birminghammail--2020-05-03--Nightingale Hospitals 'not built in error' despite 'no patients'

A senior medical official has rejected suggestions the NHS Nightingale Hospitals were “ not built in error ” - amid claims they are lying empty .
Special field hospitals were built at breakneck speed last month at the Birmingham NEC complex , the Excel Centre in London and Manchester .
The NEC site is designed to take up to 500 coronavirus patients at a time from 23 Midlands hospitals .
It has emerged that both the London and Birmingham field hospitals have remained largely empty with just a handful of patients being treated at the site .
NHS England Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ 100 per cent ’ any assertion that the hospitals were a waste .
He stressed they were built at a time when other healthcare systems around the world were being “ overwhelmed ” with Covid-19 cases .
Prof Powis said at Sunday ’ s Downing Street briefing : “ If you wind the clock back a month or two , we were looking at an increase in the number of cases in the UK , we were watching images from around the world of health systems that were overwhelmed .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned for extra capacity within the NHS . ''
He added : “ The fact that we have not needed to use all that capacity is actually good news .
“ The Nightingales were not built in error .
And we may still need them .
We ’ re not through this yet.
” The NEC Nightingale site is expected to be in use for 12-18 months and may be called upon if there is a second greater surge .
He added : “ We can never be absolutely certain for the months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity.
” More than 400 civilian contractors , along with military personnel and around 500 clinical staff , were involved in constructing the temporary hospital , which took eight days to build .
Meanwhile Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove , who co-chaired the briefing , said a roadmap on easing the lockdown in the UK that will be presented next week is “ comprehensive ” .
He says he knows those in the public services in particular will need guidelines on safe working , and that ministers are working with unions on drawing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so far , 200,000 key workers have been tested for the virus .
But Mr Gove stressed before we could ease the existing restrictions , “ we must ensure the government ’ s five tests are met ” .
The five tests include ensuring that the number of cases are falling , death rates are declining , the NHS is prepared , and that measures are in place to stop a second peak overwhelming the NHS .

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A senior medical official has rejected suggestions the NHS Nightingale Hospitals were “not built in error” - amid claims they are lying empty.
Special field hospitals were built at breakneck speed last month at the Birmingham NEC complex, the Excel Centre in London and Manchester.
The NEC site is designed to take up to 500 coronavirus patients at a time from 23 Midlands hospitals.
(Image: PA)
It has emerged that both the London and Birmingham field hospitals have remained largely empty with just a handful of patients being treated at the site.
NHS England Medical Director Professor Stephen Powis said he rejected ‘100 per cent’ any assertion that the hospitals were a waste.
He stressed they were built at a time when other healthcare systems around the world were being “overwhelmed” with Covid-19 cases.
Prof Powis said at Sunday’s Downing Street briefing: “If you wind the clock back a month or two, we were looking at an increase in the number of cases in the UK, we were watching images from around the world of health systems that were overwhelmed.
(Image: PA)
“It would have been foolish to have not planned for extra capacity within the NHS."
He added: “The fact that we have not needed to use all that capacity is actually good news.
“The Nightingales were not built in error. And we may still need them. We’re not through this yet.”
The NEC Nightingale site is expected to be in use for 12-18 months and may be called upon if there is a second greater surge.
He added: “We can never be absolutely certain for the months ahead, we need to maintain that capacity.”
More than 400 civilian contractors, along with military personnel and around 500 clinical staff, were involved in constructing the temporary hospital, which took eight days to build.
(Image: PA)
Meanwhile Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove, who co-chaired the briefing, said a roadmap on easing the lockdown in the UK that will be presented next week is “comprehensive”.
He says he knows those in the public services in particular will need guidelines on safe working, and that ministers are working with unions on drawing these up now.
He added that, so far, 200,000 key workers have been tested for the virus.
But Mr Gove stressed before we could ease the existing restrictions, “we must ensure the government’s five tests are met”.
The five tests include ensuring that the number of cases are falling, death rates are declining, the NHS is prepared, and that measures are in place to stop a second peak overwhelming the NHS.


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Owner and dog survive horror 'hit and run' with motorbike in park

A pensioner and his foster dog survived a horror 'hit and run ' with a motorbike in a park during lockdown .
Ivor James was walking Monty in Willenhall Memorial Park on Sunday ( April 26 ) when the terror began .
The 73-year-old wanted to take the dog out when it was quiet during lockdown - but says a motorbike later charged directly towards them in the park .
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross was hit full force , while Ivor escaped with just a few minor cuts after the bike 'clipped ' him .
The motorcyclist then sped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father 's aid after receiving a phone call about badly-injured Monty , who had only been homed with him for two weeks .
He said : `` Dad was devastated , he kept on saying 'the dog 's dying on me , a motorcycle hit him and sped off .
He did n't even stop ' .
`` I managed to find them both in the middle of the park , where a narrow tree lined path is and the dog was in agony moaning and he could n't move .
`` Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had cuts to his knees and a few scratches but apart from sheer shock he was okay , all he cared about was about Monty .
`` I managed to get the dog to the car while trying to comfort my dad and we got him to the PDSA emergency vets in Oldbury , where it remained touch and go . ''
Simon continued : `` We were to expect the worst but after a few days the vets said to see how he was at home .
`` Since then he as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him out to us to try to be rehabilitated .
`` The PDSA said he may need an MRI which will help with his recovery .
`` Monty has a fractured jaw bone on his top right .
Until he improves more the vets will be reluctant to operate , so I shall be updating the PDSA on Monday .
`` Since Monty is slowly recovering he is feeling a bit better .
He only had him fostered for about two weeks and prior .
`` They must have created such a bond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Simon has now launched a Gofundme page to help raise money for the PDSA and cover some of Monty 's vet bills .
If you wish to donate , you can do so by clicking here .
A heartwarming video - which you can view at the top of the story - shows Monty attempting to walk again , while he is recovering at Rachel 's Rescues .

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A pensioner and his foster dog survived a horror 'hit and run' with a motorbike in a park during lockdown.
Ivor James was walking Monty in Willenhall Memorial Park on Sunday (April 26) when the terror began.
The 73-year-old wanted to take the dog out when it was quiet during lockdown - but says a motorbike later charged directly towards them in the park.
(Image: Hand out)
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross was hit full force, while Ivor escaped with just a few minor cuts after the bike 'clipped' him.
The motorcyclist then sped off.
Simon James rushed to his father's aid after receiving a phone call about badly-injured Monty, who had only been homed with him for two weeks.
He said: "Dad was devastated, he kept on saying 'the dog's dying on me, a motorcycle hit him and sped off. He didn't even stop'.
"I managed to find them both in the middle of the park, where a narrow tree lined path is and the dog was in agony moaning and he couldn't move.
"Meanwhile my dad had been clipped, he had cuts to his knees and a few scratches but apart from sheer shock he was okay, all he cared about was about Monty.
"I managed to get the dog to the car while trying to comfort my dad and we got him to the PDSA emergency vets in Oldbury, where it remained touch and go."
Simon continued: "We were to expect the worst but after a few days the vets said to see how he was at home.
"Since then he as been residing with the people who fostered him out to us to try to be rehabilitated.
"The PDSA said he may need an MRI which will help with his recovery.
"Monty has a fractured jaw bone on his top right. Until he improves more the vets will be reluctant to operate, so I shall be updating the PDSA on Monday.
"Since Monty is slowly recovering he is feeling a bit better. He only had him fostered for about two weeks and prior.
"They must have created such a bond for Monty to risk his own life."
Simon has now launched a Gofundme page to help raise money for the PDSA and cover some of Monty's vet bills. If you wish to donate, you can do so by clicking here.
A heartwarming video - which you can view at the top of the story - shows Monty attempting to walk again, while he is recovering at Rachel's Rescues.
Black Country Live has contacted West Midlands Police for a comment.


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Birmingham City fans make the same point about historic scenes

It ’ s six years to the day since Birmingham City stood on the precipice , looked over it and were dragged away from the edge by a Paul Caddis header .
The Scot ’ s 93rd minute equaliser on the final day of the 2013/2014 campaign ensured Blues dodged the drop to League One .
Clips have been doing the rounds on social media today - and fans have been recalling one of the most famous - and fraught - days in recent club history .
Here ’ s what you ’ ve been saying .
@ TrevReeves : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , what a day @ PonsonbyJoe : Best birthday present I ’ ve ever had @ ChrisHumphryes : No beer sold in the ground !
Duke nearly sent us down Face with tears of joy got ta go down with one of the best away days I ’ ve been too !
@ TrueBrum : best football limbs ever don ’ t @ me @ davrosflatlee : The greatest limbs of the modern era @ Rickyyyk : how good was this @ GuyMaxwell4 : Was careering around my garden after that equaliser went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off one day the blues @ KEIA96_ : Shouted , excited and ran around in the house at midnight .
The best day of my life since started following the Blues @ kestrelblue2012 : Waiting for that ball to drop for Caddis OMG .
Reminds you why it ’ s the best game in the world .
@ the_garbage : There are certain days in our history which will go down in folklore , we ’ ve got Obafemi Martins Day and this will forever be Paul Caddis ’ Day .
Lozza Bcfc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tears in her eyes the whole match ) that we would do it ... .. She didn ’ t believe me it was just unbelievable its what being a blues fan is all about Craig Downing : An amazing last 15 minutes of an awful season , wouldn ’ t want it any other way .
The scenes & hugs that final 3 minutes will live with me for a long time .
Heading out of the Reebok & the car next to us , playing Mr Blue Sky as loud as his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
Andy Downing : Apart from the utter joy of going from everything is lost to the chants of we only need a goal and then to we ’ re Birmingham City we fight to the end then surviving .
it was nice to get the premature post from our neighbours congratulating Margaret Taggart : Omg heart almost exploded screaming hugging crying couldn ’ t get the smile off my face for days it ’ s called being blue nose KRO Gavin Lacey : Running out me house on to the main @ @ @ @ @

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It’s six years to the day since Birmingham City stood on the precipice, looked over it and were dragged away from the edge by a Paul Caddis header.
The Scot’s 93rd minute equaliser on the final day of the 2013/2014 campaign ensured Blues dodged the drop to League One.
Clips have been doing the rounds on social media today - and fans have been recalling one of the most famous - and fraught - days in recent club history.
Here’s what you’ve been saying.
@TrevReeves: Greatest away day moment for me that, what a day
@PonsonbyJoe: Best birthday present I’ve ever had
@ChrisHumphryes: No beer sold in the ground! Duke nearly sent us down Face with tears of joy gotta go down with one of the best away days I’ve been too!
@TrueBrum: best football limbs ever don’t @ me
@KELSEARAVENHILL: find me better limbs
@davrosflatlee: The greatest limbs of the modern era
@Rickyyyk: how good was this
@AJ89_kro: goosebumps every time
@GuyMaxwell4: Was careering around my garden after that equaliser went in. They’ll finish me off one day the blues
@TomRead33: Limbs
@KEIA96_: Shouted, excited and ran around in the house at midnight. The best day of my life since started following the Blues
@kestrelblue2012: Waiting for that ball to drop for Caddis OMG. Reminds you why it’s the best game in the world.
@the_garbage: There are certain days in our history which will go down in folklore, we’ve got Obafemi Martins Day and this will forever be Paul Caddis’ Day.
Lozza Bcfc: Telling my niece (who had tears in her eyes the whole match) that we would do it..... She didn’t believe me it was just unbelievable its what being a blues fan is all about
Craig Downing: An amazing last 15 minutes of an awful season, wouldn’t want it any other way. The scenes & hugs that final 3 minutes will live with me for a long time.
Heading out of the Reebok & the car next to us, playing Mr Blue Sky as loud as his car speakers can manage. An amazing day.
Andy Downing: Apart from the utter joy of going from everything is lost to the chants of we only need a goal and then to we’re Birmingham City we fight to the end then surviving. it was nice to get the premature post from our neighbours congratulating
Margaret Taggart: Omg heart almost exploded screaming hugging crying couldn’t get the smile off my face for days it’s called being blue nose KRO
Gavin Lacey: Running out me house on to the main road dancing when blues equalised


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Baggies legend refused re-entry to Spain after mother's death

Baggies legend Derek Statham has slated Gibraltar border authorities after they blocked him from returning to Spain following a mercy dash to see his dying mother in the UK .
The former England defender was turned back to Heathrow when he landed in Gibralter for an onward trip to the Spanish mainland because his documentation was a copy , not the original .
Yet Derek , who made 299 appearance for Albion from 1977 to 1987 and gained three England caps , lives just over 40 minutes from The Rock .
He is angry that officers refused to let his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the required paperwork , and instead forced him to board a flight back to Heathrow .
The 61-year-old , who has lived in Puerto de la Duquesa in Spain , for 20 years , says : “ A bit of common sense would have cleared it up .
“ Not only did they put my health at risk , but I also incurred extra cost .
It ’ s 60 to 80 metres from one border to another .
It was ridiculous.
” Derek , born in Wolverhampton , made a hurried return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before lockdown began – to spend time with his 91-year-old mother , Mary .
He was by her side when she died and stayed for her funeral at Bushbury Crematorium on April 21 .
Mary was not a victim of the pandemic but had been ill for some time .
“ Her body was shutting down , ” says the former football star who spends retirement in Spain with wife Judith , their daughter and two grandchildren .
“ She was not suffering , her body was saying ‘ I ’ ve had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that was it.
” But for Derek , the nightmare had just begun .
His April 23 flight to Gibraltar proved a nerve-shredding marathon .
He found himself stuck between The Rock and a very hard place .
“ At passport control in Gibraltar , I was stopped , ” he explains .
“ I showed them the photocopy of my document of residence and they said ‘ That ’ s not acceptable , the Spanish won ’ t let you in ’ .
“ My wife was going to drive to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I said ‘ Just give me 30 minutes and the documents you need will be here ’ .
“ I was told I couldn ’ t do that because the plane back to Heathrow was departing in 15 minutes ’ time .
“ You have a situation where the Government is telling you to stay at home , yet I was being put at risk by being forced to fly around 3,000 miles .
“ I needed accommodation in London , and Heathrow was like a ghost town .
I was worried I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until mid-May.
” Thankfully , Derek managed to fly home the following day thanks to feverish calls from Judith to the Spanish authorites .
That flight cost him an extra £400 .
The weeks away , at least , meant he missed the full force of Spain ’ s strict lockdown .
“ It ’ s been pretty good , ” he admits .
“ We ’ re in Andalucia and the majority of the problems have been in the north .
”

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Baggies legend Derek Statham has slated Gibraltar border authorities after they blocked him from returning to Spain following a mercy dash to see his dying mother in the UK.
The former England defender was turned back to Heathrow when he landed in Gibralter for an onward trip to the Spanish mainland because his documentation was a copy, not the original.
Yet Derek, who made 299 appearance for Albion from 1977 to 1987 and gained three England caps, lives just over 40 minutes from The Rock.
He is angry that officers refused to let his wife drive to the Gibralter airport with the required paperwork, and instead forced him to board a flight back to Heathrow.
The 61-year-old, who has lived in Puerto de la Duquesa in Spain, for 20 years, says: “A bit of common sense would have cleared it up.
“Not only did they put my health at risk, but I also incurred extra cost. It’s 60 to 80 metres from one border to another. It was ridiculous.”
Derek, born in Wolverhampton, made a hurried return to the city on March 12 – before lockdown began – to spend time with his 91-year-old mother, Mary.
He was by her side when she died and stayed for her funeral at Bushbury Crematorium on April 21. Mary was not a victim of the pandemic but had been ill for some time.
“Her body was shutting down,” says the former football star who spends retirement in Spain with wife Judith, their daughter and two grandchildren.
“She was not suffering, her body was saying ‘I’ve had enough’. Her body was tired and that was it.”
But for Derek, the nightmare had just begun. His April 23 flight to Gibraltar proved a nerve-shredding marathon. He found himself stuck between The Rock and a very hard place.
“At passport control in Gibraltar, I was stopped,” he explains. “I showed them the photocopy of my document of residence and they said ‘That’s not acceptable, the Spanish won’t let you in’.
“My wife was going to drive to the airport with the original documents. I said ‘Just give me 30 minutes and the documents you need will be here’.
“I was told I couldn’t do that because the plane back to Heathrow was departing in 15 minutes’ time.
“You have a situation where the Government is telling you to stay at home, yet I was being put at risk by being forced to fly around 3,000 miles.
“I needed accommodation in London, and Heathrow was like a ghost town. I was worried I’d be stuck in the UK until mid-May.”
Thankfully, Derek managed to fly home the following day thanks to feverish calls from Judith to the Spanish authorites. That flight cost him an extra £400.
The weeks away, at least, meant he missed the full force of Spain’s strict lockdown.
“It’s been pretty good,” he admits. “We’re in Andalucia and the majority of the problems have been in the north.”


birminghammail--2020-05-03--The worst football hooliganism Villa Park has ever witnessed

On Saturday , October 9 1976 , Villa Park and Birmingham city centre suffered some of the worst scenes of football hooliganism ever witnessed on this patch .
It occurred during a so called ‘ friendly ’ match between Aston Villa and Rangers which had to be abandoned on 53 minutes when crowd trouble erupted .
Using the Sports Argus and Sunday Mercury reports from that weekend , Mat Kendrick looks back at what was dubbed “ Sick Saturday ” .
“ I watched as a young fan was knocked to the ground and kicked unconscious by up to ten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was the most sickening episode I saw in the midst of disgraceful scenes which caused the abandonment of the match between Aston Villa and Glasgow Rangers after 53 minutes.
” Reporter Geoff Beane sums up the events of October 9 1976 in the following day ’ s Sunday Mercury How the trouble was said to have started Scores of Rangers fans arrived on the night ’ s sleeper train from Glasgow which itself was delayed because of trouble en route .
Some fans were thrown off at Wigan .
Coaches began arriving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some offered £1.50 fare Daybreak Special offers for the 700-mile round journey .
Coaches had been ordered not to arrive at Villa Park until 60 minutes before kick off .
Most of the 50 coaches that made the trip were in Birmingham up to nine hours before that deadline .
According to reports in the Sports Argus and the Sunday Mercury , as soon as the off licences opened the fans bought whisky , champagne , wine and beer and began a debauch that terrorised hundreds and halted public transport for thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could hardly stand .
One 15-year-old boy who had been drinking bottles of red wine collapsed unconscious .
Four hours before the kick off two teenage Rangers fans had already appeared in Birmingham Magistrates Court and been fined £135 for using threatening words and behaviour .
Chief superintendent Colin Sutton , head of Aston Division : “ Drink was the major factor .
They had been drinking most of the day - wine , spirits , beer and even champagne.
” There were some incidents during the first half as Villa led 1-0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was at half-time when trouble flared with hundreds of Rangers fans on the Holte End .
At the interval , supporters at the back of the Holte End surged towards the front forcing frightened supporters to spill onto the pitch .
By that stage some injured fans were being carried clear on stretchers and the second half had kicked off by the time the field was cleared and all fans returned to the terraces .
On the Holte End bricks , stones and bottles were thrown by yobs completely ignoring the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up at that end of the ground on 52 minutes , the violence erupted .
The goal sparked another surge as missiles were launched .
It is estimated that more than 200 Rangers fans invaded the pitch and running battles broke out on the field with some Villa fans joining the fighting .
Two supporters were stabbed during the mayhem .
In order to escape the pitch invasion Villa boss Ron Saunders and Rangers counterpart Jock Wallace waved their players back to the dressing rooms and both teams ran towards the tunnel .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ game in the interests of safety .
Police were given emergency powers to open the gates and turnstiles to allow frightened fans to flee the ground and a loud speaker announcement was made to clear Villa Park and the vicinity of the stadium .
Edna Thorpe , of Station Road , Aston , near the ground : “ I have lived here all my life but never have I seen anything like this .
They were behaving like wild animals , fighting and running riot all over the place .
I was petrified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do.
” Over 70 people were injured at the match , 18 seriously .
Several fans including girls were treated for severe cuts and head injuries from missiles .
Two had stab wounds and more had suspected broken bones .
Thirty police were injured .
Several fell and four were taken to hospital - one with a suspected fractured skull Thirty St John Ambulance men treated the injured .
First aid rooms overflowed .
Eighteen people were ferried by ambulance to Birmingham General and Dudley Road hospitals .
The streets around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitched battle with bodies lying in the road , on the pavements and littered about nearby car parks .
Alfred Eggington , division superintendent in charge of the St John Ambulance first aid unit : “ I have never seen anything like it in over 30 years of nursing .
I was on duty for the Bay City Rollers concert and it was nothing compared to this.
” At the height of the battle , 130 police were deployed at Villa Park .
Ninety extra officers had been drafted into the city to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground police confiscated cans and bottles .
Police made 50 arrests during the day When the violence broke out inside the ground , police with crash helmets were involved in up to five minutes of fighting to clear the ground .
Dog handlers emerged from the Witton End to force fans back and when some semblance of order had been restored at Villa Park police lined the track .
Away from the ground mounted police chased troublemakers through the streets .
The hooliganism was not just contained to Villa Park and the surrounding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city centre .
Some well-behaved fans went ahead of the mob and pleaded with city centre shopkeepers “ please close your shops , they are behaving like animals ” A spokesman for Peter Dominic shop in Priory Ringway said : “ These lads came in to buy drinks and we sold it to them .
They caused no trouble ( in the shop ) .
Our business was quite a lot higher than most Saturdays.
” But an angry Birmingham shopkeeper fumed : “ Trade is bad enough without the busiest day of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why Aston Villa felt it necessary to fix up this match , which meant importing Scottish rowdies , is beyond us.
” Eight buses were vandalised with windows smashed and in once case a roof damaged .
West Midlands Passenger Transport stopped buses running on nine routes which ran towards the ground leaving lots of Saturday shoppers stranded in the city centre .
A mob of fans pelted shoppers with bread after snatching a basket of rolls in a subway .
One woman and her 17-year-old daughter had their hair pulled and milk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bull Ring .
Most of the public houses and bars in the city centre closed their doors .
Teddy ’ s , the city centre pub , was cleared by police after 150 fans started hurling glasses in a bar brawl .
The front door of the Red Lion pub in Lichfield Road , Aston , was ripped off its hinges , while other pubs were also vandalised .
Michael Evans , landlord of the Golden Cross at Aston Cross , Aston , said : “ I have never been more terrified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The language they used was vile , they grabbed bottles from the shelves , wouldn ’ t pay for drinks and ripped down the curtains.
” What the respective clubs and the sporting authorities had to say Alan Bennett , Aston Villa club secretary : “ It is our job to arrange attractive football matches for the public and I think we have done that today .
Aston Villa and Rangers are two of the oldest football clubs in Britain and this is the first time they have played each other for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ William Dugdale : “ I don ’ t regret it ( staging the match ) at all .
What I do regret is all the trouble.
” Rangers vice chairman Willie Waddell : “ I am disgusted .
When that happens your guts fall down to your knees and your tongue just closes up .
It is the louts that are killing us .
It is a bloody tragedy.
” Sports minister Dennis Howell , a spectactor at the game , having telephoned the home secretary who immediately ordered an inquiry into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found it absolutely appalling .
It is impossible to be too strong about the disgraceful behaviour which I was unfortunate enough to witness.
” As for the football ...
Here under the headline ‘ ... Villa so superior ’ is the part of the Sunday Mercury report which focused on the football , rather than the violence Ron Saunders must have been a lot happier before te 53rd minute abandonment as Villa - even without Andy Gray and Chris Nicholl - turned in a sharp , tactically superior game .
It was Dennis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 29 minutes when he finished off a sweet , swift and incisive move .
Alex Cropley began it when he chipped the ball out to Leighton Phillips who had pushed forward on the left .
Phillips saw the gap in the Rangers ’ defence , knocked the ball through to where Mortimer raced in and swept the ball past Kennedy .
In the 52nd minute a Ray Graydon corner was nodded back by John Deehan to Carrodus who turned and banged a left volley volley into the corner of the net .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ other phrases used to describe the violence in the Sports Argus on Saturday October 9 and Sunday Mercury on Sunday , October 10 , 1976 All day in Birmingham it was sick Saturday

On Saturday, October 9, 1976, Villa Park and Birmingham city centre suffered some of the worst scenes of football hooliganism ever witnessed on this patch.
It occurred during a so called ‘friendly’ match between Aston Villa and Rangers which had to be abandoned on 53 minutes when crowd trouble erupted.
Using the Sports Argus and Sunday Mercury reports from that weekend, Mat Kendrick looks back at what was dubbed “Sick Saturday”.
Eye witness account
“I watched as a young fan was knocked to the ground and kicked unconscious by up to ten assailants on the Villa Park pitch.
It was the most sickening episode I saw in the midst of disgraceful scenes which caused the abandonment of the match between Aston Villa and Glasgow Rangers after 53 minutes.”
Reporter Geoff Beane sums up the events of October 9 1976 in the following day’s Sunday Mercury
How the trouble was said to have started
Scores of Rangers fans arrived on the night’s sleeper train from Glasgow which itself was delayed because of trouble en route. Some fans were thrown off at Wigan.
Coaches began arriving at Villa Park as early as 3am. Some offered £1.50 fare Daybreak Special offers for the 700-mile round journey.
Police complained to road traffic commissioners over coach company deadline-breaking.
Coaches had been ordered not to arrive at Villa Park until 60 minutes before kick off. Most of the 50 coaches that made the trip were in Birmingham up to nine hours before that deadline.
According to reports in the Sports Argus and the Sunday Mercury, as soon as the off licences opened the fans bought whisky, champagne, wine and beer and began a debauch that terrorised hundreds and halted public transport for thousands.
Some fans were so drunk they could hardly stand. One 15-year-old boy who had been drinking bottles of red wine collapsed unconscious.
Four hours before the kick off two teenage Rangers fans had already appeared in Birmingham Magistrates Court and been fined £135 for using threatening words and behaviour.
Chief superintendent Colin Sutton, head of Aston Division: “Drink was the major factor. They had been drinking most of the day - wine, spirits, beer and even champagne.”
Inside the ground
There were some incidents during the first half as Villa led 1-0 through a Dennis Mortimer goal, but it was at half-time when trouble flared with hundreds of Rangers fans on the Holte End.
At the interval, supporters at the back of the Holte End surged towards the front forcing frightened supporters to spill onto the pitch.
By that stage some injured fans were being carried clear on stretchers and the second half had kicked off by the time the field was cleared and all fans returned to the terraces.
On the Holte End bricks, stones and bottles were thrown by yobs completely ignoring the game.
When Frank Carrodus put Villa 2-0 up at that end of the ground on 52 minutes, the violence erupted.
The goal sparked another surge as missiles were launched.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
It is estimated that more than 200 Rangers fans invaded the pitch and running battles broke out on the field with some Villa fans joining the fighting.
Two supporters were stabbed during the mayhem.
In order to escape the pitch invasion Villa boss Ron Saunders and Rangers counterpart Jock Wallace waved their players back to the dressing rooms and both teams ran towards the tunnel.
Great Barr referee Derek Civil abandoned the game in the interests of safety.
Police were given emergency powers to open the gates and turnstiles to allow frightened fans to flee the ground and a loud speaker announcement was made to clear Villa Park and the vicinity of the stadium.
Edna Thorpe, of Station Road, Aston, near the ground: “I have lived here all my life but never have I seen anything like this. They were behaving like wild animals, fighting and running riot all over the place. I was petrified and just didn’t know what to do.”
Injuries
Over 70 people were injured at the match, 18 seriously.
Several fans including girls were treated for severe cuts and head injuries from missiles.
Two had stab wounds and more had suspected broken bones.
Thirty police were injured. Several fell and four were taken to hospital - one with a suspected fractured skull
Thirty St John Ambulance men treated the injured. First aid rooms overflowed. Eighteen people were ferried by ambulance to Birmingham General and Dudley Road hospitals.
The streets around the ground looked like the aftermath of a pitched battle with bodies lying in the road, on the pavements and littered about nearby car parks.
Alfred Eggington, division superintendent in charge of the St John Ambulance first aid unit: “I have never seen anything like it in over 30 years of nursing. I was on duty for the Bay City Rollers concert and it was nothing compared to this.”
Police presence and action
At the height of the battle, 130 police were deployed at Villa Park. Ninety extra officers had been drafted into the city to cope with the trouble.
At the ground police confiscated cans and bottles. Police made 50 arrests during the day
When the violence broke out inside the ground, police with crash helmets were involved in up to five minutes of fighting to clear the ground.
Dog handlers emerged from the Witton End to force fans back and when some semblance of order had been restored at Villa Park police lined the track.
Away from the ground mounted police chased troublemakers through the streets.
Around the city
The hooliganism was not just contained to Villa Park and the surrounding areas. It also spread to Birmingham city centre.
Some well-behaved fans went ahead of the mob and pleaded with city centre shopkeepers “please close your shops, they are behaving like animals”
A spokesman for Peter Dominic shop in Priory Ringway said: “These lads came in to buy drinks and we sold it to them. They caused no trouble (in the shop). Our business was quite a lot higher than most Saturdays.”
But an angry Birmingham shopkeeper fumed: “Trade is bad enough without the busiest day of the week being plagued by hooliganism. Why Aston Villa felt it necessary to fix up this match, which meant importing Scottish rowdies, is beyond us.”
Eight buses were vandalised with windows smashed and in once case a roof damaged.
West Midlands Passenger Transport stopped buses running on nine routes which ran towards the ground leaving lots of Saturday shoppers stranded in the city centre.
A mob of fans pelted shoppers with bread after snatching a basket of rolls in a subway.
One woman and her 17-year-old daughter had their hair pulled and milk showered over them by a mob in the Bull Ring.
Most of the public houses and bars in the city centre closed their doors.
Teddy’s, the city centre pub, was cleared by police after 150 fans started hurling glasses in a bar brawl.
The front door of the Red Lion pub in Lichfield Road, Aston, was ripped off its hinges, while other pubs were also vandalised.
Michael Evans, landlord of the Golden Cross at Aston Cross, Aston, said: “I have never been more terrified in my life. They went berserk. The language they used was vile, they grabbed bottles from the shelves, wouldn’t pay for drinks and ripped down the curtains.”
What the respective clubs and the sporting authorities had to say
Alan Bennett, Aston Villa club secretary: “It is our job to arrange attractive football matches for the public and I think we have done that today. Aston Villa and Rangers are two of the oldest football clubs in Britain and this is the first time they have played each other for 90 years.”
Aston Villa chairman Sir William Dugdale: “I don’t regret it (staging the match) at all. What I do regret is all the trouble.”
Rangers vice chairman Willie Waddell: “I am disgusted. When that happens your guts fall down to your knees and your tongue just closes up. It is the louts that are killing us. It is a bloody tragedy.”
Sports minister Dennis Howell, a spectator at the game, having telephoned the home secretary who immediately ordered an inquiry into the violent scenes, said: “I found it absolutely appalling. It is impossible to be too strong about the disgraceful behaviour which I was unfortunate enough to witness.”
As for the football...
Here under the headline ‘...Villa so superior’ is the part of the Sunday Mercury report which focused on the football, rather than the violence
Aston Villa 2 Rangers 0 (Match abandoned after 53 minutes)
Ron Saunders must have been a lot happier before te 53rd minute abandonment as Villa - even without Andy Gray and Chris Nicholl - turned in a sharp, tactically superior game. It was Dennis Mortimer who got Villa’s first on 29 minutes when he finished off a sweet, swift and incisive move.
Alex Cropley began it when he chipped the ball out to Leighton Phillips who had pushed forward on the left. Phillips saw the gap in the Rangers’ defence, knocked the ball through to where Mortimer raced in and swept the ball past Kennedy.
In the 52nd minute a Ray Graydon corner was nodded back by John Deehan to Carrodus who turned and banged a left volley volley into the corner of the net.
Headlines
Here are some of the headlines and other phrases used to describe the violence in the Sports Argus on Saturday October 9 and Sunday Mercury on Sunday, October 10, 1976
Abandoned fan riots rock Brum
Villa, Rangers players run for their lives
Attraction that became warfare
The Ravagers
Drunken soccer mobs riot, terrorise a city
Birmingham a city under siege
The gruesome Battle of Villa Park
Mob frenzy at Villa Park
All day in Birmingham it was sick Saturday
It reached a sickening crescendo of violence
Birmingham’s day of Tartan terror
Holte End was a seething mass of violence.
At BirminghamLive, we want to get even closer to what you're thinking by getting your comments and feedback on all of our stories, particular where claret and blue debates are concerned. Please leave a comment below.
Read more: Villa tipped to complete transfer that makes 'absolute sense'
Read more: Archer claim made as striker puts pressure on duo


birminghammail--2020-05-03--PL 'close to agreeing' plan that would be alarming for West Brom

Premier League clubs are close to agreeing to playing remaining fixtures at neutral venues but without the threat of relegation , according to reports .
Top-flight bosses held a meeting on Friday to present clubs with details of the 'Project Restart ' plan for finishing the campaign .
Fixtures have been halted for almost two months due to the coronavirus pandemic , with West Bromwich Albion 's bid from promotion from the Championship still on hold .
Slaven Bilic 's side last played on March 7 in a goalless draw against Swansea City which left them a point behind Leeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third-placed Fulham .
If you want to follow all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest WBA news , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ click here You can follow our reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com Details emerged this weekend of a proposal to play the remaining 92 Premier League fixtures at neutral grounds around the country .
BBC Sport reports that clubs are open to the idea , which would see up to 10 stadiums stage the matches , but with relegation scrapped .
The report states : `` Clubs near the bottom of the table feel it is unfair to play in such different conditions when at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive Paul Barber broke ranks to publicly voice his opposition on Saturday , releasing a statement saying the plan would create `` very obvious disadvantages '' for his side .
Barber said : `` At this critical point in the season , playing matches in neutral venues has , in our view , potential to have a material effect on the integrity of the competition . ''
The idea of scrapping relegation from the top-flight is an alarming one for both Albion and Leeds , who have occupied the top two spots since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be promoted without the need for relegation if the Premier League votes to increase the number of teams in the league for next season .
According to the Guardian , the EFL 's preferred contingency would be to promote the Baggies and Leeds if the season is cut short - then hold the play-offs based on the current positions .

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Premier League clubs are close to agreeing to playing remaining fixtures at neutral venues but without the threat of relegation, according to reports.
Top-flight bosses held a meeting on Friday to present clubs with details of the 'Project Restart' plan for finishing the campaign.
Fixtures have been halted for almost two months due to the coronavirus pandemic, with West Bromwich Albion's bid from promotion from the Championship still on hold.
Slaven Bilic's side last played on March 7 in a goalless draw against Swansea City which left them a point behind Leeds United in first and six ahead of third-placed Fulham.
Details emerged this weekend of a proposal to play the remaining 92 Premier League fixtures at neutral grounds around the country.
BBC Sport reports that clubs are open to the idea, which would see up to 10 stadiums stage the matches, but with relegation scrapped.
The report states: "Clubs near the bottom of the table feel it is unfair to play in such different conditions when at risk of relegation."
Brighton chief executive Paul Barber broke ranks to publicly voice his opposition on Saturday, releasing a statement saying the plan would create "very obvious disadvantages" for his side.
Barber said: "At this critical point in the season, playing matches in neutral venues has, in our view, potential to have a material effect on the integrity of the competition."
The idea of scrapping relegation from the top-flight is an alarming one for both Albion and Leeds, who have occupied the top two spots since November.
However, clubs could still be promoted without the need for relegation if the Premier League votes to increase the number of teams in the league for next season.
According to the Guardian, the EFL's preferred contingency would be to promote the Baggies and Leeds if the season is cut short - then hold the play-offs based on the current positions.


birminghammail--2020-05-03--Pundit's Championship plan to promote West Brom and Leeds

There is a multitude of proposals about what to do with the rest of the 2019/2020 season , both in the top flight and in the EFL .
The absence of matches has given commentators time to pontificate about the best way forward for a sport in the midst of an existential crisis .
In the meantime supporters from Liverpool , to Leeds to West Bromwich Albion have been left wondering whether they will be denied the glory they have come so close to securing .
Liverpool are two games from the title , while the Championship 's pacesetters feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight .
The issue of promotion to or relegation from the Premier League is one of the most vexatious out there , such is the disparity between eating at the top table and scrabbling around for crumbs underneath it .
And pundit Danny Higginbotham , who before taking up the mic enjoyed a professional career with Manchester United , Derby and Stoke , believes the season should end with elevation to the Premier League for both Leeds and Albion - but without anyone coming down .
“ It ’ s a tough one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leagues and you can even take it into semi professional , non league football - the teams that are in the automatic positions at the moment , they get promoted .
There is no relegation , ” he told ESPNFC .
“ We then have seasons with obviously over-inflated leagues but we have more relegation .
“ The reason I say that is because if you look at Huddersfield , they got relegated from the Premier League last season they still made £90m .
“ The teams that would ordinarily be relegated from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then is they don ’ t get the full amount for being in the Premier League next season .
“ They get half of it , half of what they would normally have and then the rest of the money would then be filtered down .
“ Because as long as this is going on without an answer the longer some of the great clubs , who are such a big identity in a community they are going to disappear .
“ One thing England has been so well known for is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fantastic players have matured and gone on to the Premier League from there , gone on to get international recognition with England and I think that ’ s why I would do the point where there ’ s no relegation.
” The idea is just one of several on the table , though both of England 's top two tiers are currently committed to completing the current campaign .
How and when that can be done , if it can , remains up in the air .

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There is a multitude of proposals about what to do with the rest of the 2019/2020 season, both in the top flight and in the EFL.
The absence of matches has given commentators time to pontificate about the best way forward for a sport in the midst of an existential crisis.
In the meantime supporters from Liverpool, to Leeds to West Bromwich Albion have been left wondering whether they will be denied the glory they have come so close to securing.
Liverpool are two games from the title, while the Championship's pacesetters feel they have one toe in the top flight.
The issue of promotion to or relegation from the Premier League is one of the most vexatious out there, such is the disparity between eating at the top table and scrabbling around for crumbs underneath it.
And pundit Danny Higginbotham, who before taking up the mic enjoyed a professional career with Manchester United, Derby and Stoke, believes the season should end with elevation to the Premier League for both Leeds and Albion - but without anyone coming down.
“It’s a tough one but I just think the four major leagues and you can even take it into semi professional, non league football - the teams that are in the automatic positions at the moment, they get promoted. There is no relegation,” he told ESPNFC.
“We then have seasons with obviously over-inflated leagues but we have more relegation.
“The reason I say that is because if you look at Huddersfield, they got relegated from the Premier League last season they still made £90m.
“The teams that would ordinarily be relegated from the Premier League, what they do then is they don’t get the full amount for being in the Premier League next season.
“They get half of it, half of what they would normally have and then the rest of the money would then be filtered down.
“Because as long as this is going on without an answer the longer some of the great clubs, who are such a big identity in a community they are going to disappear.
“One thing England has been so well known for is the pyramid within grass roots, so many fantastic players have matured and gone on to the Premier League from there, gone on to get international recognition with England and I think that’s why I would do the point where there’s no relegation.”
The idea is just one of several on the table, though both of England's top two tiers are currently committed to completing the current campaign.
How and when that can be done, if it can, remains up in the air.


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Watch: Eerily deserted Broad Street and city centre during coronavirus lockdown

It 's normally a bustling hive of activity day and night - but this video shows Birmingham 's Golden Mile slumbering as it adjusts to life in lockdown .
Broad Street and its surrounding attractions are still and silent , as footage captured by the Westside Business Improvement District shows .
But , behind the scenes , it 's business as usual for many .
Staff at the Sea Life Centre continue to feed and care for their freshwater and marine life while Midland Metro Alliance workers are busy building the new tram extension .
Key shops remain open including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the homeless and check security at largely-empty office buildings .
Its cleaners are also on hand ensuring the entertainment quarter is spick and span ahead of the eventual return to normality .
Luisa Huggins , of Westside BID , said : “ We ’ re absolutely thrilled at this video montage which is a genuine depiction of the ongoing activities on Westside during the lockdown period .
“ We were keen to show our members that while many of them are temporarily closed , certain businesses are still open and busy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works and venues like the Sea Life Centre .
“ We also wanted to show how hard our wardens and cleaners are working to keep the area clean , safe and secure , with extra checks taking place around the clock to keep an eye on all those properties that are closed during the lockdown .
“ Our main message is that Westside BID is taking care of things for members , and that this means that once the lockdown begins to lift in various stages , the district is ready and waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new normal becomes .
”

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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
It's normally a bustling hive of activity day and night - but this video shows Birmingham's Golden Mile slumbering as it adjusts to life in lockdown.
Broad Street and its surrounding attractions are still and silent, as footage captured by the Westside Business Improvement District shows.
But, behind the scenes, it's business as usual for many.
Staff at the Sea Life Centre continue to feed and care for their freshwater and marine life while Midland Metro Alliance workers are busy building the new tram extension.
Key shops remain open including Sainsbury's while BID wardens look out for the homeless and check security at largely-empty office buildings.
Its cleaners are also on hand ensuring the entertainment quarter is spick and span ahead of the eventual return to normality.
Luisa Huggins, of Westside BID, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled at this video montage which is a genuine depiction of the ongoing activities on Westside during the lockdown period.
“We were keen to show our members that while many of them are temporarily closed, certain businesses are still open and busy, such as key shops, the Metro works and venues like the Sea Life Centre.
“We also wanted to show how hard our wardens and cleaners are working to keep the area clean, safe and secure, with extra checks taking place around the clock to keep an eye on all those properties that are closed during the lockdown.
“Our main message is that Westside BID is taking care of things for members, and that this means that once the lockdown begins to lift in various stages, the district is ready and waiting to get things back to whatever the new normal becomes.”


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Asda sets aside 3,500 delivery slots for six months for a special reason

Asda is introducing delivery slots specifically for care homes in need amid the coronavirus crisis .
The supermarket giant , owned by US retailer Walmart , has issued a key update to its delivery slots as the health crisis continues .
Asda has confirmed care homes will be getting priority for the next six months .
The retailer - which operates stores across Birmingham - is also donating hundreds of thousands of face masks .
Asda is doing so to protect care home workers and residents .
The supermarket said 3,500 care homes across the country will be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roger Burnley said : `` The impact of Covid on our care system has been the subject of numerous news reports in recent days , and the challenges facing our nation 's care homes and the staff who are working so hard to protect some of our most vulnerable people have been heartbreaking to see .
`` Giving priority access to these amazing care homes is , I believe , the right thing for us to do - and I am proud that , having built the capacity of our online delivery service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 700,000 weekly slots , we are able to do this for our care homes . ''
Professor Martin Green , chief executive at Care England , said : `` Care staff are on the front line of this dreadful pandemic and it is great to see Asda offering practical help and support to care services and their staff .
`` Asda has a long tradition of supporting their local communities and their support for care services at this difficult time is greatly appreciated by us all . ''

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Asda is introducing delivery slots specifically for care homes in need amid the coronavirus crisis.
The supermarket giant, owned by US retailer Walmart, has issued a key update to its delivery slots as the health crisis continues.
Asda has confirmed care homes will be getting priority for the next six months.
The retailer - which operates stores across Birmingham - is also donating hundreds of thousands of face masks.
Asda is doing so to protect care home workers and residents.
The supermarket said 3,500 care homes across the country will be able to book the slots.
Asda chief executive Roger Burnley said: "The impact of Covid on our care system has been the subject of numerous news reports in recent days, and the challenges facing our nation's care homes and the staff who are working so hard to protect some of our most vulnerable people have been heartbreaking to see.
"Giving priority access to these amazing care homes is, I believe, the right thing for us to do - and I am proud that, having built the capacity of our online delivery service in recent weeks from 450,000 slots to 700,000 weekly slots, we are able to do this for our care homes."
Professor Martin Green, chief executive at Care England, said: "Care staff are on the front line of this dreadful pandemic and it is great to see Asda offering practical help and support to care services and their staff.
"Asda has a long tradition of supporting their local communities and their support for care services at this difficult time is greatly appreciated by us all."


birminghammail--2020-05-04--'Silly'- Notorious Villa moment made Manchester United fans wince

The crafty half-time fags , the rigid ‘ W ’ formations , the £15-a-week players ’ wages , the brutal tackles , the only televised game of the year .
If Aston Villa 's 1957 FA Cup final triumph feels like a world away from football today then that 's because it was .
The famous photograph of captain Johnny Dixon being lifted aloft by team-mates with the FA Cup raised above his head remains one of the most enduring images in the club ’ s proud history .
Villa versus Manchester United on May 4 , 1957 will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record as Villa lifted the cup for a then-best seventh time ( although sadly , that record has been obliterated by several clubs including Arsenal who now boast 13 triumphs ) .
And United keeper Ray Wood ’ s broken cheekbone when he collided with match-winner Peter McParland after just six minutes .
McParland ’ s shoulder charge , when he followed up his own ten-yard header by steaming into Wood despite the ball being firmly in the stopper ’ s grasp , was unremarkable back then .
Indeed , even though Wood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , observers , including match commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme , wondered what all the fuss was about .
“ That was a fair charge but unfortunately their heads collided and both McParland and Wood are out , ” announced the man with the mic , going on to add minutes later that there was “ rather silly booing from some of the Manchester spectators every time McParland gets the ball ” .
Nowadays , following such a crunching challenge , the aggressor would get their marching orders for violent conduct , while the victim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A & E department for a full medical check-up .
But , 63 years ago , if Wolstenholme and Co had dared “ think it ’ s all over ” for either player , then they would have been mistaken as both McParland and Wood were to play on , with Villa ’ s outside-left making the most significant contribution .
Wood returned carrying a cloth with smelling salts on 33 minutes and was dispatched to the right wing where he lasted until half-time before again departing the field and then returning between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McParland , meanwhile , did further damage to United midway through the second half when he scored the double which was to win Villa their first FA Cup since 1920 and their last for more than half a century .
The Northern Ireland international himself describes both goals elsewhere on this page , so it requires no further explanation , other than to say the modus operandi was the getting it forward , getting it out wide and getting in crosses approach that McParland ’ s compatriot Martin O ’ Neill favours today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 68 and 73 minutes after Matt Busby ’ s men struggled to adjust to playing with ten men for much of the match and with key players out of position .
Both teams , as was the fashion in Fifties football , favoured the W – or 2-3-5 – formation ; Villa , decked out in blue jerseys with claret stripes , white shorts and claret and blue socks , had Nigel Sims in goal behind right and left-backs Stan Lynn and Peter Aldis .
Then there were right , centre and left-halves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pat Saward and the midfield/forward line of outside-right Les Smith , inside-right Jackie Sewell , centre-forward Bill Myerscough , inside-left Dixon , and outside-left McParland .
United , kitted out in an all-white strip with red trim , boasted Duncan Edwards , Jackie Blanchflower , who ended up deputising in goal , and Bobby Charlton in their side , although an 83rd-minute consolation was all they had to show for their efforts .
However , Villa , who had beaten Luton , Middlesbrough , Bristol City , Burnley and West Bromwich Albion on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historic victory which will live long in the memory .
Seven was a lucky number for Aston Villa and Peter McParland in 1957 .
For not only did the club claim their seventh triumph in the competition , but talisman McParland hit seven goals along the way .
McParland ’ s scoring streak started in the 2-2 third-round draw at Luton and he notched in the 1-1 fifth-round draw at Burnley and in the 2-0 replay win .
By the time it got to the semi-final against West Bromwich Albion , the Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He found the net twice as the original last four tie ended 2-2 before Villa overcame their local rivals at the second time of asking 1-0 .
And McParland famously completed his seven-goal haul with a winning brace against Manchester United in the 2-1 final triumph at Wembley , although the crunching shoulder barge that smashed opposition keeper Ray Wood ’ s jaw is remembered just as much , if not more , than his goals .
He was closely followed by captain Johnny Dixon , who scored five times during the glorious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also won a Second Division title with Villa , had a nifty knack of finding the net and ended his claret and blue career with a tally of around 100 goals from just under 300 appearances between 1952 and 1962 .
The forward also scored in Villa ’ s first ever League Cup final , as they came from 2-0 down in the first leg to defeat Rotherham 3-2 on aggregate in the second in 1961 .
And it was not just for his club where McParland demonstrated his goal-getting prowess .
Known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mac and Peter the Great , he also scored five goals for Northern Ireland in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden , helping them reach the quarter-finals of the competition .
McParland was often described as the best ‘ outside-left ’ Ireland have ever possessed and was famed for bravely bursting in at the far post to convert crosses .
He is now retired and lives in Bournemouth .

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The crafty half-time fags, the rigid ‘W’ formations, the £15-a-week players’ wages, the brutal tackles, the only televised game of the year.
If Aston Villa's 1957 FA Cup final triumph feels like a world away from football today then that's because it was.
The famous photograph of captain Johnny Dixon being lifted aloft by team-mates with the FA Cup raised above his head remains one of the most enduring images in the club’s proud history.
Villa versus Manchester United on May 4, 1957 will be remembered for two breaks.
The broken record as Villa lifted the cup for a then-best seventh time (although sadly, that record has been obliterated by several clubs including Arsenal who now boast 13 triumphs).
(Image: Mirrorpix)
And United keeper Ray Wood’s broken cheekbone when he collided with match-winner Peter McParland after just six minutes.
McParland’s shoulder charge, when he followed up his own ten-yard header by steaming into Wood despite the ball being firmly in the stopper’s grasp, was unremarkable back then.
Indeed, even though Wood lay unconscious on the hallowed Wembley turf, observers, including match commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme, wondered what all the fuss was about.
“That was a fair charge but unfortunately their heads collided and both McParland and Wood are out,” announced the man with the mic, going on to add minutes later that there was “rather silly booing from some of the Manchester spectators every time McParland gets the ball”.
Nowadays, following such a crunching challenge, the aggressor would get their marching orders for violent conduct, while the victim would be whisked off to the nearest A&E department for a full medical check-up.
But, 63 years ago, if Wolstenholme and Co had dared “think it’s all over” for either player, then they would have been mistaken as both McParland and Wood were to play on, with Villa’s outside-left making the most significant contribution.
Wood returned carrying a cloth with smelling salts on 33 minutes and was dispatched to the right wing where he lasted until half-time before again departing the field and then returning between the sticks for the closing stages.
McParland, meanwhile, did further damage to United midway through the second half when he scored the double which was to win Villa their first FA Cup since 1920 and their last for more than half a century.
The Northern Ireland international himself describes both goals elsewhere on this page, so it requires no further explanation, other than to say the modus operandi was the getting it forward, getting it out wide and getting in crosses approach that McParland’s compatriot Martin O’Neill favours today.
Villa’s goals came on 68 and 73 minutes after Matt Busby’s men struggled to adjust to playing with ten men for much of the match and with key players out of position.
Both teams, as was the fashion in Fifties football, favoured the W – or 2-3-5 – formation; Villa, decked out in blue jerseys with claret stripes, white shorts and claret and blue socks, had Nigel Sims in goal behind right and left-backs Stan Lynn and Peter Aldis.
Then there were right, centre and left-halves, Stan Crowther, Jimmy Dugdale and Pat Saward and the midfield/forward line of outside-right Les Smith, inside-right Jackie Sewell, centre-forward Bill Myerscough, inside-left Dixon, and outside-left McParland.
United, kitted out in an all-white strip with red trim, boasted Duncan Edwards, Jackie Blanchflower, who ended up deputising in goal, and Bobby Charlton in their side, although an 83rd-minute consolation was all they had to show for their efforts.
However, Villa, who had beaten Luton, Middlesbrough, Bristol City, Burnley and West Bromwich Albion on the road to Wembley, celebrated a historic victory which will live long in the memory.
Aston Villa (2-3-5): Sims; Lynn, Aldis; Crowther, Dugdale, Saward; Smith, Sewell, Myerscough, Dixon, McParland.
Manchester United (2-3-5): Wood; Foulkes, Byrne; Colman, Blanchflower, Edwards; Berry, Whelan, Taylor, Charlton, Pegg.
Scorers: Villa: McParland 68, 73; United: Taylor 83.
Attendance: 99,225.
WHO IS 1957 FA CUP HERO PETER MCPARLAND?
Seven was a lucky number for Aston Villa and Peter McParland in 1957.
For not only did the club claim their seventh triumph in the competition, but talisman McParland hit seven goals along the way.
McParland’s scoring streak started in the 2-2 third-round draw at Luton and he notched in the 1-1 fifth-round draw at Burnley and in the 2-0 replay win.
By the time it got to the semi-final against West Bromwich Albion, the Northern Irish star was on the doubles.
He found the net twice as the original last four tie ended 2-2 before Villa overcame their local rivals at the second time of asking 1-0.
And McParland famously completed his seven-goal haul with a winning brace against Manchester United in the 2-1 final triumph at Wembley, although the crunching shoulder barge that smashed opposition keeper Ray Wood’s jaw is remembered just as much, if not more, than his goals.
He was closely followed by captain Johnny Dixon, who scored five times during the glorious 57 cup run.
McParland, who also won a Second Division title with Villa, had a nifty knack of finding the net and ended his claret and blue career with a tally of around 100 goals from just under 300 appearances between 1952 and 1962.
The forward also scored in Villa’s first ever League Cup final, as they came from 2-0 down in the first leg to defeat Rotherham 3-2 on aggregate in the second in 1961.
And it was not just for his club where McParland demonstrated his goal-getting prowess.
Known by the nicknames of Supermac, Mighty Mac and Peter the Great, he also scored five goals for Northern Ireland in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, helping them reach the quarter-finals of the competition.
McParland was often described as the best ‘outside-left’ Ireland have ever possessed and was famed for bravely bursting in at the far post to convert crosses.
He is now retired and lives in Bournemouth.


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Concern over report over-70s could be told to stay home if lockown lifts

Older people should not be discriminated against when the lockdown ends or is scaled back , a former Birmingham MP suggests .
Norman Fowler , aged 82 , highlighted concern over suggestions that younger people could be allowed to return to their normal lives , at least to some extent , while older people such as those over 70 might be required to stay at home - even if they are healthy .
He spoke out on Twitter , saying : `` There is a fundamental question to be asked about future lock-down policy .
Should age alone determine key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthy over 70s remain isolated while those in their 50s and 60s who happen to be less healthy have their restrictions lifted ? ''
Lord Fowler was the MP for Sutton Coldfield until 2001 .
He is now Lords Speaker , responsible for overseeing much of the operation of the House of Lords .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to set out plans to ease some lockdown restrictions on Sunday .
But there is speculation that older people could be told or encouraged to remain at home .
At the moment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone aged 70 or over is `` clinically vulnerable '' and they should `` take particular care to minimise contact with others outside your household '' .
Despite this , they are in fact allowed to leave their homes for exercise or for essential journeys , in the same way as younger people .
A separate category of people with serious medical conditions , such as those receiving treatment for cancer , have been advised not to leave their homes at all .
But some doctors ' groups have expressed concern that older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BMA said said in a statement : `` A blanket ban on any section of the population being prohibited from lockdown easing would be discriminatory and unacceptable . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : `` We have strongly advised all over 70s to follow social distancing measures .
However , there is no 'blanket ban ' . ''

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Older people should not be discriminated against when the lockdown ends or is scaled back, a former Birmingham MP suggests.
Norman Fowler, aged 82, highlighted concern over suggestions that younger people could be allowed to return to their normal lives, at least to some extent, while older people such as those over 70 might be required to stay at home - even if they are healthy.
He spoke out on Twitter, saying: "There is a fundamental question to be asked about future lock-down policy. Should age alone determine key decisions?
"Why should the reasonably healthy over 70s remain isolated while those in their 50s and 60s who happen to be less healthy have their restrictions lifted?"
Lord Fowler was the MP for Sutton Coldfield until 2001. He is now Lords Speaker, responsible for overseeing much of the operation of the House of Lords.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to set out plans to ease some lockdown restrictions on Sunday. But there is speculation that older people could be told or encouraged to remain at home.
At the moment, the Government's official advice states that anyone aged 70 or over is "clinically vulnerable" and they should "take particular care to minimise contact with others outside your household".
Despite this, they are in fact allowed to leave their homes for exercise or for essential journeys, in the same way as younger people. A separate category of people with serious medical conditions, such as those receiving treatment for cancer, have been advised not to leave their homes at all.
But some doctors' groups have expressed concern that older people could be discriminated against. The BMA said said in a statement: "A blanket ban on any section of the population being prohibited from lockdown easing would be discriminatory and unacceptable."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "We have strongly advised all over 70s to follow social distancing measures. However, there is no 'blanket ban'."


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Boris Johson shares way out of lockdown in new video message to UK

Boris Johnson has warned that lifting lockdown restrictions too soon would be `` the worst thing we could do '' .
In a video message on Twitter , the Prime Minister said it was important to meet the five tests set by the Government before easing the lockdown .
`` We will only be able to move onto the second phase of this conflict if our five tests have been met , '' he said .
The tests are : that the NHS must have sufficient critical care capacity ; there must be a sustained and consistent fall in daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decreasing to `` manageable levels '' ; there must be enough PPE and testing supply ; and any adjustments must not lead to a second peak which could overwhelm the health service .
Mr Johnson said : `` The worst thing we could do now is ease up too soon and allow a second peak of coronavirus . ''
The Prime Minister is due to set out a new strategy on Sunday with more details on how the lockdown will be eased following a review of the current arrangements on Thursday .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race to develop a coronavirus vaccine as the `` most urgent shared endeavour of our lifetimes '' as he calls on nations to `` pull together '' in response to the pandemic .
Mr Johnson is expected to tell an online pledging conference on Monday - co-hosted by the UK and eight other countries and organisations - that the sooner states share their expertise , the faster scientists will succeed in defeating the disease .
In an interview with the Sun newspaper , the PM , who was treated in intensive care for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feared he might not live to meet his son Wilfred , who was born on Wednesday .

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Boris Johnson has warned that lifting lockdown restrictions too soon would be "the worst thing we could do".
In a video message on Twitter, the Prime Minister said it was important to meet the five tests set by the Government before easing the lockdown.
"We will only be able to move onto the second phase of this conflict if our five tests have been met," he said.
The tests are: that the NHS must have sufficient critical care capacity; there must be a sustained and consistent fall in daily deaths; the infection rate must be decreasing to "manageable levels"; there must be enough PPE and testing supply; and any adjustments must not lead to a second peak which could overwhelm the health service.
Mr Johnson said: "The worst thing we could do now is ease up too soon and allow a second peak of coronavirus."
The Prime Minister is due to set out a new strategy on Sunday with more details on how the lockdown will be eased following a review of the current arrangements on Thursday.
It comes as he prepares to describe the race to develop a coronavirus vaccine as the "most urgent shared endeavour of our lifetimes" as he calls on nations to "pull together" in response to the pandemic.
Mr Johnson is expected to tell an online pledging conference on Monday - co-hosted by the UK and eight other countries and organisations - that the sooner states share their expertise, the faster scientists will succeed in defeating the disease.
In an interview with the Sun newspaper, the PM, who was treated in intensive care for Covid-19 last month, told how he feared he might not live to meet his son Wilfred, who was born on Wednesday.


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Lockdown patrol cops arrest six serious crime suspects in  a week

Police on lockdown patrols arrested a string of serious crime suspects in connection with rape , stalking , robbery and domestic violence investigations .
West Midlands Police 's neighbourhood team im Erdington reported six arrests for serious offences over the last week on Sunday , May 3 .
One was arrested on suspicion of rape , another for stalking , a third for robbery and a fourth for domestic violence .
Another two suspects were also detained in connection with undisclosed offences .
The team , wrote : `` Last week whilst making sure Covid19 guidelines were adhered to , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offences including Robbery , Rape , Stalking and Domestic Violence .
`` Today we are back after RDs patrolling the High Street .
Please stay at home ! ''
Details of the arrests emerged days after social distancing issues in Erdington High Street were made public .
The make-up of the shopping area , with several stores remaining open to sell essential goods , meant customers were not always able to stay two metres apart .
And the problem has been compounded by 'nuisance ' drinkers in the town centre .
The force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area and warned officers would send people home if they were deemed to be breaching lockdown guidelines - unnecessarily risking the spread of Covid-19 .
A spokeswoman previously said : `` Birmingham officers are continuing to tackle anti-social behaviour on Erdington High Street .
`` We take anti-social behaviour and street drinking very seriously and continue to take robust action to tackle issues in order to make our community feel safer .
`` Several essential shops on the High Street remain open , and due to current social distancing rules when queuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Local officers patrol the area regularly , speaking to people , and encouraging compliance with the government ’ s order .
If necessary we will disperse people and tell them to return home if we believe they are not adhering to the guidelines cited by the government . ''

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Police on lockdown patrols arrested a string of serious crime suspects in connection with rape, stalking, robbery and domestic violence investigations.
West Midlands Police's neighbourhood team im Erdington reported six arrests for serious offences over the last week on Sunday, May 3.
One was arrested on suspicion of rape, another for stalking, a third for robbery and a fourth for domestic violence. Another two suspects were also detained in connection with undisclosed offences.
(Image: Erdington Police)
The team, wrote: "Last week whilst making sure Covid19 guidelines were adhered to, our team arrested six offenders for serious offences including Robbery, Rape, Stalking and Domestic Violence.
"Today we are back after RDs patrolling the High Street. Please stay at home!"
Details of the arrests emerged days after social distancing issues in Erdington High Street were made public.
The make-up of the shopping area, with several stores remaining open to sell essential goods, meant customers were not always able to stay two metres apart.
And the problem has been compounded by 'nuisance' drinkers in the town centre.
(Image: Google)
The force said it had increased its presence in the area and warned officers would send people home if they were deemed to be breaching lockdown guidelines - unnecessarily risking the spread of Covid-19.
A spokeswoman previously said: "Birmingham officers are continuing to tackle anti-social behaviour on Erdington High Street.
"We take anti-social behaviour and street drinking very seriously and continue to take robust action to tackle issues in order to make our community feel safer.
"Several essential shops on the High Street remain open, and due to current social distancing rules when queuing, the street can appear busy.
"Local officers patrol the area regularly, speaking to people, and encouraging compliance with the government’s order. If necessary we will disperse people and tell them to return home if we believe they are not adhering to the guidelines cited by the government."


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Agbonlahor lifts lid on explosive rant with axed Aston Villa boss

Aston Villa legend Gabby Agbonlahor read the riot act to hapless ex-boss Roberto Di Matteo , blaring : `` I ’ ll be here longer than you , Di Matteo ! ''
The Italian was desperate to move Agbonlahor on after his off-the-field antics throughout Villa 's embarrassing relegation from the Premier League .
After his appointment in June 2016 , Di Matteo wanted Agbonlahor out and attempted to force him to join either Reading or Rangers .
The striker was having none of it and , in a Claret & Blue podcast exclusive , Agbonlahor detailed an explosive meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had the chance to leave under Di Matteo , '' he said , watch the video at the top of this page .
`` They tried to force me out to Reading and Rangers .
I said no chance .
I ’ ll be here longer than you , Di Matteo !
`` I ’ m not going anywhere .
Those were my exact words in the office to Di Matteo and the owner .
I said you ’ re not pushing me out , it ’ s not an option .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shirt .
`` At the time , I got the club relegated as well and I wanted to make it right . ''
What was right was Agbonlahor 's assumption of Di Matteo who , after just 124 days in the job , was axed after winning just once in 12 games .
Villa 's all-time leading Premier League goal-scorer managed just 20 appearances in the Championship - but still managed to score his fifth and final goals against Birmingham City .
Agbonlahor admits his legs could n't cope with the physical demands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three months after his last-ever appearance at Villa Park against Sheffield United , eventually called time on his career aged just 31 .
`` My body was telling me to stop , '' Agbonlahor explained .
`` At the end of that season ( 2017-18 ) I got offers from here and abroad and , the longer it went ( without playing ) the offers got worse and worse .
`` It came to September , October , November and then January ( 2019 ) and you can ’ t expect any offers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason I made my retirement public was because I was getting silly offers , people were giving me my number out .
`` I had people calling me from Wrexham , Solihull Moors ... OK , I had to make it public in the March to let everyone know I ’ m not playing again .
There were offers Aberdeen .
No offence to these clubs but I ’ m not going to play for Aberdeen !
`` I played at the highest level for Aston Villa and I ’ m not ending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different , some will go to like Forest Green and play until they ’ re legs don ’ t work any more when they ’ re 38/39 .
`` To me , I wanted to go out on a sort of high and I was a one-club man .
I ’ m not going down the leagues and my body told me it ’ s time .
It ’ s early , 31 , don ’ t get me wrong .
You ’ ve got Gareth Barry still playing at 39 . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ my game relied on my speed .
I wasn ’ t prepared to let it get to a stage where I was being put through on goal and a slow defender was out-pacing me !
`` I didn ’ t want it to come to that and I still stand by my decision . ''
What do you miss most , Gabby ?
`` I miss the good times playing in teams that were challenging , '' he said , with a wry smile .
`` The Martin O ’ Neill years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to score before them .
Playing in a team that could go to Anfield , Old Trafford and Arsenal that could win , thinking they were scared of us and watching videos of us !
I miss the banter , the schedule , the everyday . ''

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Aston Villa legend Gabby Agbonlahor read the riot act to hapless ex-boss Roberto Di Matteo, blaring: "I’ll be here longer than you, Di Matteo!"
The Italian was desperate to move Agbonlahor on after his off-the-field antics throughout Villa's embarrassing relegation from the Premier League.
After his appointment in June 2016, Di Matteo wanted Agbonlahor out and attempted to force him to join either Reading or Rangers.
The striker was having none of it and, in a Claret & Blue podcast exclusive, Agbonlahor detailed an explosive meeting between RDM and Tony Xia.
"I had the chance to leave under Di Matteo," he said, watch the video at the top of this page.
"They tried to force me out to Reading and Rangers. I said no chance. I’ll be here longer than you, Di Matteo!
"I’m not going anywhere. Those were my exact words in the office to Di Matteo and the owner. I said you’re not pushing me out, it’s not an option. I’m not putting on another shirt.
"At the time, I got the club relegated as well and I wanted to make it right."
What was right was Agbonlahor's assumption of Di Matteo who, after just 124 days in the job, was axed after winning just once in 12 games.
Villa's all-time leading Premier League goal-scorer managed just 20 appearances in the Championship - but still managed to score his fifth and final goals against Birmingham City.
Agbonlahor admits his legs couldn't cope with the physical demands of the Championship every week and, three months after his last-ever appearance at Villa Park against Sheffield United, eventually called time on his career aged just 31.
"My body was telling me to stop," Agbonlahor explained. "At the end of that season (2017-18) I got offers from here and abroad and, the longer it went (without playing) the offers got worse and worse.
"It came to September, October, November and then January (2019) and you can’t expect any offers to be good.
"The only reason I made my retirement public was because I was getting silly offers, people were giving me my number out.
"I had people calling me from Wrexham, Solihull Moors... OK, I had to make it public in the March to let everyone know I’m not playing again. There were offers Aberdeen. No offence to these clubs but I’m not going to play for Aberdeen!
"I played at the highest level for Aston Villa and I’m not ending up at Aberdeen. Some players are different, some will go to like Forest Green and play until they’re legs don’t work any more when they’re 38/39.
WATCH / LISTEN - Gabby Agbonlahor's most-honest Aston Villa interview ever: YouTube, Apple, Spotify
"To me, I wanted to go out on a sort of high and I was a one-club man. I’m not going down the leagues and my body told me it’s time. It’s early, 31, don’t get me wrong. You’ve got Gareth Barry still playing at 39."
Agbonlahor admitted: "For me, my game relied on my speed. I wasn’t prepared to let it get to a stage where I was being put through on goal and a slow defender was out-pacing me!
"I didn’t want it to come to that and I still stand by my decision."
What do you miss most, Gabby?
"I miss the good times playing in teams that were challenging," he said, with a wry smile. "The Martin O’Neill years, arguing with players that I was going to score before them. Playing in a team that could go to Anfield, Old Trafford and Arsenal that could win, thinking they were scared of us and watching videos of us! I miss the banter, the schedule, the everyday."


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Martin Lewis tells anybody with an energy supplier to switch immediately

MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis has issued a key warning to anybody with an energy provider .
The MSE founder and cash-saving guru , who is renowned for his financial guidance , tricks , tips and hacks , spoke out on This Morning .
Mr Lewis took to the ITV1 daytime favourite to tell Brits to switch supplier immediately .
He was on the show on Monday , May 4 , with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield introducing him over video link .
Martin , who has his own ITV1 show , The Martin Lewis Money Show , regularly appears on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Good Morning Britain .
The Liverpool Echo , our sister title in the North West , reports he said today : `` This could be one of those rare positives ... switches tariffs are at their lowest prices for three years .
`` This is the time to switch your energy provider .
`` You need to be looking at a fixed tariff ... they 're not going to go up if you get a fixed tariff . ''
He stressed prices on a fixed term tariff `` will last for at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , but usage will affect the cost of bills .
Mr Lewis added : `` This is the moment to check and switch .
`` I would urge everybody to be checking their bills and usage right now . ''
The MSE consumer champion explained the average price cap for someone on typical usage is £1126 a year , but the cheapest tariff currently on the market is £766 .
Martin continued : `` The sin of inaccuracy is not as big as the sin of inaction .
`` Do n't use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jess Flaherty, James Rodger)

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MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis has issued a key warning to anybody with an energy provider.
The MSE founder and cash-saving guru, who is renowned for his financial guidance, tricks, tips and hacks, spoke out on This Morning.
Mr Lewis took to the ITV1 daytime favourite to tell Brits to switch supplier immediately.
He was on the show on Monday, May 4, with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield introducing him over video link.
Martin, who has his own ITV1 show, The Martin Lewis Money Show, regularly appears on This Morning, as well as Lorraine and Good Morning Britain.
The Liverpool Echo, our sister title in the North West, reports he said today: "This could be one of those rare positives... switches tariffs are at their lowest prices for three years.
"This is the time to switch your energy provider.
"You need to be looking at a fixed tariff... they're not going to go up if you get a fixed tariff."
He stressed prices on a fixed term tariff "will last for at least one year if you do it", but usage will affect the cost of bills.
Mr Lewis added: "This is the moment to check and switch.
"I would urge everybody to be checking their bills and usage right now."
The MSE consumer champion explained the average price cap for someone on typical usage is £1126 a year, but the cheapest tariff currently on the market is £766.
Martin continued: "The sin of inaccuracy is not as big as the sin of inaction.
"Don't use any excuses for not doing it."


birminghammail--2020-05-04--'Big Six' make relegation demand affecting Aston Villa - reports

The Premier League 's 'Big Six ' clubs are lobbying for teams to be relegated as part of plans to resume the season , according to reports .
At a meeting on Friday , clubs including Aston Villa were informed of the details of a plan to play out the remaining fixtures this season at neutral stadiums .
Under the 'Project Restart ' proposal , all 92 remaining matches would take place at between eight and 10 grounds around the country with no side playing at home .
While the idea is believed to have received backing from a majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be implemented - reports in the national press claim that some clubs would only agree to the plan if the threat of relegation is taken away .
Some sides reportedly feel that playing in unfamiliar conditions would not be a fair way to settle the relegation battle .
However , the so-called 'Big Six ' - including the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool - stressed their reasons for why the campaign must be finished in a presentation at Friday 's meeting .
In response to the reservations some clubs have about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily Mail reports that the top sides have come together .
They vote as a bloc and are demanding guarantees that promotion and relegation will still be implemented , the report says .
Is it claimed they are furious at the opposition from some sides and will lobby for the usual rules to apply even if the season is cut short .
“ They are threatening to destroy football just to avoid the risk of relegation , ” one unnamed executive is quoted as saying .
“ Their thinking is so short-sighted.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ play , crucially with a game in hand sitting two points from safety .
It was reported over the weekend that Bournemouth , Brighton , Watford and West Ham all strongly oppose calls to return to action .

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The Premier League's 'Big Six' clubs are lobbying for teams to be relegated as part of plans to resume the season, according to reports.
At a meeting on Friday, clubs including Aston Villa were informed of the details of a plan to play out the remaining fixtures this season at neutral stadiums.
Under the 'Project Restart' proposal, all 92 remaining matches would take place at between eight and 10 grounds around the country with no side playing at home.
While the idea is believed to have received backing from a majority of members - requiring a 14-6 vote to be implemented - reports in the national press claim that some clubs would only agree to the plan if the threat of relegation is taken away.
Some sides reportedly feel that playing in unfamiliar conditions would not be a fair way to settle the relegation battle.
However, the so-called 'Big Six' - including the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool - stressed their reasons for why the campaign must be finished in a presentation at Friday's meeting.
In response to the reservations some clubs have about completing the season at neutral venues, the Daily Mail reports that the top sides have come together.
They vote as a bloc and are demanding guarantees that promotion and relegation will still be implemented, the report says.
Is it claimed they are furious at the opposition from some sides and will lobby for the usual rules to apply even if the season is cut short.
“They are threatening to destroy football just to avoid the risk of relegation,” one unnamed executive is quoted as saying. “Their thinking is so short-sighted.”
Villa have 10 matches left to play, crucially with a game in hand sitting two points from safety.
It was reported over the weekend that Bournemouth, Brighton, Watford and West Ham all strongly oppose calls to return to action.