birminghammail--2020-07-23--Fears town is turning into 'retirement village' with apartments plan

A prominent business site in Shirley will be cleared to make way for apartments despite fears the town is `` being turned into a retirement village . ''
The old Staples store , on the Stratford Road , will be demolished and replaced with a multi-storey block after councillors narrowly approved the project .
The 48 flat scheme this week split the planning committee , with warnings that it would pose serious problems on one of the borough 's busiest routes .
Concerns were also raised that Shirley was already swamped with this type of development , at a time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the property ladder .
Cllr Maggie Allen ( Green , Shirley West ) said : `` We have an absolute glut of properties .
`` We have got the extra care village right at the end of Poppy Island there , we 've got two extra care places being built further down the Stratford Road , we 've got dementia care right down at the bottom of Stratford Road .
`` And also the parking issue is a critical one . ''
Although Cllr Diana Holl-Allen ( Con , Knowle ) believed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an ageing population '' Generally in life we are living longer and better , it 's hard for people to stretch their finances after about 75 , even though they 've probably had quite good pensions .
`` So I actually think there is a need for this type of thing . ''
Cllr Bob Grinsell ( Con , Olton ) said : `` I would love to see an application in front of us for affordable homes for younger people , of course I would .
`` But we have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us and not what we would all wish for . ''
Ahead of the debate , Shirley councillors Max McLoughlin and Tim Hodgson had both spoken against the scheme - raising concerns about the strain the extra homes would place on a busy shopping route .
`` Obviously things are going to be quiet at the moment because of the pandemic , '' said Cllr Hodgson ( Green ) .
`` But when Shirley high street gets back on its feet again those car parks are going to be at capacity as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , like Shirley Park Road in my ward and you 've got Portia Avenue in Shirley South ... suffer already from inconsiderate parking . ''
Plans had been submitted late last year , just months after the stationery chain Office Outlet , formerly Staples , had collapsed .
Simon Cater , speaking on behalf of the developers , Churchill Retirement Living , said there had been close discussions with the local community .
`` This application is not a care home , it is a retirement living development .
`` It provides support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He said that the firm would be providing accommodation for residents who had gone through a `` life-changing event '' , such as losing a loved one , and wanted to downsize .
And he pointed out that traffic surveys had been carried out in an attempt to allay fears about the impact on nearby roads .
The committee approved the application by a majority of five to four , in line with their officers ' advice .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from MySolihull straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from MySolihull straight to your inbox
A prominent business site in Shirley will be cleared to make way for apartments despite fears the town is "being turned into a retirement village."
The old Staples store, on the Stratford Road, will be demolished and replaced with a multi-storey block after councillors narrowly approved the project.
The 48 flat scheme this week split the planning committee, with warnings that it would pose serious problems on one of the borough's busiest routes.
Concerns were also raised that Shirley was already swamped with this type of development, at a time when young families were struggling to get on the property ladder.
Cllr Maggie Allen (Green, Shirley West) said: "We have an absolute glut of properties.
"We have got the extra care village right at the end of Poppy Island there, we've got two extra care places being built further down the Stratford Road, we've got dementia care right down at the bottom of Stratford Road.
"And also the parking issue is a critical one."
Although Cllr Diana Holl-Allen (Con, Knowle) believed there was a demand locally to build for an ageing population
(Image: Planning portal)
"Generally in life we are living longer and better, it's hard for people to stretch their finances after about 75, even though they've probably had quite good pensions.
"So I actually think there is a need for this type of thing."
Cllr Bob Grinsell (Con, Olton) said: "I would love to see an application in front of us for affordable homes for younger people, of course I would.
"But we have to assess the application that is in front of us and not what we would all wish for."
Ahead of the debate, Shirley councillors Max McLoughlin and Tim Hodgson had both spoken against the scheme - raising concerns about the strain the extra homes would place on a busy shopping route.
"Obviously things are going to be quiet at the moment because of the pandemic," said Cllr Hodgson (Green). "But when Shirley high street gets back on its feet again those car parks are going to be at capacity as they were.
"And surrounding roads, like Shirley Park Road in my ward and you've got Portia Avenue in Shirley South ... suffer already from inconsiderate parking."
Plans had been submitted late last year, just months after the stationery chain Office Outlet, formerly Staples, had collapsed.
Simon Cater, speaking on behalf of the developers, Churchill Retirement Living, said there had been close discussions with the local community.
"This application is not a care home, it is a retirement living development.
"It provides support to enable residents to live independently."
He said that the firm would be providing accommodation for residents who had gone through a "life-changing event", such as losing a loved one, and wanted to downsize.
And he pointed out that traffic surveys had been carried out in an attempt to allay fears about the impact on nearby roads.
The committee approved the application by a majority of five to four, in line with their officers' advice.


birminghammail--2020-07-23--Primark and JD Sports change face mask rules for customers

Major retailers have shared their stances on wearing face coverings in store from Friday July 24 as the law changes .
The law will change on Friday as fines are given out by police to anybody flouting rules by not wearing face coverings in shops and supermarkets .
While supermarkets have urged customers to wear face coverings , some retailers have admitted they wo n't challenge any customer not doing so .
This comes in a bid to be understanding to hidden disabilities .
In the city centre , JD Sports and Primark are two of Birmingham 's most popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ store guidelines for tomorrow onwards .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock urged shop staff to call the police if customer defy their demands to wear masks and risk a £100 fine .
JD Sports chief executive Peter Cowgill suggested his store will offer face coverings to anyone not wearing them but said it will be for police to enforce .
`` The guidance so far is that our store colleagues are not really to get involved and it 's a police matter to enforce rather than for them to get involved in any potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A Primark spokesperson said : “ Primark takes the health and safety of our employees and customers very seriously .
`` We are closely following all the Government ’ s guidelines , updating our policies to reflect any changes in guidance , including the use of face masks/ coverings in our stores.
” British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson said : “ While retailers will play their part in communicating the new rules on face coverings , they must not be the ones enforcing these rules .
`` With hundreds of incidents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff every day , we welcome the announcement that enforcement will be left to the authorities , rather than potentially putting hardworking retail colleagues in harm ’ s way . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
Something went wrong, please try again later.
From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
Major retailers have shared their stances on wearing face coverings in store from Friday July 24 as the law changes.
The law will change on Friday as fines are given out by police to anybody flouting rules by not wearing face coverings in shops and supermarkets.
While supermarkets have urged customers to wear face coverings, some retailers have admitted they won't challenge any customer not doing so.
This comes in a bid to be understanding to hidden disabilities.
In the city centre, JD Sports and Primark are two of Birmingham's most popular stores - and both have shared their store guidelines for tomorrow onwards.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock urged shop staff to call the police if customer defy their demands to wear masks and risk a £100 fine.
(Image: PA)
JD Sports chief executive Peter Cowgill suggested his store will offer face coverings to anyone not wearing them but said it will be for police to enforce.
"The guidance so far is that our store colleagues are not really to get involved and it's a police matter to enforce rather than for them to get involved in any potential public disturbances," he said.
A Primark spokesperson said: “Primark takes the health and safety of our employees and customers very seriously.
"We are closely following all the Government’s guidelines, updating our policies to reflect any changes in guidance, including the use of face masks/ coverings in our stores.”
British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “While retailers will play their part in communicating the new rules on face coverings, they must not be the ones enforcing these rules.
"With hundreds of incidents of violence and abuse directed at retail staff every day, we welcome the announcement that enforcement will be left to the authorities, rather than potentially putting hardworking retail colleagues in harm’s way."


birminghammail--2020-07-23--Jude Bellingham pens emotional parting message to Birmingham City

Sat down saddened , arms over his knees looking towards the Gil Merrick Stand almost wishing supporters were inside St Andrew 's to be with him .
Jude Bellingham waved his final goodbye to Birmingham City last night and , afterwards , was consoled by his devoted mother on the hallowed turf .
The 17-year-old could n't pick his body up and would have sat on that very pitch he graced with verve until the sun came up this morning .
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and , after waking up as a Dortmund player this morning , Bellingham penned an emotional farewell on Twitter .
His heartbreaking message to Birmingham City and the Blues fans was as follows : Not the way I wanted to go out .
Gave everything but wasn ’ t to be .
I can ’ t thank BCFC and the academy enough for what they ’ ve done for me over the last 10 years .
It ’ s been an absolute pleasure working with all the staff and all my teammates during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything for the way they ’ ve helped me mature as a player and as a person .
Whatever happens Birmingham City will always be my club and I will always be a blue .
Unfortunately , I didn ’ t get the chance to show my gratitude to the fans , who I ’ ve built a strong connection with over the past year , but I ’ m sure they know how much I love them wherever they might be .
I wish the club nothing but the best for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goodbye it ’ s see you later .
Keep Right On !
Speaking immediately after Blues ' 4-1 defeat by Derby , Bellingham said : `` I just want to say how much I have loved their support , their noise and their energy this year .
`` How much I adore the fanbase , the working-class club .
`` The fans make this club and I think that 's something new players and a new manager can never forget .
`` The fans make this club , the working class qualities of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that is something that we need to bear in mind .
`` That 's just why I want to wish them for all the best in the future . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Sat down saddened, arms over his knees looking towards the Gil Merrick Stand almost wishing supporters were inside St Andrew's to be with him.
Jude Bellingham waved his final goodbye to Birmingham City last night and, afterwards, was consoled by his devoted mother on the hallowed turf.
The 17-year-old couldn't pick his body up and would have sat on that very pitch he graced with verve until the sun came up this morning.
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Tears were shed last night and, after waking up as a Dortmund player this morning, Bellingham penned an emotional farewell on Twitter.
His heartbreaking message to Birmingham City and the Blues fans was as follows:
Not the way I wanted to go out. Gave everything but wasn’t to be. I can’t thank BCFC and the academy enough for what they’ve done for me over the last 10 years.
It’s been an absolute pleasure working with all the staff and all my teammates during that period of time and owe them everything for the way they’ve helped me mature as a player and as a person.
Whatever happens Birmingham City will always be my club and I will always be a blue. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to show my gratitude to the fans, who I’ve built a strong connection with over the past year, but I’m sure they know how much I love them wherever they might be.
I wish the club nothing but the best for the future. It’s not a goodbye it’s see you later.
Keep Right On!
Jude.
Speaking immediately after Blues' 4-1 defeat by Derby, Bellingham said: "I just want to say how much I have loved their support, their noise and their energy this year.
"How much I adore the fanbase, the working-class club.
"The fans make this club and I think that's something new players and a new manager can never forget.
"The fans make this club, the working class qualities of this club are built by the fans and that is something that we need to bear in mind.
"That's just why I want to wish them for all the best in the future."


birminghammail--2020-07-23--Dr Ranj issues warning over kids wearing face masks ahead of law change

Dr Ranj has issued a warning to every parent over children wearing face masks as the law changes on July 24 .
Friday will see face masks made mandatory across the country , with shops and supermarkets requiring customers to don them from tomorrow .
Police will be on hand to impose fines for anybody flouting the new government guidance , which makes face coverings mandatory .
Fines could reach as high as £100 , though they will be halved if paid within 14 days , according to the government .
On This Morning , Dr Ranj addressed concerns from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear face masks .
Current rules from the government show kids under the age of 11 are exempt .
Dr Ranj said : `` In England , it will be mandatory to wear [ face coverings ] , the rules are slightly different in Northern Ireland , in Wales , in Scotland .
So check your local guidance , I would say .
`` Lots of people are wondering whether it 's important or actually safe for children to wear them - and I would say the guidance is , any child over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` Under 11 , you do n't have to wear them . ''
He also warned : `` Under the age of three , it 's definitely not recommended . ''
He said : `` I always say be honest .
`` They will have heard of coronavirus… they will actually want to know why their lives have changed . ''

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Dr Ranj has issued a warning to every parent over children wearing face masks as the law changes on July 24.
Friday will see face masks made mandatory across the country, with shops and supermarkets requiring customers to don them from tomorrow.
Police will be on hand to impose fines for anybody flouting the new government guidance, which makes face coverings mandatory.
Fines could reach as high as £100, though they will be halved if paid within 14 days, according to the government.
On This Morning, Dr Ranj addressed concerns from parents over whether children are required to wear face masks.
Current rules from the government show kids under the age of 11 are exempt.
(Image: ITV)
Dr Ranj said: "In England, it will be mandatory to wear [face coverings], the rules are slightly different in Northern Ireland, in Wales, in Scotland. So check your local guidance, I would say.
"Lots of people are wondering whether it's important or actually safe for children to wear them - and I would say the guidance is, any child over the age of 11 should wear them."
"Under 11, you don't have to wear them."
He also warned: "Under the age of three, it's definitely not recommended."
He said: "I always say be honest.
"They will have heard of coronavirus… they will actually want to know why their lives have changed."


birminghammail--2020-07-23--Blues Trust makes three key demands of owners Trillion Trophy Asia

The Blues Trust have written an open letter to Birmingham City owners Trillion Trophy Asia demanding three key points are addressed ahead of 2020/21 .
Blues finished their Championship campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Derby County on Wednesday evening in what was Jude Bellingham 's final game for the club .
It brought to an end another wretched season at St Andrew 's with Blues ' final win coming on February 11 at Barnsley .
The frustrations of supporters have been laid bare in recent weeks with many taking aim at chief executive Xuandong Ren 's role in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trust have called for TTA to adopt a 'sustainable strategy ' from here on , as well as appointing a 'quality manager ' to replace Pep Clotet and overseeing an 'overhaul ' at senior management level .
`` The TTA era has seen several managerial sackings and appointments without ever being able to appoint and retain a manager who has been successful , '' reads part of the letter .
`` None of the five managers appointed since 2016 has had a win ratio superior to Gary Rowett before he was sacked .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a loss of highly experienced backroom staff at the club and two EFL charges . ''
You can read the letter in full via the Blues Trust HERE .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
The Blues Trust have written an open letter to Birmingham City owners Trillion Trophy Asia demanding three key points are addressed ahead of 2020/21.
Blues finished their Championship campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Derby County on Wednesday evening in what was Jude Bellingham's final game for the club.
It brought to an end another wretched season at St Andrew's with Blues' final win coming on February 11 at Barnsley.
The frustrations of supporters have been laid bare in recent weeks with many taking aim at chief executive Xuandong Ren's role in the club's struggles.
And the Blues Trust have called for TTA to adopt a 'sustainable strategy' from here on, as well as appointing a 'quality manager' to replace Pep Clotet and overseeing an 'overhaul' at senior management level.
"The TTA era has seen several managerial sackings and appointments without ever being able to appoint and retain a manager who has been successful," reads part of the letter.
"None of the five managers appointed since 2016 has had a win ratio superior to Gary Rowett before he was sacked.
"Over the same period there has been a loss of highly experienced backroom staff at the club and two EFL charges."
You can read the letter in full via the Blues Trust HERE.


birminghammail--2020-07-23--Pensioner breaks pelvis after being thrown to ground by mugger

A violent mugger who threw a pensioner to the ground during a handbag robbery at a Black County beauty spot is being hunted by police .
West Midlands Police said the 84-year-old was walking with her friend through the Saltwells Nature Reserve , Brierley Hill , she was approached by a man who pushed her to the floor and stole her handbag .
The thug - who as white and dressed in black - fled the scene shortly after the snatch-and-grab attack at around 4pm on Tuesday , July 21 .
The victim suffered a fractured pelvis and was taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stable condition , a spokesman for the force revealed .
She is also said to have been left very shaken by the ordeal .
A spokesman for West Midlands Police added : `` The man is described as white , was dressed all in black and wearing a face mask .
`` The elderly woman remains in hospital with serious injuries and has been left very shaken by the incident .
`` We would urge anyone who witnessed the attack or has any information no matter how small , to get in touch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am to midnight , or call 101 anytime giving reference 20DY/170947F/20 . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
A violent mugger who threw a pensioner to the ground during a handbag robbery at a Black County beauty spot is being hunted by police.
West Midlands Police said the 84-year-old was walking with her friend through the Saltwells Nature Reserve, Brierley Hill, she was approached by a man who pushed her to the floor and stole her handbag.
The thug - who as white and dressed in black - fled the scene shortly after the snatch-and-grab attack at around 4pm on Tuesday, July 21.
The victim suffered a fractured pelvis and was taken to hospital where she remains in a stable condition, a spokesman for the force revealed. She is also said to have been left very shaken by the ordeal.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police added: "The man is described as white, was dressed all in black and wearing a face mask.
"The elderly woman remains in hospital with serious injuries and has been left very shaken by the incident.
"We would urge anyone who witnessed the attack or has any information no matter how small, to get in touch.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am to midnight, or call 101 anytime giving reference 20DY/170947F/20."


birminghammail--2020-07-23--Brunt answers questions on his future and sends a message to fans

It was a fitting finale for Chris Brunt in a West Bromwich Albion shirt - almost .
Brunt has been such an important protagonist in Albion 's story over the past 13 years that there was a delicious closure in his substitute cameo as his beloved club clinched promotion back to the Premier League last night .
The Northern Ireland hero was delighted to play a part in the latest chapter as a 2-2 draw against Queens Park Rangers proved enough to seal second place for Slaven Bilic 's squad .
Brunt , now 35 , faced inevitable questions about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but not before he had sent out a message that will resonate with the Baggies faithful .
`` It 's rubbish to be fair , `` smiled Brunt .
`` It 's rubbish without fans in the stadium , especially when you achieve something like this .
They should be in the stadium celebrating with us . ''
Baggies fans will have felt that too .
It was another sign of the strong mutual appreciation society Brunt has formed with Albion supporters since arriving from Sheffield Wednesday way back in 2007 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was important for the club to bounce back to where we deserve to be , '' he continued .
`` I have n't played as much football as I would have liked this year and it has been difficult at times but the goal was always to get back into the Premier League after we got relegated and I 'm glad I 've been a part of that . ''
Brunt is out of contract now and it is one of Midlands football 's worst secret that he is being courted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stoke City .
It will be bitter sweet for Brunt having to leave the Baggies at a time when they are taking such an exciting step , but he believes he still has something to offer his next club .
Why should you sign up ?
In our daily Baggies bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store '' I always said I will try to keep myself in the best shape I could an be ready when the gaffer needed me and he has brought me on a couple of times over the last few weeks , '' he admitted .
`` Every football player wants to play and I 'm no different .
`` I know I 'm not getting any younger but I want to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can , and if that means helping the team get a result then that is great . ''
With football set for a super short close season , Brunt is hoping to get his future resolved as soon as possible .
`` Yeah , hopefully , '' he said .
`` With the coronavirus stuff , I think a lot of teams are n't sure about next year .
`` It 's difficult when you get to my age , recovering week-in , week-out but I have n't had to do that so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play on .
`` I 've enjoyed what I 've done this year and I want to carry on , so hopefully , something will crop up in the summer . ''
Whereas his wand of a left foot is working his magic next season , Brunt has full confidence that the Baggies are in safe hands under Bilic .
'Will they be okay without you ? '
he was asked as joyous celebrations broke out across the place he has called home since his early 20s .
`` We will soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I hope so .
Slaven Bilic is a top manager and he showed that all season .
`` Hopefully , the club will go from strength to strength .
They recruited well coming into this season and hopefully , they will do they this summer .
`` I think the hard work starts here because if you want to be a Premier League club , you have to build up as we have done in the past .
`` We had a transition over the last few seasons and hopefully , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for years to come . ''
So , yes .
A fitting finale , almost .
There was only one thing missing from Chris Brunt 's fond farewell - the Baggies fans - and they will miss each other with an affection that will last forever .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Mat Kendrick, Jamie Kemble)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
It was a fitting finale for Chris Brunt in a West Bromwich Albion shirt - almost.
Brunt has been such an important protagonist in Albion's story over the past 13 years that there was a delicious closure in his substitute cameo as his beloved club clinched promotion back to the Premier League last night.
The Northern Ireland hero was delighted to play a part in the latest chapter as a 2-2 draw against Queens Park Rangers proved enough to seal second place for Slaven Bilic's squad.
Brunt, now 35, faced inevitable questions about his future at the final whistle, but not before he had sent out a message that will resonate with the Baggies faithful.
"It's rubbish to be fair, "smiled Brunt. "It's rubbish without fans in the stadium, especially when you achieve something like this. They should be in the stadium celebrating with us."
Baggies fans will have felt that too. It was another sign of the strong mutual appreciation society Brunt has formed with Albion supporters since arriving from Sheffield Wednesday way back in 2007.
"After the disappointment of last year, it was important for the club to bounce back to where we deserve to be," he continued.
"I haven't played as much football as I would have liked this year and it has been difficult at times but the goal was always to get back into the Premier League after we got relegated and I'm glad I've been a part of that."
Brunt is out of contract now and it is one of Midlands football's worst secret that he is being courted by his former international boss Michael O'Neill at Stoke City.
It will be bitter sweet for Brunt having to leave the Baggies at a time when they are taking such an exciting step, but he believes he still has something to offer his next club.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
"I always said I will try to keep myself in the best shape I could an be ready when the gaffer needed me and he has brought me on a couple of times over the last few weeks," he admitted.
"Every football player wants to play and I'm no different.
"I know I'm not getting any younger but I want to get out there and do the best I can, and if that means helping the team get a result then that is great."
With football set for a super short close season, Brunt is hoping to get his future resolved as soon as possible.
"Yeah, hopefully," he said. "With the coronavirus stuff, I think a lot of teams aren't sure about next year.
"But I feel okay, I feel good physically.
"It's difficult when you get to my age, recovering week-in, week-out but I haven't had to do that so often this season, so I want to play on.
"I've enjoyed what I've done this year and I want to carry on, so hopefully, something will crop up in the summer."
Whereas his wand of a left foot is working his magic next season, Brunt has full confidence that the Baggies are in safe hands under Bilic.
'Will they be okay without you?' he was asked as joyous celebrations broke out across the place he has called home since his early 20s.
"We will soon find out!" he laughed. "I hope so. Slaven Bilic is a top manager and he showed that all season.
"Hopefully, the club will go from strength to strength. They recruited well coming into this season and hopefully, they will do they this summer.
"I think the hard work starts here because if you want to be a Premier League club, you have to build up as we have done in the past.
"We had a transition over the last few seasons and hopefully, the club can go on and do it for years to come."
So, yes. A fitting finale, almost.
There was only one thing missing from Chris Brunt's fond farewell - the Baggies fans - and they will miss each other with an affection that will last forever.


birminghammail--2020-07-23--Liam Payne's amazing text message to dad when joining One Direction

Liam Payne has said he felt he needed to `` grow down '' when he joined One Direction and embrace the chance to have fun .
Marking 10 years since the band was formed on The X Factor , he told Capital Breakfast : `` It was crazy to be involved in this group of really rowdy boys , who just used to go off all the time .
`` I remember being in hotel rooms and plates were being thrown out the window and down the stairs , and it was really a crazy time and a lot to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head at least .
`` I was a bit too grown up in that sense ; I needed to grow down and have a little bit of fun , because that was what it was all about , and in the end that is what everyone chimed in with the band for - it was more about this freedom and having fun and what would you do if you were in this position . ''
Liam Payne also shared a screenshot on Instagram of a text message he sent to his father on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reading : `` I 'm in a boyband . ''
He wrote : `` What a journey ...
I had no idea what we were in for when I sent this text to my Dad ten years ago at this exact time the band was formed .
Thanks to everyone that 's supported us over the years and thanks to the boys for sharing this with me # 10YearsOfOneDirection . ''

Liam Payne has said he felt he needed to "grow down" when he joined One Direction and embrace the chance to have fun.
Marking 10 years since the band was formed on The X Factor, he told Capital Breakfast: "It was crazy to be involved in this group of really rowdy boys, who just used to go off all the time.
"I remember being in hotel rooms and plates were being thrown out the window and down the stairs, and it was really a crazy time and a lot to get used to, and for my head at least.
"I was a bit too grown up in that sense; I needed to grow down and have a little bit of fun, because that was what it was all about, and in the end that is what everyone chimed in with the band for - it was more about this freedom and having fun and what would you do if you were in this position."
Liam Payne also shared a screenshot on Instagram of a text message he sent to his father on the day he joined One Direction, reading: "I'm in a boyband."
He wrote: "What a journey... I had no idea what we were in for when I sent this text to my Dad ten years ago at this exact time the band was formed. Thanks to everyone that's supported us over the years and thanks to the boys for sharing this with me #10YearsOfOneDirection."


birminghammail--2020-07-23--Promotion ecstasy and the transfer window: West Brom LIVE Q & A

West Bromwich Albion are a Premier League team once again .
The Baggies have secured second place in the 2019-20 Championship after a 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers was enough at The Hawthorns yesterday evening .
That result meant that the outcomes at Brentford ’ s Griffin Park - they were beaten by Barnsley - and at the DW Stadium , where Fulham drew with Wigan Athletic , were irrelevant .
Wednesday 's result means that Slaven Bilic has managed to clinch promotion in his first campaign in charge of Albion , and during his first taste of football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They ’ ve not been out of the automatic promotion places at any point at all since the beginning of October .
Albion can now kick back , relax and enjoy watching the play-offs unfold from the comfort of their homes , safe in the knowledge that their own business has been taken care of .
Now you can join in our chat as we reflect on the goings on of last night .
Do n't be late , and while you wait , be sure to check out all of Albion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And if the chat is n't loading on your screen , please click here .
See you soon .

West Bromwich Albion are a Premier League team once again.
The Baggies have secured second place in the 2019-20 Championship after a 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers was enough at The Hawthorns yesterday evening.
That result meant that the outcomes at Brentford’s Griffin Park - they were beaten by Barnsley - and at the DW Stadium, where Fulham drew with Wigan Athletic, were irrelevant.
Wednesday's result means that Slaven Bilic has managed to clinch promotion in his first campaign in charge of Albion, and during his first taste of football in English football’s second tier.
They’ve not been out of the automatic promotion places at any point at all since the beginning of October.
Albion can now kick back, relax and enjoy watching the play-offs unfold from the comfort of their homes, safe in the knowledge that their own business has been taken care of.
Now you can join in our chat as we reflect on the goings on of last night.
Don't be late, and while you wait, be sure to check out all of Albion's promotion euphoria on the BirminghamLive website. And if the chat isn't loading on your screen, please click here. See you soon.


birminghammail--2020-07-23--The true feelings behind that Leeds promotion message to Albion

Having been the chief promotion rival to West Brom for so much of this season , Leeds United ended the season being something of a cheerleader on the final round of games .
With their own business already taken care of , and the title heading to Elland Road , many Whites fans had backed Albion to secure promotion themselves in their final day meeting with QPR - you wouldn ’ t have imagined that being the case a matter of months ago .
With Brentford coming with a charge , and Fulham always lurking , Nottingham Forest too - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way ?
!
- Albion and Leeds weren ’ t without their challengers throughout the season .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happens For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com Yet since Marcelo Bielsa masterminded Slaven Bilic ’ s downfall in their first meeting back in October , the Baggies were never once out of the top two from thereon in .
Like someone playing an accordion , their gap to the chasing pack was dragged out to 12 points in December , before they were reeled back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February extended the gap once more , but since the restart the determined Bees have ridden the crest of a wave and almost made Albion pay for their hesitation in getting the job done .
The pressure they bore in their final two matches , though , demonstrates how difficult it is to cope with it - and Albion have , after all , had to cope with being the hunted , as opposed to the hunter , for months on end .
Leeds have been with them every step of the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have reflected one another ; both came into the season on the back of play-off heartache last term , and with a renewed determination to go one better this time around .
Both sides ’ frailties were similarly exposed over the festive period as the pace-setters showed signs that they were beginning to feel the heat being generated from clubs greedily eyeing their perch .
The calibre of manager that dwells at Elland Road and at The Hawthorns , though , played an enormous part in seeing their respective clubs home .
By @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leeds inadvertently pushed each on .
There appears to be a mutual respect there that led to such classy messages and endless showings of that Bielsa and Bilic hugging GIF being exchanged on Wednesday .
Like last season , Albion and Leeds might ’ ve creaked under the pressure and experienced similar dejection ; instead they both made all , holding off Brentford who came with a wet sail .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Having been the chief promotion rival to West Brom for so much of this season, Leeds United ended the season being something of a cheerleader on the final round of games.
With their own business already taken care of, and the title heading to Elland Road, many Whites fans had backed Albion to secure promotion themselves in their final day meeting with QPR - you wouldn’t have imagined that being the case a matter of months ago.
With Brentford coming with a charge, and Fulham always lurking, Nottingham Forest too - what on earth happened there, by the way?! - Albion and Leeds weren’t without their challengers throughout the season.
Yet since Marcelo Bielsa masterminded Slaven Bilic’s downfall in their first meeting back in October, the Baggies were never once out of the top two from thereon in.
Like someone playing an accordion, their gap to the chasing pack was dragged out to 12 points in December, before they were reeled back in in January.
Improved form in February extended the gap once more, but since the restart the determined Bees have ridden the crest of a wave and almost made Albion pay for their hesitation in getting the job done.
The pressure they bore in their final two matches, though, demonstrates how difficult it is to cope with it - and Albion have, after all, had to cope with being the hunted, as opposed to the hunter, for months on end.
Leeds have been with them every step of the way.
In many ways, their seasons have reflected one another; both came into the season on the back of play-off heartache last term, and with a renewed determination to go one better this time around.
(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Both sides’ frailties were similarly exposed over the festive period as the pace-setters showed signs that they were beginning to feel the heat being generated from clubs greedily eyeing their perch.
The calibre of manager that dwells at Elland Road and at The Hawthorns, though, played an enormous part in seeing their respective clubs home.
By going toe to toe, Albion and Leeds inadvertently pushed each on. There appears to be a mutual respect there that led to such classy messages and endless showings of that Bielsa and Bilic hugging GIF being exchanged on Wednesday.
Like last season, Albion and Leeds might’ve creaked under the pressure and experienced similar dejection; instead they both made all, holding off Brentford who came with a wet sail.


birminghammail--2020-07-23--Woman seriously hurt after being struck by car

A woman was left with serious injuries after being struck by a car in Great Barr .
Medics , police and fire crews dashed to Doe Bank Lane on Wednesday , July 22 , following the smash at around 5pm .
The Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford was also drafted in to help the injured woman .
She was treated at the crash site before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham on blue lights for further trauma care .
West Midlands Police blocked off the road for a number of hours as enquires into the smash got under way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service said : said : `` A collision involving a car and pedestrian left a woman with serious injuries last night in Birmingham .
`` The incident happened at around 5pm in Doe Bank Lane , Great Barr last night ( Wednesday ) .
`` An ambulance , a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene .
`` An off-duty nurse was on scene administering first aid to the pedestrian , a woman , who had been involved in a collision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffered serious injuries and , once treated and stabilised on scene by ambulance staff , she was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further trauma treatment.
” A statement from West Midlands Police will be issued shortly .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
A woman was left with serious injuries after being struck by a car in Great Barr.
Medics, police and fire crews dashed to Doe Bank Lane on Wednesday, July 22, following the smash at around 5pm.
The Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford was also drafted in to help the injured woman.
She was treated at the crash site before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham on blue lights for further trauma care.
West Midlands Police blocked off the road for a number of hours as enquires into the smash got under way.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: said: "A collision involving a car and pedestrian left a woman with serious injuries last night in Birmingham.
"The incident happened at around 5pm in Doe Bank Lane, Great Barr last night (Wednesday).
(Image: BirminghamLive)
"An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board attended the scene.
"An off-duty nurse was on scene administering first aid to the pedestrian, a woman, who had been involved in a collision with a car.
"The woman suffered serious injuries and, once treated and stabilised on scene by ambulance staff, she was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further trauma treatment.”
A statement from West Midlands Police will be issued shortly.


birminghammail--2020-07-23--Sky Sports showing eight games but Aston Villa v West Ham on BT

The fixture is one of two not on Sky , with the TV broadcaster showcasing eight of the 10 matches on Sunday , July 26 .
Sky Sports has chosen the battle for the Champions League as its main game with Leicester City hosting Man United in the battle for fourth .
As well as that , Sky are showing seven other matches including Wolves-Chelsea while , in the relegation battle , Arsenal-Watford and Everton-Bournemouth will be screened live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Golf respectively .
It means Villa 's trip to West Ham has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dead-rubber between champions Liverpool and Newcastle .
The schedule has been slammed by Villa supporters following this morning 's announcement , with non-subscribers to BT Sport missing out .
Unlike Sky Sports , BT Sport do n't offer the chance to sign up for a day pass to watch a specific match .
They do , though , only offer a non-contract month pass costing £25 .
The usual punditry and commentary team on BT Sport include Jake Humphrey , Mark Pougatch , Matt Smith , Rio Ferdinand , Steve McManaman , Glenn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Darren Fletcher and Ian Darke .
Coverage on Sunday begins from 3pm on BT Sport 1 and 3.30pm on BT Sport 2 .
Here 's how Villa supporters have reacted to the game taking place on BT Sport : The AVFC Faithful : Really surprised Villa is n't on Sky ... ..Bt it is then.. Mike West : If the relegation scrap is split between Sky and BT , presumably we wo n't see goals from the other games as they happen .
Scott Wood : Shambles that 2 of the 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind a paywall to non BT Sport subscribers .
Our most important game all season and thousands wo n't be able to witness it .
Should have made every game for the final day free to everyone .
Matt : Mad that we have n't had a single free to air game since the restart .
Eight games on Sky this Sunday too and we are n't one of them .
Guess it 's BT , which is a bloody pain ... Holte AV : On BT on Sunday .
No doubt Savage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , all eyes will be on the battle down the bottom as Villa must look to better Watford 's result while hoping Bournemouth fail to beat Everton .
The relegation schedule is as follows : Prior to kick-off , Dean Smith 's side are above the drop-zone by a single goal ( -26 ) .
Watford ( -27 ) are 18th level on points with Villa ( 34 ) with Bournemouth three adrift with a goal difference of -27 .
You can read the relegation permutations in full HERE .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Aston Villa's nervy final-day Premier League clash against West Ham isn't on Sky Sports.
The fixture is one of two not on Sky, with the TV broadcaster showcasing eight of the 10 matches on Sunday, July 26.
Sky Sports has chosen the battle for the Champions League as its main game with Leicester City hosting Man United in the battle for fourth.
As well as that, Sky are showing seven other matches including Wolves-Chelsea while, in the relegation battle, Arsenal-Watford and Everton-Bournemouth will be screened live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Golf respectively.
It means Villa's trip to West Ham has been shifted to BT Sport along with the dead-rubber between champions Liverpool and Newcastle.
The schedule has been slammed by Villa supporters following this morning's announcement, with non-subscribers to BT Sport missing out.
Unlike Sky Sports, BT Sport don't offer the chance to sign up for a day pass to watch a specific match. They do, though, only offer a non-contract month pass costing £25.
The usual punditry and commentary team on BT Sport include Jake Humphrey, Mark Pougatch, Matt Smith, Rio Ferdinand, Steve McManaman, Glenn Hoddle, Jermaine Jenas, Robbie Savage, Darren Fletcher and Ian Darke.
Coverage on Sunday begins from 3pm on BT Sport 1 and 3.30pm on BT Sport 2.
Here's how Villa supporters have reacted to the game taking place on BT Sport:
The AVFC Faithful : Really surprised Villa isn't on Sky.....Bt it is then..
Mike West : If the relegation scrap is split between Sky and BT, presumably we won't see goals from the other games as they happen.
Scott Wood : Shambles that 2 of the 10 games on Sunday are going to go behind a paywall to non BT Sport subscribers. Our most important game all season and thousands won't be able to witness it. Should have made every game for the final day free to everyone.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Matt : Mad that we haven't had a single free to air game since the restart. Eight games on Sky this Sunday too and we aren't one of them. Guess it's BT, which is a bloody pain...
Holte AV : On BT on Sunday. No doubt Savage will be commentating our game.
On Sunday, all eyes will be on the battle down the bottom as Villa must look to better Watford's result while hoping Bournemouth fail to beat Everton.
The relegation schedule is as follows:
West Ham v Aston Villa (4pm) BT Sport
Arsenal v Watford (4pm) Sky Sports Premier League
Everton v Bournemouth (4pm) Sky Sports Golf
Prior to kick-off, Dean Smith's side are above the drop-zone by a single goal (-26). Watford (-27) are 18th level on points with Villa (34) with Bournemouth three adrift with a goal difference of -27.
You can read the relegation permutations in full HERE.


birminghammail--2020-07-23--Stunning photo captures Comet Neowise over Tamworth

This is the incredible moment a newly discovered comet was seen across Tamworth .
Aaron Kirkham , aged 36 , a software developer , took this photo of the Comet Neowise with his phone from his bedroom window in Dosthill in the early hours of this morning ( Thursday ) .
He had previously tried to capture the comet in Birmingham last weekend .
`` I am pretty happy with it considering I snapped it from the warmth of my bedroom , not what you would normally consider a good photo spot , yet two hours freezing at the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` This was taken at about 1am on my phone using long exposure then edited ever so slightly using Snapseed to make the stars et cetera pop a little more .
`` I am slightly annoyed as a mate of mine does have a snazzy camera and was with me on Sunday over when we did n't get anything !
I am getting photography tips from him ( davidwheelerphotos on Instagram ) .
`` I knew last night was when it was at its brightest so I stayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is not visible with the naked eye unless you are well away from city lights but your camera can pick it up if you put it on long exposure so I snapped a shot to try my luck and once I knew I could pick it up I just played around trying to get a better shot .
`` I kind of wish I had gone up to the roundhills now but my girlfriend was asleep as she was working and I would have woke her up heading out in the early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to stay up every now and again for meteor showers and to catch the spacex satellites and live launches and stuff . ''
While the comet has already reached its closest approach to the sun , it ’ s actually getting closer to Earth .
NASA explained : “ Comet C/2020 F3 ( NEOWISE ) was discovered in late March and brightened as it reached its closest approach to the Sun , inside the orbit of Mercury , late last week .
“ The interplanetary iceberg survived solar heating , so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Earth as it starts its long trek back to the outer Solar System .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from Tamworth straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from Tamworth straight to your inbox
This is the incredible moment a newly discovered comet was seen across Tamworth.
Aaron Kirkham, aged 36, a software developer, took this photo of the Comet Neowise with his phone from his bedroom window in Dosthill in the early hours of this morning (Thursday).
He had previously tried to capture the comet in Birmingham last weekend.
"I am pretty happy with it considering I snapped it from the warmth of my bedroom, not what you would normally consider a good photo spot, yet two hours freezing at the top of Clent Hill on Sunday produced nothing," he said.
"This was taken at about 1am on my phone using long exposure then edited ever so slightly using Snapseed to make the stars et cetera pop a little more.
(Image: Aaron Kirkham)
"I am slightly annoyed as a mate of mine does have a snazzy camera and was with me on Sunday over when we didn't get anything! I am getting photography tips from him (davidwheelerphotos on Instagram).
"I knew last night was when it was at its brightest so I stayed up to try my luck.
"It is not visible with the naked eye unless you are well away from city lights but your camera can pick it up if you put it on long exposure so I snapped a shot to try my luck and once I knew I could pick it up I just played around trying to get a better shot.
"I kind of wish I had gone up to the roundhills now but my girlfriend was asleep as she was working and I would have woke her up heading out in the early hours of the morning!
"I try to stay up every now and again for meteor showers and to catch the spacex satellites and live launches and stuff."
While the comet has already reached its closest approach to the sun, it’s actually getting closer to Earth.
NASA explained: “Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) was discovered in late March and brightened as it reached its closest approach to the Sun, inside the orbit of Mercury, late last week.
“The interplanetary iceberg survived solar heating, so far, and is now becoming closer to the Earth as it starts its long trek back to the outer Solar System.”


birminghammail--2020-07-23--Coronavirus nurse in bid to be crowned Miss England

A hero coronavirus nurse is swapping her scrubs for sequins and tiaras in a bid to be crowned Miss England .
Lizzy Willis , 22 , applied to the national beauty contest after struggling to sleep following a gruelling night shift treating Covid-19 patients .
She has been working flat-out at the intensive care unit at St Mary ’ s Hospital in Paddington , London , since the outbreak swept the UK .
She was inspired to apply to Miss England by Dr Bhasha Mukherjee , who took a career break as a junior doctor to win last year 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a British Army reservist , has now made it through to next week 's virtual semi-finals .
Lizzy , of Maida Vale , West London , said : “ It was really really random .
“ I could n't sleep after a night shift one day and I was reading some news articles and I came across the previous winner , Bhasha Mukherjee , and saw she 's a doctor “ I just thought 'oh I could do that ' I had a look at the website and just decided to send in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the semis.
” Due to the coronavirus pandemic , the contestants will not meet each other or the judges in person .
They will be connected via the video calling app Zoom and submit their entries remotely .
Lizzy added : “ The remote nature of it has definitely made it very weird .
“ We had a trial run the other day and it was quite interesting seeing everyone up on the screen .
“ I guess when you 're in person you kind of have a lot more freedom with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yourself and what you wear and things .
“ When you 're just sitting in front of a screen , I have only got a phone screen to record on .
`` You 've just got that tiny window to present yourself and sell yourself , so it is tough.
” Lizzy started her nursing career just before the coronavirus outbreak last December and has been working round the clock ever since .
She said : “ It has been the busiest and craziest time of my life , definitely in my career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first kicked off .
“ I 've been talking a lot with my family about what 's going on because they 're also in the medical profession , so I know they can really relate to how busy and how crazy it is .
“ I 've been focusing on the competition too because there are so many elements that there are to do .
For example , there 's a Miss Eco round .
“ Part of that is making your own outfit and presenting it to the judges .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sewing little garments and it 's been really therapeutic after work .
“ It is made from old clothing and the idea is to reuse to make something brand new .
`` The competition is something new for me but it 's also a new way of working .
“ It 's a new experience for the judges , let alone the contestants , but everything is very , very positive .
“ You hear rumours that it gets very competitive and the girls are quite mean to each other but this has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been coming together and supporting each other .
“ I have done some modelling during university , just to kind of build up my confidence , but I have never done pageants .
`` It is quite a jump into the deep end.
” The Miss England Semi-Final will be held on July 31 .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A hero coronavirus nurse is swapping her scrubs for sequins and tiaras in a bid to be crowned Miss England.
Lizzy Willis, 22, applied to the national beauty contest after struggling to sleep following a gruelling night shift treating Covid-19 patients.
She has been working flat-out at the intensive care unit at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, since the outbreak swept the UK.
She was inspired to apply to Miss England by Dr Bhasha Mukherjee, who took a career break as a junior doctor to win last year's competition.
Lizzy, who is also a British Army reservist, has now made it through to next week's virtual semi-finals.
Lizzy, of Maida Vale, West London, said: “It was really really random.
“I couldn't sleep after a night shift one day and I was reading some news articles and I came across the previous winner, Bhasha Mukherjee, and saw she's a doctor
“I just thought 'oh I could do that' I had a look at the website and just decided to send in an application and managed to make it to the semis.”
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the contestants will not meet each other or the judges in person.
They will be connected via the video calling app Zoom and submit their entries remotely.
Lizzy added: “The remote nature of it has definitely made it very weird.
“We had a trial run the other day and it was quite interesting seeing everyone up on the screen.
(Image: Lizzy Willis / SWNS)
“I guess when you're in person you kind of have a lot more freedom with your body language and how you present yourself and what you wear and things.
“When you're just sitting in front of a screen, I have only got a phone screen to record on.
"You've just got that tiny window to present yourself and sell yourself, so it is tough.”
Lizzy started her nursing career just before the coronavirus outbreak last December and has been working round the clock ever since.
She said: “It has been the busiest and craziest time of my life, definitely in my career. I only just started when this first kicked off.
(Image: Lizzy Willis / SWNS)
“I've been talking a lot with my family about what's going on because they're also in the medical profession, so I know they can really relate to how busy and how crazy it is.
“I've been focusing on the competition too because there are so many elements that there are to do. For example, there's a Miss Eco round.
“Part of that is making your own outfit and presenting it to the judges.
"I've been spending quite a few evenings sewing little garments and it's been really therapeutic after work.
“It is made from old clothing and the idea is to reuse to make something brand new.
"The competition is something new for me but it's also a new way of working.
“It's a new experience for the judges, let alone the contestants, but everything is very, very positive.
“You hear rumours that it gets very competitive and the girls are quite mean to each other but this has been very very pleasant.
“Everyone has been coming together and supporting each other.
“I have done some modelling during university, just to kind of build up my confidence, but I have never done pageants.
"It is quite a jump into the deep end.”
The Miss England Semi-Final will be held on July 31.


birminghammail--2020-07-23--Gogglebox star's announcement over new series has fans 'crying'

A star of Gogglebox has issued an update over the return of the popular Channel 4 show .
And it is fair to say fans of Channel 4 are really excited for the sofa-based show to return to our screens .
Tom Malone Jr is a star of the show , featuring on the sofa-based favourite alongside his family .
The family are among a regular cast of favourites , including Jenny and Lee , from Hull , Giles and Mary , and the Siddiquis , who hail from Derby .
Gogglebox has been absent from our screens in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airing instead .
And while we have enjoyed seeing famous faces munch on snacks watching TV , we ca n't wait until the classic series returns .
It wo n't be long , thankfully , according to Tom , anyway .
Taking to Instagram , the professional dancer shared a clip from the show of himself sitting with his parents and reacting to a nature programme .
Tom captioned the footage : `` So Gogglebox will be back on 11th of September !
Who ’ s excited ? ''
Fans flocked to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and comments , as well as plenty of likes .
`` Ca n't wait , '' said one , while a second said the clip had them `` howling with laughter . ''
`` I 'm crying , '' another added , with plenty of laughing emojis posted in the comments .
Gogglebox will return on September 11 , 2020 , after the conclusion of the current Celebrity Gogglebox series , which airs weekly at 9pm on Channel 4 .
The show features everybody from Susanna Reid and Judge Rinder to Eamonn Holmes @ @ @ @ @

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
A star of Gogglebox has issued an update over the return of the popular Channel 4 show.
And it is fair to say fans of Channel 4 are really excited for the sofa-based show to return to our screens.
Tom Malone Jr is a star of the show, featuring on the sofa-based favourite alongside his family.
The family are among a regular cast of favourites, including Jenny and Lee, from Hull, Giles and Mary, and the Siddiquis, who hail from Derby.
Gogglebox has been absent from our screens in recent weeks, with a Celebrity Gogglebox series airing instead.
And while we have enjoyed seeing famous faces munch on snacks watching TV, we can't wait until the classic series returns.
It won't be long, thankfully, according to Tom, anyway.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Taking to Instagram, the professional dancer shared a clip from the show of himself sitting with his parents and reacting to a nature programme.
Tom captioned the footage: "So Gogglebox will be back on 11th of September! Who’s excited?"
Fans flocked to have their say, with thousands of views and comments, as well as plenty of likes.
"Can't wait," said one, while a second said the clip had them "howling with laughter."
"I'm crying," another added, with plenty of laughing emojis posted in the comments.
Gogglebox will return on September 11, 2020, after the conclusion of the current Celebrity Gogglebox series, which airs weekly at 9pm on Channel 4.
The show features everybody from Susanna Reid and Judge Rinder to Eamonn Holmes and wife Ruth Langsford.


birminghammail--2020-07-23--Premier League show its delight with simple West Brom message

It was only three words , two emojis and a short video - but it was just the message West Bromwich Albion fans have been dreaming of .
There was a surreal feeling around The Hawthorns last night as a 2-2 draw against Queens Park Rangers was enough to seal promotion .
Slaven Bilic and many of his players seemed shellshocked as they were overtaken by relief and joy , with fierce challengers Brentford falling at the final hurdle , losing 2-1 at home to Brentford .
Why should you sign up ?
In our daily Baggies bulletin , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store Meanwhile , Albion fans banned from attending matches , partied late into the night outside the stadium and at pubs and homes across the area .
With the boinging Baggies faithful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really happening , the Premier League provided the perfect combination .
Tweeting from their official account top flight bosses simply shared an 'Up '' emoji , an applause emoji and the words 'Welcome back @ WBA ' .
The video that accompanied it , of banging goals Albion have scored during previous top flight stays , added to the feel good factor sweeping B71 .
You can see it in the tweet here : Bilic expressed his pride at the final whistle after guiding Albion to promotion at his first attempt , sealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I am extremely proud , we did a great job , '' he said .
`` I am proud of my staff , the club and my players .
`` We have done something special for this wonderful club .
What a season and what a league .
`` I said I would like to manager in the Championship because it 's a very difficult league .
`` I loved it but I could n't imagine it was this difficult and demanding . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
It was only three words, two emojis and a short video - but it was just the message West Bromwich Albion fans have been dreaming of.
There was a surreal feeling around The Hawthorns last night as a 2-2 draw against Queens Park Rangers was enough to seal promotion.
Slaven Bilic and many of his players seemed shellshocked as they were overtaken by relief and joy, with fierce challengers Brentford falling at the final hurdle, losing 2-1 at home to Brentford.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
Meanwhile, Albion fans banned from attending matches, partied late into the night outside the stadium and at pubs and homes across the area.
With the boinging Baggies faithful pinching themselves to check it was all really happening, the Premier League provided the perfect combination.
Tweeting from their official account top flight bosses simply shared an 'Up'' emoji, an applause emoji and the words 'Welcome back @WBA'.
The video that accompanied it, of banging goals Albion have scored during previous top flight stays, added to the feel good factor sweeping B71.
You can see it in the tweet here:
Bilic expressed his pride at the final whistle after guiding Albion to promotion at his first attempt, sealing runners-up spot behind Championship champions Leeds United.
"I am extremely proud, we did a great job," he said. "I am proud of my staff, the club and my players.
"We have done something special for this wonderful club. What a season and what a league.
"I said I would like to manager in the Championship because it's a very difficult league.
"I loved it but I couldn't imagine it was this difficult and demanding."


birminghammail--2020-07-23--Sam Johnstone tells fan to 'shut up' after West Brom's promotion

Sam Johnstone has hit back at a West Bromwich Albion fan 's criticism after helping the Baggies win promotion to @ @ @ @ @ sealed automatic promotion to the top flight last night with a 2-2 draw with Queens @ @ @ @ @ .
Loan stars Grady Diangana and Callum Robinson netted the goals on the night but @ @ @ @ @ win at Brentford which clinched Albion 's return to the Premier League .
Goalkeeper Johnstone @ @ @ @ @ ever-present in the Championship this season and he 's kept 15 clean sheets in total @ @ @ @ @ subjected to criticism on occasions and one supporter decided to have a pop at Johnstone @ @ @ @ @ He said : `` You are one lucky keeper .
You throw it out hoping @ @ @ @ @ guess what it goes to a QPR player .
What a surprise ... Not .
@ @ @ @ @ Twitter : `` Shut up mate .
We are going up .
Good night Mr @ @ @

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Albion manager latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Albion manager latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Sam Johnstone has hit back at a West Bromwich Albion fan's criticism after helping the Baggies win promotion to the Premier League.
Albion sealed automatic promotion to the top flight last night with a 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers at The Hawthorns.
Loan stars Grady Diangana and Callum Robinson netted the goals on the night but it was Barnsley's 2-1 win at Brentford which clinched Albion's return to the Premier League.
Goalkeeper Johnstone, 27, has been ever-present in the Championship this season and he's kept 15 clean sheets in total.
But he has been subjected to criticism on occasions and one supporter decided to have a pop at Johnstone after promotion was confirmed.
He said: "You are one lucky keeper. You throw it out hoping it goes to team-mate and guess what it goes to a QPR player . What a surprise... Not."
Johnstone hit back on Twitter: "Shut up mate. We are going up. Good night Mr Negative."


birminghammail--2020-07-23--Police given extra time to question Crowne Plaza murder suspect

Police have been given extra time to question a murder suspect after a man was stabbed to death at a Birmingham city centre hotel .
A murder investigation was launched after a man was found with fatal knife injuries inside the Crowne Plaza on Holliday Street .
Officers were called at around 7.20pm on Tuesday , where the 20-year-old victim was found .
Despite efforts to save him , he was later pronounced dead at hospital .
West Midlands Police said a 19-year-old man arrested on Wednesday morning remained in custody today Thursday .
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to question him . ''
The force said the victim 's family is being supported by specialist officers .
Det Insp Jim Colclough , from West Midlands Police 's Homicide Unit , said : “ A young man has tragically lost his life and our thoughts are with his family after receiving such shocking news .
They have been fully updated with news of our arrest and are being supported by specialist officers.
” The parties involved are thought to be known to each other , police said .
Anyone with information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ www.west-midlands.police.uk , 8am to midnight , or call 101 anytime .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
Police have been given extra time to question a murder suspect after a man was stabbed to death at a Birmingham city centre hotel.
A murder investigation was launched after a man was found with fatal knife injuries inside the Crowne Plaza on Holliday Street.
Officers were called at around 7.20pm on Tuesday, where the 20-year-old victim was found.
Despite efforts to save him, he was later pronounced dead at hospital.
West Midlands Police said a 19-year-old man arrested on Wednesday morning remained in custody today Thursday.
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: "We have been granted extra time to question him."
The force said the victim's family is being supported by specialist officers.
Det Insp Jim Colclough, from West Midlands Police's Homicide Unit, said: “A young man has tragically lost his life and our thoughts are with his family after receiving such shocking news. They have been fully updated with news of our arrest and are being supported by specialist officers.”
The parties involved are thought to be known to each other, police said.
Anyone with information can contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk, 8am to midnight, or call 101 anytime.
To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-07-23--Bellingham's tears, lonely Jukey & more talking points from Blues' Derby loss

Birmingham City ended their 2019-20 campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Derby County .
Blues remain in the Championship despite their reverse to the Rams , with Hull City , Charlton Athletic and Barnsley all finishing below them .
Graeme Shinnie opened the scoring for the Rams after only six minutes and it looked like it could be a long night for Blues against a Phillip Cocu side keen to end their five-match run without a win .
Ivan Sunjic equalised after 56 minutes though with Blues good value to restore parity but two late goals from Derby through Morgan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Jude Bellingham was the story , though , barring any horror show from Blues and results going their way elsewhere .
That did n't materialise and from the off it was clear Bellingham was desperate to end his time at Blues with a goal before he jets off to Borussia Dortmund in January .
And that 's where we will start with this morning 's talking points from BirminghamLive ... From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 year-old was keen to end with a goal or failing that a telling contribution .
Bellingham was , as usual , everywhere .
He went close twice , forcing a good save from Ben Hamer and hitting the bar with a header .
Tears flowed as he was substituted off with 15 minutes to go and he remained on the pitch for a good while at full-time to say goodbye to St Andrew 's .
Blues will immediately get to work on appointing Pep Clotet 's replacement now their Championship status is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a win to end the season wo n't appeal to managers looking for a new job but with a productive summer the foundations can be laid especially with the money from the sale of Bellingham .
Keeping Craig Gardner around might not be a bad idea either .
He and Steve Spooner have been parachuted in to save the club from relegation and they did just that and Gardner clearly loves the club - referee Tim Robinson copped for an earful last night .
It was a tough game for Lukas Jutkiewicz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matt Clarke and experienced pro Curtis Davies .
Indeed , he was n't helped by referee Tim Robinson giving a few dubious fouls against him .
It 's not easy playing with the frame he has ; it can often look like you are fouling players when your opposition is just weaker .
Dropping Scott Hogan , Jutkiewicz 's strike partner , was a bold move but given Blues ' 15 match winless run a change had to be made .
Matters come to a head outside St Andrew's Before the match , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a car carrying Blues chief executive Dong Ren to the match being attacked .
Blues fans had become angry that the club were embroiled in yet another relegation battle under the ownership of Trillion Trophy Asia .
Fans could be heard shouting obscenities at the passenger in the Range Rover and a flare was let off .
Of course , with fans not allowed in the game Blues supporters were not able to make their feelings heard inside the ground .
`` One of the greatest players England has ever produced .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the - rather predictable - caption on our Twitter account ( @ BCFC_News if you 're interested ) of a picture of Rooney marking Bellingham .
One wonders if Rooney had any words of advice for Bellingham , given the former also burst onto the scene as a youngster before embarking on one of the most illustrious career in football .
Only time will tell .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Birmingham City ended their 2019-20 campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Derby County.
Blues remain in the Championship despite their reverse to the Rams, with Hull City, Charlton Athletic and Barnsley all finishing below them.
Graeme Shinnie opened the scoring for the Rams after only six minutes and it looked like it could be a long night for Blues against a Phillip Cocu side keen to end their five-match run without a win.
Ivan Sunjic equalised after 56 minutes though with Blues good value to restore parity but two late goals from Derby through Morgan Whittaker and Louie Sibley did for Blues.
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Jude Bellingham was the story, though, barring any horror show from Blues and results going their way elsewhere.
That didn't materialise and from the off it was clear Bellingham was desperate to end his time at Blues with a goal before he jets off to Borussia Dortmund in January.
And that's where we will start with this morning's talking points from BirminghamLive...
Tears for Jude as superstar waves goodbye
From the off the world's most expensive 17 year-old was keen to end with a goal or failing that a telling contribution.
Bellingham was, as usual, everywhere.
He went close twice, forcing a good save from Ben Hamer and hitting the bar with a header.
Tears flowed as he was substituted off with 15 minutes to go and he remained on the pitch for a good while at full-time to say goodbye to St Andrew's.
You can't deny Gardner's passion
Blues will immediately get to work on appointing Pep Clotet's replacement now their Championship status is secure.
A run of 15 matches without a win to end the season won't appeal to managers looking for a new job but with a productive summer the foundations can be laid especially with the money from the sale of Bellingham.
Keeping Craig Gardner around might not be a bad idea either.
He and Steve Spooner have been parachuted in to save the club from relegation and they did just that and Gardner clearly loves the club - referee Tim Robinson copped for an earful last night.
Lonely Jukey cuts a frustrated figure up top
It was a tough game for Lukas Jutkiewicz to navigate, up against a fine Matt Clarke and experienced pro Curtis Davies.
Indeed, he wasn't helped by referee Tim Robinson giving a few dubious fouls against him.
It's not easy playing with the frame he has; it can often look like you are fouling players when your opposition is just weaker.
Dropping Scott Hogan, Jutkiewicz's strike partner, was a bold move but given Blues' 15 match winless run a change had to be made.
Matters come to a head outside St Andrew's
Before the match, video circulated online showing what looked to be a car carrying Blues chief executive Dong Ren to the match being attacked.
Blues fans had become angry that the club were embroiled in yet another relegation battle under the ownership of Trillion Trophy Asia.
Fans could be heard shouting obscenities at the passenger in the Range Rover and a flare was let off.
Of course, with fans not allowed in the game Blues supporters were not able to make their feelings heard inside the ground.
Bellingham vs Rooney
"One of the greatest players England has ever produced. And Wayne Rooney."
So read the - rather predictable - caption on our Twitter account (@BCFC_News if you're interested) of a picture of Rooney marking Bellingham.
One wonders if Rooney had any words of advice for Bellingham, given the former also burst onto the scene as a youngster before embarking on one of the most illustrious career in football.
Only time will tell.


birminghammail--2020-07-23--Police appeal for missing mum and five ‘vulnerable’ children

A missing persons appeal has been launched after a mum disappeared with her five children .
Dominique Taylor , who has links to Liverpool , has gone missing , alongside her five `` vulnerable '' kids .
Her children Amarliyah , Amaya , Nile , Iylah-Rose and Noah Taylor have been named by police in the appeal .
Merseyside Police are frantically appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of the six .
Cops from the force in the North West have released photos of the five young children as part of a public appeal for information .
Police did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , they did share images of the children - though refrained from detailing their ages .
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said : `` We are concerned about the welfare and whereabouts of five vulnerable children , Amarliyah , Amaya , Nile , Iylah-Rose and Noah Taylor and their mother , Dominique Taylor .
`` The family have links to the L8 area of Liverpool .
`` Anybody with information please contact @ MerPolCC , 101 or Liverpool Children 's Service on 0151 233 3700 . ''
The family have links to @ @ @ @ @ @

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A missing persons appeal has been launched after a mum disappeared with her five children.
Dominique Taylor, who has links to Liverpool, has gone missing, alongside her five "vulnerable" kids.
Her children Amarliyah, Amaya, Nile, Iylah-Rose and Noah Taylor have been named by police in the appeal.
Merseyside Police are frantically appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of the six.
Cops from the force in the North West have released photos of the five young children as part of a public appeal for information.
Police did not release a photo of mum Dominique, however, they did share images of the children - though refrained from detailing their ages.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We are concerned about the welfare and whereabouts of five vulnerable children, Amarliyah, Amaya, Nile, Iylah-Rose and Noah Taylor and their mother, Dominique Taylor.
"The family have links to the L8 area of Liverpool.
"Anybody with information please contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Liverpool Children's Service on 0151 233 3700."
The family have links to the L8 area of Liverpool.


birminghammail--2020-07-23--'We're in a good place' - Jas Singh shares hopes for  campaign

Jas Singh says it feels like Tamworth are already in a good place to tackle the rigours of the 2020-21 Southern Premier campaign .
The popular goalkeeper , 30 , has signed a deal for a third season at The Lamb .
And the fact the majority of the players from last season ’ s squad have done the same is , he says , a really good thing as the Lambs look to replicate a successful campaign where promotion appeared in their grasp before they were cruelly denied by the pandemic .
“ I think the fact that all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easier for everyone to sign , ” he said .
“ For me , once I knew Snoop ( Lathaniel Rowe-Turner ) , Goughy ( Jordan Gough ) , Gundy ( Joe Magunda ) and Henri ( Wilder ) were staying , I was delighted .
“ And then when you see Bes ( Ryan Beswick ) , Fordey ( Aaron Forde ) and Jimmy ( Fry ) in front of that , it ’ s given us our base to work from and it ’ s set us up for the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in non-league it ’ s quite unusual for a group of lads to have more than one year together , especially at our level .
“ Pre-season will be easier , not in terms of the work we put in but in the sense that 75 per cent of the squad know how we play and what we demand off each other .
I think that will help .
“ I remember last year , we lost a couple of early pre-season games to West Brom and Villa and there was a bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take time to settle when you are a new group .
“ This year we ’ ll pretty much know straight away what we are all about and it ’ s good for team morale .
“ Even the new guys are quite familiar with us .
I know Lindon ( Meikle ) and have played against Shaq ( McDonald ) and Aaron ( O ’ Connor ) .
“ Plus , it ’ s not a hard dressing room for people to come into – the lads are very good .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training and we have made them welcome.
” Singh admitted he was always hoping to stay on board .
“ We had a gentleman ’ s agreement quite early on , ” he said .
“ You hear one or two rumours .
“ Social media is such a powerful tool now and when someone gets released , you see a tweet or two .
“ It ’ s nothing new .
You see non-league managers and they almost use Twitter as a transfer market sometimes .
“ But certainly I always wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know Andrew ( Danylyszyn ) did as well .
“ So it was an easy decision for me .
I never saw myself leaving and it was just about when it got signed .
“ It ’ s been nice for me to get some assurance of where I am going to be.
” And as he limbers up for the new season , Singh has been working with former Lambs keeper coach Lee Evans and feels he ’ s in good shape .
“ Lee ’ s been doing goalkeeping sessions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ d been playing a lot of golf so needed to get back to football-based stuff .
“ He ’ s good to work with and he ’ s had a few other keepers in to work with us as well which is nice .
“ So Dan Jezeph has been there , Lewis Gwilliams from Sutton Coldfield , Dan Crane and Sam Hornby .
“ They are some good non-league keepers who have been around the block .
“ It ’ s been good to talk to them about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lee ’ s an open coach and it ’ s been good to work with him really .
There ’ s no set way , he ’ s open to things .
“ Luckily with my job ( personal trainer ) , I know how to look after my body .
“ I know when it ’ s sore and when it ’ s not .
I like to think I keep myself in good nick for games .
I ’ ve not changed much in my last three or four years with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I just think I ’ ve learnt more – how to deal with the highs and lows .
I ’ m just excited to get going now .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from Tamworth straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from Tamworth straight to your inbox
Jas Singh says it feels like Tamworth are already in a good place to tackle the rigours of the 2020-21 Southern Premier campaign.
The popular goalkeeper, 30, has signed a deal for a third season at The Lamb.
And the fact the majority of the players from last season’s squad have done the same is, he says, a really good thing as the Lambs look to replicate a successful campaign where promotion appeared in their grasp before they were cruelly denied by the pandemic.
“I think the fact that all of us wanted to stay made it easier for everyone to sign,” he said.
(Image: Paul Barber/Tamworth Herald)
“For me, once I knew Snoop (Lathaniel Rowe-Turner), Goughy (Jordan Gough), Gundy (Joe Magunda) and Henri (Wilder) were staying, I was delighted.
“And then when you see Bes (Ryan Beswick), Fordey (Aaron Forde) and Jimmy (Fry) in front of that, it’s given us our base to work from and it’s set us up for the season.
“It’s good because in non-league it’s quite unusual for a group of lads to have more than one year together, especially at our level.
“Pre-season will be easier, not in terms of the work we put in but in the sense that 75 per cent of the squad know how we play and what we demand off each other. I think that will help.
“I remember last year, we lost a couple of early pre-season games to West Brom and Villa and there was a bit of whispering of concern but it does take time to settle when you are a new group.
“This year we’ll pretty much know straight away what we are all about and it’s good for team morale.
“Even the new guys are quite familiar with us. I know Lindon (Meikle) and have played against Shaq (McDonald) and Aaron (O’Connor).
“Plus, it’s not a hard dressing room for people to come into – the lads are very good.
“All the new lads have come into training and we have made them welcome.”
Singh admitted he was always hoping to stay on board.
“We had a gentleman’s agreement quite early on,” he said. “You hear one or two rumours.
“Social media is such a powerful tool now and when someone gets released, you see a tweet or two.
“It’s nothing new. You see non-league managers and they almost use Twitter as a transfer market sometimes.
“But certainly I always wanted to stick by my agreement and I know Andrew (Danylyszyn) did as well.
“So it was an easy decision for me. I never saw myself leaving and it was just about when it got signed.
“It’s been nice for me to get some assurance of where I am going to be.”
And as he limbers up for the new season, Singh has been working with former Lambs keeper coach Lee Evans and feels he’s in good shape.
“Lee’s been doing goalkeeping sessions and I needed it,” said Singh.
“I’d been playing a lot of golf so needed to get back to football-based stuff.
“He’s good to work with and he’s had a few other keepers in to work with us as well which is nice.
“So Dan Jezeph has been there, Lewis Gwilliams from Sutton Coldfield, Dan Crane and Sam Hornby.
“They are some good non-league keepers who have been around the block.
“It’s been good to talk to them about what’s going on.
“Lee’s an open coach and it’s been good to work with him really. There’s no set way, he’s open to things.
“It’s been great and I’m feeling ready.
“Luckily with my job (personal trainer), I know how to look after my body.
“I know when it’s sore and when it’s not. I like to think I keep myself in good nick for games. I’ve not changed much in my last three or four years with the way my body feels.
"I just think I’ve learnt more – how to deal with the highs and lows. I’m just excited to get going now.”


birminghammail--2020-07-23--Leeds United ace Luke Ayling sends brilliant promotion message to Kyle Bartley

Leeds United defender Luke Ayling has congratulated his former team-mate Kyle Bartley on his promotion to the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion .
There has been a real evidence of camaraderie between the two sides as they duelled for the Championship title , with Leeds pipping West Brom to the title by ten points .
And that was evident by Ayling 's message to his former team-mate at Elland Road Bartley .
Bartley , who spent the 2016-17 on loan at Leeds with Ayling , has helped Albion to promotion at the second attempt following his arrival from Swansea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our Albion newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here The pair , who also spent time at Arsenal together , will be facing off in the Premier League last season after helping their respective sides to the top flight .
And Ayling shared a picture of him and Bartley during their time at Leeds together with the caption `` Premier League my man . ''
`` Enjoy it both of you , '' one fan said .
`` I wish someone would look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kyle , '' another said .
`` There is definitely love in your eyes , '' added a third .
`` Find someone who looks at you the way Luke looks at Kyle , '' a fourth fan said .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Albion manager latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Albion manager latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Leeds United defender Luke Ayling has congratulated his former team-mate Kyle Bartley on his promotion to the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion.
There has been a real evidence of camaraderie between the two sides as they duelled for the Championship title, with Leeds pipping West Brom to the title by ten points.
And that was evident by Ayling's message to his former team-mate at Elland Road Bartley.
Bartley, who spent the 2016-17 on loan at Leeds with Ayling, has helped Albion to promotion at the second attempt following his arrival from Swansea City two years ago.
Sign up for our Albion newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
The pair, who also spent time at Arsenal together, will be facing off in the Premier League last season after helping their respective sides to the top flight.
Ayling made 37 Championship appearances this season while Bartley registered 38 outings.
And Ayling shared a picture of him and Bartley during their time at Leeds together with the caption "Premier League my man."
"Enjoy it both of you," one fan said.
"I wish someone would look at me the way you look at Kyle," another said.
"There is definitely love in your eyes," added a third.
"Find someone who looks at you the way Luke looks at Kyle," a fourth fan said.