham City have for their FA Cup tie Coventry - and how to get them

Birmingham City have confirmed ticket details for their historic FA Cup tie ‘ away ’ to Coventry City .
As all Blues fans will know , away is actually at St Andrew ’ s where tenants Coventry have been playing this season .
Tenants and landlords were paired together in a Fourth Round FA Cup tie that takes place at St Andrew ’ s on Saturday , January 25 , with a 3pm kick-off .
Blues supporters have been ‘ allocated ’ 9,260 and will be housed in the Gil Merrick and Main Stand - with Sky Blues fans sat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Tilton , according to demand .
Tickets have gone on sale at 12pm on Thursday , January 16 and are priced as follows : The season ticket holder discounted price will only be available until Midnight on Monday .
Tickets will be available to purchase in advance from BCFC Superstore or by calling the BCFC Ticket Office on 0121 772 0101 option 2 from Thursday 16th January from 1pm until Friday 24th January at 11am Supporters without a booking history will not be able to purchase tickets .
This will be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – fans will not be able to buy on the day of the game .
The priority is as follows :

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Birmingham City have confirmed ticket details for their historic FA Cup tie ‘away’ to Coventry City.
As all Blues fans will know, away is actually at St Andrew’s where tenants Coventry have been playing this season.
Tenants and landlords were paired together in a Fourth Round FA Cup tie that takes place at St Andrew’s on Saturday, January 25, with a 3pm kick-off.
Blues supporters have been ‘allocated’ 9,260 and will be housed in the Gil Merrick and Main Stand - with Sky Blues fans sat in the Kop and potentially parts of the Tilton, according to demand.
Tickets have gone on sale at 12pm on Thursday, January 16 and are priced as follows:
Adult £20.00
Adult STH £18.00
Seniors 60+ £15.00
Senior 60+ STH £13.00
18-21 years £15.00
18-21 years STH £13.00
Student £15.00
Student STH £13.00
Armed forces £15.00
Armed forces STH £13.00
Under 18 £10.00
Under 18 STH £8.00
The season ticket holder discounted price will only be available until Midnight on Monday.
Tickets will be available to purchase in advance from BCFC Superstore or by calling the BCFC Ticket Office on 0121 772 0101 option 2 from Thursday 16th January from 1pm until Friday 24th January at 11am
Supporters without a booking history will not be able to purchase tickets. This will be an all-ticket fixture for both sets of supporters – fans will not be able to buy on the day of the game.
The priority is as follows:
Platinum/Gold Travel Club Members
Thursday 16th January from 12pm (online)
Silver Travel Club Members
Thursday 16th January from 2pm (online)
Bronze Travel Club Members/ Club Class Travel Club Members
Thursday 16th January from 5pm (online)
Season Ticket Holders/Blues Loyalty Members
Friday 17th January from 11am (online)
Supporters with a previous booking history
Monday 20th January from 5pm (online)
More information here .


birminghammail--2020-01-16--B&M selling LOL Surprise wallpaper and it's ludicrously cheap

B & M is selling L.O.L Surprise !
wallpaper for only £4.50 a roll right now - and we reckon parents will be delighted .
Mums and dads will be thrilled to discover the discount retailer B & M flogging the new wallpaper .
It features six dolls ( Diva , Rocker , Fancy , Queen Bee , Merbaby and MC Swag ) on a pink background .
And the wallpaper is even covered with stars .
The description on B & M 's website reads : `` Bring your child 's room to life with this incredible L.O.L Surprise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's bedroom with the adorable L.O.L collectible characters , making it an inviting and colourful place to play ! ''
The wallpaper normally retails at £8.99 a roll , so you 'll be saving £4.49 with the reduced price offer .
It was originally shared to Facebook Group Extreme Couponing & Bargains UK , where a woman posted a picture of her find .
The mother wrote : `` My bargain wallpaper for my little girls new bedroom she ’ s going to be over the moon lol dolls reduced to £4.50 a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Surprise !
wallpaper is n't available online , so you 'll need to buy it from one of B & M 's x UK stores .
You can find your nearest B & M using the online store finder tool .

B&M is selling L.O.L Surprise! wallpaper for only £4.50 a roll right now - and we reckon parents will be delighted.
Mums and dads will be thrilled to discover the discount retailer B&M flogging the new wallpaper.
B&M is selling L.O.L Surprise! wallpaper at a bargain price.
It features six dolls (Diva, Rocker, Fancy, Queen Bee, Merbaby and MC Swag) on a pink background.
And the wallpaper is even covered with stars.
The description on B&M's website reads: "Bring your child's room to life with this incredible L.O.L Surprise! wallpaper.
"Adorn your child's bedroom with the adorable L.O.L collectible characters, making it an inviting and colourful place to play!"
The wallpaper normally retails at £8.99 a roll, so you'll be saving £4.49 with the reduced price offer.
It was originally shared to Facebook Group Extreme Couponing & Bargains UK , where a woman posted a picture of her find.
The mother wrote: "My bargain wallpaper for my little girls new bedroom she’s going to be over the moon lol dolls reduced to £4.50 a roll."
Sadly, the L.O.L Surprise! wallpaper isn't available online, so you'll need to buy it from one of B&M's x UK stores. You can find your nearest B&M using the online store finder tool.


birminghammail--2020-01-16--Awkward moment Prince Harry asked about his and Meghan Markle's royal future at first engagement sin

Awkward moment Prince Harry asked about his and Meghan Markle's royal future at first engagement since bombshell

The Duke of Sussex has carried out his first official public engagement since he and his wife quit as senior royals , triggering a major crisis for the monarchy .
Harry was at Buckingham Palace - the official residence of his grandmother the Queen , who has now sanctioned his decision - where he was hosting the Rugby League World Cup 2021 draw .
Dozens of photographers lined a makeshift mini rugby pitch on the manicured lawns in the palace garden , waiting for the duke to arrive .
Harry , dressed in a smart suit and tie , smiled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RLW2021 chief executive Jon Dutton and non-executive director Stuart Cain .
Children from a local school gave a rugby demonstration as the duke chatted enthusiastically to the executives .
Royal aides are working around the clock to find solutions to the crisis caused by Harry and Meghan 's plans to step back as senior royals , become financially independent and split their time between the UK and Canada .
The duke chatted to the youngsters from St Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School in Westminster during a pause in their exhibition match , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He then posed for a group photograph in front of the large crowd of photographers , camera operators and journalists .
One of the reporters shouted out : `` How are the discussions going on your future ? ''
Harry , who was making his way into the palace , just smiled at a member of his entourage and did not reply .
The duke is staying in the UK into next week , taking part in meetings as talks continue on his future .
The Queen , who made a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regret , has called for final decisions on the complicated arrangements to be made in the coming days .
Meghan has been staying in Canada with baby Archie , where she has carried out visits to charities in Vancouver including to Justice For Girls , which campaigns for an end to violence , poverty and racism for teenagers .
Harry was also introduced to two ambassadors for the global tournament - England and Leeds Rhino wheelchair rugby league star James Simpson , and Jodie Cunningham , who plays in the Women 's Super @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been Westminster champions in tag rugby , a non-contact form of the game , for the last three years .
Mr Simpson made Harry laugh when he said : `` Wwe started without you . ''
The global tournament being staged by the UK is the pinnacle event for rugby league and will take place during October and November in 17 cities across England .

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The Duke of Sussex has carried out his first official public engagement since he and his wife quit as senior royals, triggering a major crisis for the monarchy.
Harry was at Buckingham Palace - the official residence of his grandmother the Queen, who has now sanctioned his decision - where he was hosting the Rugby League World Cup 2021 draw.
Dozens of photographers lined a makeshift mini rugby pitch on the manicured lawns in the palace garden, waiting for the duke to arrive.
Harry, dressed in a smart suit and tie, smiled and joked when he was welcomed by RLW2021 chief executive Jon Dutton and non-executive director Stuart Cain.
(Image: Getty Images)
Children from a local school gave a rugby demonstration as the duke chatted enthusiastically to the executives.
Royal aides are working around the clock to find solutions to the crisis caused by Harry and Meghan's plans to step back as senior royals, become financially independent and split their time between the UK and Canada.
The duke chatted to the youngsters from St Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School in Westminster during a pause in their exhibition match, shaking each of their hands in turn.
(Image: Getty Images)
He then posed for a group photograph in front of the large crowd of photographers, camera operators and journalists.
One of the reporters shouted out: "How are the discussions going on your future?"
Harry, who was making his way into the palace, just smiled at a member of his entourage and did not reply.
(Image: Getty Images)
The duke is staying in the UK into next week, taking part in meetings as talks continue on his future.
The Queen, who made a statement supporting Harry and Meghan but expressing her regret, has called for final decisions on the complicated arrangements to be made in the coming days.
Meghan has been staying in Canada with baby Archie, where she has carried out visits to charities in Vancouver including to Justice For Girls, which campaigns for an end to violence, poverty and racism for teenagers.
(Image: Getty Images)
Harry was also introduced to two ambassadors for the global tournament - England and Leeds Rhino wheelchair rugby league star James Simpson, and Jodie Cunningham, who plays in the Women's Super League for St Helens.
The schoolchildren have been Westminster champions in tag rugby, a non-contact form of the game, for the last three years.
Mr Simpson made Harry laugh when he said: "Wwe started without you."
The global tournament being staged by the UK is the pinnacle event for rugby league and will take place during October and November in 17 cities across England.


birminghammail--2020-01-16--Brazen Greggs burglars caught stealing £4,000 from bakery - and celebrating with fizzy drinks

Two brazen burglars have been jailed after they were caught on CCTV stealing cash and FIZZY DRINKS from Greggs .
Michael Carney , 39 , and David McDougall , 38 , raided the shop and stuffed £4,000 in takings into a rucksack .
Footage shows the crooks ransacking the back office of the bakers in Bede Industrial Estate , Jarrow , Newcastle .
The pair then celebrate their haul by pinching two fizzy drinks from the fridge before scrambling under the shutters of the shop .
Police arrested them following the May 2018 raid and on Monday ( 13/1 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court after admitting burglary .
Carney was jailed for 18 months while McDougall was sentenced to nine months behind bars .
The court heard Carney was in a relationship with a woman who worked at the shop and stole her key and fob from her handbag .
He and McDougall , both of South Shields , then used the key to unlock the metal shutters before sneaking inside .
Sergeant Ashleigh Goldhawk , of Northumbria Police , said : “ These two offenders showed a total disregard for the law as they shamelessly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a significant amount of money .
“ Their actions had a significant impact on a number of people , including the employees who were forced to temporarily put their lives on hold while the shop was closed as new locks were fitted and the damaged safe replaced .
“ Offenders like Carney and McDougall can not be trusted to live in a lawful society , and as a result , they now face a spell behind bars to reflect on the severity and consequences of their actions .
“ Their conviction was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professionalism of those officers who worked tirelessly to ensure they had their day in court .
“ We will continue to do everything we can to ensure those who flout the law and bring misery to our communities are dealt with robustly.
” The court heard that the break-in had a significant impact on the store and its employees .
In a statement , the company ’ s Area Manager for the North-East of England said : “ I can say on behalf of Greggs that we hope the courts deal with this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also upset staff at the store .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Mark Cardwell, James Rodger)

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Two brazen burglars have been jailed after they were caught on CCTV stealing cash and FIZZY DRINKS from Greggs.
Michael Carney, 39, and David McDougall, 38, raided the shop and stuffed £4,000 in takings into a rucksack.
Footage shows the crooks ransacking the back office of the bakers in Bede Industrial Estate, Jarrow, Newcastle.
The pair then celebrate their haul by pinching two fizzy drinks from the fridge before scrambling under the shutters of the shop.
Police arrested them following the May 2018 raid and on Monday (13/1) they were both jailed at Newcastle Crown Court after admitting burglary.
(Image: SWNS)
Carney was jailed for 18 months while McDougall was sentenced to nine months behind bars.
The court heard Carney was in a relationship with a woman who worked at the shop and stole her key and fob from her handbag.
He and McDougall, both of South Shields, then used the key to unlock the metal shutters before sneaking inside.
(Image: SWNS)
Sergeant Ashleigh Goldhawk, of Northumbria Police, said: “These two offenders showed a total disregard for the law as they shamelessly broke into the bakery and made off with a significant amount of money.
“Their actions had a significant impact on a number of people, including the employees who were forced to temporarily put their lives on hold while the shop was closed as new locks were fitted and the damaged safe replaced.
“Offenders like Carney and McDougall cannot be trusted to live in a lawful society, and as a result, they now face a spell behind bars to reflect on the severity and consequences of their actions.
(Image: SWNS)
“Their conviction was made possible because of the tenacity and professionalism of those officers who worked tirelessly to ensure they had their day in court.
(Image: SWNS)
“We will continue to do everything we can to ensure those who flout the law and bring misery to our communities are dealt with robustly.”
The court heard that the break-in had a significant impact on the store and its employees.
In a statement, the company’s Area Manager for the North-East of England said: “I can say on behalf of Greggs that we hope the courts deal with this in an appropriate manner as this has also upset staff at the store.”


birminghammail--2020-01-16--Burials and cremations in this part of the Black Country set to become more pricey

The cost of a burial plot in Sandwell is set to rise to over £2,000 to help pay for a controversial £2.2 million new cemetery in Rowley Regis .
But cremation and funeral fees in the borough will still be amongst the lowest in the Black Country , council officers have said .
Sandwell ’ s cabinet is being asked to approve the seven per cent increase which officers say ‘ ensures the council is able to recover both the costs associated with the delivery of these services and effectively delivers the necessary funding to develop a new cemetery for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cost of a cremation will increase in April by £51 to £775 and burials will go up by £135 to £2,064 .
But the council ’ s low cost funeral service which provides a cremation , coffin funeral car and a minister to conduct a service , will remain unchanged at £1,643 .
The proposed increases come after the authority approved a plan to build a new cemetery on open land on Powke Lane .
Council officers said the graveyard was needed because the borough is running out of plots in existing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents who presented a petition with 1,200 signatures calling for it to be rejected .
It was finally approved in October when a full council meeting narrowly voted in favour by 35 to 25 votes with three councillors abstaining .
Recommending the increases to next week ’ s cabinet , council bosses have said they will generate an extra £303,541 for the authority .
“ The proposals contained in this report reflect service views about the appropriateness of some of its existing fees and the necessary funding approach for the new cemetery in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could remain unchanged however , this would adversely impact on cost recovery and the council ’ s ability to fund the construction of a new cemetery.
” • Cremations will increase from £724 to £775 • The cost of a traditional leased burial plot is to go up from £1,929 to £2,064 .
• Interment fees will increase from £995 to £1,065 .
Members of the cabinet will vote on the recommendation at their meeting on January 22 .

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The cost of a burial plot in Sandwell is set to rise to over £2,000 to help pay for a controversial £2.2 million new cemetery in Rowley Regis.
But cremation and funeral fees in the borough will still be amongst the lowest in the Black Country , council officers have said.
Sandwell ’s cabinet is being asked to approve the seven per cent increase which officers say ‘ensures the council is able to recover both the costs associated with the delivery of these services and effectively delivers the necessary funding to develop a new cemetery for Rowley Regis’.
(Image: PA/PA WIRE)
If accepted, the cost of a cremation will increase in April by £51 to £775 and burials will go up by £135 to £2,064.
But the council’s low cost funeral service which provides a cremation, coffin funeral car and a minister to conduct a service, will remain unchanged at £1,643.
The proposed increases come after the authority approved a plan to build a new cemetery on open land on Powke Lane.
Council officers said the graveyard was needed because the borough is running out of plots in existing facilities.
The scheme was opposed by residents who presented a petition with 1,200 signatures calling for it to be rejected.
It was finally approved in October when a full council meeting narrowly voted in favour by 35 to 25 votes with three councillors abstaining.
Recommending the increases to next week’s cabinet, council bosses have said they will generate an extra £303,541 for the authority.
“The proposals contained in this report reflect service views about the appropriateness of some of its existing fees and the necessary funding approach for the new cemetery in Rowley Regis.”
Adding: “Fees could remain unchanged however, this would adversely impact on cost recovery and the council’s ability to fund the construction of a new cemetery.”
Cremations will increase from £724 to £775
The cost of a traditional leased burial plot is to go up from £1,929 to £2,064.
Interment fees will increase from £995 to £1,065.
Members of the cabinet will vote on the recommendation at their meeting on January 22.


birminghammail--2020-01-16--'Alarm bells getting louder' - How Aston Villa could line-up against Brighton

Aston Villa make the long trip to Brighton for the second time this season - and could be without a striker for the third game running .
With Wesley ruled out , Villa 's clamour for a forward is reaching desperation given what could prove to be a season-defining run of fixtures against the teams around them in the Premier League , starting against Graham Potter 's Seagulls .
Villa were whacked 6-1 by Manchester City on Sunday , with Dean Smith opting for a front two of Jack Grealish and Anwar El Ghazi in a previously untested 3-5-2 formation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leicester - Smith has went with a back three in a much more fluid 3-4-3 while , this week , signed Pepe Reina to cover Tom Heaton 's long-term absence in goal .
Here , Club Writer Ashley Preece looks at the side the head coach could opt for on the south-coast as Villa look to steer themselves out of the bottom three .
`` I now have the opportunity to play every week , '' were the words issued by new loan man Reina following his move from AC Milan .
Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straight in at Brighton given Orjan Nyland 's sceptical display against City on Sunday .
Reina , 37 , brings a wealth of experience and Premier League know-how who could prove just the man to replace Heaton .
Smith will , you 'd envisage , opt for a back three again and match up Brighton 's 3-4-3 system .
Bjorn Engels was left out of the squad against City and the Belgian could return .
Tyrone Mings will start , but there will be question marks over Kortney Hause over the ex-Wolves man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean a return to the side for club captain James Chester who 's yet to make a Premier League appearance for Villa .
The Welshman , who manages a recurring knee problem , last played against Fulham in the FA Cup earlier this month but , given the stakes of the game at the AMEX , Smith could rely on such an experienced figure .
A back three of Ezri Konsa , Chester sweeping and Tyrone Mings could be just the ticket , although Engels could nudge his way back in depending if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Across the midfield , Frederic Guilbert looks set for a recall in place of Ahmed Elmohamady , while it remains to be seen if Matt Targett has shaken off a hamstring strain to replace Neil Taylor on the opposite flank .
Smith , meanwhile , admitted after the City hammering that loanee Danny Drinkwater `` needed minutes '' and you 'd suspect the Chelsea midfielder will be given another chance to rediscover his previous form .
Alongside Drinkwater , Smith has a decision to make in terms of who starts from Douglas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the latter replacing Brazilian midfielder Douglas with 25 to go last Sunday .
Defensively-minded Nakamba could be insurance policy needed against Brighton , a team who like to keep the ball before feeding the likes of Neal Maupay up front .
Up top , meanwhile , Villa could revert to the same forward three which occupied Leicester City last week .
Jack Grealish , Trezeguet and Anwar El Ghazi could all float around in an unorthodox front three , with Grealish likely to drop deep in a bid to help Villa drive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was ill last week , seems to be edging out of the door at Villa Park with Nottingham Forest interested .
Smith , though , could be tempted to either start the Ivorian or have him as an option from the bench should Villa need a goal .
The alarm bells are , it has to be said , getting louder in terms of Villa lacking firepower , with captain Grealish himself imploring the board to make some new additions to save Villa from dropping further adrift of the pack in front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though , will come up against a striker they turned their noses at in the summer in the form of Brighton hot shot Maupay .
The Frenchman has seven strikes from 22 games for Brighton following his initial £16m move from Brentford .
Oh how Villa could do with a striker of his ilk right about now .

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Aston Villa make the long trip to Brighton for the second time this season - and could be without a striker for the third game running.
With Wesley ruled out, Villa's clamour for a forward has gone into overdrive given what could prove to be a season-defining run of fixtures against the teams around them in the Premier League, starting against Graham Potter's Seagulls.
Villa were whacked 6-1 by Manchester City on Sunday, with Dean Smith opting for a front two of Jack Grealish and Anwar El Ghazi in a previously untested 3-5-2 formation.
Games before - at Burnley and Leicester - Smith has went with a back three in a much more fluid 3-4-3 while, this week, signed Pepe Reina to cover Tom Heaton's long-term absence in goal.
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Here, Club Writer Ashley Preece looks at the side the head coach could opt for on the south-coast as Villa look to steer themselves out of the bottom three.
"I now have the opportunity to play every week," were the words issued by new loan man Reina following his move from AC Milan. Smith will look to throw the veteran Spaniard straight in at Brighton given Orjan Nyland's sceptical display against City on Sunday. Reina, 37, brings a wealth of experience and Premier League know-how who could prove just the man to replace Heaton.
Smith will, you'd envisage, opt for a back three again and match up Brighton's 3-4-3 system. Bjorn Engels was left out of the squad against City and the Belgian could return. Tyrone Mings will start, but there will be question marks over Kortney Hause over the ex-Wolves man's performance last week. It could mean a return to the side for club captain James Chester who's yet to make a Premier League appearance for Villa.
The Welshman, who manages a recurring knee problem, last played against Fulham in the FA Cup earlier this month but, given the stakes of the game at the AMEX, Smith could rely on such an experienced figure. A back three of Ezri Konsa, Chester sweeping and Tyrone Mings could be just the ticket, although Engels could nudge his way back in depending if Smith trusts Chester given his injury concerns.
Across the midfield, Frederic Guilbert looks set for a recall in place of Ahmed Elmohamady, while it remains to be seen if Matt Targett has shaken off a hamstring strain to replace Neil Taylor on the opposite flank. Smith, meanwhile, admitted after the City hammering that loanee Danny Drinkwater "needed minutes" and you'd suspect the Chelsea midfielder will be given another chance to rediscover his previous form.
Alongside Drinkwater, Smith has a decision to make in terms of who starts from Douglas Luiz, Conor Hourihane and Marvelous Nakamba, the latter replacing Brazilian midfielder Douglas with 25 to go last Sunday. Defensively-minded Nakamba could be insurance policy needed against Brighton, a team who like to keep the ball before feeding the likes of Neal Maupay up front.
Up top, meanwhile, Villa could revert to the same forward three which occupied Leicester City last week. Jack Grealish, Trezeguet and Anwar El Ghazi could all float around in an unorthodox front three, with Grealish likely to drop deep in a bid to help Villa drive forward. Jonathan Kodjia, meanwhile, who was ill last week, seems to be edging out of the door at Villa Park with Nottingham Forest interested. Smith has since confirmed the Ivorian hasn't trained all week and is being allowed to speak to other clubs.
The alarm bells are, it has to be said, getting louder in terms of Villa lacking firepower, with captain Grealish himself imploring the board to make some new additions to save Villa from dropping further adrift of the pack in front of them. It's been announced that Villa are close to signing Mbwana Samatta for around £8.5m from Racing Genk. Smith and Villa, though, will come up against a striker they turned their noses at in the summer in the form of Brighton hot shot Maupay.
The Frenchman has seven strikes from 22 games for Brighton following his initial £16m move from Brentford. Oh how Villa could do with a striker of his ilk right about now.
Aston Villa's probable line-up for Brighton, 3-4-3 : Reina; Konsa, Chester, Mings; Guilbert, Drinkwater, Nakamba, Targett; El Ghazi, Grealish, Trezeguet.


birminghammail--2020-01-16--Morosini, Maddison, Gavranovic and every other Birmingham City transfer link

The January transfer window is open and Birmingham City have work to do - both in terms of bolstering their squad in certain positions and cutting it in others .
The first month of 2020 will provide Pep Clotet and his rival managers in the second tier with the chance to bolster their squads for the rest of the season .
Clotet 's role in transfers came under the microscope lately and he insisted he tells the club which positions he wants fortifying .
And , buoyed by Saturday 's 2-1 win at Luton , the head coach spoke of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We have been through a difficult situation in the last month because of the injuries that we had but now they are coming back to the team and we are getting back to strength .
`` In the future we will be more solid and now is a good month , with the transfer window here to help the team and to make sure we do all we can to help the team not get back to the situation we were in a month ago . ''
So who could the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've gathered together a list of the players they have previously been linked with in this window .
Birmingham City have tried to nip in and take Leonardo Morosini from under the noses of Ascoli , according to reports in Italy .
A story on website TuttoMercatoWeb claims Blues are trying to muscle in on the Brescia midfielder .
The site claims Ascoli ‘ remain on pole ’ and that the 24-year-old ’ s ‘ entourage ’ is in Brescia trying to sort out his future - and also credits Blues with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clotet is trying to capitalise on his relationship with Brescia president Massimo Cellino to help the deal .
The Blues head coach was assistant to Garry Monk when Cellino owned Leeds United .
He has played just three Serie A games this season , coming off the bench as an attacking midfielder .
He has made only seven top flight appearances in total - but more than one hundred in the Italian second tier .
Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony has claimed he rejected two bids from Birmingham City for in-demand midfielder Marcus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave the League One promotion chasers in this window as his contract expires at the end of the current season .
Fellow Championship side Charlton Athletic have had a bid accepted for the 26-year-old , Peterborough confirmed in a statement today ( Monday ) .
When one fan responded to the tweet saying Blackburn Rovers were one of the teams to have made a bid , MacAnthony replied and said , instead , it is Blues who have tried to sign Maddison .
It looks like he 's off to Charlton but until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City are being linked with a move for FCSB winger Dennis Man in the Romanian press .
Blues have been targeting additions to the squad this month as they look to pull away from the Championship ’ s relegation zone .
The 21-year-old , who can also play as an attacking midfielder as well as out wide , is regarded as one of the brightest talents in Romanian football .
He made his senior debut for the country in March last year having represented his nation at under-19 and under-21 levels .
Telekom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer of 10million euros ( £8.5m ) rejected for Man by FCSB - formerly known as Steaua Bucharest until 2017 .
Blues are one of three clubs keeping tabs on non-league winger Myles Hippolyte , according to reports .
The Sun claims Blues , Middlesbrough and Gary Rowett ’ s Millwall have watched the 25-year-old recently - with the Lions said to be most interested .
London-born Hippolyte came through at Brentford but dropped out of the Football League without ever playing for the Bees .
He moved to Scotland in 2014 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season-and-a-half at Livingston - and also won the 2015 Scottish Challenge Cup - and joined Falkirk in January 2016 .
In January 2018 he moved to St Mirren and then to Dunfermline Athletic but his contract was terminated by mutual consent last May and he has spent this term with Yeovil in the National League .
Hippolyte is out of contract in the summer , as is current Blues winger Jacques Maghoma , while Jefferson Montero ’ s loan will end when the season finishes .
Birmingham City made a late bid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summer transfer window closed .
They made an enquiry for the 29-year-old with just a few hours left to go before the window closed at 5pm on Thursday , August 8 .
In the end there wasn ’ t enough time for the forward to decide to move his family to the UK and Gavranović stayed with the Croatian champions .
Then on January 13 it was claimed Blues have rekindled their summer interest .
Croatian newspaper Novi list cites sources claiming Blues want to bring the 30-year-old to the Championship as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He has played 25 times , in the Croatian and Europa Leagues as well as cup competitions , but has started only eight league matches .
Gavranovic recognises he needs to play first team football to make sure he is in Switzerland ’ s squad for Euro 2020 and the report says he wants to go to a club where there is a good chance of regular games .
Posh boss MacAnthony has scotched rumours Birmingham City have made a move for Ivan Toney .
The sought-after striker will be the subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having scored 15 goals to top the League One charts .
Preston North End have already been credited with an interest in the former Newcastle player , who has also been tipped for a Premier League move .
Indeed MacAnthony revealed during a Twitter conversation with a fan before Christmas that Birmingham City had been in touch regarding one of his players .
With Blues desperate for a striker that generated excitement that it was an enquiry about Toney .
However , he has used this official account to end that particular rumour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a suggestion Toney could be on his way to St Andrew ’ s he killed the rumour dead in a single word .
Blues have been linked with a move for Rangers goalkeeper Wes Foderingham .
According to the Daily Mail , Blues are tracking the 28-year-old who has been on the club 's radar previously .
Foderingham was linked with a move to St Andrew 's in 2015 when he was released by Swindon .
But it never came to light , and the the former England under-19 international went on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Foderingham has made 110 league appearances , enjoying a relatively successful four years , winning Scottish Championship and Scottish Challenge Cup in that time .
Though , nowadays , Foderinham plays back-up to Allan McGregor - making only four appearances across league and cup this season - and he could be open to a move in the winter window .
Birmingham City were linked with a move for experienced goalkeeper Asmir Begovic .
The 32-year-old stopper was playing for Qarabag in Azerbaijan , on loan from Bournemouth .
According to The Sun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced competition from West Ham United , Derby County and PSV Eindhoven .
Begovic has two-and-a-half years left to run on his current contract at Bournemouth , which is said to be worth £60,000 a week .
On January 3 Sky Sports claimed West Ham have been offered the chance to take Asmir Begovic on loan .
However , he 's instead joined AC Milan as a replacement for Pepe Reina .
Birmingham City have emerged as contenders to sign Portsmouth goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray , according to the Scottish Sun .
MacGillivray , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspired signing for Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett and has been virtually ever-present since arriving at Fratton Park in 2018 .
The goalkeeper has kept six clean sheets in 20 appearances for Portsmouth this season , including a shut-out against Blues in the Carabao Cup in August .
And he ’ s in demand heading into January with Blues , Scottish giants Rangers and Huddersfield Town all reportedly interested in him .
Intriguingly Kenny Jackett dropped him for the Gillingham game on New Year 's Day .
Birmingham were interested in bringing Newcastle United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019-20 campaign - so could they look at a second attempt in January ?
Gayle enjoyed a stand-out Championship campaign on loan at West Bromwich Albion last season , scoring 24 goals in 41 appearances , leading the Blues to attempt to bring him back to this level , at St Andrew 's , this time around .
Nothing came of it , with the 29-year-old remaining at his parent club .
Injury and Steve Bruce 's selection limited Gayle at the start of the season but he has become a more regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team in the last month .
After a slow start he has now made nine appearances this season , seven in the last month .
It was claimed on January 14 he 'd been offered to clubs in the Championship , despite Bruce claiming he would not be dropping into the second tier this month .
Gayle is wanted by Nottingham Forest and former club West Brom , with both Midlands rivals desperate to add firepower to their respective promotion bids .
Blues are reportedly interested in a January move for Burnley forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summer .
The Sun ( November 3 edition ) claimed Blues could look to take Wells from his current loan with Queens Park Rangers as his parent club look to cash in on the player .
Wells is in the final few months of his Clarets ’ contract but according to Sun journalist Alan Nixon , Burnley have an option to extend for another season .
And they could also be looking to cash in with the suggestion that Blues could launch a £6million bid for the 29-year-old when the window reopens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summer .
Wells has bagged an eye-catching 12 goals in his 26 League appearances for QPR so far in 2019-20 , including a New Year 's Day hat-trick against Cardiff .
However a far more likely option is for him to sign permanently for QPR .
Speaking on January 1 he said : `` I reiterated it when I joined , I reiterated it a few weeks ago when things were n't going great .
`` I 'm enjoying my time here , I owe the fans a really good season and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm settled and I want to go on and finish this aim of getting in the play-offs and seeing what can happen from there .
`` But who knows what 's going to happen ? ''
The George Puscas saga was one that ran for the final few weeks of the transfer window .
Birmingham City were among a host of clubs across Europe who wanted to give the Internazionale striker the chance to relaunch his career .
In the end , despite interest from Serie A , La Liga and Bundesliga , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Championship - to play for Reading where he signed a five-year contract .
Since then he has made a decent start to his career in the UK , scoring seven times for the Royals - and twice for Romania in the Euro 2020 qualifiers .
However , despite being a matter of months into the deal designed to keep him at the Madejski Stadium until 2024 , it has been claimed Puscas could be on his way , if not in January , then the summer .
Turkish website Ajansspor claims Fenerbahce still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boss Ersun Yanal remains an admirer .
Could that news interest the Blues ?
READ MORE ON PUSCAS ' FUTURE HERE Back in August , The Sun reported that Birmingham could make a move for Spanish defender Denis Vivar Becerra .
Becerra was last reported as a free agent as he was unattached to a club , meaning Blues could sign him on a free transfer .
The Sun 's report said the Blues were looking at him , while head coach Pep Clotet knows the central defender and that relationship could mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent last season playing with Malaga 's youth side and has also had spells with Spanish clubs CD San Felix and Atlético Malagueño HERE IS THAT REPORT

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The January transfer window is open and Birmingham City have work to do - both in terms of bolstering their squad in certain positions and cutting it in others.
The first month of 2020 will provide Pep Clotet and his rival managers in the second tier with the chance to bolster their squads for the rest of the season.
Clotet's role in transfers came under the microscope lately and he insisted he tells the club which positions he wants fortifying.
And, buoyed by the recent win at Luton, the head coach spoke of the importance of bringing in new recruits.
"We have been through a difficult situation in the last month because of the injuries that we had but now they are coming back to the team and we are getting back to strength.
"In the future we will be more solid and now is a good month, with the transfer window here to help the team and to make sure we do all we can to help the team not get back to the situation we were in a month ago."
So who could the Blues look to bring in?
We've gathered together a list of the players they have previously been linked with in this window.
LEE GREGORY
Birmingham City have been linked with Stoke City striker Lee Gregory.
The Daily Mail claims Blues are one of a host of Championship teams interested in the 31-year-old who has struggled to find the net since his summer move to the Potteries.
They claim Blues , Wigan and Middlesbrough are looking at a striker who could be allowed to leave on loan at some point this month.
LEONARDO MORISINI
(Image: Getty Images)
Birmingham City have tried to nip in and take Leonardo Morosini from under the noses of Ascoli, according to reports in Italy.
A story on website TuttoMercatoWeb claims Blues are trying to muscle in on the Brescia midfielder.
The site claims Ascoli ‘remain on pole’ and that the 24-year-old’s ‘entourage’ is in Brescia trying to sort out his future - and also credits Blues with an interest.
It even claims that Pep Clotet is trying to capitalise on his relationship with Brescia president Massimo Cellino to help the deal. The Blues head coach was assistant to Garry Monk when Cellino owned Leeds United.
He has played just three Serie A games this season, coming off the bench as an attacking midfielder. He has made only seven top flight appearances in total - but more than one hundred in the Italian second tier.
Full story here
MARCUS MADDISON
Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony has claimed he rejected two bids from Birmingham City for in-demand midfielder Marcus Maddison.
Maddison is widely expected to leave the League One promotion chasers in this window as his contract expires at the end of the current season.
Fellow Championship side Charlton Athletic have had a bid accepted for the 26-year-old, Peterborough confirmed in a statement today (Monday).
When one fan responded to the tweet saying Blackburn Rovers were one of the teams to have made a bid, MacAnthony replied and said, instead, it is Blues who have tried to sign Maddison.
It looks like he's off to Charlton but until the ink is dry....
DENNIS MAN
Birmingham City are being linked with a move for FCSB winger Dennis Man in the Romanian press.
Blues have been targeting additions to the squad this month as they look to pull away from the Championship’s relegation zone.
The 21-year-old, who can also play as an attacking midfielder as well as out wide, is regarded as one of the brightest talents in Romanian football.
He made his senior debut for the country in March last year having represented his nation at under-19 and under-21 levels.
Telekom Sport reports that Blues have seen an offer of 10million euros (£8.5m) rejected for Man by FCSB - formerly known as Steaua Bucharest until 2017.
Full story here
MYLES HIPPOLYTE
(Image: western daily press)
Blues are one of three clubs keeping tabs on non-league winger Myles Hippolyte, according to reports.
The Sun claims Blues , Middlesbrough and Gary Rowett’s Millwall have watched the 25-year-old recently - with the Lions said to be most interested.
London-born Hippolyte came through at Brentford but dropped out of the Football League without ever playing for the Bees.
He moved to Scotland in 2014, made 50 Scottish Championship appearances in a season-and-a-half at Livingston - and also won the 2015 Scottish Challenge Cup - and joined Falkirk in January 2016.
In January 2018 he moved to St Mirren and then to Dunfermline Athletic but his contract was terminated by mutual consent last May and he has spent this term with Yeovil in the National League.
Hippolyte is out of contract in the summer, as is current Blues winger Jacques Maghoma, while Jefferson Montero’s loan will end when the season finishes.
FULL STORY HERE
MARIO GAVRANOVIC
(Image: Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Birmingham City made a late bid to sign Switzerland international Mario Gavranovic just before the summer transfer window closed.
They made an enquiry for the 29-year-old with just a few hours left to go before the window closed at 5pm on Thursday, August 8.
In the end there wasn’t enough time for the forward to decide to move his family to the UK and Gavranović stayed with the Croatian champions.
Then on January 13 it was claimed Blues have rekindled their summer interest.
Croatian newspaper Novi list cites sources claiming Blues want to bring the 30-year-old to the Championship as they seek to bolster their striker options.
He has played 25 times, in the Croatian and Europa Leagues as well as cup competitions, but has started only eight league matches.
Gavranovic recognises he needs to play first team football to make sure he is in Switzerland’s squad for Euro 2020 and the report says he wants to go to a club where there is a good chance of regular games.
READ MORE HERE
IVAN TONEY
(Image: Getty Images)
Posh boss MacAnthony has scotched rumours Birmingham City have made a move for Ivan Toney.
The sought-after striker will be the subject of massive speculation during this transfer window having scored 15 goals to top the League One charts.
Preston North End have already been credited with an interest in the former Newcastle player, who has also been tipped for a Premier League move.
Indeed MacAnthony revealed during a Twitter conversation with a fan before Christmas that Birmingham City had been in touch regarding one of his players.
With Blues desperate for a striker that generated excitement that it was an enquiry about Toney.
However, he has used this official account to end that particular rumour.
Contacted by another Blues fan regarding a suggestion Toney could be on his way to St Andrew’s he killed the rumour dead in a single word.
‘None’.
READ MORE HERE
WES FODERINGHAM
(Image: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Blues have been linked with a move for Rangers goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.
According to the Daily Mail , Blues are tracking the 28-year-old who has been on the club's radar previously.
Foderingham was linked with a move to St Andrew's in 2015 when he was released by Swindon.
But it never came to light, and the the former England under-19 international went on to join Rangers.
Since arriving at Ibrox, Foderingham has made 110 league appearances, enjoying a relatively successful four years,winning Scottish Championship and Scottish Challenge Cup in that time.
Though, nowadays, Foderinham plays back-up to Allan McGregor - making only four appearances across league and cup this season - and he could be open to a move in the winter window.
FULL STORY HERE
ASMIR BEGOVIC
(Image: Phil Harris)
Birmingham City were linked with a move for experienced goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
The 32-year-old stopper was playing for Qarabag in Azerbaijan, on loan from Bournemouth.
According to The Sun, Blues were monitoring the situation but faced competition from West Ham United, Derby County and PSV Eindhoven.
Begovic has two-and-a-half years left to run on his current contract at Bournemouth, which is said to be worth £60,000 a week.
On January 3 Sky Sports claimed West Ham have been offered the chance to take Asmir Begovic on loan.
However, he's instead joined AC Milan as a replacement for Pepe Reina.
Full story here
CRAIG MACGILLIVRAY
Birmingham City have emerged as contenders to sign Portsmouth goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray, according to the Scottish Sun.
MacGillivray, 26, has proved to be an inspired signing for Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett and has been virtually ever-present since arriving at Fratton Park in 2018.
The goalkeeper has kept six clean sheets in 20 appearances for Portsmouth this season, including a shut-out against Blues in the Carabao Cup in August.
And he’s in demand heading into January with Blues, Scottish giants Rangers and Huddersfield Town all reportedly interested in him.
Intriguingly Kenny Jackett dropped him for the Gillingham game on New Year's Day.
Full story here
DWIGHT GAYLE
(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Birmingham were interested in bringing Newcastle United striker to the club ahead of the 2019-20 campaign - so could they look at a second attempt in January?
Gayle enjoyed a stand-out Championship campaign on loan at West Bromwich Albion last season, scoring 24 goals in 41 appearances, leading the Blues to attempt to bring him back to this level, at St Andrew's, this time around.
Nothing came of it, with the 29-year-old remaining at his parent club.
Injury and Steve Bruce's selection limited Gayle at the start of the season but he has become a more regular sight at the top of Newcastle's team in the last month.
After a slow start he has now made nine appearances this season, seven in the last month.
It was claimed on January 14 he'd been offered to clubs in the Championship, despite Bruce claiming he would not be dropping into the second tier this month.
Gayle is wanted by Nottingham Forest and former club West Brom, with both Midlands rivals desperate to add firepower to their respective promotion bids.
HERE'S MORE
NAHKI WELLS
(Image: Getty Images)
Blues are reportedly interested in a January move for Burnley forward Nahki Wells, after being linked in the summer.
The Sun (November 3 edition) claimed Blues could look to take Wells from his current loan with Queens Park Rangers as his parent club look to cash in on the player.
Wells is in the final few months of his Clarets’ contract but according to Sun journalist Alan Nixon, Burnley have an option to extend for another season.
And they could also be looking to cash in with the suggestion that Blues could launch a £6million bid for the 29-year-old when the window reopens having had a nibble at him in the summer.
Wells has bagged an eye-catching 12 goals in his 26 League appearances for QPR so far in 2019-20, including a New Year's Day hat-trick against Cardiff.
However a far more likely option is for him to sign permanently for QPR. Speaking on January 1 he said: "I reiterated it when I joined, I reiterated it a few weeks ago when things weren't going great.
"I'm enjoying my time here, I owe the fans a really good season and I'm onto that.
"I'm settled and I want to go on and finish this aim of getting in the play-offs and seeing what can happen from there.
"But who knows what's going to happen?"
GEORGE PUSCAS
The George Puscas saga was one that ran for the final few weeks of the transfer window.
Birmingham City were among a host of clubs across Europe who wanted to give the Internazionale striker the chance to relaunch his career.
In the end, despite interest from Serie A, La Liga and Bundesliga, Puscas did opt to come to the Championship - to play for Reading where he signed a five-year contract.
Since then he has made a decent start to his career in the UK, scoring seven times for the Royals - and twice for Romania in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.
However, despite being a matter of months into the deal designed to keep him at the Madejski Stadium until 2024, it has been claimed Puscas could be on his way, if not in January, then the summer.
Turkish website Ajansspor claims Fenerbahce still want to sign the 23-year-old and that boss Ersun Yanal remains an admirer.
Could that news interest the Blues?
READ MORE ON PUSCAS' FUTURE HERE
DENIS VIVAR BECERRA
Back in August, The Sun reported that Birmingham could make a move for Spanish defender Denis Vivar Becerra.
Becerra was last reported as a free agent as he was unattached to a club, meaning Blues could sign him on a free transfer.
The Sun's report said the Blues were looking at him, while head coach Pep Clotet knows the central defender and that relationship could mean he joins Blues 'shortly'.
Becerra spent last season playing with Malaga's youth side and has also had spells with Spanish clubs CD San Felix and Atlético Malagueño
HERE IS THAT REPORT


birminghammail--2020-01-16--Next Great British Bake Off presenter odds after Sandi Toksvig quits - and there's a runaway favouri

Next Great British Bake Off presenter odds after Sandi Toksvig quits - and there's a runaway favourite

Following the news that Sandi Toksvig is set to step down from her presenting role on The Great British Bake Off , bookmakers have priced up who her replacement may be .
Paddy Power make Nadiya Hussain the short-priced 6/4 favourite to take the role , after she rose to fame for winning the sixth series of the show in 2015 .
Also in the running to replace Sandi , who was on the show for three years , is Anna Richardson at 4/1 .
She reportedly turned down an offer to present the show in 2017 , and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Attraction .
She is followed by Emma Willis ( 6/1 ) , Sara Pascoe ( 6/1 ) , Davina McCall ( 7/1 ) and Richard Ayaode ( 8/1 ) .
Comedian Julian Barratt is rated a 10/1 shot to join former Mighty Boosh partner Noel Fielding , who is currently a presenter on the show – the same price as TOWIE star Gemma Collins .
Following Fielding ’ s introduction to the show bosses could choose to go with another male comedian .
David Mitchell is rated 14/1 , while Russell Brand and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , Maya Jama , who was recently tipped to replace Caroline Flack on Love Island , is rated 25/1 to present GBBO , with Maura Higgins tipped at 12/1 .
The chances of GBBO choosing not to replace Sandi at all are currently rated 2/1 .
Spokesman Paddy Power said : “ Sandi Toksvig has announced she is stepping down from GBBO , confirming that three years of cake consumption isn ’ t always good for you .
“ Former winner Nadiya Hussain is our favourite to get the roll – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short-priced to swap bums for buns and move from Naked Attraction to baking.
” WHO WILL REPLACE SANDI TOKSVIG ?
6/4 Nadiya Hussain 2/1 No one to replace her 4/1 Anna Richardson 6/1 Emma Willis 6/1 Sara Pascoe 7/1 Davina McCall 8/1 Richard Ayaode 10/1 Julian Barratt 10/1 Gemma Collins 12/1 Maura Higgins 14/1 David Mitchell 16/1 Russell Brand 16/1 Jack Whitehall 18/1 Emily Atack 20/1 Clare Balding 20/1 Katherine Ryan 25/1 Scarlett Moffatt 25/1 Maya Jama 33/1 Phillip Schofield 50/1 Ant McPartlin 50/1 Declan Donnelly

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Following the news that Sandi Toksvig is set to step down from her presenting role on The Great British Bake Off, bookmakers have priced up who her replacement may be.
Paddy Power make Nadiya Hussain the short-priced 6/4 favourite to take the role, after she rose to fame for winning the sixth series of the show in 2015.
Also in the running to replace Sandi, who was on the show for three years, is Anna Richardson at 4/1. She reportedly turned down an offer to present the show in 2017, and is currently fronts Channel 4’s Naked Attraction.
She is followed by Emma Willis (6/1), Sara Pascoe (6/1), Davina McCall (7/1) and Richard Ayaode (8/1).
Comedian Julian Barratt is rated a 10/1 shot to join former Mighty Boosh partner Noel Fielding, who is currently a presenter on the show – the same price as TOWIE star Gemma Collins.
Following Fielding’s introduction to the show bosses could choose to go with another male comedian. David Mitchell is rated 14/1, while Russell Brand and Jack Whitehall are both in at 16/1.
Meanwhile, Maya Jama, who was recently tipped to replace Caroline Flack on Love Island, is rated 25/1 to present GBBO, with Maura Higgins tipped at 12/1.
The chances of GBBO choosing not to replace Sandi at all are currently rated 2/1.
Spokesman Paddy Power said: “Sandi Toksvig has announced she is stepping down from GBBO, confirming that three years of cake consumption isn’t always good for you.
“Former winner Nadiya Hussain is our favourite to get the roll – or role – while Anna Richardson is short-priced to swap bums for buns and move from Naked Attraction to baking.”
WHO WILL REPLACE SANDI TOKSVIG?
6/4 Nadiya Hussain
2/1 No one to replace her
4/1 Anna Richardson
6/1 Emma Willis
6/1 Sara Pascoe
7/1 Davina McCall
8/1 Richard Ayaode
10/1 Julian Barratt
10/1 Gemma Collins
12/1 Maura Higgins
14/1 David Mitchell
16/1 Russell Brand
16/1 Jack Whitehall
18/1 Emily Atack
20/1 Clare Balding
20/1 Katherine Ryan
25/1 Scarlett Moffatt
25/1 Maya Jama
33/1 Phillip Schofield
50/1 Ant McPartlin
50/1 Declan Donnelly


birminghammail--2020-01-16--Man's body found in Staffordshire canal

Man's body found in Staffordshire canal

A man 's body has been found in a Staffordshire canal .
The discovery sparked a huge emergency service presence in High Green in Brewood this morning ( Thursday , January 16 ) .
Unfortunately , nothing could be done to save the man and he was pronounced dead at the scene .
Police closed the road off just before 7.30am .
A cordon is still in place .
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said : “ We were called by the police at 7.27am to reports of a patient in the water at High Green in Brewood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Response Team ( HART ) , the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical care car , a paramedic officer and ambulance to the scene .
`` Upon arrival crews found one patient , a man .
Unfortunately nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.
” Keep up-to-date with all things Dudley , Walsall , Sandwell and Wolverhampton on our Black Country Live Facebook page - where you 'll get the latest news , travel , weather and events in your area .
To be alerted to any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area , join the Black Country Crime Watch Facebook group .

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A man's body has been found in a Staffordshire canal.
The discovery sparked a huge emergency service presence in High Green in Brewood this morning (Thursday, January 16).
Unfortunately, nothing could be done to save the man and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police closed the road off just before 7.30am. A cordon is still in place.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We were called by the police at 7.27am to reports of a patient in the water at High Green in Brewood.
"We sent the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical care car, a paramedic officer and ambulance to the scene.
"Upon arrival crews found one patient, a man. Unfortunately nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”
Black Country Live has contacted Staffordshire Police for a comment.
Keep up-to-date with all things Dudley, Walsall, Sandwell and Wolverhampton on our Black Country Live Facebook page - where you'll get the latest news, travel, weather and events in your area.
To be alerted to any suspicious or criminal behaviour happening in your area, join the Black Country Crime Watch Facebook group.


birminghammail--2020-01-16--West Brom transfer news LIVE: January rethink as striker target identified

Welcome to Thursday '' s transfer blog for West Brom fans .
With the transfer deadline fast approaching , we @ @ @ @ @ the latest news and rumours surrounding Albion .
From morning until night we will be @ @ @ @ @ news , gossip , analysis and opinion .
With Slaven Bilic looking to strengthen their @ @ @ @ @ the campaign , it promises to be a busy period of transfer activity at the @ @ @ @ @ day until the transfer window closes .

Welcome to our LIVE coverage of West Bromwich Albion, brought to you by Birmingham Live.
We will be providing you with all of the reaction to transfer deadline day right here, so make sure you stay tuned.
In addition, we will also be looking ahead to today’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against Luton Town, ads the Baggies continue their quest for promotion to the Premier League.
Deadline day saw Albion make a number of moves in the transfer market, starting with the arrival of Kamil Grosicki from Hull City.
Albion also signed defender Lee Peltier on a free transfer from Cardiff City, with the 33-year-old signing a short-term deal at The Hawthorns until the end of the season.
Chris Willock joined Championship rivals Huddersfield Town, having had his loan spell with the Baggies cut short.
There was also drama as Nathan Ferguson’s proposed move to Crystal Palace fell through at the eleventh hour
Join us as we provide you with all of the reaction to deadline day, as well as looking ahead to today’s match against the Hatters.


birminghammail--2020-01-16--Wolves transfer news live: Nuno's January message as £34m striker interest falters

Welcome to Thursday 's transfer blog for Wolves fans .
With the January transfer window already halfway through , we @ @ @ @ @ latest news and rumours surrounding Wolverhampton Wanderers .
From morning until night we will be @ @ @ @ @ news , gossip , analysis and opinion .
And with Nuno Espírito Santo looking to @ @ @ @ @ rest of the Premier League campaign , it promises to be a busy period of @ @ @ @ @ .
Join us every day until the transfer window closes .
For all your latest @ @ @ @ @ analysis and transfer gossip , click here

Welcome to our live Wolverhampton Wanderers coverage, brought to you by BirminghamLive.
The January transfer window has now closed after Friday night's 11pm deadline came and went.
Wolves signed four players during the month, with Daniel Podence, Leonardo Campana, Enzo Loiodice and Luke Matheson all signing up.
Matheson arrived on deadline day before being loaned straight back to Rochdale. Elsewhere, a host of players went out on loan, including Ryan Bennett to Leicester City.
We will bring you all the reaction and fallout from the end of the transfer window right, plus build-up to Wolves' Premier League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford (5.30pm).
Seventh-placed Wanderers only trail fifth-placed United on goal difference.
You can follow events as they unfolded in our live blog below...


birminghammail--2020-01-16--Birmingham City transfers live: One out as Blues target Italian, Villalba and Gavranovic

Welcome to Thursday 's transfer blog for Birmingham City fans .
With the transfer deadline fast approaching , we take @ @ @ @ @ latest news and rumours surrounding Blues .
From morning until night we will be hear @ @ @ @ @ , gossip , analysis and opinion .
With Pep Clotet looking to strengthen their side @ @ @ @ @ campaign , it promises to be a busy period of transfer activity at the club @ @ @ @ @ until the transfer window closes .

Welcome to our deadline day transfer blog for Birmingham City fans.
With the transfer window closing today, we take a look at all the latest news and rumours surrounding Blues.
From morning until night we will be here with all the breaking news, gossip, analysis and opinion.
With Pep Clotet looking to strengthen his side for the rest of the campaign, it promises to be an interesting day of transfer activity at the club.
Jude Bellingham continues to be of interest to Manchester United, with reports suggesting that a £25 million bid has been turned down.
Join us today until the transfer window closes.
Follow all the action below...


birminghammail--2020-01-16--Obese mum who caused Alton Towers' Thirteen ride to shut down loses incredible 14 stone

A 23-stone woman lost a incredible 14 stone after she broke a seat on a roller coaster - causing the attraction to shut down .
Danielle Wright , 27 , was mortified when the chair on the Thirteen ride at Alton Towers buckled under her hefty frame .
The ride attendant was forced to use his foot to wedge the bar down over her sizeable stomach .
After Danielle departed , the roller coaster was closed due to a 'seat malfunction ' - which she knew was down to her .
The humiliating incident was the catalyst she needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next four years she lost 14 stone with a diet and exercise regime .
Mum-of-one Danielle , from Leicester , now weighs a healthier 9st 1lbs and can slip into a slender size 10 with ease .
She has since visited Alton Towers again , but refused to ride any roller coasters to avoid bringing back memories of the humiliating event .
Describing the turning point , Danielle said : `` It was awful .
Everybody was watching .
`` For the whole duration of the ride I felt like the bar was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be thrown off the tracks .
'When the hellish experience was over , an announcement came over the speaker to say that the ride was temporarily closing due to a broken seat .
`` At that exact moment , my safety bar sprang up , made a huge noise , and everybody stared at me .
I wanted to go home right away , but had to endure the rest of the day . ''
Danielle started piling on the pounds aged 14 when she would regularly choose to stay at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bingeing on pasties and chocolates .
She joined her first slimming group aged just 14 , when she already weighed 14st and was bursting out of a size 16 .
`` I always loved my food as a kid - I did n't even know that calories were a thing until I started piling on weight , '' she explained .
`` My absolute weakness was pastries , now I do n't go anywhere near them . ''
Danielle thinks the real issue with her weight began when she was 18 and moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then boyfriend Matt , 23 .
Having been limited to mainly healthy foods , fruit and veg back at her family home , she started taking advantage of being able to fill the fridge with her favourite treats .
She said : `` I had been trying to lose weight and cut down my food for ages , but I felt like my ex was n't giving me the support I needed .
`` I was huge and unhappier than ever . ''
Her weight peaked at 23st 7lbs and she struggled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Danielle and her sister Emma , 32 , started slimming together but ramped it up after the embarrassing incident at Alton Towers , Staffordshire , in May 2015 .
She actively avoided the roller coasters during trip as she dreaded not being able to fit into the seats .
But when her family dragged her onto one , she was devastated to find she was unable to wedge the metal bar over her front due to her bulging belly .
Danielle , who works at a dry cleaners , said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day long , until my family managed to drag me onto the ‘ Thirteen ’ ride .
`` Fitting in the seat was bad enough , but when it came to pulling down the safety bar , my stomach stopped it from working .
`` One of the employees , who was quite good looking , came over and had to put his foot against the ride and push extra hard in order to click the bar down over my tummy .
`` Things had gotten out of hand without me realising .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alton Towers , it ’ s what I needed to motivate me to shed the pounds . ''
She vowed there and then to do something once and for all about her weight .
Four months later , Danielle and Matt broke up , so Danielle moved back in with her mum .
It was only then that she realised how much weight she had put on .
Danielle started cutting out carby and oily foods and preparing salads and protein-packed meals .
She hated weighing herself , so instead decided to measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tape measure .
`` This really helped - when you weigh yourself sometimes , you 've hardly lost anything .
`` When I measured myself , I really noticed the small differences . ''
Danielle had now shrunk to 19st after monitoring her calories on the 5:2 diet - which involves eating restricted calories during two days of the week and eating normally on the remaining days .
In November 2015 , having already lost 4st and 5lbs , Danielle met Reece Preston-Hayes , 24 , a senior sales supervisor , whilst on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leicester .
She said : `` We started out as friends , going out for coffee before work .
`` Then we started sending flirty text messages , and before I knew it I really fancied him !
`` He was a slim guy , so I hated eating in front of him . ''
The pair quickly became a couple and Danielle moved into Reece 's family home .
She said : `` I ate plenty of salads and saved the bulk of my daily calories to enjoy a larger meal in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I got into the swing of things I was able to stick to it . ''
In November 2016 , Danielle found out she was pregnant .
She was thrilled , having previously being told she could n't get pregnant due to her weight .
She continued to cut out unhealthy foods and managed to lose a further stone .
After giving birth to her little boy Noah , now two , in July , 2017 , Danielle weighed herself and was thrilled to find that she had dropped a total of 13st @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10st and can slip into a size 10 with ease .
She still works hard to keep the weight off , only allowing herself Christmas Eve , Christmas Day , Boxing Day and her birthday to have a little treat .
Danielle , who now fluctuates between 9-and-a-half and ten stone and wears a size 10-12 , she manages her cravings by filling up on healthier , protein-packed foods .
She said : `` I love cheese , and that was one of the hardest things to give up .
`` If I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Babybel , which is more than satisfying .
`` The hardest part of my journey was when I was breastfeeding .
I was absolutely ravenous and wanted to shove anything in sight in my mouth . ''
Danielle still power hoops and goes to boogie bounce classes to keep herself trim and feels fabulous .
She has a new partner , Michael Christopher , 35 , who she says is an amazing support .
She said : `` Being able to run and play with my little boy is the best part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have asked for a better reward . ''
`` I see my little boy as my treat .
Who cares if I ca n't eat cake and chocolate ?
Having my son makes it all worth it in the end ! ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Niamh Butler-Walton, James Rodger)

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A 23-stone woman lost a incredible 14 stone after she broke a seat on a roller coaster - causing the attraction to shut down.
Danielle Wright, 27, was mortified when the chair on the Thirteen ride at Alton Towers buckled under her hefty frame.
The ride attendant was forced to use his foot to wedge the bar down over her sizeable stomach.
After Danielle departed, the roller coaster was closed due to a 'seat malfunction' - which she knew was down to her.
The humiliating incident was the catalyst she needed to beat the bulge, and over the next four years she lost 14 stone with a diet and exercise regime.
Mum-of-one Danielle, from Leicester, now weighs a healthier 9st 1lbs and can slip into a slender size 10 with ease.
She has since visited Alton Towers again, but refused to ride any roller coasters to avoid bringing back memories of the humiliating event.
Describing the turning point, Danielle said: "It was awful. Everybody was watching.
"For the whole duration of the ride I felt like the bar was going to pop open and I was going to be thrown off the tracks.
(Image: Danielle Wright /SWNS.COM)
'When the hellish experience was over, an announcement came over the speaker to say that the ride was temporarily closing due to a broken seat.
"At that exact moment, my safety bar sprang up, made a huge noise, and everybody stared at me. I wanted to go home right away, but had to endure the rest of the day."
Danielle started piling on the pounds aged 14 when she would regularly choose to stay at home on weekends, watching TV and bingeing on pasties and chocolates.
She joined her first slimming group aged just 14, when she already weighed 14st and was bursting out of a size 16.
"I always loved my food as a kid - I didn't even know that calories were a thing until I started piling on weight," she explained.
(Image: Danielle Wright /SWNS.COM)
"My absolute weakness was pastries, now I don't go anywhere near them."
Danielle thinks the real issue with her weight began when she was 18 and moved into a flat in Leicester with her then boyfriend Matt, 23.
Having been limited to mainly healthy foods, fruit and veg back at her family home, she started taking advantage of being able to fill the fridge with her favourite treats.
She said: "I had been trying to lose weight and cut down my food for ages, but I felt like my ex wasn't giving me the support I needed.
"I was huge and unhappier than ever."
(Image: Danielle Wright /SWNS.COM)
Her weight peaked at 23st 7lbs and she struggled to squeeze into a size 34 dress.
Danielle and her sister Emma, 32, started slimming together but ramped it up after the embarrassing incident at Alton Towers, Staffordshire, in May 2015.
She actively avoided the roller coasters during trip as she dreaded not being able to fit into the seats.
But when her family dragged her onto one, she was devastated to find she was unable to wedge the metal bar over her front due to her bulging belly.
(Image: Danielle Wright /SWNS.COM)
Danielle, who works at a dry cleaners, said: "I had avoided going on roller coasters all day long, until my family managed to drag me onto the ‘Thirteen’ ride.
"Fitting in the seat was bad enough, but when it came to pulling down the safety bar, my stomach stopped it from working.
"One of the employees, who was quite good looking, came over and had to put his foot against the ride and push extra hard in order to click the bar down over my tummy.
"Things had gotten out of hand without me realising.
"Although I hated being humiliated at Alton Towers, it’s what I needed to motivate me to shed the pounds."
(Image: Danielle Wright /SWNS.COM)
She vowed there and then to do something once and for all about her weight.
Four months later, Danielle and Matt broke up, so Danielle moved back in with her mum.
It was only then that she realised how much weight she had put on.
Danielle started cutting out carby and oily foods and preparing salads and protein-packed meals.
(Image: Danielle Wright /SWNS.COM)
She hated weighing herself, so instead decided to measure different parts of her body with a tape measure.
"This really helped - when you weigh yourself sometimes, you've hardly lost anything.
"When I measured myself, I really noticed the small differences."
Danielle had now shrunk to 19st after monitoring her calories on the 5:2 diet - which involves eating restricted calories during two days of the week and eating normally on the remaining days.
(Image: Danielle Wright /SWNS.COM)
In November 2015, having already lost 4st and 5lbs, Danielle met Reece Preston-Hayes, 24, a senior sales supervisor, whilst on work experience at the Job Centre in Leicester.
She said: "We started out as friends, going out for coffee before work.
"Then we started sending flirty text messages, and before I knew it I really fancied him!
"He was a slim guy, so I hated eating in front of him."
(Image: Danielle Wright /SWNS.COM)
The pair quickly became a couple and Danielle moved into Reece's family home.
She said: "I ate plenty of salads and saved the bulk of my daily calories to enjoy a larger meal in the evening.
"I found once I got into the swing of things I was able to stick to it."
In November 2016, Danielle found out she was pregnant.
She was thrilled, having previously being told she couldn't get pregnant due to her weight.
She continued to cut out unhealthy foods and managed to lose a further stone.
After giving birth to her little boy Noah, now two, in July, 2017, Danielle weighed herself and was thrilled to find that she had dropped a total of 13st 7lbs.
She now weighs an incredible 10st and can slip into a size 10 with ease.
She still works hard to keep the weight off, only allowing herself Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and her birthday to have a little treat.
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Danielle, who now fluctuates between 9-and-a-half and ten stone and wears a size 10-12, she manages her cravings by filling up on healthier, protein-packed foods.
She said: "I love cheese, and that was one of the hardest things to give up.
"If I ever crave it, I have a Babybel, which is more than satisfying.
"The hardest part of my journey was when I was breastfeeding. I was absolutely ravenous and wanted to shove anything in sight in my mouth."
Danielle still power hoops and goes to boogie bounce classes to keep herself trim and feels fabulous.
She has a new partner, Michael Christopher, 35, who she says is an amazing support.
She said: "Being able to run and play with my little boy is the best part of it all, I couldn’t have asked for a better reward."
"I see my little boy as my treat. Who cares if I can't eat cake and chocolate? Having my son makes it all worth it in the end!"


birminghammail--2020-01-16--Family reunited with pet cat seven months after it escaped from car as they moved from Midlands to F

Family reunited with pet cat seven months after it escaped from car as they moved from Midlands to France

A delighted family is set to be reunited with their pet cat - seven months after it escaped from their car as they moved to France Katie Kane and her family were left heartbroken when pet moggie Tootsie vanished from the car as they travelled from Stirling to a new home in the south of France on June 13 .
Katie , husband Sam and daughters Emilie , 18 , and Chloe 15 , were 250 miles into their journey to Grenoble in France when they stopped at a service station in Markham Moor , Nottinghamshire .
But when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his cat carrier and ran off into the woods .
The heartbroken family frantically searched for the pet but Tootsie was never found .
Katie said : “ He was in his cat carrier but somehow managed to get the zips apart with his head and when we opened the car door he escaped .
“ He had a harness on so when he jumped out we tried to grab him by the harness but the clips just came apart in our hands and he ran off into the wooded area .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we could but he wasn ’ t coming back and we just had to carry on with the rest of our journey.
” Katie spent months issuing desperate appeals online to try and find Tootsie , never giving up hope he would be found .
Now she has spoken of her delight after beloved Tootsie was found unscathed on January 7 , after seven months on the run .
Tootsie is set to be reunited with Katie and Sam , an engineer , on Monday .
Katie said : “ I am ecstatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the run for seven months fending for himself .
“ There were no sightings of him for six months so it was a miracle he was found and he ’ s still in good shape .
“ He has a chest infection and some fluid on his lungs so he is on antibiotics for that but he ’ s doing much better already .
“ He has not lost too much weight , there must have been lots of tasty mice around where he was .
“ I started a Facebook group for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for him .
“ There was a sighting of him when he was caught on someone ’ s CCTV between Christmas and New Year but then he did another disappearing act .
“ Then on January 6 a lady was out walking with her dog and was trying to see if she could find Tootsie and sure enough she spotted him in someone ’ s garden .
“ They set up a trap in the garden and on January 7 I got a call from the lady to say I think we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been staying with a lady from the local Cats Protection being spoilt rotten and we are organising to have him driven over to France on Monday .
“ I never gave up hope of finding him .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ellie Forbes, James Rodger)

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A delighted family is set to be reunited with their pet cat - seven months after it escaped from their car as they moved to France
Katie Kane and her family were left heartbroken when pet moggie Tootsie vanished from the car as they travelled from Stirling to a new home in the south of France on June 13.
Katie, husband Sam and daughters Emilie, 18, and Chloe 15, were 250 miles into their journey to Grenoble in France when they stopped at a service station in Markham Moor, Nottinghamshire.
But when they opened the car door Tootsie slipped out of his cat carrier and ran off into the woods.
The heartbroken family frantically searched for the pet but Tootsie was never found.
(Image: Katie Kane /SWNS.COM)
Katie said: “He was in his cat carrier but somehow managed to get the zips apart with his head and when we opened the car door he escaped.
“He had a harness on so when he jumped out we tried to grab him by the harness but the clips just came apart in our hands and he ran off into the wooded area.
“We stayed for as long as we could but he wasn’t coming back and we just had to carry on with the rest of our journey.”
Katie spent months issuing desperate appeals online to try and find Tootsie, never giving up hope he would be found.
Now she has spoken of her delight after beloved Tootsie was found unscathed on January 7, after seven months on the run.
(Image: Katie Kane /SWNS.COM)
Tootsie is set to be reunited with Katie and Sam, an engineer, on Monday.
Katie said: “I am ecstatic he has been found after being on the run for seven months fending for himself.
“There were no sightings of him for six months so it was a miracle he was found and he’s still in good shape.
“He has a chest infection and some fluid on his lungs so he is on antibiotics for that but he’s doing much better already.
“He has not lost too much weight, there must have been lots of tasty mice around where he was.
(Image: Katie Kane /SWNS.COM)
“I started a Facebook group for him with locals in the area looking for him.
“There was a sighting of him when he was caught on someone’s CCTV between Christmas and New Year but then he did another disappearing act.
“Then on January 6 a lady was out walking with her dog and was trying to see if she could find Tootsie and sure enough she spotted him in someone’s garden.
“They set up a trap in the garden and on January 7 I got a call from the lady to say I think we have found your cat.
“He has been staying with a lady from the local Cats Protection being spoilt rotten and we are organising to have him driven over to France on Monday.
“I can’t wait to have cuddles.
“I never gave up hope of finding him.”


birminghammail--2020-01-16--Landmark Grand Hotel in Birmingham city centre to reopen within months after £45m restoration

The landmark Grand Hotel in Birmingham city centre is set to reopen within months following a £45 million refit - almost 20 years after it shut down .
The iconic Grade II-listed venue on Colmore Row will again welcome guests from this summer .
The Grand will reopen as a luxury 185 bedroom hotel - as a series of stunning images show .
The Grand was built in 1879 and in its heydey hosted VIPs from the UK and all over the world .
It closed in 2002 .
It has been a lengthy and expensive renovation process for owners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , owned by The Starwood Capital Group .
The centrepiece of the renovations is the ornate Grosvenor Room and grand staircase .
Original character features throughout the property have also been restored , including mosaic tiled floors .
There will also be penthouse suites with views across St Phillip ’ s Cathedral and the city beyond .
One of the big changes will be an outdoor terrace in the central courtyard for the first time in The Grand ’ s history .
The area is described as a `` sunken rooftop garden terrace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destination restaurant , a gym , state-of-the-art meeting rooms and event spaces are also included .
In 2018 Paris-based Foncière des Régions gave its lucrative backing and world-renowned Robert Angell Design International had been tasked with the interior design of the building .
Cody Bradshaw , Managing Director , Head of International Hotels at Starwood Capital Group - US parent company to Principle Hotel Company - said : “ We ’ re proud to be working with Hortons ’ Estate , whose founder , Isaac Horton , originally built the hotel in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create one of the most prestigious hotels in the UK .
`` The restoration of this stunning grande dame building is another milestone in what is an exciting period of transformation for this vibrant city .
See our gallery of pics '' We look forward to providing visitors to Birmingham – and locals alike with a truly one-of-a-kind destination that celebrates the splendour of this landmark building but with a 21-century luxury experience.
” Stephen Benson , chief executive of Hortons ’ Estate , owner of The Grand , said : `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anticipated and we can confidently predict that this will be Birmingham ’ s best hotel , with a first-class amenity offer for locals as well as visitors to the city .
We ’ re thrilled to have Starwood on board as partner and operator.
” Famed for being the venue where human rights activist Malcolm X gave his last speech in England in 1965 , other visitors throughout The Grand 's history include Charlie Chaplin , Winston Churchill and James Cagney .
The Grand Hotel 's 5,000 sq ft basement boiler room has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underground restaurant offering 'modern Chinese cuisine and magical cocktails ' .

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The landmark Grand Hotel in Birmingham city centre is set to reopen within months following a £45 million refit - almost 20 years after it shut down.
The iconic Grade II*-listed venue on Colmore Row will again welcome guests from this summer.
The Grand will reopen as a luxury 185 bedroom hotel - as a series of stunning images show.
The Grand was built in 1879 and in its heydey hosted VIPs from the UK and all over the world. It closed in 2002.
The centrepiece of the renovations is the ornate Grosvenor Room and grand staircase.
Original character features throughout the property have also been restored, including mosaic tiled floors.
There will also be penthouse suites with views across St Phillip’s Cathedral and the city beyond.
One of the big changes will be an outdoor terrace in the central courtyard for the first time in The Grand’s history.
The area is described as a "sunken rooftop garden terrace".
Two new bars, a destination restaurant, a gym, state-of-the-art meeting rooms and event spaces are also included.
The hotel will be developed and operated as a "high-end, independent" venture by Starwood Capital Group, which pledged to create one of the "finest luxury hotels in the UK".
Starwood's managing director, head of international hotels, Cody Bradshaw, said: “We’re proud to be working with Hortons’ Estate, whose founder, Isaac Horton, originally built the hotel in the 1870s, on a shared vision to create one of the most prestigious hotels in the UK.
"The restoration of this stunning grande dame building is another milestone in what is an exciting period of transformation for this vibrant city.
See our gallery of pics
"We look forward to providing visitors to Birmingham – and locals alike with a truly one-of-a-kind destination that celebrates the splendour of this landmark building but with a 21-century luxury experience.”
Stephen Benson, chief executive of Hortons’ Estate, owner of The Grand, said: "The re-opening of The Grand Hotel is much anticipated and we can confidently predict that this will be Birmingham’s best hotel, with a first-class amenity offer for locals as well as visitors to the city. We’re thrilled to have Starwood on board as partner and operator.”
Famed for being the venue where human rights activist Malcolm X gave his last speech in England in 1965, other visitors throughout The Grand's history include Charlie Chaplin, Winston Churchill and James Cagney.
The Grand Hotel's 5,000 sq ft basement boiler room has already been transformed into Tattu - an underground restaurant offering 'modern Chinese cuisine and magical cocktails'.
The 150-cover, split-level venue opened in February 2019.


birminghammail--2020-01-16--Some Birmingham City fans are making this point after Coventry City FA Cup plans are revealed

Birmingham City and Coventry City have announced plans for their FA Cup fourth round tie at St Andrew ’ s .
The game takes place on Saturday , January 25 and Sky Blues supporters continue to sit in the Kop from where they have watched their League One matches .
Blues ’ fans will be given the Gil Merrick Upper and most of the Lower , as well as the Main Stand - but it seems they won ’ t be able to sit in what is traditionally the away end .
Cliff Meason : If we have a draw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the home advantage on the return leg , KRO .
James Smith : But , are Birmingham City running away day coach travel to this fixture ?
?
@ chrisjfrev : Dont quite understand why we ’ re not getting the whole of the Gill Merrick lower stand ?
@ ESONEULB : # CCFC won ’ t sell out the Kop and Tilton .
# BCFC @ Ethan_BCFC : Give the people who went to Blackburn first go at tickets .
@ ben_hancocks : How can you charge that lol @ pkirwanbcfc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GM @ connorbluesbcfc : Largest away attendance ever seen at St. Andrews The Tilton Road End , normally the stronghold of St Andrew ’ s , remains reserved for Coventry City but depends on the number of tickets they sell for the Kop first .
It is all-ticket .
Coventry ’ s average attendance at St Andrew ’ s over their 13 League One ‘ home ’ matches , is 6,219 .
However , only 2,693 watched the 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers - less than the 2,878 which saw them draw with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December .
Blues ’ average attendance so far this term is 20,313 , although their third round FA Cup win over Blackburn attracted only 7,330 .

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Birmingham City and Coventry City have announced plans for their FA Cup fourth round tie at St Andrew’s.
The game takes place on Saturday, January 25 and Sky Blues supporters continue to sit in the Kop from where they have watched their League One matches.
Blues ’ fans will be given the Gil Merrick Upper and most of the Lower, as well as the Main Stand - but it seems they won’t be able to sit in what is traditionally the away end.
Supporters have been reacting.
Cliff Meason: If we have a draw, the Blues team & fans will have the home advantage on the return leg, KRO.
James Smith: But, are Birmingham City running away day coach travel to this fixture??
Becky Handley: happy with that!
Alex Turton: Common sense prevails!!
@chrisjfrev: Dont quite understand why we’re not getting the whole of the Gill Merrick lower stand?
@ESONEULB: #CCFC won’t sell out the Kop and Tilton. #BCFC
@AlrightMySon: That’s about 12k each?
@Ethan_BCFC: Give the people who went to Blackburn first go at tickets.
@ben_hancocks: How can you charge that lol
@pkirwanbcfc: Bottled the away section of the GM
@connorbluesbcfc: Largest away attendance ever seen at St. Andrews
The Tilton Road End, normally the stronghold of St Andrew’s, remains reserved for Coventry City but depends on the number of tickets they sell for the Kop first. It is all-ticket.
Coventry’s average attendance at St Andrew’s over their 13 League One ‘home’ matches, is 6,219.
However, only 2,693 watched the 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers - less than the 2,878 which saw them draw with Ipswich at St Andrew’s in December.
Blues’ average attendance so far this term is 20,313, although their third round FA Cup win over Blackburn attracted only 7,330.