birminghammail--2020-10-10--Meet Dean Smith's impressive 21-man support team at Aston Villa

Dean Smith was unveiled side-by-side with his two assistant managers two years ago when Richard O'Kelly and John Terry joined Villa 's coaching team .
Terry , of course , spent the previous season captaining Villa under Steve Bruce before a move to Spartak Moscow failed to materialise .
As for O'Kelly , he 's been a long-time friend of Smith 's with the pair working together at Walsall and at Brentford .
Staying with Smith 's backroom setup a lot has happened in two years with Villa 's head coach moulding a newly-formed 21-man department with even more behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith 's latest additions are of course former Leicester pair Craig Shakespeare and Rob Mackenzie who 've joined as assistant head coach and head of recruitment respectively .
Villa are owned by Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens with chief exeutive Christian Purslow running the club on a day-to-day basis alongside Smith and newly-appointed sporting director Johan Lange .
Here , we detail the role of Villa 's collection of trusted and lesser-known advisors whom Smith places great faith in .
Here is a short profile about each of them : He 's the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time he speaks , such is his enthusiasm to drive the club forward .
Put in charge of the day-to-day running of Villa by owners Edens and Sawiris .
Purslow , previously of Chelsea and Liverpool , has been Smith 's go-to man ever since arriving last season .
Helped construct transfer dealings throughout this and last summer with the pair enjoying a strong and close relationship where communication is constant .
One of Lange 's first tasks , after he was hired at the start of August , was to sit down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lists of transfer targets .
Villa took a scattergun approach last summer , signing 12 players for around £130 million .
Lange will be asked to streamline the recruitment process , with quality not quantity likely to be his mantra .
The 40-year-old Norwegian , who has worked in English football before as Stale Solbakken 's assistant at Wolves in 2012 , brought some top talent to FC Copenhagen during his six years as technical director .
And Lange will be expected to repeat the feat in the West Midlands .
Villa can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistakes in future years as they did when Jesus Garcia Pitarch was so heavily involved .
Top scout Rob Mackenzie joined up in August as head of recruitment following similar roles at OH Leuven , Derby , Tottenham and Leicester .
Mackenzie is the man who helped Leicester find and sign N'Golo Kante , Anthony Knockaert , Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy while , at Spurs , he was behind the deals to bring in Heung-Min Son and Toby Alderweireld .
The newest member of the stable .
Shakespeare is an incredibly well-liked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served in both assistant manager and manager roles for nearly 20 years at Premier League and Championship level .
Smith already had plenty of knowledge and expertise at his disposal , but 56-year-old Shakespeare , assistant to Claudio Ranieri when Leicester City won the Premier League in 2016 , should add a whole new dimension as someone who has taken in over 500 games .
`` I was keen to add some additional Premier League know-how onto my coaching team and Craig certainly has that in abundance , '' Smith said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who will add another dimension to our team .
I 've known Craig for many years since our Walsall playing days and I ’ m really looking forward to working with him . ''
Smith ’ s tried and trusted right-hand man .
The talented and experienced assistant manager is somewhat in the shadows because of John Terry ’ s presence but don ’ t under-estimate the cap-wearing coach 's impact .
O ’ Kelly deserves his share of credit for Villa 's remarkable turnaround to date .
The former forward spends time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , mustering up game sceneries in which Villa can attack from .
An important cog in the Villa back room machine , it has to be said , and a really warm and likeable character .
Growing into such a brilliant coach after swapping his boots and shin pads for pens and pads last October .
Leads all the keep-ball warm-up drills and helps get players fine-tuned and focused ready for games .
Given a remit of coaching the club 's defenders and has already built up a really strong bond with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Absolutely loves being out on the training field at Bodymoor Heath and ca n't help himself by getting involved sometimes during training games .
Will go onto have a successful management career but , in the meantime , is loving life under Smith while working closely with the playing squad .
Terry was linked with the managerial vacancies at Bournemouth and Bristol City but has stayed put to help drive Villa to the next level .
Signed from rivals West Bromwich Albion back in November , 'Cuts ' reunited with Smith who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Walsall .
The 43-year-old is a big part of Smith 's back-room team and is often up and out of his seat in the touchline area , offering wise words of wisdom to the likes of Smith , ROK and JT .
An incredibly infectious and popular character who works with the club 's four goalkeepers : Emi Martinez , Tom Heaton , Jed Steer and Lovre Kalinic as well as Villa 's youth-team stoppers .
Villa ’ s performance director ( behind Freddie Guilbert , above ) moved over from Australia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date , introduced pyrotechnics previously seen at Villa Park and he ’ s regularly seen watching over the warm-ups before games while , last season , joined in the dressing room celebrations , too .
Has spent a considerable amount of time with Villa 's new signings following their respective arrivals .
A big , influential figure behind the scenes at Bodymoor Heath .
A hard-working , well-respected and likeable member of the team .
Highly thought-of at Villa and is in the thick of the action on the practice pitches .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while he 's often in charge of putting the substitutes through their paces after matches , making them sprint and run long distances to keep up fitness levels .
The man behind Villa 's warm-ups before each half .
An unsung hero of the group , Oli is the fitness trainer who can be seen on match days warming up the players .
He also spends long hours in the gym with injured and improving players .
Close friends with Jack Grealish and John McGinn , Oli forms part of the trio that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club ’ - a pre-match ritual that became a superstition throughout the play-off winning run .
A talented right-sided defender , Stevenson was released by Villa in the summer of 2013 and , with the support of the club , embarked upon a career as a coach .
After completing a Sports Science degree at Loughborough University and working with the younger age-groups at Bodymoor Heath , he is now a Strength and Conditioning coach with the first team .
‘ The Doc ’ has been at Villa since 2015 .
He first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He 's also a consultant in sport and exercise medicine at the Centre for Musculoskeletal Medicine , Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham .
The highly-regarded Aman Singh Shergill joined Dean Smith 's performance analysis team in November last year , becoming the club 's physical performance scientist .
Shergill spent the last four-and-a-half years at Birmingham City previously after originally joining as an intern in the summer of 2015 .
Over at Bodymoor Heath , though , Shergill will now work alongside Jack Sharkey , Villa 's lead sports scientist , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director .
Shergill will be primarily in charge of gathering and analysing performance date from devices including GPS vests A long-serving member of the Villa backroom team having spent almost 20 years now at Bodymoor Heath .
He ’ s skilled in sports injuries , strength training , injury prevention and exercise physiology .
The New Zealand native , above , worked for Hearts and Sheffield Wednesday before joining Villa in 2015 .
Was head of sports medicine at Warrington Wolves previously before joining Villa back in February 2012 .
Works hard with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Tom Heaton .
Worked alongside Jack Grealish in 2019 as the captain worked back from a nasty shin injury .
Vital in Villa 's medical department , ensuring players are back to full fitness sooner rather than later .
Consultant nutritionist who has worked with the club since 2014 .
Works closely with other Premier League clubs and world champion boxers including Callum Smith and the Yafai brothers in Birmingham .
Butler had a close shave in April after suffering life-threatening symptoms of coronavirus .
Rushed to intensive care , doctors considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manage his ventilation , so bad was his condition .
Thankfully he made a recovery and was allowed to leave hospital , as reported by close friend and former Villa star James Chester .
A friendly and popular figure who you can ’ t miss , Butler sports a long ginger beard - and the playing staff love him .
Crucial for recovery after gruelling fixtures , helping to alleviate tension built up in muscles while ensuring players are feeling fresh for the next challenge ahead .
He ’ s a soft tissue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' treatment on players while working in tandem with Alex Butler , above .
Joined from QPR in 2016 and leads up the performance analysis team , providing videos and in-depth reports on the playing squad as well as the opposition , helping Smith and his staff prepare for the games ahead as best as possible while leaving no stone unturned .
He helps Smith and his coaching staff prepare for the games , providing video analysis and player reports .
Hired from Tottenham in April 2019 , where he spent almost three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and alongside Scott Adey-Lynforth in helping Villa prepare for matches week by week .

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Aston Villa have recruited another member of staff to Dean Smith's backroom team.
Frederik Leth has become the club's latest arrival as Johan Lange is reunited with his former FC Copenhagen colleague.
Leth confirmed on his LinkedIn account that he has joined Villa having left his role as Copenhagen's sporting director in December.
He replaced Lange, who had left the Danish capital for the same job at Villa in the summer, stepping up into the role for a couple of months before leaving.
Lange is heading up Villa's off-field team which centres on transfers and developing strategy.
He replaced Jesus Garcia Pitarch, known as Susom in the summer after the Spaniard left the club.
Here's a complete rundown of the team behind the head coach...
Christian Purslow - Chief Executive
He's the man who makes Villa fans purr every time he speaks, such is his enthusiasm to drive the club forward. Purslow was put in charge of the day-to-day running of Villa by owners Edens and Sawiris following their successful takeover in July 2018.
Purslow, previously of Chelsea and Liverpool, has been Smith's go-to man ever since arriving. He helps get transfer dealings over the line, is involved in contract discussions and is Villa representative at Premier League meetings. Purslow and Smith enjoy a strong and close relationship where communication is constant.
Johan Lange - Sporting Director
One of Lange's first tasks, after he was hired at the start of August, was to sit down with Purslow and Smith and thrash out lists of transfer targets.
Villa took a scattergun approach following promotion in the summer of 2019 and signed 12 players for around £130 million. Lange has since streamlined the recruitment process, with identifying and signing quality over quantity.
The 41-year-old Dane, who has worked in English football before as Stale Solbakken's assistant at Wolves in 2012, brought some top talent to FC Copenhagen during his six years as technical director.
Lange, meanwhile, oversees the first-team and academy and works extensively with Purslow, Smith, academy manager Mark Harrison and head of recruitment, Rob Mackenzie.
Rob Mackenzie - Head of Recruitment
Rob Mackenzie joined up in August 2020 as head of recruitment following similar roles at OH Leuven, Derby, Tottenham and Leicester. Mackenzie is the man who helped Leicester find and sign N'Golo Kante, Anthony Knockaert and Riyad Mahrez while, at Spurs, he was behind the deals to bring in Heung-Min Son and Toby Alderweireld.
Bryn Davies - Head of Scouting Operations
An economics graduate at Leeds Metropolitan University in 2011, Davies started his career as a performance analyst at Sheffield Wednesday before moving to Leicester City as a technical scout and then Tottenham as their recruitment analyst. Davies joined Villa as their head of scouting operations in May 2019 and links up once again with Mackenzie.
Frederik Leth - Head of Football Research
Frederik Leth has officially joined the club this month as the club's head of football research. Leth has joined the club from FC Copenhagen after he left the Danish giants in December. Leth worked with Lange at Copenhagen and took on the role of sporting director in the Danish capital when his old boss left for Villa in the summer. According to website Training Ground Guru, Leth's job is to make sure that Villa's 'evidence-based practice is as relevant and contemporary as possible'. It is being reported that Villa are one of only three clubs in the Premier League to employ such a position, the others being Manchester City and Chelsea.
Craig Shakespeare - Assistant Head Coach
(Image: Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)
Among the newest member of the Villa stable. Shakespeare is an incredibly well-liked and well-respected figure in the game having served in both assistant manager and manager roles for nearly 20 years at Premier League and Championship level.
Smith already had plenty of knowledge and expertise at his disposal, but 57-year-old Shakespeare, assistant to Claudio Ranieri when Leicester City won the Premier League in 2016, should add a whole new dimension as someone who has taken in over 500 games.
"I was keen to add some additional Premier League know-how onto my coaching team and Craig certainly has that in abundance," Smith said.
"He’s a vastly experienced coach who will add another dimension to our team. I've known Craig for many years since our Walsall playing days and I’m really looking forward to working with him."
Shakespeare is an understated figure behind the scenes at Villa and, to many, is one of the reasons behind Villa's successful start to 2020/21.
Richard O’Kelly - Assistant Head Coach
Smith’s tried and trusted right-hand man. The talented and experienced assistant manager is somewhat in the shadows because of John Terry’s presence but don’t under-estimate the cap-wearing coach's impact.
O’Kelly deserves his share of credit for Villa's remarkable turnaround to date. The former forward spends time with Villa's strikers and wide players, mustering up game sceneries in which Villa can attack from.
An important cog in the Villa back room machine, it has to be said, and a really warm and likeable character who hails from West Bromwich.
John Terry - Assistant Head Coach
Growing into such a brilliant coach after swapping his boots and shin pads for pens and pads last October. Leads all the keep-ball warm-up drills and helps get players fine-tuned and focused ready for games.
Given a remit of coaching the club's defenders and has already built up a really strong bond with the likes of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa and others.
Absolutely loves being out on the training field at Bodymoor Heath and can't help himself by getting involved sometimes during training games. Will go onto have a successful management career but, in the meantime, is loving life under Smith while working closely with the playing squad.
Terry was linked with the managerial vacancies at Bournemouth and Bristol City last summer but has stayed put to help drive Villa to the next level. JT is a massive reason behind Villa's defensive exploits this season.
Neil Cutler - Head Goalkeeping Coach
Signed from rivals West Bromwich Albion back in November, 'Cuts' reunited with Smith who first employed the ex-goalie during his time at Walsall.
The 44-year-old is a big part of Smith's back-room team and is often up and out of his seat in the touchline area, offering wise words of wisdom to the likes of Smith, ROK, JT and Shakespeare.
An incredibly infectious and popular character who works with the club's goalkeepers: Emi Martinez, Tom Heaton and Jed Steer as well as Villa's youth-team stoppers including Akos Onodi.
Jeremy Oliver - Performance Director
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Villa’s performance director (behind Freddie Guilbert, above) moved over from Australia and has played a big part to date, introduced pyrotechnics previously seen at Villa Park and he’s regularly seen watching over the warm-ups before games while, last season, joined in the dressing room celebrations, too.
He spends a considerable amount of time with Villa's new signings following their respective arrivals. Oliver remains a big and influential figure behind the scenes at Bodymoor Heath with the club set to open their new performance centre facility in the coming weeks, a facility that will be primarily headed up by 'Jez'.
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Jack Sharkey - Lead Sports Scientist
A hard-working, well-respected and likeable member of the team. Highly thought-of at Villa and is in the thick of the action on the practice pitches.
His detailed analysis on player performance helps massively while he's often in charge of putting the substitutes through their paces after matches, making them sprint and run long distances to keep up fitness levels. The man behind Villa's warm-ups before each half. Sharkey joined from QPR back in 2017.
Oli Stevenson - Strength and Conditioning Coach
An unsung hero of the group, Oli is the fitness trainer who can be seen on match days warming up the players. He also spends long hours in the gym with injured and improving players.
Close friends with Jack Grealish and John McGinn, Oli forms part of the trio that previously made up the 'Thursday night food club' - a pre-match ritual that became a superstition throughout the play-off winning run.
A talented right-sided defender, Stevenson was released by Villa in the summer of 2013 and, with the support of the club, embarked upon a career as a coach.
After completing a Sports Science degree at Loughborough University and working with the younger age-groups at Bodymoor Heath, he is now a Strength and Conditioning coach with the first team.
Ricky Shamji - Head of Sport Medicine and Science
'The Doc' has been at Villa since 2015. He first worked in football for Walsall in 2008. He's also a consultant in sport and exercise medicine at the Centre for Musculoskeletal Medicine, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham.
Head coach Smith praised Shamji this past week following the club's coronavirus outbreak, and said: "Ricky has been outstanding in all of this. The be-all and end-all is our duty of care to our players, our staff and also the families they go home to as well."
Aman Singh Shergill - Physical Performance Scientist
The highly-regarded Aman Singh Shergill joined Dean Smith's performance analysis team in November 2019, becoming the club's physical performance scientist.
Shergill spent four-and-a-half years at Birmingham City previously after originally joining as an intern in the summer of 2015.
Over at Bodymoor Heath, though, Shergill works alongside Jack Sharkey, Villa's lead sports scientist, and Jeremy Oliver, Villa's chief performance director.
Shergill will be primarily in charge of gathering and analysing performance date from devices including GPS vests.
Patrick Moore - Strength and Conditioning Coach
Patrick 'Paddy' Moore joined Villa in January 2019 from Brentford where he had worked for three-and-a-half years. Moore's another key figure behind the scenes at Villa and is currently working with injured striker Wesley as he battles back from knee ligament damage.
Alan Smith - Lead Physio
A long-serving member of the Villa backroom team having spent more than 20 years at Bodymoor Heath. He’s skilled in sports injuries, strength training, injury prevention and exercise physiology.
Rob Marshall - Physio
The New Zealand native, above, worked for Hearts and Sheffield Wednesday before joining Villa in 2015.
Steve Polley - Physio
Polley was promoted from Villa's academy following the departure of John Hartley who left to become head physio at Derby County in December 2020.
Marcus Hannon - Head of Nutrition
Hannon was performance nutritionist at Everton's academy for three years as well as Northampton Saints rugby before joining Villa in January last year.
Alex Butler - Masseur
Butler had a close shave in April 2020 after suffering life-threatening symptoms of coronavirus.
Rushed to intensive care, doctors considered putting him into a three-week coma to manage his ventilation, so bad was his condition.
Thankfully he made a full recovery and was allowed to leave hospital, as reported by close friend and former Villa star James Chester.
(Image: atb_therapy via Instagram)
A friendly and popular figure who you can’t miss, Butler sports a long ginger beard - and the playing staff love him.
Crucial for recovery after gruelling fixtures, helping to alleviate tension built up in muscles while ensuring players are feeling fresh for the next challenge ahead.
Andrew Smith - Masseur
He’s a soft tissue therapist and a man who performs 'cupping' treatment on players while working in tandem with Alex Butler, above.
David Stewart - Head of Performance Analysis
Joined from QPR in 2016 and leads up the performance analysis team, providing videos and in-depth reports on the playing squad as well as the opposition, helping Smith and his staff prepare for the games ahead as best as possible while leaving no stone unturned.
Scott Adey-Lynforth - First Team Performance Analyst
He helps Smith and his coaching staff prepare for the games, providing video analysis and player reports. Was the first analyst to work with Villa Ladies and was promoted to academy and then first team.
Joseph Ure - First Team Performance Analyst
Hired from Tottenham in April 2019, where he spent almost three years previously. Works underneath David Stewart and alongside Scott Adey-Lynforth in helping Villa prepare for matches week by week.


birminghammail--2020-10-10--The Chase fans spot hidden message to Black Lives Matter movement

The Chase was back on our screens last night as Bradley Walsh presented the final episode of the week .
Bradley was back in the studio alongside four contestants all hoping to land a life-changing sum of money .
Mark Labbett , also known as the Beast , was the Chaser on the show during Friday 's instalment on October 9 .
Labbett is one of five Chasers utilised by the quiz favourite , including Anne 'The Governess ' Hegerty , and Jenny 'The Vixen ' Ryan .
Shaun Wallace , also known as the Dark Destroyer , completes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the nickname The Sinnerman .
On Friday 's show , The Chase was praised by eagle-eyed viewers after they spotted a `` hidden message '' - which they debated whether it was deliberate .
The message , which came when a contestant was asked which postcode covers the largest population , was lauded by fans , reports The Liverpool ECHO .
The options were B , L and M - and got everybody talking , just weeks removed from an Ofcom storm after a Diversity dance on Britain 's Got Talent sparked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to investigate the brilliant performance by Ashley Banjo and crew .
One viewer took to Twitter to write : `` BLM did ITV do that on purpose ? ''
`` Subtle supporting , well done @ ITV @ MarkLabbett # BLM , '' a second added , while a third said : `` Big up . ''
`` I love it , '' another chipped in with .
Another said : `` Some subliminal message there .
BLM . ''
The Chase continues each weekday from 5pm on ITV1 and will be back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presenting .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ellen Kirwin, James Rodger)

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The Chase was back on our screens last night as Bradley Walsh presented the final episode of the week.
Bradley was back in the studio alongside four contestants all hoping to land a life-changing sum of money.
Mark Labbett, also known as the Beast, was the Chaser on the show during Friday's instalment on October 9.
Labbett is one of five Chasers utilised by the quiz favourite, including Anne 'The Governess' Hegerty, and Jenny 'The Vixen' Ryan.
Shaun Wallace, also known as the Dark Destroyer, completes the quintet alongside Paul Sinha, who goes by the nickname The Sinnerman.
On Friday's show, The Chase was praised by eagle-eyed viewers after they spotted a "hidden message" - which they debated whether it was deliberate.
The message, which came when a contestant was asked which postcode covers the largest population, was lauded by fans, reports The Liverpool ECHO.
The options were B, L and M - and got everybody talking, just weeks removed from an Ofcom storm after a Diversity dance on Britain's Got Talent sparked nearly 30,000 complaints.
The regulator refused to investigate the brilliant performance by Ashley Banjo and crew.
One viewer took to Twitter to write: "BLM did ITV do that on purpose?"
"Subtle supporting, well done @ITV @MarkLabbett #BLM," a second added, while a third said: "Big up."
"I love it," another chipped in with.
Another said: "Some subliminal message there. BLM."
The Chase continues each weekday from 5pm on ITV1 and will be back on our screens on Monday with Brad presenting.


birminghammail--2020-10-10--Boris Johnson to make announcement on new nationwide lockdown rules

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will unveil his three-tier , traffic light-style coronavirus lockdown system on Monday .
October 12 will see the PM take the Commons and unveil the new strategy , which is aimed at curbing the rise of coronavirus cases .
All 29 parts of the West Midlands now have rising Covid-19 rates , including Birmingham , Sandwell , Solihull , Wolverhampton and Walsall .
After receiving criticism over localised restrictions not working , and enhanced regionalised measures merely `` delaying the inevitable '' of a second lockdown , Mr Johnson has been forced to act .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tier to each local authority - on Monday .
It is widely expected pubs and restaurants , as well as hotels and hotel bars , will be massively impacted .
The news follows the announcement of the expansion of the Coronavirus Job Support Scheme by Rishi Sunak , the Chancellor , on Friday ( yesterday ) .
The new system is expected to cause pubs and restaurants to shut across the north of England .
Mr Johnson will reveal the full details of the much-anticipated approach in a statement to the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burnham has led the criticism over the government 's handling of the crisis , and appeared on BBC One 's Question Time on Thursday evening .
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson has also been critical , with furious leaders in the north reacting with bewilderment after they learned of the plans via a newspaper report .
The new tier system will rank places by tier one , tier two and tier three - with swathes of the north expected to come under the latter , most severe , tier .
Birmingham and the vast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be tier two .
This is likely to mean venues remain open , but people are barred from visiting them with anyone they do n't already live with .
However , the Government has so far refused to confirm or deny any reports about what 's planned .
It comes after Mr Johnson was compelled to act after facing criticism from Sage experts .
Prof Semple and Prof Edmunds , both from the scientific advisory committee , both told BBC 's Newsnight and BBC 's Today programme that enhanced lockdown measures - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been implemented .

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson will unveil his three-tier, traffic light-style coronavirus lockdown system on Monday.
October 12 will see the PM take the Commons and unveil the new strategy, which is aimed at curbing the rise of coronavirus cases.
All 29 parts of the West Midlands now have rising Covid-19 rates, including Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull, Wolverhampton and Walsall.
After receiving criticism over localised restrictions not working, and enhanced regionalised measures merely "delaying the inevitable" of a second lockdown, Mr Johnson has been forced to act.
He will announce a new system - designating a tier to each local authority - on Monday.
It is widely expected pubs and restaurants, as well as hotels and hotel bars, will be massively impacted.
The news follows the announcement of the expansion of the Coronavirus Job Support Scheme by Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, on Friday (yesterday).
(Image: Getty Images)
The new system is expected to cause pubs and restaurants to shut across the north of England.
Mr Johnson will reveal the full details of the much-anticipated approach in a statement to the House of Commons.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has led the criticism over the government's handling of the crisis, and appeared on BBC One's Question Time on Thursday evening.
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson has also been critical, with furious leaders in the north reacting with bewilderment after they learned of the plans via a newspaper report.
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The new tier system will rank places by tier one, tier two and tier three - with swathes of the north expected to come under the latter, most severe, tier.
Birmingham and the vast majority of the West Midlands is expected to be tier two.
This is likely to mean venues remain open, but people are barred from visiting them with anyone they don't already live with. However, the Government has so far refused to confirm or deny any reports about what's planned.
It comes after Mr Johnson was compelled to act after facing criticism from Sage experts.
Prof Semple and Prof Edmunds, both from the scientific advisory committee, both told BBC's Newsnight and BBC's Today programme that enhanced lockdown measures - likely a circuit breaker - should already have been implemented.


birminghammail--2020-10-10--Married teacher who had sex with girl, 15, jailed after own family reported him

A married teaching assistant who had sex with a 15-year-old girl has been jailed for two years and eight months .
Richard Perrin , 50 , also sent naked photographs of himself to the victim before his arrest in June , Worcester Crown Court was told .
Perrin showed little emotion as he appeared in court for sentencing from HMP Hewell in north Worcestershire .
He pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to six counts of sexual activity with a child committed during a five-month period spanning the national Covid-19 lockdown .
The court heard that police recovered notes written @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driver 's seat in Perrin 's car .
Opening the facts of the case , prosecutor Tom Walkling told the court Perrin was arrested after a male relative spotted incriminating messages on his phone .
Mr Walkling said : `` The mobile telephones ( of Perrin and the victim ) co-located on at least five occasions in May and June , indicating they had met up in secret .
`` The defendant was arrested and he answered no comment to all questions in police interview . ''
Defence counsel Julia Needham , making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` He is a man who , but for this horrendous period , has been a constructive , useful and beneficial member of society . ''
Recorder Sandeep Kainth was told Perrin 's wife was divorcing him and he had `` lost everything '' including his career .
Passing sentence on Friday , the judge told Perrin the offences beggared belief .
`` What you have done is deprive a young girl of her childhood , '' Recorder Kainth said .
`` You knew what her age was .
These offences are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can suffice . ''
The judge accepted that Perrin had shown genuine remorse , adding : `` I do not believe you will be back before the court when you are ultimately released .
`` I sincerely hope you have learnt a salutary lesson from what can only be described as absolute and complete stupidity by you . ''
Perrin was required to register as a sex offender for life and was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order .

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A married teaching assistant who had sex with a 15-year-old girl has been jailed for two years and eight months.
Richard Perrin, 50, also sent naked photographs of himself to the victim before his arrest in June, Worcester Crown Court was told.
Perrin showed little emotion as he appeared in court for sentencing from HMP Hewell in north Worcestershire.
He pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to six counts of sexual activity with a child committed during a five-month period spanning the national Covid-19 lockdown.
The court heard that police recovered notes written by the victim, hidden underneath the driver's seat in Perrin's car.
Opening the facts of the case, prosecutor Tom Walkling told the court Perrin was arrested after a male relative spotted incriminating messages on his phone.
Mr Walkling said: "The mobile telephones (of Perrin and the victim) co-located on at least five occasions in May and June, indicating they had met up in secret.
"The defendant was arrested and he answered no comment to all questions in police interview."
Defence counsel Julia Needham, making submissions by video-link, said of Perrin: "He is a man who, but for this horrendous period, has been a constructive, useful and beneficial member of society."
Recorder Sandeep Kainth was told Perrin's wife was divorcing him and he had "lost everything" including his career.
Passing sentence on Friday, the judge told Perrin the offences beggared belief.
"What you have done is deprive a young girl of her childhood," Recorder Kainth said. "You knew what her age was. These offences are so serious that only a custodial sentence can suffice."
The judge accepted that Perrin had shown genuine remorse, adding: "I do not believe you will be back before the court when you are ultimately released.
"I sincerely hope you have learnt a salutary lesson from what can only be described as absolute and complete stupidity by you."
Perrin was required to register as a sex offender for life and was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order.


birminghammail--2020-10-10--Aston Villa fans react to Said Benrahma and West Ham United transfer update

Aston Villa fans have been reacting to reports that Premier League rivals West Ham United have tabled a £17 million bid for Brentford 's Said Benrahma .
Benrahma has been heavily linked with a move to Villa while Chelsea , Arsenal , Newcastle United and Fulham have also been credited with an interest in the Algerian international .
The 25 year-old impressed for the Bees last season , scoring 17 goals and registering ten assists for Thomas Frank 's Championship play-off finalists .
It was Villa head coach Dean Smith who brought Benrahma over to Brentford during the former 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signing him from French top tier side Nice .
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 .
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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 Villa fans would like Benrahma to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday the deadline for deals to be done between Premier League and English Football League ( EFL ) clubs .
And they have had their say after reports emerged that the Hammers have submitted a £17m bid for the winger , with website 90min.com claiming that David Moyes ' side made their move last night .
`` So let 's bid £20m and get this wrapped up ! ''
one fan said .
`` They can have Anwar El Ghazi in the deal , '' added another .
A third fan said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on loan . ''
`` Just go and buy him , '' another said .
`` They wo n't sell him for £17m , they made us wait weeks for Ollie Watkins , '' a fifth fan added .

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Aston Villa fans have been reacting to reports that Premier League rivals West Ham United have tabled a £17 million bid for Brentford's Said Benrahma.
Benrahma has been heavily linked with a move to Villa while Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Fulham have also been credited with an interest in the Algerian international.
The 25 year-old impressed for the Bees last season, scoring 17 goals and registering ten assists for Thomas Frank's Championship play-off finalists.
It was Villa head coach Dean Smith who brought Benrahma over to Brentford during the former's time in charge at Griffin Park, signing him from French top tier side Nice.
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
Villa fans would like Benrahma to be their club's latest signing with 5pm on Friday the deadline for deals to be done between Premier League and English Football League (EFL) clubs.
And they have had their say after reports emerged that the Hammers have submitted a £17m bid for the winger, with website 90min.com claiming that David Moyes' side made their move last night.
"So let's bid £20m and get this wrapped up!" one fan said.
"They can have Anwar El Ghazi in the deal," added another.
A third fan said: "Yes and offer El Ghazi on loan."
"Just go and buy him," another said.
"They won't sell him for £17m, they made us wait weeks for Ollie Watkins," a fifth fan added.


birminghammail--2020-10-10--Lotto results LIVE: Winning numbers for Saturday, October 10

If you have been thinking of going on holiday some time in the near future , your wallet might seem a little short on cash .
And if you 're not going to get a pay rise anytime soon then maybe you might be considering entering the lottery .
It 's not that hard to do or that expensive - and you could win a life-changing amount of money if you 're very , very lucky .
Today 's jackpot is a rollover meaning you could win a slice of the £7.5m on offer to those who take part .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ money .
Perhaps buy yourself a trip around the world or give up your job .
Tonight 's numbers are 11 , 21 , 36 , 45 , 49 , 56 and the Bonus Ball is 2 .
The Thunderball results are 6 , 23 , 25 , 26 , 29 and the Thunderball is 14 The National Lottery changes people 's lives every week and you could be one of them .
In order to play , all you have to do is pay £2 to give you the chance to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you only match three numbers , you could win £30 which could buy you a nice meal out with your family .
But be quick , you have until 7.30pm to buy a ticket and the draw will take place at 8pm .
If you want to buy a ticket , you can do so here .
We are covering this event live so keep an eye on our updates below and we 'll let you know the results when they happen .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Chris  Harper)

If you have been thinking of going on holiday some time in the near future, your wallet might seem a little short on cash.
And if you're not going to get a pay rise anytime soon then maybe you might be considering entering the lottery.
It's not that hard to do or that expensive - and you could win a life-changing amount of money if you're very, very lucky.
Today's jackpot is a rollover meaning you could win a slice of the £7.5m on offer to those who take part. You could do a lot with that money. Perhaps buy yourself a trip around the world or give up your job.
Tonight's numbers are 11, 21, 36, 45, 49, 56 and the Bonus Ball is 2.
The Thunderball results are 6, 23, 25, 26, 29 and the Thunderball is 14
The National Lottery changes people's lives every week and you could be one of them.
In order to play, all you have to do is pay £2 to give you the chance to win millons. Simple, right?
Even if you only match three numbers, you could win £30 which could buy you a nice meal out with your family.
But be quick, you have until 7.30pm to buy a ticket and the draw will take place at 8pm. If you want to buy a ticket, you can do so here.
We are covering this event live so keep an eye on our updates below and we'll let you know the results when they happen.


birminghammail--2020-10-10--Noel Whelan tips Nottingham Forest to sign Aston Villa's Henri Lansbury

Former Leeds United and Derby County striker Noel Whelan thinks Nottingham Forest should move for Aston Villa midfielder Henri Lansbury .
Lansbury 's chances of reigniting his career at Villa Park appear slim with the 29 year-old on the fringes of Dean Smith 's squad .
The Arsenal academy graduate is out of contract in the summer , the four-year deal he signed when he departed Forest for Villa in 2017 expiring in June .
Lansbury was signed by Steve Bruce for around £3 million in January 2017 but has seen his chances at Villa limited .
In our daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n'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 Lansbury has managed only 41 League appearances in claret and blue while only 12 Premier League minutes have come his way since the turn of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeat to Stoke City at the start of the month , first-team opportunities will be hard to come by for Lansbury .
And Whelan thinks Forest should come in for the ex-Norwich City man as they look to reignite their promotion push under new boss Chris Hughton .
Lansbury made 150 appearances for Forest in almost five years at the City Ground and was the club 's captain before he moved across the Midlands .
`` I would be looking very closely as a Championship club , '' Whelan told Football Insider .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with someone like Henri Lansbury back there to be quite honest with you .

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.
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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


birminghammail--2020-10-10--Douglas Luiz's Man City 'buy-back' clause and what it means for Aston Villa

Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz has got fans talking after he made his ful debut for Brazil last night .
The 22 year-old is starting to see his profile rise after a fine ending to the 2019-20 campaign and a strong start to the current one .
Luis was signed from Manchester City last summer for a reported fee of around £15 million .
Inserted into the deal was a 'buy-back ' clause that would allow Pep Guardiola 's side to purchase the former Vasco da Gama player back .
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we 'll be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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 He spent two seasons at the Etihad Stadium once he moved to Manchester in 2017 but did n't make a single appearance for City .
Both campaigns would see him loaned out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permit but now he has finally got his chance in the Premier League and he is taking it .
City were linked with a return in the summer and Luiz , speaking to Brazilian media before yesterday evening 's game with Bolivia , addressed those rumours .
`` About Man City , I 've been doing my job at Villa , I do n't really have conversations with City or Guardiola , '' he said .
`` But it 's a job that went together , I had help from City with Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League .
`` It 's a very good thing to be able to play there without any difficulty . ''
Details of the clause have not been released - although typically the fee is significantly higher than the one paid by the buying club , and grows over time .
Therefore , if reports of the £15m to be paid by Villa are true , it may be that City 's buy-back clause is set at £25m this summer and £30m the season after .
This is all conjecture and guesswork , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving a buy-back clause .
However , there is , at the same time , no obligation for City to trigger the clause - and indeed it 's been suggested that clubs can work together to remove the clause from a player 's contract in the future .
This means Luiz could be a key feature at Villa Park for years to come , if indeed the transfer is finalised and City choose not to exercise the clause .
While such clauses are popular overseas , it 's rare to see them in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does appear to be emerging .
Man City themselves benefited from the terms of the clause in 2019 by re-signing their former left back Angelino from PSV Eindhoven , a year after he left for the Netherlands .
So , while the strategy has proved a success for some clubs in recent seasons , those on the receiving end - as PSV were - may curse their luck .
Angelino had just been named Eredivisie Talent of the Year for 2018-19 , as well as in the Eredivisie Team of the Year for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Therefore , his true market value was likely much more than the reported £5.3m City paid to bring him back to Manchester .
In the Premier League , Chelsea are reported to have used the same tactic , putting buy-back conditions on the sales of several young academy players who left the club , including Nathan Ake and current Villa winger Bertrand Traore .
This points to the increased popularity of the buyback clause in recent seasons .
A recent example is Barcelona being able to resign their La Masia graduate Gerard Deulofeu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fee by triggering his buyback clause .
They then moved the winger on to Watford a year later for a profit .
Real Madrid did much better business with their Castilla graduate Alvaro Morata .
The Spanish forward departed to Juventus for £18m in 2014 - with a buyback clause .
Real Madrid activated this in 2016 - for a reported £27m - before his form in their double-winning 2016-17 season earned him a £65m move to Chelsea .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Shane Ireland, Richard Cusack)

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Manchester City will be keeping close tabs on Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz as a potential replacement for Fernandinho, according to Emile Heskey.
The 22 year-old is starting to see his profile rise after a fine ending to the 2019-20 campaign and a strong start to the current one.
Luis was signed from Manchester City last summer for a reported fee of around £15 million.
Inserted into the deal was a 'buy-back' clause that would allow Pep Guardiola's side to purchase the former Vasco da Gama player back.
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
He spent two seasons at the Etihad Stadium once he moved to Manchester in 2017 but didn't make a single appearance for City.
Both campaigns would see him loaned out to Girona because of issues with a work permit but now he has finally got his chance in the Premier League and he is taking it.
City were linked with interest for the midfielder in the summer and although nothing came to fruition, former Villa and England striker Heskey thinks he could be a long-term replacement for Fernandinho with the 35-year-old having entered the final year of his contract.
“With Fernandinho at that age, (Pep) will probably be looking at that,” the pundit told HITC.
“I think they would definitely be looking at (Luiz). He had a reasonable season with Aston Villa, he’s really strong as a holding midfielder. We’ve seen it (the potential to replace Fernandinho).”
Luiz, who has made 47 appearances for Villa, was asked about the speculation over a potential return to the Etihad earlier this year.
"About Man City, I've been doing my job at Villa, I don't really have conversations with City or Guardiola," he said.
"But it's a job that went together, I had help from City with Villa to be able to play in the Premier League.
"It's a very good thing to be able to play there without any difficulty."
Details of the clause have not been released - although typically the fee is significantly higher than the one paid by the buying club, and grows over time.
Therefore, if reports of the £15m to be paid by Villa are true, it may be that City's buy-back clause is set at £25m this summer and £30m the season after.
This is all conjecture and guesswork, but is logical based on previous deals involving a buy-back clause.
However, there is, at the same time, no obligation for City to trigger the clause - and indeed it's been suggested that clubs can work together to remove the clause from a player's contract in the future.
This means Luiz could be a key feature at Villa Park for years to come, if indeed the transfer is finalised and City choose not to exercise the clause.
While such clauses are popular overseas, it's rare to see them in the Premier League - although a trend does appear to be emerging.
(Image: Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Man City themselves benefited from the terms of the clause in 2019 by re-signing their former left back Angelino from PSV Eindhoven, a year after he left for the Netherlands.
So, while the strategy has proved a success for some clubs in recent seasons, those on the receiving end - as PSV were - may curse their luck.
Angelino had just been named Eredivisie Talent of the Year for 2018-19, as well as in the Eredivisie Team of the Year for the second season in a row.
Therefore, his true market value was likely much more than the reported £5.3m City paid to bring him back to Manchester.
In the Premier League, Chelsea are reported to have used the same tactic, putting buy-back conditions on the sales of several young academy players who left the club, including Nathan Ake and current Villa winger Bertrand Traore.
This points to the increased popularity of the buyback clause in recent seasons.
A recent example is Barcelona being able to resign their La Masia graduate Gerard Deulofeu from Everton in 2017 for a nominal fee by triggering his buyback clause.
They then moved the winger on to Watford a year later for a profit.
Real Madrid did much better business with their Castilla graduate Alvaro Morata.
The Spanish forward departed to Juventus for £18m in 2014 - with a buyback clause.
Real Madrid activated this in 2016 - for a reported £27m - before his form in their double-winning 2016-17 season earned him a £65m move to Chelsea.


birminghammail--2020-10-10--Aston Villa transfer news live - £17m Benrahma update, Douglas Luiz reaction

Hello and welcome to Saturday 's LIVE coverage of Aston Villa from BirminghamLive .
Today marks Dean Smith 's second anniversary as Villa 's head coach after swapping Brentford for B6 on October 10 , 2018 .
In total , Smith has been in charge of 90 matches at Villa Park , winning 39 games which included promotion back in 2019 .
We will be keeping you up to date on 'Deano Day ' with in-depth features while we 'll also look at the latest transfer news ahead of next week 's deadline .
Smith 's men have until Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they want to done with English Football League ( EFL ) clubs .
Brentford 's Said Benrahma , Ismaila Sarr of Watford and Josh King at AFC Bournemouth have all been linked with moves to Villa and , should Smith feel his side need a little extra , they could swoop for one of those players .
Outgoings can also be done , too , so some of Villa 's fringe players or young stars could secure a move into the Championship for regular game-time .
You can keep up to date with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below .

Hello and welcome to Monday's LIVE coverage of Aston Villa from BirminghamLive.
We will be keeping you up to date with the latest Villa news and gossip after a fourth win of the season.
A stoppage-time strike from Ross Barkley gave Dean Smith's men a valuable 1-0 win over Midland rivals Leicester City as they maintained their winning start to the season.
There will be plenty of reaction to that game and news ahead of the next Premier League encounter with Leeds United on Friday night.
After the summer transfer window, It's also all eyes on the January window, now, which is only two and a half months away!
Join our team throughout the day to keep up to date with all the latest eaction and gossip on the blog below.


birminghammail--2020-10-10--Pictured: Armed cops in Ingleton Road, Ward End

Several police vans and cars along with around 12 officers pictured at the scene on Saturday afternoon , October 10

Pictured: Dozen police officers including armed cops flood Ingleton Road, Ward End
Several police vans and cars along with around 12 officers pictured at the scene on Saturday afternoon, October 10
(Image: Birmingham Mail /Darren Quinton) 1 of 6 Share
(Image: Darren Quinton) 2 of 6 Share
(Image: Birmingham Mail /Darren Quinton) 3 of 6 Share


birminghammail--2020-10-10--Dog walks & controlling chaos - Smith has built a new identity at Villa

Two years into the job , there 's a pretty good idea of who Dean Smith is .
The Aston Villa head coach is a thinker .
There has been a thoughtful approach to management at Villa over the last 24 months , and it 's incredibly apparent about where that process starts .
While it does take place on grass , it 's not exactly the pitch of Villa Park .
The process behind Villa takes place on dog walks .
You do n't need to go far at all to find talk of Smith and his near-legendary dog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his beloved pooch out for a while so he could break down the big topics of the day in his own head .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 do n'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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' I 've spoken about the dog walks , I 've got a working Cocker Spaniel .
He needs a walk .
We 've been to Scotland and I looked at my watch - we did 23,000 steps so he 's certainly had a walk !
It 's great for thinking time , '' said Smith earlier this year .
`` I remember talking to Neil Lennon - Bolton manager at the time - and he said 'why are you so calm all the time ? '
It 's the dog .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me later !
Win , lose or draw , it 's unconditional love the moment you walk through the door .
You need that , and the time away .
It 's all consuming , is football . ''
It 's that time away , and the self-reflection that has improved not just Smith - but Aston Villa as a whole .
You see , it 's really to easy to hate yourself , or something that is n't right .
It 's really easy to do that and not change .
Anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start picking away at themselves .
The hard part comes in the clarity of self-reflection - or not relying on that physical mirror to find those faults and repair them .
A period of meditation and acknowledging all that is wrong , accepting it , and moving forward is a measure of healthy change .
What we know about football , as Smith said , is that it is consuming .
It 's a chaotic void that sucks up money , people and time before spitting out a product ( one that right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one we were familiar with ) .
Football occurs every day .
There 's analysis , matches , transfers and controversy every single day .
Football , simply , does not stop .
It chews you up , and spits you out .
One only needs to look at the progression of Paul Lambert in Smith 's role to see how that arc curves .
Whether Smith knows it or not , that dog walk is a meditation .
That lockdown period , for Villa , was a meditation .
Smith is good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knows his faults and has found a way to consider them , and repair what is needed at his day job - as Villa manager .
He 's the perfect fit for a club that has never reflected upon itself , until now .
Dean 's 'meditations ' will have played a massive role in the near revolution of the identity of Aston Villa .
As Smith strolled around the park after big losses , big wins or those 'almosts ' - he 'd have been hard on himself , and crunched a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you think about it , Smith did n't 'give us our Villa back ' at all .
We did n't want that lumbering mess back - thank you very much .
We did n't want what it had become - inflated on utter delusions of grandeur only to settle for disappointment .
Under Smith , Villa are more than 'that team who won that cup ' or the team with the strange name , or the team that have a nice stadium .
They are now hypocritical underdogs - able to spend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have an identity that stems from Smith , carving out its own name , and its own brand far away from the spotlight ( or as far away as a 7-2 win over Liverpool will allow it to ) .
This new identity - a manufactured one - takes Villa in a much more preferable direction than the old Villa .
A club absolutely intoxicated on past glories , being barred & booted out of every pub in walking distance .
Like all things , this too will pass .
Managers do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their impact can do so .
Smith has changed Villa for the better , and they will benefit from that as long as they stick to their current vision .
Or they could just do a typical 'Villa ' thing and tear the whole thing up again .
The choice is theirs .

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Two years into the job, there's a pretty good idea of who Dean Smith is. The Aston Villa head coach is a thinker.
There has been a thoughtful approach to management at Villa over the last 24 months, and it's incredibly apparent about where that process starts .
While it does take place on grass, it's not exactly the pitch of Villa Park. The process behind Villa takes place on dog walks.
You don't need to go far at all to find talk of Smith and his near-legendary dog walks - where Smith would routinely take his beloved pooch out for a while so he could break down the big topics of the day in his own head.
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
"I've spoken about the dog walks, I've got a working Cocker Spaniel. He needs a walk. We've been to Scotland and I looked at my watch - we did 23,000 steps so he's certainly had a walk! It's great for thinking time," said Smith earlier this year.
"I remember talking to Neil Lennon - Bolton manager at the time - and he said 'why are you so calm all the time?' It's the dog. They have such an impact and he thanked me later! Win, lose or draw, it's unconditional love the moment you walk through the door. You need that, and the time away. It's all consuming, is football."
It's that time away, and the self-reflection that has improved not just Smith - but Aston Villa as a whole.
You see, it's really to easy to hate yourself, or something that isn't right. It's really easy to do that and not change. Anyone can front up to the mirror and start picking away at themselves. The hard part comes in the clarity of self-reflection - or not relying on that physical mirror to find those faults and repair them.
A period of meditation and acknowledging all that is wrong, accepting it, and moving forward is a measure of healthy change.
What we know about football, as Smith said, is that it is consuming. It's a chaotic void that sucks up money, people and time before spitting out a product (one that right now represents a different reality to the one we were familiar with).
Football occurs every day. There's analysis, matches, transfers and controversy every single day. Football, simply, does not stop. It chews you up, and spits you out. One only needs to look at the progression of Paul Lambert in Smith's role to see how that arc curves.
Whether Smith knows it or not, that dog walk is a meditation. That lockdown period, for Villa, was a meditation.
Smith is good, because he's a manager who knows his faults and has found a way to consider them, and repair what is needed at his day job - as Villa manager. He's the perfect fit for a club that has never reflected upon itself, until now.
Dean's 'meditations' will have played a massive role in the near revolution of the identity of Aston Villa. As Smith strolled around the park after big losses, big wins or those 'almosts' - he'd have been hard on himself, and crunched a solution out during those long walks.
If you think about it, Smith didn't 'give us our Villa back' at all. We didn't want that lumbering mess back - thank you very much. We didn't want what it had become - inflated on utter delusions of grandeur only to settle for disappointment.
Under Smith, Villa are more than 'that team who won that cup' or the team with the strange name, or the team that have a nice stadium.
They are now hypocritical underdogs - able to spend big without disconnecting from reality. They have an identity that stems from Smith, carving out its own name, and its own brand far away from the spotlight (or as far away as a 7-2 win over Liverpool will allow it to).
This new identity - a manufactured one - takes Villa in a much more preferable direction than the old Villa. A club absolutely intoxicated on past glories, being barred & booted out of every pub in walking distance.
Like all things, this too will pass. Managers do not last forever at football clubs - but their impact can do so. Smith has changed Villa for the better, and they will benefit from that as long as they stick to their current vision.
Or they could just do a typical 'Villa' thing and tear the whole thing up again. The choice is theirs.


birminghammail--2020-10-10--Police including armed cops flood city street

A dozen police officers including armed cops have flooded a city street amid concerns of an incident .
Several marked @ @ @ @ @ Road in Ward End on Saturday afternoon ( October 10 ) .
Pictures and video @ @ @ @ @ another trio of cars in the street where it meets Northleigh Road .
The large @ @ @ @ @ at around 4pm .
It is not yet known why officers are in the area @ @ @ @ @ West Midlands Police for more information .
We will be bringing you updates as we @ @ @

A dozen police officers including armed cops flooded a city street amid concerns of an incident.
Several marked vehicles were seen in Ingleton Road in Ward End on Saturday afternoon (October 10).
Pictures and video show three police vans and another trio of cars in the street where it meets Northleigh Road.
The large police presence was first spotted at around 4pm.
We will be bringing you updates as we receive them.


birminghammail--2020-10-10--Gareth Southgate dismisses Jack Grealish comparisons with Paul Gascoigne

England boss Gareth Southgate has moved to play down comparisons between Jack Grealish and Paul Gascoigne .
Grealish made his full debut for the Three Lions in Thursday night 's 3-0 defeat of Wales , setting up Dominic Calvert-Lewin 's opener .
The Aston Villa captain 's fine display earned comparisons with 'Gazza ' , with Grealish taking it in his stride .
Southgate , though , has said Grealish is not on Gascoigne 's level and does n't think the comparisons are helpful .
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as the key talking points for fans .
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It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store Grealish has earned his second Three Lions call-up thanks to his fine form for Villa , with the former Notts County loanee playing a starring role in Sunday night 's 7-2 demolition of Premier League champions Liverpool .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his flair on the ball and ability to ride out tough challenges from his opponents .
Grealish said in an interview after the Wales game that Gascoigne is his favourite England player .
`` I am very conscious that I do n't want to be dampening the enthusiasm for Jack , '' Southgate said .
`` I always answer honestly about people .
When you are talking about Gascoigne , there 's not a player in English history that was at that level , in my opinion .
`` I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Jack .
I just feel that Gascoigne is so unique and was such an incredible player , it 's a bit like talking about Bobby Moore .
`` What we have to say is young players that come through you should n't burden them with tagging them and comparing them to somebody else .
Their own talents are unique .
`` I kind of understood some of the comparison but I just think with Gascoigne as an individual , it was just on another level to anything else I ever played with @ @

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England boss Gareth Southgate has moved to play down comparisons between Jack Grealish and Paul Gascoigne.
Grealish made his full debut for the Three Lions in Thursday night's 3-0 defeat of Wales, setting up Dominic Calvert-Lewin's opener.
The Aston Villa captain's fine display earned comparisons with 'Gazza', with Grealish taking it in his stride.
Southgate, though, has said Grealish is not on Gascoigne's level and doesn't think the comparisons are helpful.
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
Grealish has earned his second Three Lions call-up thanks to his fine form for Villa, with the former Notts County loanee playing a starring role in Sunday night's 7-2 demolition of Premier League champions Liverpool.
The comparisons with Gascoigne have emerged because of his flair on the ball and ability to ride out tough challenges from his opponents.
Grealish said in an interview after the Wales game that Gascoigne is his favourite England player.
"I am very conscious that I don't want to be dampening the enthusiasm for Jack," Southgate said. "I always answer honestly about people. When you are talking about Gascoigne, there's not a player in English history that was at that level, in my opinion.
"I don't want that to seem as a criticism of Jack. I just feel that Gascoigne is so unique and was such an incredible player, it's a bit like talking about Bobby Moore.
"What we have to say is young players that come through you shouldn't burden them with tagging them and comparing them to somebody else. Their own talents are unique.
"I kind of understood some of the comparison but I just think with Gascoigne as an individual, it was just on another level to anything else I ever played with."


birminghammail--2020-10-10--Government issues statement over coronavirus job support scheme backlash

In response to criticism from some mayors of the Job Support Scheme , a Government spokesman said : `` Throughout the pandemic , we have worked hard to protect jobs and support the economy , whilst trying to limit the spread of coronavirus .
`` This is why we have set out an unprecedented package of financial support .
The Job Support Scheme is just one element of this comprehensive package , which includes rental support , mortgage holidays and £9.3 billion of extra funding for the welfare safety net to help those unable to access other forms of support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closely with local leaders on how we can combat coronavirus together .
`` We will keep all financial support under review to support businesses who need it most and protect jobs over the coming weeks and months . ''
In a joint letter to the Chancellor and health and housing secretaries on Friday , the leaders of northern cities like Manchester and Liverpool said `` significantly '' more financial support was needed to prevent an even deeper economic catastrophe .
They added : `` In a three-level approach , there must be significantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are in either level two or level three to avoid an even deeper economic catastrophe . ''
A Government spokeswoman said all financial support will be kept under review , to support businesses and protect jobs over the coming weeks and months .
She added : `` Throughout the pandemic , we have worked hard to protect jobs and support the economy , whilst trying to limit the spread of coronavirus .
`` This is why we have set out an unprecedented package of financial support .
The Job Support Scheme is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which includes rental support , mortgage holidays , and £9.3bn of extra funding for the welfare safety net to help those unable to access other forms of support . ''
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said an expansion of the job support scheme would protect jobs and provide `` reassurance and a safety net '' for people and businesses across the UK in advance of a potentially `` difficult winter '' .
But Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds has said the UK Government 's job support scheme shows a `` sink or swim '' mentality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the Co-operative Party virtual conference : `` Government has got to junk its insinuation right now that businesses that are struggling right now are necessarily unviable .
`` From the arts to manufacturing , those businesses need a temporary helping hand but they 're being left to sink or swim .
`` Yesterday we saw a partial acknowledgement of this ... but we really need broader changes to the job support scheme . ''
She said other countries with wage support schemes had incentivised businesses to `` keep staff on part-time rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest redundant '' .
The Labour and Co-op MP for Oxford East said the scheme needs to include a training element so workers can `` develop their skills and prepare for the future '' , and it should be `` targeted so that those sectors hardest hit by the virus , and which will be critical to our economic recovery , are supported , not just those which have been closed .
This virus is having a much broader impact '' .
`` Failing to reform that job support scheme indicates a @ @ @ @ @ @

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In response to criticism from some mayors of the Job Support Scheme, a Government spokesman said: "Throughout the pandemic, we have worked hard to protect jobs and support the economy, whilst trying to limit the spread of coronavirus.
"This is why we have set out an unprecedented package of financial support. The Job Support Scheme is just one element of this comprehensive package, which includes rental support, mortgage holidays and £9.3 billion of extra funding for the welfare safety net to help those unable to access other forms of support.
"Ministers are continuing to work closely with local leaders on how we can combat coronavirus together.
"We will keep all financial support under review to support businesses who need it most and protect jobs over the coming weeks and months."
In a joint letter to the Chancellor and health and housing secretaries on Friday, the leaders of northern cities like Manchester and Liverpool said "significantly" more financial support was needed to prevent an even deeper economic catastrophe.
They added: "In a three-level approach, there must be significantly more support available to businesses in areas that are in either level two or level three to avoid an even deeper economic catastrophe."
A Government spokeswoman said all financial support will be kept under review, to support businesses and protect jobs over the coming weeks and months.
She added: "Throughout the pandemic, we have worked hard to protect jobs and support the economy, whilst trying to limit the spread of coronavirus.
"This is why we have set out an unprecedented package of financial support. The Job Support Scheme is just one element of this comprehensive package, which includes rental support, mortgage holidays, and £9.3bn of extra funding for the welfare safety net to help those unable to access other forms of support."
(Image: PA)
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said an expansion of the job support scheme would protect jobs and provide "reassurance and a safety net" for people and businesses across the UK in advance of a potentially "difficult winter".
But Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds has said the UK Government's job support scheme shows a "sink or swim" mentality and needs to be changed.
She told the Co-operative Party virtual conference: "Government has got to junk its insinuation right now that businesses that are struggling right now are necessarily unviable.
"From the arts to manufacturing, those businesses need a temporary helping hand but they're being left to sink or swim.
(Image: PA)
"Yesterday we saw a partial acknowledgement of this... but we really need broader changes to the job support scheme."
She said other countries with wage support schemes had incentivised businesses to "keep staff on part-time rather than just keeping some on and making the rest redundant".
The Labour and Co-op MP for Oxford East said the scheme needs to include a training element so workers can "develop their skills and prepare for the future", and it should be "targeted so that those sectors hardest hit by the virus, and which will be critical to our economic recovery, are supported, not just those which have been closed. This virus is having a much broader impact".
"Failing to reform that job support scheme indicates a sink or swim mentality."


birminghammail--2020-10-10--Aston Villa fans want Douglas Luiz's Man City buy-back clause gone

Aston Villa fans want their club 's next move to be buying out the clause in Douglas Luiz 's contract that would allow Manchester City to purchase him .
A buy-back clause was inserted in the deal that saw Luiz move to Villa Park from Pep Guardiola 's side for £15 million last summer .
Luiz moved to Villa after two seasons with City , where he was denied a work permit by the Home Office and forced to spend two campaigns on loan at Spanish side Girona .
When he sealed the transfer to Villa , he was granted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been impressed with the 22 year-old 's performances in the Premier League for Dean Smith 's side , particularly after lockdown .
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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
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It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his full debut for Brazil , which came in last night 's World Cup qualifier against Bolivia , drew plaudits for Luiz after an accomplished performance next to Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro .
`` A day to be marked in my life , an unforgettable day , '' he wrote on Instagram .
`` Today I had the pleasure of making my debut playing the whole game .
`` I am very happy for the match we played , it was a great result and an excellent demonstration in the debut of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting to grow and Villa fans want their asset to be protected , with the player 's release clause likely to be worth around £30-35 million as such figures are usually much more than the transfer fee paid for the player .
`` We need to buy it out ! ''
one fan said while another added : `` An extra £10-15m is worth it . ''
`` Some of the most important business Villa could be doing is agreeing a fee with Man City to remove that buy back clause for Luiz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We need that buyback gone , '' said a fourth fan and another added : `` We need to get him signed up to another contract ASAP . ''

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Aston Villa fans want their club's next move to be buying out the clause in Douglas Luiz's contract that would allow Manchester City to purchase him.
A buy-back clause was inserted in the deal that saw Luiz move to Villa Park from Pep Guardiola's side for £15 million last summer.
Luiz moved to Villa after two seasons with City, where he was denied a work permit by the Home Office and forced to spend two campaigns on loan at Spanish side Girona.
When he sealed the transfer to Villa, he was granted a work permit and City will have been impressed with the 22 year-old's performances in the Premier League for Dean Smith 's side, particularly after lockdown.
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
And his full debut for Brazil, which came in last night's World Cup qualifier against Bolivia, drew plaudits for Luiz after an accomplished performance next to Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro.
"A day to be marked in my life, an unforgettable day," he wrote on Instagram.
"Today I had the pleasure of making my debut playing the whole game.
"I am very happy for the match we played, it was a great result and an excellent demonstration in the debut of the qualifiers!"
Luiz's profile is starting to grow and Villa fans want their asset to be protected, with the player's release clause likely to be worth around £30-35 million as such figures are usually much more than the transfer fee paid for the player.
"We need to buy it out!" one fan said while another added: "An extra £10-15m is worth it."
"Some of the most important business Villa could be doing is agreeing a fee with Man City to remove that buy back clause for Luiz," said a third.
"We need that buyback gone," said a fourth fan and another added: "We need to get him signed up to another contract ASAP."


birminghammail--2020-10-10--Balaclava-clad thugs push victim in jewellery robbery

Police are hunting masked thugs who pushed over their victim before stealing jewellery in a street robbery .
The two balaclava-clad offenders approached the victim in Ellen Street , Winson Green ahead of the assault .
The victim ran off , but was then pushed over in the incident last night ( Friday , October 9 ) .
Expensive jewellery was snatched from their wrist and neck before offenders made off from the scene , police said .
It took place sometime between 8.20pm and 8.30pm .
Officers are now carrying out patrols in the area - alongside CCTV trawls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news of the robbery as part of a neighbourhood alert as they appealed for information .
It read : `` I am sorry to inform you that a robbery has occurred nearby .
This has happened on the 9th of October 2020 on Ellen Street , Winson Green between 8.20pm and 8.30pm .
`` 2 unknown offenders wearing balaclavas have approached the victim , who has then run off .
`` Offenders have pushed the victim over and snatched expensive jewellery from the wrist and neck of the victim .
Offenders have then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Officers are conducting patrols , making enquiries and are currently reviewing CCTV in the area .
`` If you do have any information available that would help in this investigation , please get in touch at https : //www.west-midlands.police.uk/contact-us or via 101 quoting crime reference number : 20BW/245912V/20 . ''

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Police are hunting masked thugs who pushed over their victim before stealing jewellery in a street robbery.
The two balaclava-clad offenders approached the victim in Ellen Street, Winson Green ahead of the assault.
The victim ran off, but was then pushed over in the incident last night (Friday, October 9).
Expensive jewellery was snatched from their wrist and neck before offenders made off from the scene, police said.
It took place sometime between 8.20pm and 8.30pm.
Officers are now carrying out patrols in the area - alongside CCTV trawls.
The Winson Green Police Team shared news of the robbery as part of a neighbourhood alert as they appealed for information.
It read: "I am sorry to inform you that a robbery has occurred nearby. This has happened on the 9th of October 2020 on Ellen Street, Winson Green between 8.20pm and 8.30pm.
"2 unknown offenders wearing balaclavas have approached the victim, who has then run off.
"Offenders have pushed the victim over and snatched expensive jewellery from the wrist and neck of the victim. Offenders have then made off in an unknown direction.
"Officers are conducting patrols, making enquiries and are currently reviewing CCTV in the area.
"If you do have any information available that would help in this investigation, please get in touch at https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/contact-us or via 101 quoting crime reference number: 20BW/245912V/20."


birminghammail--2020-10-10--Aston Villa transfer 'target' Said Benrahma subject of £17m bid - report

Reported Aston Villa transfer target Said Benrahma has been the subject of a £17 million bid from West Ham United .
That 's according to website 90min.com , who claim the Hammers ' move for the Algerian international was made on last night .
Benrahma has been heavily linked with a move to Villa and is still available for purchase , with the transfer window shutting on deals between Premier League and English Football League ( EFL ) clubs shutting at 5pm on Friday .
The Brentford winger was bought to West London from French side Nice by Villa head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Griffin Park .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n'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 Villa 's Premier League rivals Chelsea , Arsenal , Crystal Palace and Newcastle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Benrahma before Friday 's deadline .
Benrahma netted 17 times for Thomas Frank 's Championship play-off finalists last season and contributed ten assists .
He is a player some Villa fans are desperate for their side to move for , the 25 year-old lighting up the second tier for the Bees alongside club-record signing Ollie Watkins , who moved to Villa Park this summer .
Brentford head coach Frank has made it clear that he would like to see an end to the Benrahma saga soon .
`` My answer needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us , including him , would like to have answer ; stay or go , '' he said after last month 's game against Millwall , which was Benrahma 's first of the season .
`` I do n't know if he will be here after the transfer window but that 's part of football , so we deal with it .
`` And I must say that Said has been bang-on in terms of attitude and being a top professional .
That 's just the transfer window .
`` I 'm happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know what 's going to happen , I can only guess .
If he 's here , then I 'm more than happy to have one of the best attackers in the division . ''

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West Ham are in 'advanced talks' to sign Said Benrahma, according to reports.
Website 90min.com claimed yesterday the Hammers have made a £17million bid for the Brentford man.
And Sky Sports News are now saying the Hammers are forging ahead with negotiations on what they believe to be a £30m deal.
Benrahma has been heavily linked with a move to Villa and is still available for purchase, with the transfer window shutting on deals between Premier League and English Football League (EFL) clubs shutting at 5pm on Friday.
The Brentford winger was bought to West London from French side Nice by Villa head coach Dean Smith during his time at Griffin Park.
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
Villa 's Premier League rivals Chelsea, Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United have all been linked with moves for Benrahma before Friday's deadline.
Benrahma netted 17 times for Thomas Frank's Championship play-off finalists last season and contributed ten assists.
He is a player some Villa fans are desperate for their side to move for, the 25 year-old lighting up the second tier for the Bees alongside club-record signing Ollie Watkins, who moved to Villa Park this summer.
Brentford head coach Frank has made it clear that he would like to see an end to the Benrahma saga soon.
"My answer needs to be both. I think all of us, including him, would like to have answer; stay or go," he said after last month's game against Millwall, which was Benrahma's first of the season.
"I don't know if he will be here after the transfer window but that's part of football, so we deal with it.
"And I must say that Said has been bang-on in terms of attitude and being a top professional. That's just the transfer window.
"I'm happy with his attitude. I don't know what's going to happen, I can only guess. If he's here, then I'm more than happy to have one of the best attackers in the division."


birminghammail--2020-10-10--Woman rescued from river after she was swept a mile downstream

A woman has been rescued from the river after she was swept a mile downstream and over a massive weir in Worcester .
Emergency crews – including the Midlands Air Ambulance – were called to Weir Lane after the patient in her 50s entered the water at Worcester Bridge on Saturday , October 10 .
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said the woman , who has not been named , was found near Diglis Weir after the incident just before 1pm .
She was rescued from the River Severn , which is near Diglis Hotel , and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spokesman added .
They told WorcestershireLive : `` We were called at 12.48pm to Worcester Bridge to reports of a person in the water .
`` We sent a fire engine from Worcester , a boat from Worcester , a boat from Evesham a water first responder crew from Malvern and an off-station commander to the scene .
`` One female casualty , approximately 50 years of age , was conscious and breathing and was rescued from the River Severn from just below the weir .
`` She went in at Worcester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – past the cathedral and over the weir .
`` The air ambulance and paramedics were also in attendance . ''

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A woman has been rescued from the river after she was swept a mile downstream and over a massive weir in Worcester.
Emergency crews – including the Midlands Air Ambulance – were called to Weir Lane after the patient in her 50s entered the water at Worcester Bridge on Saturday, October 10.
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said the woman, who has not been named, was found near Diglis Weir after the incident just before 1pm.
She was rescued from the River Severn, which is near Diglis Hotel, and was left in the care of paramedics, the spokesman added.
They told WorcestershireLive: "We were called at 12.48pm to Worcester Bridge to reports of a person in the water.
"We sent a fire engine from Worcester, a boat from Worcester, a boat from Evesham a water first responder crew from Malvern and an off-station commander to the scene.
"One female casualty, approximately 50 years of age, was conscious and breathing and was rescued from the River Severn from just below the weir.
"She went in at Worcester Bridge swam – or got swept downstream – past the cathedral and over the weir.
"The air ambulance and paramedics were also in attendance."