birminghammail--2020-08-15--Every word Xuandong Ren said about Blues 'mistakes', finances & Aitor Karanka

While the attention yesterday focused on Aitor Karanka - the new Birmingham City head coach , current CEO Xuandong Ren used his time in the press conference to front up to some of his own errors and set the tone for the upcoming campaign .
Ren has been at the forefront of Blues - and the criticism they have received over the past few season .
There has been little on-pitch success to show for his time at the club - and plenty of friction with the EFL .
However , Ren , once more , has faced up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and with the appointment of Karanka has acknowledge it is time to learn .
Here 's all that the Blues CEO had to say ... Obviously there has been financial issues here in the past , you 'll be aware of the problems - what reassurances have you given to the new manager about the state of the club now and the future going forwards .
Normally we do this [ new manager announcements ] every 12 months or less , but I 'm pretty certain - no , I 'm very confident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you again very soon .
I would n't call that financial issues , you know , we made many mistakes before in one hard summer that took us three years to recover from .
And I think we were okay .
Look at the last decade .
It ’ s been mental .
I ’ m looking forward to the new season .
The biggest mistake we made was the financial stability , never jeopardise it .
Never risk it .
It wasn ’ t easy , but we recovered .
Referring back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of money does that shape how transfers will look this summer , do you plan to be more sensible ?
Well I think it 's well documented that we had two significant sales [ Jude Bellingham & Che Adams ] in the last two windows .
So I 'll be lying to say if we have n't got anything in the chest .
And by the way , thanks Jude , in case you 're watching !
We will do what Aitor thinks is reasonable and he will have our backing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money from Jude Bellingham sale go into the transfer kitty ?
It 's definitely not the time and place to discuss what the transfer budget will be like .
Aitor will be having all of our backing .
The most important thing is that with this appointment , Aitor will have the time and authority to build and lead this football club going forward .
From the first phone call , I called him and said ' I 'm not looking for someone to work for me , or for the club , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who can take this football club forward ' .
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here How hard was it to see Jude Bellingham leave the club and what about the decision to retire his shirt number as well ?
I certainly saw some of the reactions - and people were arguing and saying 'only four goals for a club like this and you retire his shirt ? '
Look - first of all it was n't a retirement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He 's a Birmingham boy , he 's Birmingham City 's boy .
In two or three years time when we are in the Champions League Aitor might want him back .
That 's more like it .
In football , if someone turns down millions - not in your bank account - and tries to look after the club .
If someone makes that kind of decision , then we talk about if we did the right thing or not by retiring the shirt .
Aitor 's got the time , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the club ?
I think he 's the one of the most - if not the most - humble person with a Champions League medal and promotion record .
He 's very down to earth .
He does n't talk much , but when he talks - you listen .
The more we get to know each other the more confident I am .
If I did n't get him this time man , I 'd go and get him again .
How big a blow would it be for Blues for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this ground ?
I think it 's massive and the impact on not just on football , but on many other industries or businesses as well .
Of course football without our fans is a completely different thing .
And I felt that during the last nine games .
It was horrendous for us and I wish we never came back from lockdown to play those nine games but that 's how much impact the fans can make to our lads , so we ca n't wait for them to come back but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why were you so determined to bring Aitor in ?
It 's not the first time .
Well , I think , in football .
In general , you get what you deserve .
It was the correct decision when he turned us down before , and that tells you why he chose us this time .
He 's got everything .
I think .
Otherwise I would n't have gone there again .
This time ?
If we did n't get him in , I 'd have gone back .
Will he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we will be more than that !
Like I said , I was looking for a partner .
Every decision about this football club will be made together .
Teamwork is n't just for the football pitch , it starts with me and Aitor .
That will run down through the club .
What happens when the honeymoon ends ?
I think it 's one of the most important relationships in a football club , because there , there will be a lot of decisions to be made , tough decisions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And then we have to work together closely .
You seem quite excited ?
Oh my god , of course I am !
We have n't won since , what , February ?
Of course I 'm excited .
I ca n't wait , let the league start tomorrow !
It 's a short preseason , I do n't mind .
Aitor has got three years .
I 'm not too bothered about three weeks preseason !
How do you feel about your relationship with the fans ?
I love them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the recent past , but our fans have absolutely every right to do everything they want .
I love them to bits .

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While the attention yesterday focused on Aitor Karanka - the new Birmingham City head coach, current CEO Xuandong Ren used his time in the press conference to front up to some of his own errors and set the tone for the upcoming campaign.
Ren has been at the forefront of Blues - and the criticism they have received over the past few season. There has been little on-pitch success to show for his time at the club - and plenty of friction with the EFL.
However, Ren, once more, has faced up to the mistakes of seasons gone by, and with the appointment of Karanka has acknowledge it is time to learn.
Here's all that the Blues CEO had to say...
Obviously there has been financial issues here in the past, you'll be aware of the problems - what reassurances have you given to the new manager about the state of the club now and the future going forwards.
Normally we do this [new manager announcements] every 12 months or less, but I'm pretty certain - no, I'm very confident - that I won't be seeing you again very soon.
I wouldn't call that financial issues, you know, we made many mistakes before in one hard summer that took us three years to recover from. And I think we were okay.
Referring back to that summer when you did spend a lot of money does that shape how transfers will look this summer, do you plan to be more sensible?
Well I think it's well documented that we had two significant sales [Jude Bellingham & Che Adams] in the last two windows. So I'll be lying to say if we haven't got anything in the chest. And by the way, thanks Jude, in case you're watching!
We will do what Aitor thinks is reasonable and he will have our backing for sure.
Does all of that money from Jude Bellingham sale go into the transfer kitty?
It's definitely not the time and place to discuss what the transfer budget will be like. Aitor will be having all of our backing.
The most important thing is that with this appointment, Aitor will have the time and authority to build and lead this football club going forward.
From the first phone call, I called him and said 'I'm not looking for someone to work for me, or for the club, I'm looking for a proper partner who can take this football club forward'.
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
(Image: Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images)
How hard was it to see Jude Bellingham leave the club and what about the decision to retire his shirt number as well?
I certainly saw some of the reactions - and people were arguing and saying 'only four goals for a club like this and you retire his shirt?'
Look - first of all it wasn't a retirement. Reserve is more like it. He's a Birmingham boy, he's Birmingham City's boy. In two or three years time when we are in the Champions League Aitor might want him back. That's more like it.
In football, if someone turns down millions - not in your bank account - and tries to look after the club. If someone makes that kind of decision, then we talk about if we did the right thing or not by retiring the shirt.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Champions League the target?
Aitor's got the time, you know?
What does Aitor Karanka bring to the club?
I think he's the one of the most - if not the most - humble person with a Champions League medal and promotion record. He's very down to earth. He doesn't talk much, but when he talks - you listen. The more we get to know each other the more confident I am. If I didn't get him this time man, I'd go and get him again.
How big a blow would it be for Blues for supporters not to be allowed back into this ground?
I think it's massive and the impact on not just on football, but on many other industries or businesses as well. Of course football without our fans is a completely different thing. And I felt that during the last nine games.
It was horrendous for us and I wish we never came back from lockdown to play those nine games but that's how much impact the fans can make to our lads, so we can't wait for them to come back but of course make sure safety first,
Why were you so determined to bring Aitor in? It's not the first time.
Well, I think, in football. In general, you get what you deserve. It was the correct decision when he turned us down before, and that tells you why he chose us this time.
He's got everything. I think. Otherwise I wouldn't have gone there again.
This time? If we didn't get him in, I'd have gone back.
Will he have overall responsibility for deals?
No, we will be more than that! Like I said, I was looking for a partner. Every decision about this football club will be made together. Teamwork isn't just for the football pitch, it starts with me and Aitor. That will run down through the club.
What happens when the honeymoon ends?
I think it's one of the most important relationships in a football club, because there, there will be a lot of decisions to be made, tough decisions, in order to make the right ones. And then we have to work together closely.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
You seem quite excited?
Oh my god, of course I am! We haven't won since, what, February? Of course I'm excited. I can't wait, let the league start tomorrow!
It's a short preseason, I don't mind. Aitor has got three years. I'm not too bothered about three weeks preseason!
How do you feel about your relationship with the fans?
I love them. I know there have been some instances in the recent past, but our fans have absolutely every right to do everything they want. I love them to bits.


birminghammail--2020-08-15--Aston Villa transfers live - Rashica, Benrahma, Grealish latest

Hello and welcome to Saturday 's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive .
We will be keeping you informed on all the key developments across today as Villa 's transfer window gathers pace and the new season draws closer .
We will be adding all the latest Villa news , views and rumours to our live blog throughout the day , with new signings and transfers continually linked to the club .
This week , Werder Bremen wing wizard Milot Rashica - valued at £20 million-plus - has been the name on everybody 's lips after his agent revealed 'advanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa .
Elsewhere , Brentford duo Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma are top targets for Villa following the Bees ' play-off final defeat to Fulham - so we will be keeping a close eye on the situation concerning those two , particularly with the situation seemingly developing on the latter .
There will be plenty on the likes of Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard and Bournemouth frontman Callum Wilson too , while Manchester United 's interest in £80 million-valued Jack Grealish has significantly cooled .
So stay with us for today 's blog , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back for all the latest Villa transfer news and opinion .

Hello and welcome to LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive on Wednesday, September 9.
We will be keeping you informed on all the key developments across today as Villa's transfer window gathers pace and the new season draws closer.
We will be adding all the latest Villa news, views and rumours to our live blog throughout the day, with new signings and transfers continually linked to the club.
Matty Cash arrived from Nottingham Forest to become the club's first senior signing of the window and Brentford striker Ollie Watkins completed his £28m switch to Villa Park on Wednesday.
Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has also been touted for a move with Dean Smith keen to add cover given Tom Heaton's long lay-off.
So stay with us for today's transfer blog and be sure to check back for all the latest Villa transfer news and opinion.


birminghammail--2020-08-15--Confirmed: Back-up stopper Will Norris leaves Wolves for Burnley

Wolves have let back-up goalkeeper Will Norris join Premier League rivals Burnley on a three-year deal The 27-year-old made just two league appearances in old gold , one during the 2017-18 promotion campaign and another coming on for Rui Patricio on the latter stages of Wolves ' 1-0 Premier League victory over Fulham in May 2019 .
Norris , meanwhile , was snapped up from Cambridge United back in 2017 while , that same year after joining , Norris excelled in cup competitions and kept five clean sheets in six appearances during FA Cup games and a run to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's playing time was limited following the arrival of Patricio while , last season , Norris played 15 games out on-loan at Ipswich Town in League One .
Norris has now joined Burnley to link up with the likes of Nick Pope following Wolves ' free transfer signing of ex-Aston Villa goalkeeper Matija Sarkic last month .
In a departing message to Wolves supporters , Norris said : `` Thank you to all the people that made me so welcome over the last few years .
Club 's only going in one direction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the lads and fans , they deserve it .
All the very best . ''

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Wolves have let back-up goalkeeper Will Norris join Premier League rivals Burnley on a three-year deal
The 27-year-old made just two league appearances in old gold, one during the 2017-18 promotion campaign and another coming on for Rui Patricio on the latter stages of Wolves' 1-0 Premier League victory over Fulham in May 2019.
Norris, meanwhile, was snapped up from Cambridge United back in 2017 while, that same year after joining, Norris excelled in cup competitions and kept five clean sheets in six appearances during FA Cup games and a run to the League Cup fourth round.
The stopper's playing time was limited following the arrival of Patricio while, last season, Norris played 15 games out on-loan at Ipswich Town in League One.
Norris has now joined Burnley to link up with the likes of Nick Pope following Wolves' free transfer signing of ex-Aston Villa goalkeeper Matija Sarkic last month.
In a departing message to Wolves supporters, Norris said: "Thank you to all the people that made me so welcome over the last few years. Club's only going in one direction and I couldn’t be happier for the lads and fans, they deserve it. All the very best."


birminghammail--2020-08-15--Birmingham City to play Leicester in behind-closed-doors friendly

Birmingham City are set to host Leicester City in a behind-closed-doors friendly at their Wast Hills training complex .
Aitor Karanka was officially unveiled at St Andrew 's on Friday and discussed a number of topics from transfers , being together and building a better Blues .
The Spaniard has already used his extensive links and has booked in a friendly against Jose Mourinho 's Tottenham on Saturday , August 29 ( kick-off 3pm ) in north London .
Karanka , 46 , got down to work this week and took training for the first time as he gets used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City .
The new head coach - who signed a three-year deal - was asked about his playing style , and said : `` I say always that I am Spanish , and I like to play nice , nice football .
I have experience here , but it should be a mix of styles .
`` We should have a balanced squad , a balanced team on the pitch , knowing what to do when they have , or do not have the ball .
They must always be organised and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will see - is that the players will fight 150 % of the time for this club . ''
He added : `` We do have enough players already .
We have 20 players at the training sessions .
We ca n't rush and we do n't have a long time .
We ca n't make moves we will regret , in that they are n't the players we really want .
`` We are not going to hurry , we will bring in players who want to be here .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hear that we are n't going to bring in the best players in the world .
The crowd will be proud of the players who perform for the club . ''
A date for the fixture with Brendan Rodgers ' Leicester City scheduled at Wast Hills has not yet been announced .
Birmingham City 's Championship campaign gets underway in four weeks ( September 12 ) , with fixtures released next Friday ( August 21 ) .

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Birmingham City are set to host Leicester City in a behind-closed-doors friendly at their Wast Hills training complex.
Aitor Karanka was officially unveiled at St Andrew's on Friday and discussed a number of topics from transfers, being together and building a better Blues.
The Spaniard has already used his extensive links and has booked in a friendly against Jose Mourinho's Tottenham on Saturday, August 29 (kick-off 3pm) in north London.
(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Karanka, 46, got down to work this week and took training for the first time as he gets used to his new surroundings in the Second City.
The new head coach - who signed a three-year deal - was asked about his playing style, and said: "I say always that I am Spanish, and I like to play nice, nice football. I have experience here, but it should be a mix of styles.
"We should have a balanced squad, a balanced team on the pitch, knowing what to do when they have, or do not have the ball. They must always be organised and one thing that the crowd will feel - and will see - is that the players will fight 150% of the time for this club."
He added: "We do have enough players already. We have 20 players at the training sessions. We can't rush and we don't have a long time. We can't make moves we will regret, in that they aren't the players we really want.
"We are not going to hurry, we will bring in players who want to be here. I know it's hard for the fans to hear that we aren't going to bring in the best players in the world. The crowd will be proud of the players who perform for the club."
A date for the fixture with Brendan Rodgers' Leicester City scheduled at Wast Hills has not yet been announced. Birmingham City's Championship campaign gets underway in four weeks (September 12), with fixtures released next Friday (August 21).


birminghammail--2020-08-15--Goalkeeper Ivo Grbic snubs West Brom in favour of Atletico Madrid

Slaven Bilic has reportedly been snubbed by Croatian goalkeeper Ivo Grbic who 's set to join Spanish giants Atletico Madrid .
A report in Marca outlines that the 24-year-old turned down an approach from West Bromwich Albion in order to join Atletico in La Liga .
The NK Lokomitova stopper made 11 clean sheets last term while his links with Bilic stems from Grbic 's involvement with Croatia 's youth-teams having represented his country from under-15s right through to the under-21s .
Bilic would have seen Grbic - who 'd have cost around £5 million - as real competition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Albion goal .
The Albion boss was hopeful of landing the 6ft 4in goalkeeper but , instead , Grbic has opted to join the Spanish side who boast one of the best goalkeepers in the world currently , Jan Oblak .
The report in Marca added how Grbic is “ well thought of by the Atletico hierarchy after his displays in the Croatian top flight for Lokomotiva ” .
Back to Albion and Bilic remains hopeful of tying up deals for promotion heroes Filip Krovinović and Grady Diangana , while official confirmation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sporting Lisbon is expected in the coming days .

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Slaven Bilic has reportedly been snubbed by Croatian goalkeeper Ivo Grbic who's set to join Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.
A report in Marca outlines that the 24-year-old turned down an approach from West Bromwich Albion in order to join Atletico in La Liga.
The NK Lokomitova stopper made 11 clean sheets last term while his links with Bilic stems from Grbic's involvement with Croatia's youth-teams having represented his country from under-15s right through to the under-21s.
Bilic would have seen Grbic - who'd have cost around £5 million - as real competition to push current No.1 Sam Johnstone in the Albion goal.
The Albion boss was hopeful of landing the 6ft 4in goalkeeper but, instead, Grbic has opted to join the Spanish side who boast one of the best goalkeepers in the world currently, Jan Oblak.
The report in Marca added how Grbic is “well thought of by the Atletico hierarchy after his displays in the Croatian top flight for Lokomotiva”.
Back to Albion and Bilic remains hopeful of tying up deals for promotion heroes Filip Krovinović and Grady Diangana, while official confirmation of Matheus Pereira's £9 million switch from Sporting Lisbon is expected in the coming days.


birminghammail--2020-08-15--Everything Karanka said about the Birmingham City job, transfers & Dong

Aitor Karanka met the press yesterday during his first duties as Birmingham City boss .
It was a chance to ask some big questions , and get some answers for Blues fans who have been waiting all year for something in the way of positivity .
The new head coach discussed the situation that led to his hiring , the transfer situation of the club , and his aims ahead of the upcoming season .
Formerly of Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest , Karanka arrives at Birmingham City with plenty of experience - and has a promotion on his record , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things first though - there 's a short turnaround until the new season , and Blues must stabilise - and act quickly in the transfer window .
Here 's everything the Blues gaffer had to say ... You 've taken some time out of the game , waiting for the right opportunity .
What made Birmingham , the right opportunity for you ?
As I said yesterday , thanks to Dong Ren for giving me this opportunity .
Since the first conversation with him I knew that my time spent at home had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passion .
I felt that I was waiting for that passion after 18 months - I knew that I should choose the right job .
I had other offers but no one convinced me as fast as this one .
Since the first conversation with Dong , I was convinced .
I took that to my family , and they could see the look on my face .
We have met in the past , and I said 'Okay , let 's see what happens . '
I did n't speak , just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a busy summer , you need to rebuild the side - how many signings are you looking to make to replace Jude Bellingham , and crucially how much money will you have to spend ?
I 'm sure that you 'd like to hear that .
We 've spoken briefly about players , because I think we need to settle in first .
We know what we want for the present , and for the future .
We need to be really , really sure that the players who are coming here - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That they know the project .
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here We 're going to sign players as we have big names that need to be replaced .
We know we have good players here - I need to get to know them first , then we will bring in the players who really do want to join up with us .
You have got experience in this league with a couple of clubs - and were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same ambition here ?
Can you look that far ahead ?
I 'm not going to make the mistake that I made when I arrived in Middlesbrough .
I said in my first press conference that I was there to get promotion .
We then got to the play-off final and lost .
To lose the final makes a good season a failure .
We are going to work hard to be as high as possible .
I know the crowd is desperate to reach those positions , but it will take time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we expect to see from your side this season ?
I say always that I am Spanish , and I like to play nice , nice football .
I have experience here , but it should be a mix of styles .
We should have a balanced squad , a balanced team on the pitch , knowing what to do when they have , or do not have the ball .
They must always be organised and one thing that the crowd will feel - and will see - is that the players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this club .
How do you reach that balance ?
I think it 's really important in this league , to have the balance .
We did n't at Middlesbrough .
When we arrived the club was more or less in the same situation , They were not at the bottom of the table , but the middle .
Then we needed to establish a system and build for the following seasons .
The first season , we achieved what we wanted to .
We performed well .
Here is more or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build and bring in the right players .
With Dong we have ideas , with me we have ideas .
We need the right players .
Do they want to come here because it 's a big club ?
No .
Because it 's a big city ?
No .
Because there 's a contract ?
No .
We want them to come here wanting to play for us .
What did you need to hear from this club to decide that it was the right move .
Firstly , the passion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think for me it 's key when someone recognises mistakes and wants to improve .
Then Dong told me he recognised his mistakes in the club , and that he wanted to change them .
Do you have your backroom staff sorted yet ?
We have , but it will be announced soon .
You 'll be reunited with Jose Mourinho soon in a friendly match - maybe tap him up for a few players ?
Let 's see .
He called me to give me his encouragement when I signed here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play against each other .
When he was at Chelsea , we could take good loans from them .
He 's got a few good players who could come , or not .
He will be looking at Tottenham , I will be looking at Birmingham .
Will you be looking for gems that you 'll be able to improve and bring through ?
Yes , I 'm surprised because we have 20-22 players and a few of them are from the academy and training well .
If you do n't know them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the first-team squad .
Let 's see when we play Tottenham - I 'm really pleased with the training sessions .
Blues have had five head coaches in the last three and a half years , surely that must really concern you coming into this job ?
No .
I trust myself .
I trust the man who called me .
If I am the sixth , I will have not have done my job properly .
I am here because we 've had a few conversations and we have the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , every day .
The aim is the same .
I do n't want to say I do n't care about the other managers - but we 're in the now .
I came here for the long term .
I 'm full of confidence and full of energy .
Football changes quickly , but every single decision in this club will be taken for the best .
Can you get the players in to strengthen with just three weeks before the league begins ?
We do have enough players already .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We ca n't rush and we do n't have a long time .
We ca n't make moves we will regret , in that they are n't the players we really want .
We are not going to hurry , we will bring in players who want to be here .
I know it 's hard for the fans to hear that we are n't going to bring in the best players in the world .
The crowd will be proud of the players who perform for the club .
Are you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - 18 months out .
I was n't desperate .
I 'm not a crazy manager or coach who can not enjoy being at home .
I enjoy it a lot , being with my family and with my friends .
but I am the kind of coach who , when I am out of the game I am trying to learn from my mistakes , to learn from other things , and to enjoy the time away as I know when I start a job , it 'll be 24/7 365 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring to Birmingham City ?
Passion .
I think when you are in your job with passion it is easier to convince people .
I 'm going to put players out there because I think those players are the best for the game .
It 's up to those players to show me that they are the players who want to play games for this club .
The way we are organising training sessions , the way we are doing everything is better , though we 've only been here a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has to keep going .
Dong said working together and that 's the only way to go - together .
That does n't just mean the CEO and the coach , it means the staff and the players .
The fans are desperate for some success , even to be challenging for promotion , do you buy into that ?
They are .
I 've been successful in my life a few times but I am still desperate to be successful again , because when you want to win something when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work hard .
I said the word said publicly yesterday as I said today and I would say , I do n't know how many times .
The only thing that I can promise is that the crowd will go home thinking or feeling that the team on the pitch represent them and will give everything .
How important is the relationship between you and the chief executive ?
Really important .
It 's a honeymoon right now and we have our views , and will have our fights for sure because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for everybody , I argue with my wife , my son and my daughter .
If you argue it 's because you want the best .
What needs to change at Blues ?
I do n't take the last few games as reference .
There were no people in the stadium and the team - you could feel in the body language - they were playing almost for nothing .
For me , there is not going to be a game like that .
The players will always be playing for something .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowd , or the badge .
There is always something to play for .

Aitor Karanka met the press yesterday during his first duties as Birmingham City boss.
It was a chance to ask some big questions, and get some answers for Blues fans who have been waiting all year for something in the way of positivity.
The new head coach discussed the situation that led to his hiring, the transfer situation of the club, and his aims ahead of the upcoming season.
Formerly of Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest, Karanka arrives at Birmingham City with plenty of experience - and has a promotion on his record, which will certainly encourage fans.
First things first though - there's a short turnaround until the new season, and Blues must stabilise - and act quickly in the transfer window.
Here's everything the Blues gaffer had to say...
You've taken some time out of the game, waiting for the right opportunity. What made Birmingham, the right opportunity for you?
As I said yesterday, thanks to Dong Ren for giving me this opportunity. Since the first conversation with him I knew that my time spent at home had finished. He convinced me of his passion. I felt that I was waiting for that passion after 18 months - I knew that I should choose the right job.
I had other offers but no one convinced me as fast as this one. Since the first conversation with Dong, I was convinced. I took that to my family, and they could see the look on my face.
We have met in the past, and I said 'Okay, let's see what happens.' I didn't speak, just listened.
You're going to have a busy summer, you need to rebuild the side - how many signings are you looking to make to replace Jude Bellingham, and crucially how much money will you have to spend?
I'm sure that you'd like to hear that. We've spoken briefly about players, because I think we need to settle in first. We know what we want for the present, and for the future. We need to be really, really sure that the players who are coming here - that they want to be here. That they know the project.
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We're going to sign players as we have big names that need to be replaced. We know we have good players here - I need to get to know them first, then we will bring in the players who really do want to join up with us.
You have got experience in this league with a couple of clubs - and were promoted with Middlesbrough Can you have that same ambition here? Can you look that far ahead?
I'm not going to make the mistake that I made when I arrived in Middlesbrough. I said in my first press conference that I was there to get promotion. We then got to the play-off final and lost. To lose the final makes a good season a failure.
We are going to work hard to be as high as possible. I know the crowd is desperate to reach those positions, but it will take time.
What kind of playing style can we expect to see from your side this season?
I say always that I am Spanish, and I like to play nice, nice football. I have experience here, but it should be a mix of styles. We should have a balanced squad, a balanced team on the pitch, knowing what to do when they have, or do not have the ball. They must always be organised and one thing that the crowd will feel - and will see - is that the players will fight 150% of the time for this club.
How do you reach that balance?
I think it's really important in this league, to have the balance. We didn't at Middlesbrough. When we arrived the club was more or less in the same situation, They were not at the bottom of the table, but the middle. Then we needed to establish a system and build for the following seasons.
The first season, we achieved what we wanted to. We performed well.
Here is more or less the same. We need to build and bring in the right players. With Dong we have ideas, with me we have ideas. We need the right players. Do they want to come here because it's a big club? No. Because it's a big city? No. Because there's a contract? No. We want them to come here wanting to play for us.
What did you need to hear from this club to decide that it was the right move.
Firstly, the passion. Then, Dong recognised his mistakes. I think for me it's key when someone recognises mistakes and wants to improve. Then Dong told me he recognised his mistakes in the club, and that he wanted to change them.
Do you have your backroom staff sorted yet?
We have, but it will be announced soon.
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You'll be reunited with Jose Mourinho soon in a friendly match - maybe tap him up for a few players?
Let's see. He called me to give me his encouragement when I signed here. We spoke about how we'll play against each other. When he was at Chelsea, we could take good loans from them. He's got a few good players who could come, or not. He will be looking at Tottenham, I will be looking at Birmingham.
Will you be looking for gems that you'll be able to improve and bring through?
Yes, I'm surprised because we have 20-22 players and a few of them are from the academy and training well. If you don't know them, they are in the academy and around the first-team squad.
Let's see when we play Tottenham - I'm really pleased with the training sessions.
Blues have had five head coaches in the last three and a half years, surely that must really concern you coming into this job?
No. I trust myself. I trust the man who called me. If I am the sixth, I will have not have done my job properly. I am here because we've had a few conversations and we have the same aim. We know each other better, every day. The aim is the same. I don't want to say I don't care about the other managers - but we're in the now. I came here for the long term.
I'm full of confidence and full of energy. Football changes quickly, but every single decision in this club will be taken for the best.
Can you get the players in to strengthen with just three weeks before the league begins?
We do have enough players already. We have 20 players at the training sessions. We can't rush and we don't have a long time. We can't make moves we will regret, in that they aren't the players we really want.
We are not going to hurry, we will bring in players who want to be here. I know it's hard for the fans to hear that we aren't going to bring in the best players in the world. The crowd will be proud of the players who perform for the club.
Are you looking forward to the challenge?
Yes - 18 months out. I wasn't desperate. I'm not a crazy manager or coach who cannot enjoy being at home. I enjoy it a lot, being with my family and with my friends.
but I am the kind of coach who, when I am out of the game I am trying to learn from my mistakes, to learn from other things, and to enjoy the time away as I know when I start a job, it'll be 24/7 365 days a year.
What are you going to bring to Birmingham City?
Passion. I think when you are in your job with passion it is easier to convince people. I'm going to put players out there because I think those players are the best for the game. It's up to those players to show me that they are the players who want to play games for this club.
The way we are organising training sessions, the way we are doing everything is better, though we've only been here a few weeks. I started last Monday and that has to keep going. Dong said working together and that's the only way to go - together. That doesn't just mean the CEO and the coach, it means the staff and the players.
(Image: Tim Goode/PA Wire.)
The fans are desperate for some success, even to be challenging for promotion, do you buy into that?
They are. I've been successful in my life a few times but I am still desperate to be successful again, because when you want to win something when you want to be successful, you need to work hard.
I said the word said publicly yesterday as I said today and I would say, I don't know how many times. The only thing that I can promise is that the crowd will go home thinking or feeling that the team on the pitch represent them and will give everything.
How important is the relationship between you and the chief executive?
Really important. It's a honeymoon right now and we have our views, and will have our fights for sure because it is football. It's good for everybody, I argue with my wife, my son and my daughter. If you argue it's because you want the best.
What needs to change at Blues?
I don't take the last few games as reference. There were no people in the stadium and the team - you could feel in the body language - they were playing almost for nothing.
For me, there is not going to be a game like that. The players will always be playing for something. Three points, or applause from the crowd, or the badge. There is always something to play for.


birminghammail--2020-08-15--All the cleanest Chinese takeaways in Birmingham with a top food hygiene rating

Takeaway food has been a much-needed , tasty treat during lockdown when we needed an easy pick-me-up after being cooped up indoors for weeks .
There 's only so many hours of sensible batch-cooking you can do before wanting to put your feet up and let someone else serve up a hot meal .
Thankfully , takeaways have been allowed to stay open during the Government 's lockdown restrictions , as long as they could operate with social distancing .
It means all orders have to be taken online or by phone , with food provided by contactless delivery or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants set up a takeaway service so they could keep trading , and many takeaways had to hurriedly get themselves listed on delivery apps or quickly set up their own websites , so that online ordering and contactless payment was possible .
And with Birmingham having nearly 9,000 businesses serving , handling or selling food , there is plenty of choice .
That staggering total includes 1,180 takeaways and sandwich bars of which 290 have the top hygiene rating of five .
The food on offer includes Chinese , Indian , Caribbean , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and fish and chips .
In this updated list , we have taken a look at all the Chinese takeaways that are currently listed with a top rating of five .
The data was obtained by sorting through all the takeaway listings on the Food Standards Agency website on Friday , August 14 , 2020 .
To help you find the nearest in your part of the city , the takeaways have all been listed below by area , with the date of the most recent inspection included .
The list does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takeaway service .
At an unannounced inspection , an environment officer from Birmingham City Council will visit and check : • how hygienically the food is handled – how it is prepared , cooked , re-heated , cooled and stored • the condition of the structure of the buildings – the cleanliness , layout , lighting , ventilation and other facilities • how the business manages what it does to make sure food is safe and so that the officer can be confident standards will be maintained in the future WHAT THE RATINGS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Food Standards Agency website and correct as of August 14 , 2020 .
Please note that some premises listed by the FSA and appearing in this list may have since rebranded , moved or closed .
Food hygiene inspections are carried out throughout the year and are subject to change .

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Takeaway food has been a much-needed, tasty treat during lockdown when we needed an easy pick-me-up after being cooped up indoors for weeks.
There's only so many hours of sensible batch-cooking you can do before wanting to put your feet up and let someone else serve up a hot meal.
Thankfully, takeaways have been allowed to stay open during the Government's lockdown restrictions, as long as they could operate with social distancing.
It means all orders have to be taken online or by phone, with food provided by contactless delivery or at a designated collection time.
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Many restaurants set up a takeaway service so they could keep trading, and many takeaways had to hurriedly get themselves listed on delivery apps or quickly set up their own websites, so that online ordering and contactless payment was possible.
And with Birmingham having nearly 9,000 businesses serving, handling or selling food, there is plenty of choice.
That staggering total includes 1,180 takeaways and sandwich bars of which 290 have the top hygiene rating of five. The food on offer includes Chinese, Indian, Caribbean, kebabs, chicken, burgers, pizza, and fish and chips.
In this updated list, we have taken a look at all the Chinese takeaways that are currently listed with a top rating of five.
The data was obtained by sorting through all the takeaway listings on the Food Standards Agency website on Friday, August 14, 2020.
To help you find the nearest in your part of the city, the takeaways have all been listed below by area, with the date of the most recent inspection included. The list doesn't include restaurants that also offer a takeaway service.
Acocks Green
Dragon i
1167 Warwick Road Acocks Green Birmingham B27 6RG
30 July 2019
King Man House
15 Shirley Road Acocks Green Birmingham B27 7XU
24 January 2018
Silver Star
219 Gospel Lane Birmingham B27 7AX
20 February 2018
Summer Town Takeaway
44 Oakhurst Road Acocks Green Birmingham B27 7PH
12 March 2018
Balsall Heath
Oodles Chinese
Ladypool Road Birmingham B12 8LB
21 May 2019
Bartley Green
Valley Spice
12 Illeybrook Square Birmingham B32 3DD
19 June 2019
Castle Bromwich
Happy Garden Takeaway
108 Thistledown Road Birmingham B34 7EF
30 November 2017
Erdington
Chop & Wok
4 York Road Erdington Birmingham B23 6TE
25 March 2019
Simple Chinese
46 Marsh Lane Birmingham B23 6NX
07 February 2018
Hall Green
Chop and Wok
156 Highfield Road Hall Green Birmingham B28 0HT
27 February 2020
Emperor Chinese Takeaway
5 Solihull Lane Birmingham Hall Green B28 9LS
12 March 2020
Hen KO!
1545 Stratford Road Hall Green Birmingham B28 9JA
03 February 2020
The Welcome
144 Priory Road Birmingham B28 0TB
25 March 2019
Handsworth
Hong Kong Takeaway
289 Rookery Road Handsworth Birmingham B21 9PT
08 March 2018
Minhs Chinese Takeaway
26 College Road Handsworth Birmingham B20 2HX
22 May 2019
Harborne
Court Oak Garden
1-3 Balden Road Birmingham B32 2EJ
17 December 2018
Golden Castle
313 Harborne Lane Harborne Birmingham B17 0NT
19 August 2019
Kings Norton
Fortune House
135 Vardon Way Birmingham B38 8XH
02 December 2019
Kingstanding
Best Choice Takeaway
87 Bandywood Road Birmingham B44 9LT
05 March 2019
Cook King Chinese Takeaway
11 Kettlehouse Road Birmingham B44 9JH
26 February 2019
Golden Boat
311 Kingstanding Road Birmingham B44 9TH
11 July 2019
Kitts Green
Sungai Wang
297 Kitts Green Road Birmingham B33 0EH
29 August 2019
Ladywood
I-Krave
Broadway Plaza 14 Francis Road Ladywood Birmingham B16 8SU 27 January 2020
Northfield
Lotus Blossom
1279 Bristol Road South Northfield Birmingham B31 2SP
19 August 2019
Perry Barr
Happy House Chinese Takeaway
160 Elmbridge Road Birmingham B44 8AE
31 January 2018
Shanghai Express
390 Walsall Road Perry Barr Birmingham B42 2LX
08 August 2018
The Chive
One Stop shopping centre (Market Village) Unit-28 Birmingham B42 1AA
31 October 2018
Selly Oak
Chop And Wok
854 Bristol Road Selly Oak Birmingham B29 6HW
18 November 2018
Sheldon
9th Kitchen
397 Sheldon Heath Road Birmingham B26 2UB
28 July 2020
Hong Kong Takeaway
3 The Radleys Sheldon Birmingham B33 0QY
13 March 2018
Small Heath
Acha Chinese Cuisine
7 Heybarnes Road Birmingham B10 9HR
27 January 2019
Chung Shing
404 Coventry Road Birmingham B10 0UF
22 February 2017
Stechford
China Express
25 Kitts Green Road Birmingham B33 9NY
13 February 2020
Oriental Kitchen
146 Station Road Stechford Birmingham B33 8BT
27 February 2018
Stirchley
Golden Palace
1520 Pershore Road Birmingham B30 2NW
13 February 2019
Sutton Coldfield
Hungry Sparrow
294 Clarence Road Sutton Four Oaks Birmingham B74 4LT
14 March 2019
New Moon Chinese Takeaway
65 Birmingham Road Sutton Trinity Birmingham B72 1QF
08 May 2018
Tangs Garden
93 Chester Road Sutton Vesey Birmingham B73 5BA
30 January 2017
Tyburn
Jade Garden
1085 Chester Road Tyburn Birmingham B24 0PP
07 March 2018
Wing Wo Takeaway
40 High Street Tyburn Birmingham B35 7PR
09 January 2017
Ward End
Ling Tung Takeaway
98 Stechford Lane Birmingham B8 2AL
07 March 2018
Yuen Tung Takeaway
672 Washwood Heath Road Birmingham B8 2HQ
07 March 2018
Winson Green
Cantonese Express
160 Dudley Road Birmingham B18 7QX
23 April 2019
Yardley
Peking Wok
8 Stoney Lane Yardley Birmingham B25 8YP
07 February 2018
HOW ARE PLACES ASSESSED?
At an unannounced inspection, an environment officer from Birmingham City Council will visit and check:
how hygienically the food is handled – how it is prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled and stored
the condition of the structure of the buildings – the cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and other facilities
how the business manages what it does to make sure food is safe and so that the officer can be confident standards will be maintained in the future
WHAT THE RATINGS MEAN:
0 - Urgent improvement necessary
1 - Major improvement necessary
2 - Improvement necessary
3 - Generally satisfactory
4 - Good
5 - Very good
All information was taken from the Food Standards Agency website and correct as of August 14, 2020.
Please note that some premises listed by the FSA and appearing in this list may have since rebranded, moved or closed.
Food hygiene inspections are carried out throughout the year and are subject to change.


birminghammail--2020-08-15--Xuandong Ren opens up on 'mental' Blues mistakes and finances

Birmingham City chief executive Dong Ren has put his hand up and admitted he is accountable for some of the club 's struggles over the last three years .
Blues fans have seen the club fighting for survival on the last day of the season for three of the last four seasons , almost falling into League One .
Ren was at the helm to oversee a catastrophic spending spree during the summer transfer window in 2017 which ended in a nine-point deduction after the Blues spectacularly broke the EFL 's profit and sustainability rules .
He has now spoken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at St Andrew 's , describing the situation as 'mental ' .
He was initially flippant but fronted up when quizzed about past mistakes , saying : “ What were the mistakes ?
How much time do we have here ?
” before adding : “ Look , this club has been through a lot .
“ Not just in the past three years .
But in the last decade .
It has been mental .
A lot of things have happened .
It was n't good enough .
It 's as simple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up ?
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Google Play Store and App Store “ Do I include myself in the criticism ?
All day .
I work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if things go wrong .
“ I 'll be the first person to step up and take responsibility .
I 'm still here .
“ It 's been no-one else 's fault .
If something has not been done properly , then that 's my fault .
It 's my job .
So let 's see if I can do a better job now , in the next 12 months , than I have done in the past three years.
” However , Ren did broker a deal with Borussia Dortmund over Jude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit to the tune of £50m , in terms of initial transfer plus sell-on fee , if the teen sensation every moves on from the Bundesliga giants .
But the club remains heavily in debt , owing over £80m to its ' holding company and St Andrew 's has also been sold to an associated company to comply with financial regulations .
Wigan Athletic are under Chinese ownership and were placed in administration in highly unusual circumstances two months ago .
Birmingham are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange .
Given the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been growing about the club 's sustainability .
Having banked over £40m from the sale of Bellingham and Che Adams to Southampton , Birmingham should be well-placed .
Ren confirmed that there are no outstanding issues .
He added : “ I 'm sorry to hear what happened with Wigan .
I feel sorry for them but I do n't know what happened .
“ All I can say is that Aitor and I are n't just the chief executive and manager of this club .
First , we are guardians .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ thoroughly .
“ We have n't done much in the last two or three windows – and there 's been a reason for all of that which has been well-documented .
“ This club is in very good shape .
Not many clubs could have recovered from what happened to us three years ago .
“ There are n't any profit and sustainability issues now .
Not at all .
We do n't owe a single penny to any other club with respect to a transfer fee .
Nothing at all .
”

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Birmingham City chief executive Dong Ren has put his hand up and admitted he is accountable for some of the club's struggles over the last three years.
Blues fans have seen the club fighting for survival on the last day of the season for three of the last four seasons, almost falling into League One.
Ren was at the helm to oversee a catastrophic spending spree during the summer transfer window in 2017 which ended in a nine-point deduction after the Blues spectacularly broke the EFL's profit and sustainability rules.
He has now spoken of his involvement in the turbulent time at St Andrew's, describing the situation as 'mental'.
He was initially flippant but fronted up when quizzed about past mistakes, saying: “What were the mistakes? How much time do we have here?” before adding: “Look, this club has been through a lot.
“Not just in the past three years. But in the last decade. It has been mental. A lot of things have happened. It wasn't good enough. It's as simple as that.
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest news and comment Why should you sign up? In our daily Birmingham City bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
“Do I include myself in the criticism? All day. I work for this club and I'm accountable if things go wrong.
“I'll be the first person to step up and take responsibility. I'm still here.
“It's been no-one else's fault. If something has not been done properly, then that's my fault. It's my job. So let's see if I can do a better job now, in the next 12 months, than I have done in the past three years.”
However, Ren did broker a deal with Borussia Dortmund over Jude Bellingham that could see Birmingham's coffers benefit to the tune of £50m, in terms of initial transfer plus sell-on fee, if the teen sensation every moves on from the Bundesliga giants.
But the club remains heavily in debt, owing over £80m to its' holding company and St Andrew's has also been sold to an associated company to comply with financial regulations.
Wigan Athletic are under Chinese ownership and were placed in administration in highly unusual circumstances two months ago. Birmingham are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Given the debt and past financial problems, fears have been growing about the club's sustainability.
Having banked over £40m from the sale of Bellingham and Che Adams to Southampton, Birmingham should be well-placed. Ren confirmed that there are no outstanding issues.
He added: “I'm sorry to hear what happened with Wigan. I feel sorry for them but I don't know what happened.
“All I can say is that Aitor and I aren't just the chief executive and manager of this club. First, we are guardians. We have to look after this club thoroughly.
“We haven't done much in the last two or three windows – and there's been a reason for all of that which has been well-documented.
“This club is in very good shape. Not many clubs could have recovered from what happened to us three years ago.
“There aren't any profit and sustainability issues now. Not at all. We don't owe a single penny to any other club with respect to a transfer fee. Nothing at all.”


birminghammail--2020-08-15--Despite transfer interest, Marvelous Nakamba will turn down move - report

Despite heavy interest emerging one Aston Villa player will snub a potential move - according to new reports .
Marvelous Nakamba joined Villa just a year ago moving from Club Brugge for a fee of around £10 million - but recent speculation has linked the Zimbabwean midfielder with a move to Turkey , with Super Lig sides Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce named in newspapers as potential destinations .
After emerging as a key player in the early stages of the 19/20 season under Dean Smith , Nakamba soon found himself out of favour and was a rotation option when the Villans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here The defensive midfielder played in just over half of Villa 's Premier League match minutes last season - appearing in 29 of Villa 's 38 top-tier games .
Now , reports from Fotomac ( via Sport Witness ) state that Nakamba is ready to commit himself once more to the Villa cause and turn down interest elsewhere - and a starting role .
Eddie Newton 's Tranzobspor had reportedly identified Nakamba @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either have to bide their time , or look elsewhere to bring in reinforcements after a successful campaign in 19/20 .
Fotomac had reported that the club were preparing a loan bid for the player - looking to replace John Obi Mikel , who is set to seal a move to Stoke City .
The latest reports state that the Turkish club are n't too deterred and will make attempts to convince him to transfer over before submitting a bid .
Villa 's interest in James McCarthy could open up an avenue for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely right now that the club will hold onto the latter .

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Despite heavy interest emerging one Aston Villa player will snub a potential move - according to new reports.
Marvelous Nakamba joined Villa just a year ago moving from Club Brugge for a fee of around £10 million - but recent speculation has linked the Zimbabwean midfielder with a move to Turkey, with Super Lig sides Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce named in newspapers as potential destinations.
After emerging as a key player in the early stages of the 19/20 season under Dean Smith, Nakamba soon found himself out of favour and was a rotation option when the Villans returned from lockdown to finish their season.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
The defensive midfielder played in just over half of Villa's Premier League match minutes last season - appearing in 29 of Villa's 38 top-tier games.
Now, reports from Fotomac ( via Sport Witness ) state that Nakamba is ready to commit himself once more to the Villa cause and turn down interest elsewhere - and a starting role.
Eddie Newton's Tranzobspor had reportedly identified Nakamba as a main target - but will either have to bide their time, or look elsewhere to bring in reinforcements after a successful campaign in 19/20.
Fotomac had reported that the club were preparing a loan bid for the player - looking to replace John Obi Mikel, who is set to seal a move to Stoke City.
The latest reports state that the Turkish club aren't too deterred and will make attempts to convince him to transfer over before submitting a bid.
Villa's interest in James McCarthy could open up an avenue for a Nakamba departure - however it seems likely right now that the club will hold onto the latter.


birminghammail--2020-08-15--Jeff Hendrick 'agrees' Premier League transfer after Villa links

Newcastle United are set to confirm the signing of Jeff Hendrick on a free transfer , according to reports .
Hendrick , who was released by Burnley at the end of the season , had been linked with a move to Aston Villa .
Our sister title ChronicleLive reported earlier this month the 28-year-old had been offered to Villa as well as Newcastle .
Now , he is poised to sign for Steve Bruce 's side having agreed a four-year contract at St James ' Park .
Why should you sign up ?
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll want to .
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It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store The Daily Mail reports Hendrick passed his medical on Saturday with the deal to be announced imminently .
The report adds that newly-promoted Leeds United opted against a move for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ham United held an interest .
Hendrick , who can play across the midfield , has amassed well over 100 appearances in the Premier League , scoring nine goals .
Dean Smith and new sporting director Johan Lange have been given funds to improve the Villa squad after last season 's relegation scare .
Villa finished a point above the drop zone with a draw against West Ham on the final day of the campaign and want to avoid a repeat of a nervous scrap at the bottom .

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It's easy and only takes seconds.
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And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here.
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to.
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birminghammail--2020-08-15--West Brom continue to fight Barcelona for Louie Barry fee

West Bromwich Albion 's long-running battle with Barcelona over payments related to the transfer of Louie Barry to the Catalan giants has taken a new twist - with the Baggies refusing to relent and back down in the saga .
Barry , a one-time Albion academy player , currently plays for Aston Villa 's own academy - after transferring back to England from Barcelona .
That move in itself was a cause of controversy , with Barry moving to Albion 's West Midlands rivals from Barcelona - humbled by an 8-2 defeat last night - without earning a penny themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here According to the Express and Star , Albion have n't received any money from Barcelona either before or after their sale of the player to Villa .
The Baggies could n't stop Barry from moving to Catalonia as he did not sign a professional deal at the club - but Barcelona still owe West Brom £235,000 in compensation fees .
Even without paying up , Barcelona were able to profit quickly by selling Barry to Villa for just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustration of Albion , who have been met with a brick wall despite their multiple requests .
The report states that West Brom believe Barcelona simply think the issue will go away , though Albion are ready to go to court to fight their case .

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West Bromwich Albion's long-running battle with Barcelona over payments related to the transfer of Louie Barry to the Catalan giants has taken a new twist - with the Baggies refusing to relent and back down in the saga.
Barry, a one-time Albion academy player, currently plays for Aston Villa's own academy - after transferring back to England from Barcelona.
That move in itself was a cause of controversy, with Barry moving to Albion's West Midlands rivals from Barcelona - humbled by an 8-2 defeat last night - without earning a penny themselves.
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According to the Express and Star, Albion haven't received any money from Barcelona either before or after their sale of the player to Villa. The Baggies couldn't stop Barry from moving to Catalonia as he did not sign a professional deal at the club - but Barcelona still owe West Brom £235,000 in compensation fees.
Even without paying up, Barcelona were able to profit quickly by selling Barry to Villa for just under £1 million - much to the frustration of Albion, who have been met with a brick wall despite their multiple requests.
The report states that West Brom believe Barcelona simply think the issue will go away, though Albion are ready to go to court to fight their case.
The saga rumbles on.


birminghammail--2020-08-15--Marvelous Nakamba's surprise ranking  should force Smith to rip up transfer plan

In the post-season breakdown of Aston Villa players , Marvelous Nakamba is someone who flies under the radar a little bit - despite his general importance to the team .
He did n't score important goals , he was n't a regular starter post-lockdown , and he was n't involved in many critical moments .
He 's been linked to a few moves away - but do Villa really want to see the back of Nakamba ?
Like a few Villans , he arrived with the backing of an entire nation - with Zimbabwe taking the claret & blue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Villa .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here There were big expectations for Nakamba , but realistically how impressive can a player be if they have a limited role ?
Nakamba 's is to win the ball and play it out - not gain the headlines .
It 's a job he did very well - the former part - according to this collection of defensive data by Breaking The Lines which ranks Nakamba in the top-five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League ( who have played at least 1500 minutes ) behind Declan Rice , Phillip Billing , N'Golo Kante and Wilfred Ndidi .
Was it a bad season for Nakamba then ?
By no means .
The tough-tackling midfielder emerged as an early star during the tough first portion of the season , and even earned a spot on some highlight reels thanks to a crunching challenge in the League Cup final against Manchester City .
He 's rather unique in this Villa side as well .
The early stages of the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performer and crucial to the side .
According to Statsbomb , the Villa had given ' Marvelous Nakamba a thankless job , and he 's doing it admirably ' .
With Dean Smith admittedly going 'gung ho ' - Villa 's defense were exposed and Nakamba flourished in doing his best to fight fires .
Villa did n't always win , or draw , but Nakamba did a good job .
What was that job ?
To sit back and break up play .
It was very clear that the midfielder was doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense and midfield - something which likely made him a focus of opposition analysis briefings .
Any praise of Nakamba is met by with valid criticism - a yin/yang balance .
While Nakamba is good at winning the ball - there are questions about his ability to keep the ball safe - and provide the same support as Douglas Luiz .
That 's clear in comments about his passing .
There are plenty of caveats that we need to place in mind when we consider passing success .
For instance , it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and certain roles , to complete passes as their passing may be less riskier than other positions .
For example , recycling possession by passing sideways to build pressure should in theory be easier , and less of a risk , than trying to angle a through ball in to a rushing attacking player .
More often than not , certain roles - your defensive midfielder - will be attempting much more of the former and perhaps fewer of the latter .
How well did Nakamba perform with his passes , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via Statsbomb are passes of under five yards - so think more of your quick combinations in-and-around the box to fashion a chance in tighter areas , and less of passing back and around the defence .
Villa 's leaders in short passing attempts - Grealish and El Ghazi - lead in high areas of the pitch , and do n't complete a great deal of short passes ( well under half - 37.6 % for Grealish and 26.8 % for El Ghazi ) .
Nakamba and Hourihane lead Villa 's short passing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medium passing is defined as above five yards and up to twenty five yards , so it does cover ( literally ) a lot of ground and is clearly the most common pass type .
When we think of short , medium as defined by FBref does a good job of highlighting what we assumed to be 'short ' passes , as well as a few longer passes .
Nakamba still ranks high here , with 88 % of his passes completed .
He 's not a long passer , but he still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer attempts .
There is n't a titanic difference between Nakamba and three comparable players in terms of passes completed either .
Nakamba 's overall percentage of 84.5 % pass completions compares well enough with Kante 's 85.5 % , Ndid 's 85.9 % and Rice's On average , he 's a good-enough passer .
We can say that due to the crystal-clear numbers .
He may have dropped a few digits if , for example , he had played as much as Luiz , but it 'd be hard to see him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'd still be fine , perhaps not as fine as the eye test demands , but good enough to include in a team due to the upside that his ball-winning abilities bring .
The criticism of Nakamba is n't truly about just his passing , it 's about his passing under pressure - which can be found out .
That 's also a critique of his role itself though - one that perhaps tactically invites opposition pressure due to it 's nature as a holding point of the midfield .
Break Nakamba , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That should perhaps invite conversation that the midfielder 's passing failings are not necessarily down to him , but also down to a tactical success of smart pressure by the opposition .
If Nakamba is the man doing a lot of work , why would you not target him ?
Reflecting back on the Statsbomb analysis above , it was very clear that if you beat Nakamba , you beat Villa .
Of course , a breakdown in passing can occur without pressure as well , and that should n't avoid criticism .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in some situations , when he could 've done better .
Analysis by VenkyReddevil on Breaking the Lines shows that Nakamba is much in the same boat as Wilfred Ndidi and Declan Rice in terms of both his defensive strengths and weaknesses .
They could all do with being more protective of the ball while passing under pressure .
There are situations where Nakamba should be utilised and those should be games were Villa do not expect to have the ball .
While Douglas Luiz is certainly gifted , he is an asset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marvelous is the opposite side of the coin .
He is an asset without the ball .
There is room for them both , but perhaps more so for Luiz .
If a plan exists to bring in James McCarthy on a transfer from Crystal Palace , then experience will be added to the team , and another ball-winner .
If the Palace midfielder comes in to free up Nakamba for a move , though , that transfer plan should be ripped up .
Nakamba has a clear role in this team and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of out-and-out midfield might , quite truthfully , there is nobody like Marvelous in this Villa midfield .
True , he may not have set the world alight this year , and he likely wo n't the next - but were defensive midfielders envisioned to do that anyway ?
There 's room for him at Villa , and he should enjoy a solid 20/21 season .

In the post-season breakdown of Aston Villa players, Marvelous Nakamba is someone who flies under the radar a little bit - despite his general importance to the team. He didn't score important goals, he wasn't a regular starter post-lockdown, and he wasn't involved in many critical moments.
He's been linked to a few moves away - but do Villa really want to see the back of Nakamba?
Like a few Villans, he arrived with the backing of an entire nation - with Zimbabwe taking the claret & blue to heart following his transfer from Club Brugge to Villa.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
There were big expectations for Nakamba, but realistically how impressive can a player be if they have a limited role? Nakamba's is to win the ball and play it out - not gain the headlines.
It's a job he did very well - the former part - according to this collection of defensive data by Breaking The Lines which ranks Nakamba in the top-five ball winning defensive midfielders in the Premier League (who have played at least 1500 minutes) behind Declan Rice, Phillip Billing, N'Golo Kante and Wilfred Ndidi.
Was it a bad season for Nakamba then? By no means. The tough-tackling midfielder emerged as an early star during the tough first portion of the season, and even earned a spot on some highlight reels thanks to a crunching challenge in the League Cup final against Manchester City.
He's rather unique in this Villa side as well. The early stages of the season saw Nakamba singled out as a top performer and crucial to the side.
According to Statsbomb, the Villa had given ' Marvelous Nakamba a thankless job, and he's doing it admirably '. With Dean Smith admittedly going 'gung ho' - Villa's defense were exposed and Nakamba flourished in doing his best to fight fires. Villa didn't always win, or draw, but Nakamba did a good job. What was that job? To sit back and break up play. It was very clear that the midfielder was doing the heavy lifting for the side's defense and midfield - something which likely made him a focus of opposition analysis briefings.
Any praise of Nakamba is met by with valid criticism - a yin/yang balance. While Nakamba is good at winning the ball - there are questions about his ability to keep the ball safe - and provide the same support as Douglas Luiz. That's clear in comments about his passing.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
There are plenty of caveats that we need to place in mind when we consider passing success. For instance, it's easier for some players in certain positions, and certain roles, to complete passes as their passing may be less riskier than other positions. For example, recycling possession by passing sideways to build pressure should in theory be easier, and less of a risk, than trying to angle a through ball in to a rushing attacking player. More often than not, certain roles - your defensive midfielder - will be attempting much more of the former and perhaps fewer of the latter.
How well did Nakamba perform with his passes, then?
Short passes as defined by FBref via Statsbomb are passes of under five yards - so think more of your quick combinations in-and-around the box to fashion a chance in tighter areas, and less of passing back and around the defence. Villa's leaders in short passing attempts - Grealish and El Ghazi - lead in high areas of the pitch, and don't complete a great deal of short passes (well under half - 37.6% for Grealish and 26.8% for El Ghazi). Nakamba and Hourihane lead Villa's short passing completion percentages with 46% each.
Medium passing is defined as above five yards and up to twenty five yards, so it does cover (literally) a lot of ground and is clearly the most common pass type. When we think of short, medium as defined by FBref does a good job of highlighting what we assumed to be 'short' passes, as well as a few longer passes. Nakamba still ranks high here, with 88% of his passes completed. He's not a long passer, but he still managed to complete 77% of his longer attempts.
There isn't a titanic difference between Nakamba and three comparable players in terms of passes completed either. Nakamba's overall percentage of 84.5% pass completions compares well enough with Kante's 85.5%, Ndid's 85.9% and Rice's
Nakamba - 84.5
Kante - 85.5
Ndidi - 85.9
Rice - 86
On average, he's a good-enough passer. We can say that due to the crystal-clear numbers. He may have dropped a few digits if, for example, he had played as much as Luiz, but it'd be hard to see him totally flatlining. On average, he'd still be fine, perhaps not as fine as the eye test demands, but good enough to include in a team due to the upside that his ball-winning abilities bring.
The criticism of Nakamba isn't truly about just his passing, it's about his passing under pressure - which can be found out.
That's also a critique of his role itself though - one that perhaps tactically invites opposition pressure due to it's nature as a holding point of the midfield. Break Nakamba, perhaps, and you break Villa. That should perhaps invite conversation that the midfielder's passing failings are not necessarily down to him, but also down to a tactical success of smart pressure by the opposition. If Nakamba is the man doing a lot of work, why would you not target him? Reflecting back on the Statsbomb analysis above, it was very clear that if you beat Nakamba, you beat Villa.
Of course, a breakdown in passing can occur without pressure as well, and that shouldn't avoid criticism. Nakamba hasn't bailed out Villa well in some situations, when he could've done better.
Analysis by VenkyReddevil on Breaking the Lines shows that Nakamba is much in the same boat as Wilfred Ndidi and Declan Rice in terms of both his defensive strengths and weaknesses. They could all do with being more protective of the ball while passing under pressure.
There are situations where Nakamba should be utilised and those should be games were Villa do not expect to have the ball. While Douglas Luiz is certainly gifted, he is an asset when carrying and using the football. Marvelous is the opposite side of the coin. He is an asset without the ball. There is room for them both, but perhaps more so for Luiz.
If a plan exists to bring in James McCarthy on a transfer from Crystal Palace, then experience will be added to the team, and another ball-winner. If the Palace midfielder comes in to free up Nakamba for a move, though, that transfer plan should be ripped up. Nakamba has a clear role in this team and should improve next season.
In terms of out-and-out midfield might, quite truthfully, there is nobody like Marvelous in this Villa midfield. True, he may not have set the world alight this year, and he likely won't the next - but were defensive midfielders envisioned to do that anyway? There's room for him at Villa, and he should enjoy a solid 20/21 season.


birminghammail--2020-08-15--Wolves 'in talks' to complete £23m Paulinho transfer from Braga

Wolverhampton Wanderers have upped their efforts to sign striker Paulinho from Braga , according to reports .
Paulinho , who scored 25 times in all competitions last season - including against Wolves in the dramatic 3-3 draw between the sides in the Europa League - is attracting interest from across Europe .
According to the Daily Mail , Lazio made an approach for the 27-year-old but are not willing to meet Braga 's demands .
The report adds that Wolves remain 'in talks ' to over a deal for Paulinho , who is expected to cost £23m , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement ' .
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Google Play Store and App Store Nuno revealed his intent to add reinforcements to his squad in the transfer market after Wolves were knocked out of the Europa League by Sevilla earlier this week .
The game at the MSV-Arena was Wolves ’ 59th of a gruelling campaign which started last July and they kick off their 2020/21 Premier League campaign in under a month .
Raul Jimenez played 55 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 27 goals in all competitions , needs support going forward .
Nuno said : `` If you look at the team that started the game , it ’ s the same , like the first season .
We made mistakes that we can not repeat .
We need players that can make us stronger , no doubt about it . ''

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Wolverhampton Wanderers have upped their efforts to sign striker Paulinho from Braga, according to reports.
Paulinho, who scored 25 times in all competitions last season - including against Wolves in the dramatic 3-3 draw between the sides in the Europa League - is attracting interest from across Europe.
According to the Daily Mail, Lazio made an approach for the 27-year-old but are not willing to meet Braga's demands.
The report adds that Wolves remain 'in talks' to over a deal for Paulinho, who is expected to cost £23m, and the Portuguese club are 'confident of reaching an agreement'.
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Nuno revealed his intent to add reinforcements to his squad in the transfer market after Wolves were knocked out of the Europa League by Sevilla earlier this week.
The game at the MSV-Arena was Wolves’ 59th of a gruelling campaign which started last July and they kick off their 2020/21 Premier League campaign in under a month.
Raul Jimenez played 55 of those and despite racking up an impressive 27 goals in all competitions, needs support going forward.
Nuno said: "If you look at the team that started the game, it’s the same, like the first season. We made mistakes that we cannot repeat. We need players that can make us stronger, no doubt about it."


birminghammail--2020-08-15--Girl, 17, in attempted murder arrest after car 'driven at pedestrians'

A 17-year-old girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after four people were injured in a horror crash in Selly Park .
Police say a Renault Captur was allegedly driven at a girl , aged 16 , and a 19-year-old man following an argument on Pershore Road just after 1pm on Friday afternoon ( August 14 ) .
The pair suffered cuts and bruises before the car then crashed into a bus stop - leaving two more people injured .
A 58-year-old woman stood at the bus stop suffered a shattered pelvis in the crash .
She remained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday evening , pending an operation to help treat her injuries .
The second woman , also at the bus stop , fortunately suffered minor injuries .
The road was closed for several hours between Selly Wick Road and Kensington Road , but has since reopened to traffic .
West Midlands Police said a 17-year-old girl was arrested a short time later on suspicion of attempted murder .
She remains in police custody after officers were granted extra time to question her about what happened .
The police investigation is ongoing and officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in touch via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk 8am - midnight or by calling 101 anytime .
To remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .
Please quote crime number 20BW/193157B/20 .

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A 17-year-old girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after four people were injured in a horror crash in Selly Park.
Police say a Renault Captur was allegedly driven at a girl, aged 16, and a 19-year-old man following an argument on Pershore Road just after 1pm on Friday afternoon (August 14).
The pair suffered cuts and bruises before the car then crashed into a bus stop - leaving two more people injured.
A 58-year-old woman stood at the bus stop suffered a shattered pelvis in the crash.
(Image: Birmingham Live)
She remained in a serious condition in hospital on Saturday evening, pending an operation to help treat her injuries.
The second woman, also at the bus stop, fortunately suffered minor injuries.
The road was closed for several hours between Selly Wick Road and Kensington Road, but has since reopened to traffic.
West Midlands Police said a 17-year-old girl was arrested a short time later on suspicion of attempted murder.
She remains in police custody after officers were granted extra time to question her about what happened.
The police investigation is ongoing and officers appealed for anyone with information to get in touch via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk 8am - midnight or by calling 101 anytime.
To remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime number 20BW/193157B/20.


birminghammail--2020-08-15--Birmingham City confirm George Friend as first summer signing

Birmingham City have confirmed George Friend as the first signing of the Aitor Karanka era .
The 32-year-old has signed a two-year deal at St Andrew 's with a further year 's option having turned down the offer of a new contract at Middlesbrough .
Friend made almost 300 appearances for Boro since arriving at the Riverside from Doncaster Rovers in 2012 .
Capable of playing at left-back or centre-back , he was a key member of the Boro side that won promotion to the Premier League under Blues head coach Karanka in 2016 .
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Google Play Store and App Store He played every minute of the final nine Championship games post-lockdown as captain for Neil Warnock 's side but turned down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ north east in favour of reuniting with Karanka .
Blues have Kristian Pedersen and Steve Seddon to choose from at left-back but there could be interest in the former during the transfer window while the latter is wanted by Portsmouth after impressing on loan at Fratton Park .
Friend also provides an option in the middle of defence , where Harlee Dean and Marc Roberts are short on competition now Jake Clarke-Salter has returned to Chelsea .
The club are also expected to finalise the signing of winger Ivan Sanchez once he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ division play-offs .

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birminghammail--2020-08-15--Aston Villa handed boost in race for Milot Rashica transfer

RB Leipzig are refusing to match Werder Bremen 's asking price for Aston Villa target Milot Rashica , according to reports in Germany .
Kicker states that Leipzig , who have been locked in talks with Raschica 's representatives , have failed to agree a fee for the winger .
Villa have been hot on Rashica 's trail for several months having first looked at the Kosovo international ahead of the January transfer window .
Dean Smith and new sporting director Johan Lange have been given funds to improve the squad after last season 's relegation scare .
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Google Play Store and App Store Villa finished a point above the drop zone with a draw against West Ham United on the final day of the campaign and want to avoid a repeat of a nervous scrap at the bottom .
According to reports in Rashica 's homeland , Villa are leading the race to complete a deal for the 24-year-old , who ended the season with eight goals and seven assists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been left out of Werder 's friendly against Eintracht Braunschweig last weekend but travelled to the German side 's training camp in Austria .
Werder , meanwile , are close to completing the signing of Manchester United winger Tahith Chong .
The 20-year-old has agreed a season-long loan move .

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birminghammail--2020-08-15--Man charged with dangerous driving after police chase

An Oldbury man has been charged with dangerous driving following a police chase .
A Seat Leon - which had @ @ @ @ @ for officers - was spotted in Dudley on Friday morning ( August 14 ) .
@ @ @ @ @ to Dudley Port , where it stopped in Tipton Road .
A 26-year-old was arrested @ @ @ @ @ spokesman for West Midlands Police said : `` A man from Oldbury been charged with @ @ @ @ @ chase in Dudley yesterday afternoon .
`` At 11.20am officers spotted a white Seat Leon @ @ @ @ @ stop for police .
`` When they attempted to pull the car over they were @ @ @ @ @ around the Dudley area , which eventually came to a stop on Tipton Road .
@ @ @ @ @ to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court on Monday , August 17 .

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An Oldbury man has been charged with dangerous driving following a police chase.
A Seat Leon - which had allegedly previously failed to stop for officers - was spotted in Dudley on Friday morning (August 14).
Cops pursued the white vehicle to Dudley Port, where it stopped in Tipton Road.
A 26-year-old was arrested and later charged.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "A man from Oldbury been charged with driving offences following a police chase in Dudley yesterday afternoon.
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"At 11.20am officers spotted a white Seat Leon that had previously failed to stop for police.
"When they attempted to pull the car over they were led on a lengthy pursuit around the Dudley area, which eventually came to a stop on Tipton Road."
*Jack Bates is due to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court on Monday, August 17.