birminghammail--2020-09-17--West Brom secure exciting Conor Gallagher loan deal

West Brom have secured the signing of promising Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher on a season long loan .
Gallagher , who spent last season in the Championship , has agreed a new contract at Stamford Bridge and has immediately made for The Hawthorns for the top flight campaign .
The England U21 international spent the first half of last season on loan at struggling Charlton Athletic , before Chelsea saw fit to redistribute him to Swansea City where he swapped a relegation battle for a promotion race ; at the Liberty Stadium , he helped the Swans claim a play-off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
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Google Play Store and App Store The next natural step for Gallagher is a crack at the Premier League , and with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s been permitted another loan move .
It ’ s understood that Albion have beaten off top flight competition to sign Gallagher ; Midlands rivals Aston Villa and fellow promoted side Leeds United both showed an interest in the box to box midfielder .
He is the first of two loan deals that Albion are permitted to complete this season , and joins Grady Diangana , Callum Robinson , Matheus Pereira , Cedric Kipre and David Button at The Hawthorns this summer .
Albion , of course , remain intent on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next month ’ s transfer deadline , and also are still attempting to successfully re-recruit Filip Krovinovic , who Slaven Bilic desires to see the return of .
“ I think with Conor it ’ s paperwork .
It ’ s basically done .
We ’ re delighted , ” Bilic enthused .
“ I know the player from the Championship last season .
He made a huge impact , first at Charlton and then Swansea .
“ We were there - it ’ s not like somebody has told us ‘ it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a player there ’ - we were there .
“ There was a chance in January we might ’ ve taken him before he went to Swansea , but it was very difficult and we couldn ’ t do it .
“ When we saw the opportunity , we did it straightaway .
I have to thank Frank Lampard - I phoned him , he ’ s a top man .
We ’ ve known each other since West Ham .
“ He helped us with that , but the boy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to make the next step in his career and he ’ ll give us something we don ’ t have , that dynamic in the midfield .
“ I ’ m expecting a lot from him .
It ’ s a new level for him ; we ’ re gon na help him , he ’ s going to help us .
Hopefully it ’ ll be an exciting and pleasant journey .
”

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West Brom have secured the signing of promising Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher on a season long loan.
Gallagher, who spent last season in the Championship, has agreed a new contract at Stamford Bridge and has immediately made for The Hawthorns for the top flight campaign.
The England U21 international spent the first half of last season on loan at struggling Charlton Athletic, before Chelsea saw fit to redistribute him to Swansea City where he swapped a relegation battle for a promotion race; at the Liberty Stadium, he helped the Swans claim a play-off spot.
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 .
The next natural step for Gallagher is a crack at the Premier League, and with opportunities in short supply at Chelsea, he’s been permitted another loan move.
It’s understood that Albion have beaten off top flight competition to sign Gallagher; Midlands rivals Aston Villa and fellow promoted side Leeds United both showed an interest in the box to box midfielder.
He is the first of two loan deals that Albion are permitted to complete this season, and joins Grady Diangana, Callum Robinson, Matheus Pereira, Cedric Kipre and David Button at The Hawthorns this summer.
Albion, of course, remain intent on bringing a striker to the club before next month’s transfer deadline, and also are still attempting to successfully re-recruit Filip Krovinovic, who Slaven Bilic desires to see the return of.
“I think with Conor it’s paperwork. It’s basically done. We’re delighted,” Bilic enthused. “I know the player from the Championship last season. He made a huge impact, first at Charlton and then Swansea.
“We were there - it’s not like somebody has told us ‘it’s a difficult league and there’s a player there’ - we were there.
“There was a chance in January we might’ve taken him before he went to Swansea, but it was very difficult and we couldn’t do it.
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“When we saw the opportunity, we did it straightaway. I have to thank Frank Lampard - I phoned him, he’s a top man. We’ve known each other since West Ham.
“He helped us with that, but the boy wanted to come. He’s ready to make the next step in his career and he’ll give us something we don’t have, that dynamic in the midfield.
“I’m expecting a lot from him. It’s a new level for him; we’re gonna help him, he’s going to help us. Hopefully it’ll be an exciting and pleasant journey.”


birminghammail--2020-09-17--This is what Wolverhampton people think about a local lockdown

Wolverhampton is at risk of entering a local lockdown as infection rates surge - leaving many worried about childcare , jobs and the impact on local businesses .
City residents have already been asked to voluntarily follow the strict measures introduced in neighbouring Sandwell , Birmingham and Solihull by limiting all household-to-household contact .
But as cases continue to rise , so does the possibility of officials stepping in .
Black Country Live went to Wolverhampton city centre to see what people thought about the possibility of tougher restrictions coming into force .
One resident Sachin Daddrao said a local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He continued : “ The deaths are really low so I don ’ t see why .
“ The high street is suffering and I don ’ t know how another lockdown would effect local businesses .
“ We need people going out and spending money .
“ I think it ’ s all bit crazy to be honest and I think you ’ ve got to be careful what we do economically because that can cause more harm than the virus . ''
Bianca , a Big Issues seller , agreed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I don ’ t think it would be good for the people , '' she said .
“ A lot of people could lose their jobs - I ’ m worried about mine .
“ I used to survive just selling the magazines but it ’ s hard and I don ’ t want to think about it as we have just started getting back to normal.
” When asked for his thoughts , shopper Hennessy Patrick said : “ If it needs to happen , it should happen but I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ What ’ s the point of stopping families going into each other ’ s homes but letting them meet up in pubs ?
It just doesn ’ t make sense.
” A nursing practitioner , who wished to remain anonymous , said : “ I think they rushed into things like getting kids into school before people who are working from home.
” She said local lockdown restrictions would make childcare difficult , adding : “ If I have to go to work then I have to pay for childcare but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their nan 's ?
Essy Ogun from Wolverhampton said a mini punishment should be handed out for rulebreakers .
`` I think we need a mini punishment , '' she said .
`` Everyone stands together at my son ’ s school .
Everyone is chilling together and the virus is still out there . ''
But not everyone had a strong view about the tougher restrictions , one woman said : “ I don ’ t really have an opinion on it .
“ I work at a solicitors and we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But she added : “ The local lockdowns are better than the national one .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Charlotte Regen, Kelly Ashmore)

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Wolverhampton is at risk of entering a local lockdown as infection rates surge - leaving many worried about childcare, jobs and the impact on local businesses.
City residents have already been asked to voluntarily follow the strict measures introduced in neighbouring Sandwell, Birmingham and Solihull by limiting all household-to-household contact.
But as cases continue to rise, so does the possibility of officials stepping in.
Black Country Live went to Wolverhampton city centre to see what people thought about the possibility of tougher restrictions coming into force.
One resident Sachin Daddrao said a local lockdown would be “ridiculous”.
He continued: “The deaths are really low so I don’t see why.
“The high street is suffering and I don’t know how another lockdown would effect local businesses.
“We need people going out and spending money.
“I think it’s all bit crazy to be honest and I think you’ve got to be careful what we do economically because that can cause more harm than the virus."
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Bianca, a Big Issues seller, agreed and said it could have disastrous consequences.
“I don’t think it would be good for the people," she said.
“A lot of people could lose their jobs - I’m worried about mine.
“I used to survive just selling the magazines but it’s hard and I don’t want to think about it as we have just started getting back to normal.”
(Image: Black Country Live)
When asked for his thoughts, shopper Hennessy Patrick said: “If it needs to happen, it should happen but I think what is happening in Birmingham is ridiculous.
“What’s the point of stopping families going into each other’s homes but letting them meet up in pubs? It just doesn’t make sense.”
A nursing practitioner, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I think they rushed into things like getting kids into school before people who are working from home.”
She said local lockdown restrictions would make childcare difficult, adding: “If I have to go to work then I have to pay for childcare but I can’t send them to their nan's?
“They are contradicting themselves.”
Essy Ogun from Wolverhampton said a mini punishment should be handed out for rulebreakers.
"I think we need a mini punishment," she said.
"Everyone stands together at my son’s school. Everyone is chilling together and the virus is still out there."
(Image: Birmingham Live)
But not everyone had a strong view about the tougher restrictions, one woman said: “I don’t really have an opinion on it.
“I work at a solicitors and we are taking each day as it comes.”
But she added: “The local lockdowns are better than the national one.”


birminghammail--2020-09-17--Exeter boss makes Ollie Watkins prediction after Aston Villa move

Aston Villa 's club-record move for Ollie Watkins has been given the thumbs up by the manager of his former club Exeter City .
Villa made Watkins their most expensive recruit ever when he joined in a deal worth an initial £28million from Championship side Brentford last week .
It came on the back of an outstanding campaign for the 24-year-old in which he scored 26 goals for the beaten play-off finalists .
His path to a Premier League move began back in 2003 when , having first been turned down after a trial at Exeter , he was offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grecians manager Matt Taylor told DevonLive : “ We feel Ollie is the prime example of the right way to do it .
He signed a contract when he was 16 , played in the Under 18s and had a two to three year spell when he was in and around the first team .
“ From 18-21 , he was finding his feet , he went out on loan to Weston-super-Mare , so it wasn ’ t straightforward for him , but he was learning .
He was developing and he built @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he could be and then he really started influencing League Two football .
“ His goals record and his performances – certainly in his last season – were outstanding and then he deserved his move and he was ready for his move .
It is no surprise that when he gets that move , he is then ready for the next level , which was the Championship , and he goes on and has success at that level as well.
” Watkins spent four seasons at Exeter after breaking into the first-team before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach Dean Smith at Brentford in 2017 .
“ We want our young players to play for this football club and I have said time and time again it is heartbreaking when you lose players at 16 , 17 because you don ’ t get the serious years to work with them and that transition into the first team – even our fans don ’ t get to see them , ” Taylor added .
“ At least our fans got to see Ollie Watkins – and they got to see the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – and Brentford will be able to say exactly the same for their fans and hopefully Aston Villa will be able to say the same in the Premier League.
” Watkins began his Villa career in perfect fashion with a goal on his competitive debut in the 3-1 win against Burton Albion on Tuesday having also bagged the winner in the friendly victory over Manchester United at the weekend .

Aston Villa's club-record move for Ollie Watkins has been given the thumbs up by the manager of his former club Exeter City.
Villa made Watkins their most expensive recruit ever when he joined in a deal worth an initial £28million from Championship side Brentford last week.
It came on the back of an outstanding campaign for the 24-year-old in which he scored 26 goals for the beaten play-off finalists.
His path to a Premier League move began back in 2003 when, having first been turned down after a trial at Exeter, he was offered a chance in the under-10s team.
Grecians manager Matt Taylor told DevonLive: “We feel Ollie is the prime example of the right way to do it. He signed a contract when he was 16, played in the Under 18s and had a two to three year spell when he was in and around the first team.
“From 18-21, he was finding his feet, he went out on loan to Weston-super-Mare, so it wasn’t straightforward for him, but he was learning. He was developing and he built himself physically to the best possible shape he could be and then he really started influencing League Two football.
“His goals record and his performances – certainly in his last season – were outstanding and then he deserved his move and he was ready for his move. It is no surprise that when he gets that move, he is then ready for the next level, which was the Championship, and he goes on and has success at that level as well.”
Watkins spent four seasons at Exeter after breaking into the first-team before he was snapped up by Villa head coach Dean Smith at Brentford in 2017.
“We want our young players to play for this football club and I have said time and time again it is heartbreaking when you lose players at 16, 17 because you don’t get the serious years to work with them and that transition into the first team – even our fans don’t get to see them,” Taylor added.
“At least our fans got to see Ollie Watkins – and they got to see the best of Ollie Watkins whilst at Exeter City – and Brentford will be able to say exactly the same for their fans and hopefully Aston Villa will be able to say the same in the Premier League.”
Watkins began his Villa career in perfect fashion with a goal on his competitive debut in the 3-1 win against Burton Albion on Tuesday having also bagged the winner in the friendly victory over Manchester United at the weekend.


birminghammail--2020-09-17--Hogan breaks silence on life after lockdown and returning to Blues

Scott Hogan has marked his arrival at Birmingham City with a searingly honest interview in which he admits his loan spell last season was one of contrasting halves and outlined his commitment to being the ‘ pre-lockdown ’ version .
The striker has agreed a four-year deal after joining from Blues ’ cross-city rivals , becoming the eighth new face at St Andrew ’ s .
He returns having scored seven goals in eight Championship games before the league was halted - and none in nine after the resumption .
The 28-year-old admits he was frustrated at what was going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s decision to stand down - and revealed his target for this season .
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@ @ @ @ @ @ @ news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store “ Back for good – well four years anyway .
I have come back permanent this time I can maybe unpack my bag in the locker , ” he told Blues TV .
“ I think it ’ s the right thing to do , where I am at in my career , where I have come from – this is definitely the right thing to do .
“ There were a few offers from here and there but [ Ren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keen for me to come back .
`` It ’ s been a few weeks in the making but obviously the desire to get me here – I have not had that for a long time .
“ It is important to any player because last season I did OK .
I am going to say OK because I forgot to bring my boots after lockdown – as we all did .
“ I knew Dong was very keen to get me back to the club and with the new manager [ Aitor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out he wanted me just as much as Dong , is massive .
“ You feel like someone is going to put their trust in you , allow you to play free , relax and enjoy it .
“ He didn ’ t really outline what he wanted to do [ with me ] , he basically outlined how much he wanted to come and was prepared to wait until the last minutes of the window.
” Karanka didn ’ t have to wait that long , a transfer that had been several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Hogan is now looking forward to putting the final part of last season behind him and focusing on a more positive campaign .
“ I will be honest , ” he continued .
“ One of the things that lets me down is I wear my emotions quite evident to see .
That ’ s just from wanting to do well and win .
“ I spoke to Craig Gardner a lot and he said ‘ It affects you though Scott ’ and I was ‘ I know , I just want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll be honest I was a bit annoyed the way it was going after lockdown , what was going on around the manager , it didn ’ t bode well .
“ You sort of saw it coming , it just seemed to collapse and you get on a losing run in this division and it ’ s hard to get out of .
No mater what we did , “ I have always said I want to win football matches .
We were setting out defending and we were still conceding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anywhere near their goal .
“ I will say I got really annoyed I am probably not the only one , fans and obviously the board , players and stuff like that .
It just fell apart really.
” Things were quite the reverse in January and February when Clotet Blues ’ gave Hogan the platform to make the most of his chance after two fallow years .
“ I have said previously I would like to think that ’ s me , I know I can do it on a consistent basis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a run of matches I have always scored goals wherever I have been .
I think I got ten goals in the Championship last season and only played 22 games .
That ’ s not a bad return – but I was not happy with that .
“ It ’ s pre-lockdown , post lockdown Scott Hogan , who ’ s going to turn up ?
“ I am confident it is going to be the pre-lockdown because that ’ s me – the real me .
I am a striker and if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am fairly confident I can , with the players we have got in , “ I have got to be aiming high – 20 goals minimum , if I don ’ t get it , I don ’ t get it .
It ’ s something you have got to live with but I will try my best to get there – that ’ s the real Scott Hogan .
”

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Scott Hogan has marked his arrival at Birmingham City with a searingly honest interview in which he admits his loan spell last season was one of contrasting halves and outlined his commitment to being the ‘pre-lockdown’ version.
The striker has agreed a four-year deal after joining from Blues ’ cross-city rivals, becoming the eighth new face at St Andrew’s.
He returns having scored seven goals in eight Championship games before the league was halted - and none in nine after the resumption.
The 28-year-old admits he was frustrated at what was going on behind the scenes following Pep Clotet’s decision to stand down - and revealed his target for this season.
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest news and comment Why should you sign up? In our daily Birmingham City bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
“Back for good – well four years anyway. I have come back permanent this time I can maybe unpack my bag in the locker,” he told Blues TV.
“I think it’s the right thing to do, where I am at in my career, where I have come from – this is definitely the right thing to do.
“There were a few offers from here and there but [Ren] Dong and the manager were quite keen for me to come back.
"It’s been a few weeks in the making but obviously the desire to get me here – I have not had that for a long time.
“It is important to any player because last season I did OK. I am going to say OK because I forgot to bring my boots after lockdown – as we all did.
“I knew Dong was very keen to get me back to the club and with the new manager [ Aitor Karanka ] coming in, to find out he wanted me just as much as Dong, is massive.
“You feel like someone is going to put their trust in you, allow you to play free, relax and enjoy it.
“He didn’t really outline what he wanted to do [with me], he basically outlined how much he wanted to come and was prepared to wait until the last minutes of the window.”
Karanka didn’t have to wait that long, a transfer that had been several weeks in the making was finally completed and Hogan is now looking forward to putting the final part of last season behind him and focusing on a more positive campaign.
“I will be honest,” he continued. “One of the things that lets me down is I wear my emotions quite evident to see. That’s just from wanting to do well and win.
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“I spoke to Craig Gardner a lot and he said ‘It affects you though Scott’ and I was ‘I know, I just want to do well’.
“I’ll be honest I was a bit annoyed the way it was going after lockdown, what was going on around the manager, it didn’t bode well.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
“You sort of saw it coming, it just seemed to collapse and you get on a losing run in this division and it’s hard to get out of. No mater what we did,
“I have always said I want to win football matches. We were setting out defending and we were still conceding a lot of goals and not getting anywhere near their goal.
“I will say I got really annoyed I am probably not the only one, fans and obviously the board, players and stuff like that. It just fell apart really.”
Things were quite the reverse in January and February when Clotet Blues’ gave Hogan the platform to make the most of his chance after two fallow years.
“I have said previously I would like to think that’s me, I know I can do it on a consistent basis.
“Every time I have played a run of matches I have always scored goals wherever I have been. I think I got ten goals in the Championship last season and only played 22 games. That’s not a bad return – but I was not happy with that.
“It’s pre-lockdown, post lockdown Scott Hogan, who’s going to turn up?
“I am confident it is going to be the pre-lockdown because that’s me – the real me. I am a striker and if I continue on that run – I am fairly confident I can, with the players we have got in,
“I have got to be aiming high – 20 goals minimum, if I don’t get it, I don’t get it. It’s something you have got to live with but I will try my best to get there – that’s the real Scott Hogan.”


birminghammail--2020-09-17--Aston Villa fans have transfer theory after Indiana Vassilev deal

Aston Villa forward Indiana Vassilev has been given the chance to impress on a regular basis after joining Burton Albion .
The USA youth international , who joined Villa three years ago having impressed scouts at the Under-17s World Cup , has linked up with the Brewers on a season-long loan deal .
Vassilev , 19 , signed a two-year contract extension at Villa Park in May having made his Premier League debut in January .
He made five appearances in total under Dean Smith last season , including a cameo off the bench in the first leg of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vassilev will now continue his development with the League One side , who Villa beat 3-1 on Tuesday to reach the third round of the League Cup .
`` I ’ m super happy to sign for Burton Albion and to give all I can for the club , '' Vassilev told burtonalbionfc.co.uk .
`` I ’ m really excited about this opportunity .
`` I ’ m a player who ’ ll work hard for the team and look to create for the team .
I 'll do whatever the team needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
`` I ’ ve had a lot of good experience with the Aston Villa first team but we decided it ’ s time to test myself in another league . ''
With Vassilev having left on loan and Mbwana Samatta appearing set for an exit amid interest from West Brom and Turkish club Fenerbache , Villa fans are convinced another forward is on the way in .
Here 's a selection of responses to the update : @ Super_Villan17 : All our strikers slowly filtering out leaving us with Wes and Watkins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forwards are in soon ...
But then we said the same towards the end of last summers ’ window .
@ SimonLines : No chance we are gon na go with just Watkins & Davis ( Wes out til Xmas ) this season .
Another striker being lined up I 'd assume .
@ 2ndCitySaint90 : Big fan of Indy !
Hopefully move will be good for him .
@ AndyfromNewHamp : Will not join a more friendly club , who always strive to play football the 'right ' way .
Sure it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ChrisDriver : Decent move .
Get some experience in a decent team that play some good football !
Good luck , Indy !
@ JamesCourten : Sensible move for both club and player .
With Hogan gone , Samatta on his way and this , I reckon there must be another centre-forward coming through the door .
@ NathanCotterill : Let ’ s hope he can get a few goals as he ’ s more than capable of doing it in League One .

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Aston Villa forward Indiana Vassilev has been given the chance to impress on a regular basis after joining Burton Albion.
The USA youth international, who joined Villa three years ago having impressed scouts at the Under-17s World Cup, has linked up with the Brewers on a season-long loan deal.
Vassilev, 19, signed a two-year contract extension at Villa Park in May having made his Premier League debut in January.
He made five appearances in total under Dean Smith last season, including a cameo off the bench in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Leicester City.
Vassilev will now continue his development with the League One side, who Villa beat 3-1 on Tuesday to reach the third round of the League Cup.
"I’m super happy to sign for Burton Albion and to give all I can for the club," Vassilev told burtonalbionfc.co.uk. "I’m really excited about this opportunity.
"I’m a player who’ll work hard for the team and look to create for the team. I'll do whatever the team needs - I’ll be the handyman!
"I’ve had a lot of good experience with the Aston Villa first team but we decided it’s time to test myself in another league."
With Vassilev having left on loan and Mbwana Samatta appearing set for an exit amid interest from West Brom and Turkish club Fenerbache, Villa fans are convinced another forward is on the way in.
Here's a selection of responses to the update:
@Super_Villan17: All our strikers slowly filtering out leaving us with Wes and Watkins! This definitely means that some more forwards are in soon... But then we said the same towards the end of last summers’ window.
@SimonLines: No chance we are gonna go with just Watkins & Davis (Wes out til Xmas) this season. Another striker being lined up I'd assume.
@AndrewAshburn: Good move to a good team. Good luck lad - tough test!
@FortressPark: Good luck young un...come back stronger.
@2ndCitySaint90: Big fan of Indy! Hopefully move will be good for him.
@AndyfromNewHamp: Will not join a more friendly club, who always strive to play football the 'right' way. Sure it'll be beneficial to both parties.
@ChrisDriver: Decent move. Get some experience in a decent team that play some good football! Good luck, Indy!
@JamesCourten: Sensible move for both club and player. With Hogan gone, Samatta on his way and this, I reckon there must be another centre-forward coming through the door.
@NathanCotterill: Let’s hope he can get a few goals as he’s more than capable of doing it in League One.


birminghammail--2020-09-17--Pupils self-isolate as Covid-19 case confirmed at primary school

A village primary in Worcestershire has become the latest school in the county to have pupils or staff absent due to Covid-19 concerns .
Belbroughton Church of England Primary School had an ‘ individual test positive for Covid-19 ’ leading to the bubble they were in all being told to self-isolate .
Worcestershire Live understands that Year 5 are now self-isolating at the school which caters for four to 11-year-olds and has 174 pupils on the school roll .
Dr Kathryn Cobain , Director for Public Health for Worcestershire , said : “ An individual from Belbroughton Primary School has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case was quickly identified , and the school is being supported by Public Health .
Additional measures have been put in place to protect the school and help minimise any further disruption .
“ The bubble which the individual was in , is now self-isolating for 14 days in line with guidance and will continue their learning through remote access.
” The school is the fourth in the Bromsgrove district to have pupils and/or staff self-isolating due to confirmed or suspected coronavirus cases .
The others are Woodrush High School in Wythall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absences , and Rigby Hall School and Millfields First School , which had a positive case , both schools in Bromsgrove town .
Elsewhere in Worcestershire , two schools in Redditch have children self-isolating – Arrow Vale RSA Academy and Ipsley CE RSA Academy – which are half-a-mile apart .
There have also been absences at Pebworth First School in the Wychavon village in the south-eastern corner of Worcestershire , at Perdiswell Primary School in Worcester and Burlish Primary School in Stourport-on-Severn , which also had a confirmed positive Covid case .
Care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Malvern Hills and Wychavon , including Droitwich , Evesham and Pershore , as the county ’ s public health team look to prevent the spread of the deadly virus .
While hospitals visits , expect for limited exceptions .
have been stopped at sites across the county amid rising cases .
The measures came after positive Covid-19 cases nearly trebling in a week in Worcestershire , raising concerns the virus is increasing exponentially again , as in March and April .
Dr Cobain has this week told the public 'not to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the county on the Publich Health dashboard , saying rising demand for Covid testing is not being met , so the true current infection position is not known .

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A village primary in Worcestershire has become the latest school in the county to have pupils or staff absent due to Covid-19 concerns.
Belbroughton Church of England Primary School had an ‘individual test positive for Covid-19’ leading to the bubble they were in all being told to self-isolate.
Worcestershire Live understands that Year 5 are now self-isolating at the school which caters for four to 11-year-olds and has 174 pupils on the school roll.
(Image: Google)
Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director for Public Health for Worcestershire, said: “An individual from Belbroughton Primary School has tested positive for Covid-19.
“This case was quickly identified, and the school is being supported by Public Health. Additional measures have been put in place to protect the school and help minimise any further disruption.
“The bubble which the individual was in, is now self-isolating for 14 days in line with guidance and will continue their learning through remote access.”
The school is the fourth in the Bromsgrove district to have pupils and/or staff self-isolating due to confirmed or suspected coronavirus cases.
The others are Woodrush High School in Wythall, the first in the county which had absences, and Rigby Hall School and Millfields First School, which had a positive case, both schools in Bromsgrove town.
Elsewhere in Worcestershire, two schools in Redditch have children self-isolating – Arrow Vale RSA Academy and Ipsley CE RSA Academy – which are half-a-mile apart.
There have also been absences at Pebworth First School in the Wychavon village in the south-eastern corner of Worcestershire, at Perdiswell Primary School in Worcester and Burlish Primary School in Stourport-on-Severn, which also had a confirmed positive Covid case.
Care home visits have been stopped in Bromsgrove, Malvern Hills and Wychavon, including Droitwich, Evesham and Pershore, as the county’s public health team look to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
While hospitals visits, expect for limited exceptions. have been stopped at sites across the county amid rising cases.
The measures came after positive Covid-19 cases nearly trebling in a week in Worcestershire, raising concerns the virus is increasing exponentially again, as in March and April.
Dr Cobain has this week told the public 'not to be fooled' by lower coronavirus case numbers for the county on the Publich Health dashboard, saying rising demand for Covid testing is not being met, so the true current infection position is not known.


birminghammail--2020-09-17--Nuno hands Fabio Silva and Vitinha starts for Wolves vs Stoke City

Wolverhampton Wanderers ' record signing Fabio Silva will make his debut in tonight 's Carabao Cup tie against Stoke City @ @ @ @ @ Wolves from FC Porto in a £35million transfer earlier this month and was among the @ @ @ @ @ win over Sheffield United in the Premier League .
Nuno Espirito Santo has made multiple @ @ @ @ @ round clash at Molineux though and Silva is among the players coming into the starting @ @ @ @ @ also arrived from Porto earlier this transfer window , makes his first start in old @ @ @ @ @ 20-year-old joins Silva and Adama Traore in attack .
Oskar Buur and Ruben Vinagre come @ @ @ @ @ John Ruddy in goal .
Ruben Neves replaces compatriot Joao Moutinho in midfield in Nuno @ @ @ @ @ Shabani makes a first team squad for the first time since suffering a serious knee @ @ @ @ @ .

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Wolverhampton Wanderers' record signing Fabio Silva will make his debut in tonight's Carabao Cup tie against Stoke City.
The 18-year-old forward joined Wolves from FC Porto in a £35million transfer earlier this month and was among the substitutes for Monday night's win over Sheffield United in the Premier League.
Nuno Espirito Santo has made multiple changes for tonight's second round clash at Molineux though and Silva is among the players coming into the starting XI.
Vitinha, who also arrived from Porto earlier this transfer window, makes his first start in old gold as well.
The 20-year-old joins Silva and Adama Traore in attack. Oskar Buur and Ruben Vinagre come in at wing-back, with John Ruddy in goal.
Ruben Neves replaces compatriot Joao Moutinho in midfield in Nuno's final change. Meritan Shabani makes a first team squad for the first time since suffering a serious knee injury this time last year.
Wolves (3-4-3): Ruddy; Boly, Coady, Saiss; Buur, Dendoncker, Neves, Vinagre; Adama, Silva, Vitinha
Subs: Patricio, Marcal, Moutinho, Neto, Podence, Jimenez, Shabani


birminghammail--2020-09-17--Birmingham City stalwart Grounds joins Swindon after Blues release

Former Birmingham City defender Jonathan Grounds has found himself a new club - where he can reprise his full back partnership with Paul Caddis .
The 32-year-old was released at the end of last season having made 158 Championship appearances for Blues after joining them in the summer of 2014 .
Having hit the free agent market the left back has agreed a one-year deal with Swindon Town - subject to EFL and FA approval .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter here He joins a squad that also features Caddis , a player forever written into Blues ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from relegation in May 2014 .
The pair spent four seasons together at St Andrew ’ s .
Grounds , who started out at Middlesbrough and has also played for Chesterfield , Yeovil and Oldham joins Richie Wellens ’ squad charged with a tilt at promotion from League One .
Speaking on The Official EFL Podcast ’ s season preview , chairman Lee Power told said : “ I ’ m not saying we ’ re going to do this and do that , but if we get a bit of luck with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d be very disappointed if we weren ’ t in or around the play-offs come May .
“ I do truly believe that with one or two more players and a bit of luck , because we do have quite a tight squad , that we can go close this year .
”

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Former Birmingham City defender Jonathan Grounds has found himself a new club - where he can reprise his full back partnership with Paul Caddis.
The 32-year-old was released at the end of last season having made 158 Championship appearances for Blues after joining them in the summer of 2014.
Having hit the free agent market the left back has agreed a one-year deal with Swindon Town - subject to EFL and FA approval.
He joins a squad that also features Caddis, a player forever written into Blues’ folklore after his goal saved the club from relegation in May 2014. The pair spent four seasons together at St Andrew’s.
Grounds, who started out at Middlesbrough and has also played for Chesterfield, Yeovil and Oldham joins Richie Wellens’ squad charged with a tilt at promotion from League One.
Speaking on The Official EFL Podcast’s season preview, chairman Lee Power told said: “I’m not saying we’re going to do this and do that, but if we get a bit of luck with injuries and everything else, I’d be very disappointed if we weren’t in or around the play-offs come May.
“I do truly believe that with one or two more players and a bit of luck, because we do have quite a tight squad, that we can go close this year.”


birminghammail--2020-09-17--Hospital with ‘serious A&E space shortage’ handed £2.5 million

A hospital in Worcestershire is set for a multi-million pound upgrade to tackle its ‘ serious shortage of space ’ ahead of the winter .
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust , like other trusts across the country , has been put under strain this year after the coronavirus pandemic has led to hospitals treating hundreds of patients suffering from Covid-19 .
It led to Trust chiefs realising Worcestershire Royal Hospital ’ s A & E department in Worcester was too small for purpose with the ‘ physical environment hampering our efforts ’ according to Trust chief executive Matthew Hopkins .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of just 25 around the country which will share a £150 million Government package to ‘ reduce overcrowding and improve infection control ahead of winter ’ .
Worcestershire Royal will receive £2.5 million which will be used to relocate its Medical Assessment Unit , ambulatory emergency care and stroke ward , which will release capacity for its A & E department to expand and also allow it to increase same-day emergency care .
Matthew Hopkins , chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust , said : “ This significant additional funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deliver the safest , highest quality patient care possible , reduce waiting times , improve patient experience and create a better working environment for our dedicated staff .
“ Our emergency departments ( EDs ) are busier than ever , with patient numbers back to – and often well above – pre-Covid levels .
“ Caring for so many people , while also making sure that we can protect our patients and staff safe from the risk of Covid-19 infection –has presented a number of challenges .
“ And particularly highlighted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Worcester , where the physical environment is hampering our efforts to deliver sustained improvements in patient flow .
“ Our aim is to use this money to invest in a package of improvements to the layout of our current ED at WRH , which will be completed in time to have a positive impact this winter.
” The money is in addition to a £300 million package announced last month to boost A & E facilities at 117 Trusts – which had omitted the Worcestershire ’ s acute hospital trust in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS National Clinical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care , said : “ While emergency admissions are now back to near normal levels and 999 calls are actually above usual .
“ Covid-19 infection control means rethinking how we safely look after people who might previously have been to an emergency department for a more minor condition .
“ Local teams are working hard to expand and adapt services to ensure people can continue to get the care they need safely , whether that ’ sin hospital or closer to home.
” Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College of Emergency Medicine , added : “ A further boost to capital funding to help redevelop our most challenged emergency departments is very welcome and vital to help ensure social distancing and reduce the spread of infection .
“ Crowding must be eliminated from emergency departments –now more than ever – and this is a helpful step towards tackling that problem.
” The Department of Health and Social Care is also trialling a booking system for its A & E departments through the NHS 111 number .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make sure our A & E departments are ready for winter .
Hospitals around the country will be able to expand and upgrade to ensure they can continue safely treating patients in the coming months .
“ During the peak of the pandemic we saw millions of people using NHS 111 to get the best possible advice on Covid-19 , and other urgent NHS services .
“ These pilots will build on this and test whether we can deliver quicker access to the right care , provide a better service for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t overwhelmed .
“ We all need to play our part by washing our hands regularly , using a face covering and keeping our distance from those not in our house .
”

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A hospital in Worcestershire is set for a multi-million pound upgrade to tackle its ‘serious shortage of space’ ahead of the winter.
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, like other trusts across the country, has been put under strain this year after the coronavirus pandemic has led to hospitals treating hundreds of patients suffering from Covid-19.
It led to Trust chiefs realising Worcestershire Royal Hospital’s A&E department in Worcester was too small for purpose with the ‘physical environment hampering our efforts’ according to Trust chief executive Matthew Hopkins.
Now the hospital is set to be one of just 25 around the country which will share a £150 million Government package to ‘reduce overcrowding and improve infection control ahead of winter’.
Worcestershire Royal will receive £2.5 million which will be used to relocate its Medical Assessment Unit, ambulatory emergency care and stroke ward, which will release capacity for its A&E department to expand and also allow it to increase same-day emergency care.
Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “This significant additional funding is a huge boost to our efforts to deliver the safest, highest quality patient care possible,reduce waiting times, improve patient experience and create a better working environment for our dedicated staff.
“Our emergency departments (EDs) are busier than ever, with patient numbers back to – and often well above – pre-Covid levels.
“Caring for so many people, while also making sure that we can protect our patients and staff safe from the risk of Covid-19 infection –has presented a number of challenges.
“And particularly highlighted the serious shortage of space in our ED at Worcester, where the physical environment is hampering our efforts to deliver sustained improvements in patient flow.
(Image: Google)
“Our aim is to use this money to invest in a package of improvements to the layout of our current ED at WRH, which will be completed in time to have a positive impact this winter.”
The money is in addition to a £300 million package announced last month to boost A&E facilities at 117 Trusts – which had omitted the Worcestershire’s acute hospital trust in the initial announcement.
Dr Cliff Mann, NHS National Clinical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care, said: “While emergency admissions are now back to near normal levels and 999 calls are actually above usual.
“Covid-19 infection control means rethinking how we safely look after people who might previously have been to an emergency department for a more minor condition.
“Local teams are working hard to expand and adapt services to ensure people can continue to get the care they need safely, whether that’sin hospital or closer to home.”
Dr Katherine Henderson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, added: “A further boost to capital funding to help redevelop our most challenged emergency departments is very welcome and vital to help ensure social distancing and reduce the spread of infection.
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“Crowding must be eliminated from emergency departments –now more than ever – and this is a helpful step towards tackling that problem.”
The Department of Health and Social Care is also trialling a booking system for its A&E departments through the NHS 111 number.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “We are investing £450 million to make sure our A&E departments are ready for winter. Hospitals around the country will be able to expand and upgrade to ensure they can continue safely treating patients in the coming months.
“During the peak of the pandemic we saw millions of people using NHS 111 to get the best possible advice on Covid-19, and other urgent NHS services.
“These pilots will build on this and test whether we can deliver quicker access to the right care, provide a better service for the public and ensure our dedicated NHS staff aren’t overwhelmed.
“We all need to play our part by washing our hands regularly, using a face covering and keeping our distance from those not in our house.”


birminghammail--2020-09-17--£5k reward for wanted man who fled country after hit-and-run

A £5,000 reward has been offered by Crimestoppers in the hunt for a man wanted in connection with a fatal hit-and-run .
Great grandad Andell Goulbourne had been cycling riding along Washwood Heath Road when he was struck by a grey BMW M135i on Thursday , July 30 .
The 59-year-old victim was left fatally injured as the driver fled the scene .
Police last month revealed they were searching for Kashif Khan in relation to the incident on Washwood Heath Road .
The 24-year-old is known to have fled the country 21 hours after the collision .
Three men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but Khan remains at large .
Crimestoppers is now appealing for anyone with information to come forward , with the promise of a £5k reward for information that leads to his arrest .
Mick Duthie , Director of Operations at Crimestoppers , said : “ Mr Goulbourne ’ s life has tragically been taken away and our heartfelt condolences go to his family and friends .
Our charity believes in safe communities and we hope our reward and appeal will go some way in helping to get justice .
“ We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what happened or who knows the location of Kashif Khan , who we know left the country 21 hours after the collision , to do the right thing and to tell our charity what you know 100 % anonymously .
What you tell us can make all the difference .
“ It is important to remind people that assisting somebody wanted for questioning over a crime can lead to prosecution .
You can speak to us anonymously by calling our UK Contact Centre which is open 24/7 on freephone number 0800 555 111 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secure anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org “ Crimestoppers has been taking crime information since our charity was formed over 32 years ago .
Every day over a thousand people contact us online and over the phone .
We have always kept our promise of anonymity to the millions of people who have trusted us .
Nobody will know you contacted us , only you.
” Andell , 59 , was hit with 'significant force ' by the BMW as he road along Washwood Heath Road at around 11.10pm .
He was travelling in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was struck as he went to turn right .
CCTV shows the four occupants in the leased car fled as Mr Goulbourne was left fatally injured on the road .
He was declared dead at the scene .
Andell - better known as Spring-i - was a volunteer charity worker .
A tribute released by his devastated family read : “ Andell was a kind and generous individual , a mentor to many young people .
He always sought to serve those less fortunate , this was reflected in his role as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beacon of light .
“ Our family and black community are desperately appealing to you to come forward , this was a cruel and heartless act .
”

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A £5,000 reward has been offered by Crimestoppers in the hunt for a man wanted in connection with a fatal hit-and-run.
Great grandad Andell Goulbourne had been cycling riding along Washwood Heath Road when he was struck by a grey BMW M135i on Thursday, July 30.
The 59-year-old victim was left fatally injured as the driver fled the scene.
Police last month revealed they were searching for Kashif Khan in relation to the incident on Washwood Heath Road.
(Image: Ryan Underwood)
The 24-year-old is known to have fled the country 21 hours after the collision.
Three men have already been interviewed about the incident, but Khan remains at large.
(Image: WMP)
Crimestoppers is now appealing for anyone with information to come forward, with the promise of a £5k reward for information that leads to his arrest.
Mick Duthie, Director of Operations at Crimestoppers, said: “Mr Goulbourne’s life has tragically been taken away and our heartfelt condolences go to his family and friends. Our charity believes in safe communities and we hope our reward and appeal will go some way in helping to get justice.
“We are appealing to anybody who may have witnessed what happened or who knows the location of Kashif Khan, who we know left the country 21 hours after the collision, to do the right thing and to tell our charity what you know 100% anonymously. What you tell us can make all the difference.
“It is important to remind people that assisting somebody wanted for questioning over a crime can lead to prosecution. You can speak to us anonymously by calling our UK Contact Centre which is open 24/7 on freephone number 0800 555 111 or you can use our simple and secure anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
“Crimestoppers has been taking crime information since our charity was formed over 32 years ago. Every day over a thousand people contact us online and over the phone. We have always kept our promise of anonymity to the millions of people who have trusted us. Nobody will know you contacted us, only you.”
(Image: West Midlands Police)
Andell, 59, was hit with 'significant force' by the BMW as he road along Washwood Heath Road at around 11.10pm.
He was travelling in the opposite direction to the car and was struck as he went to turn right.
CCTV shows the four occupants in the leased car fled as Mr Goulbourne was left fatally injured on the road. He was declared dead at the scene.
Andell - better known as Spring-i - was a volunteer charity worker.
A tribute released by his devastated family read: “Andell was a kind and generous individual, a mentor to many young people. He always sought to serve those less fortunate, this was reflected in his role as a volunteer charity worker. He was a beacon of light.
“Our family and black community are desperately appealing to you to come forward, this was a cruel and heartless act.”


birminghammail--2020-09-17--Aston Vila transfer news live - Rashica interest confirmed & Traore latest

Hello and welcome to Thursday 's LIVE coverage of Aston Villa from BirminghamLive .
We will keep you up to @ @ @ @ @ from Villa Park on Thursday , September 17 as Dean Smith continues his work in @ @ @ @ @ Emiliano Martinez became Villa 's third signing of the summer yesterday when he arrived from @ @ @ @ @ is expected to follow from Lyon .
Talks are ongoing about a move for Werder @ @ @ @ @ Villa 's first Premier League game of 2020-21 , on Monday against Sheffield United , @ @ @ @ @ season underway with a win at Burton Albion in midweek , with Ollie Watkins , @ @ @ @ @ on target in a 3-1 victory .
Stay up to date with all the latest @ @ @ @ @ below ...

Hello and welcome to Friday's LIVE coverage of Aston Villa from BirminghamLive.
We will keep you up to date with all the latest from Villa Park on Friday, September 18 as Dean Smith continues his work in the transfer market.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez became Villa's third signing of the summer yesterday when he arrived from Arsenal and winger Bertrand Traore is expected to follow from Lyon.
Talks are ongoing about a move for Werder Bremen attacker Milot Rashica as Villa's first Premier League game of 2020/21, on Monday against Sheffield United, approaches.
Villa got their season underway with a win at Burton Albion in midweek, with Ollie Watkins, Jack Grealish and Keinan Davis on target in a 3-1 victory.
Stay up to date with all the latest on our rolling live blog below...


birminghammail--2020-09-17--Matt Hancock considers Birmingham lockdown rules for childcare

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has agreed to consider relaxing coronavirus restrictions in Birmingham , so that friends and family are allowed to provide childcare to working parents .
But he also expressed caution , saying he did n't want to put grandparents at risk .
Mr Hancock was urged to change the rules , which came into force on Tuesday , by Meriden MP Saqib Bhatti ( Con ) .
Current rules mean that people in Birmingham , Solihull and Sandwell may not host people they do not live with , in their home or garden .
This means , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children can not allow the children 's grandparents in the home , if they live separately .
Police can issue fixed penalty notices starting at £100 for people who break the rules .
And Government guidance makes it clear that they do apply even for visitors , such as friends or relatives , who provide informal childcare .
However , there are exceptions for registered childminders and nannies .
Children are also allowed to go to professional childcare providers in their own properties .
Mr Bhatti said the rules created problems for some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Commons , he asked Mr Hancock : `` Will he give consideration to informal childcare arrangements being allowed ?
`` Many parents who ca n't afford to pay for childcare would welcome the opportunity to go to work , wthin the guidelines , and also to have childcare in place . ''
Mr Hancock suggested meeting in order to discuss the idea further , but he also said he was worried about the health of grandparents .
He said : `` This is an important question and it 's a very difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is of grandparents looking after chldren , and of course older people are the most vulnerable to the disease .
`` So that 's the balance that we need to strike , and I always keep an open mind .
I 'd be very happy to talk to him about getting this balance exactly right in his area . ''
Earlier , Mr Hancock warned MPs that coronavirus cases are rising .
He said : `` Like many other countries around the world , we are continuing to see a concerning rise in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yesterday , and this week the number of patients in mechanical ventilator beds has risen above 100 for the first time since July .
`` The battle against coronavirus is not over , and while we strain every sinew to spring free of its clutches , with winter on the horizon we must prepare , bolster our defences and come together once again against this common foe . ''

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Health Secretary Matt Hancock has agreed to consider relaxing coronavirus restrictions in Birmingham, so that friends and family are allowed to provide childcare to working parents.
But he also expressed caution, saying he didn't want to put grandparents at risk.
Mr Hancock was urged to change the rules, which came into force on Tuesday, by Meriden MP Saqib Bhatti (Con).
Current rules mean that people in Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell may not host people they do not live with, in their home or garden. This means, for example, that a family with children cannot allow the children's grandparents in the home, if they live separately.
Police can issue fixed penalty notices starting at £100 for people who break the rules. And Government guidance makes it clear that they do apply even for visitors, such as friends or relatives, who provide informal childcare.
However, there are exceptions for registered childminders and nannies. Children are also allowed to go to professional childcare providers in their own properties.
Mr Bhatti said the rules created problems for some working parents. Speaking in the House of Commons, he asked Mr Hancock: "Will he give consideration to informal childcare arrangements being allowed?
"Many parents who can't afford to pay for childcare would welcome the opportunity to go to work, wthin the guidelines, and also to have childcare in place."
Mr Hancock suggested meeting in order to discuss the idea further, but he also said he was worried about the health of grandparents.
He said: "This is an important question and it's a very difficult balance, because often the informal childcare is of grandparents looking after chldren, and of course older people are the most vulnerable to the disease.
"So that's the balance that we need to strike, and I always keep an open mind. I'd be very happy to talk to him about getting this balance exactly right in his area."
Earlier, Mr Hancock warned MPs that coronavirus cases are rising. He said: "Like many other countries around the world, we are continuing to see a concerning rise in cases, with 3,991 new cases recorded yesterday, and this week the number of patients in mechanical ventilator beds has risen above 100 for the first time since July.
"The battle against coronavirus is not over, and while we strain every sinew to spring free of its clutches, with winter on the horizon we must prepare, bolster our defences and come together once again against this common foe."


birminghammail--2020-09-17--Etheridge, Hogan, Sanchez - Every word from Aitor Karanka

Aitor Karanka spoke with the media ahead of Birmingham City 's trip to Swansea on Saturday .
Blues ' head coach discussed the arrival of Scott Hogan and the options that gives him up front .
He also opened up about the club 's plans in the rest of the transfer market - and a host of other issues .
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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 “ You can imagine how happy I am , ” Karanka said “ Scott is a player who everybody knows .
He did really well here last year .
“ Once again it shows how well the cub is working .
I didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was injured because I knew another would arrive .
“ We had a list and Scott was at the top of the list at that time , we were in no hurry .
We didn ’ t make any mistake because we knew we wanted Scotty and Scotty wanted to come back here.
” What does he offer you ?
“ I will have a lot more options , if we want to play direct to Jukey we can , if we are winning games and need to play transitions Scott is really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep possession we can have both of them in the box.
” “ I hope to have him available , he trained with us today and he has been training with Villa so he is fit , if the paper has arrived he will be in the squad.
” “ It was last week even when we lost against Cambridge .
This week , imagine , the atmosphere has been better but we have to be careful because we did nothing , we won one game and if we think playing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to win games , it is going to be difficult .
We have to improve , we have to grow but we have to play with the same intensity and commitment because if you go on to the pitch and don ’ t it is going to be more difficult.
” How important first win after last season ’ s finish ?
“ It was important , especially after seven months .
If we think because we won one game everything has been done , we are making a big mistake .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we have to improve and grow.
” Is challenge picking up points whilst also moulding the squad together ?
“ The challenge is to win every single game .
I don ’ t like to prepare for games to go for a point or not lose by four or five goals .
“ I prefer every single game to win in the same way I prepared against Cambridge .
The only way to win games is to think you can win those games .
“ It is important to have quality players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we have to keep going with the same commitment.
” “ It was good , you could see he is a good player and will be good for us but it is the first game , he needs time .
I know for sure he will play better and he will have games where he won ’ t play as well as he did .
He is another player in the squad – a new face , I think it was good on Saturday that the new faces played really well.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something to think about ?
No because I had it clear even before the game last Saturday .
He did a really good game , I think the person who has taken the most benefit has been him .
For a teenager to be in that goal and to finish the game winning 1-0 and with a clean sheet , with the way he played – the best is for him.
” “ A tough game , another team which was in the play-offs two months ago , a manager who is doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed a few players and won last Saturday again so unfortunately they will be in a high position in the table and it will be another challenge for us .
My opinion is to forget the opponents , how good or bad they are , where they are in the table , we need to approach the game in the same way – trying to do our best.
” How do you prepare to face possession-based team ?
“ The same way , I don ’ t like to prepare games differently if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like to take the initiative and then the game will tell you .
“ If we are confident and we can play it will be perfect .
Sometimes you don ’ t have days where you are confident with the ball and we will be organised without the ball.
” “ I ’ ve been here for five or six years and I always have the same question .
Every single year is difficult , and every single people think they can at least get to the play-offs , so it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everybody is good and has been training good except Andreas the ‘ keeper .
All of them are ready.
” Spoke to Scott about last season ?
“ I didn ’ t speak with him because I don ’ t think I need to speak to him about that .
After lockdown it wasn ’ t just Scotty , it was all the team .
“ When I was watching the games and the body language of the players you could see that they were not in a good mood .
I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came here would have been the same .
“ I want the Scotty Hogan who played here at the beginning of the season – and he knows that .
It is a hungry player who has come.
” Four -year contract a big commitment from the club ?
Of course .
A four year contract is a big show of commitment from the club and I think is the only way to convince a player like Scotty who had a nice contract at Villa and a lot of offers to go .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have to show that same commitment .
There are also three parties in this scenario and Birmingham City and Scotty wanted to be together.
” “ I think so .
He told me he wanted to move and know he wasn ’ t going back .
The last how many years he has had to go along knowing he had to go back again .
Now it is permanent which is important for him.
” With Scott on the pitch , teams can ’ t play so high against you ?
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotty on the bench last Saturday when we were winning 1-0 we would have had more options to score .
“ I don ’ t want to say anything bad about Adan because he has done an amazing job since he has been with us .
“ The experience and the quality he brings us is going to be very important.
” Thinking about bringing anyone else in ?
`` I am happy but I was happy when I arrived , so after bringing in eight or nine new players I am even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last second of the market I am open.
” Depends on the value what ’ s out there ?
`` Yes .
While they players that keep arriving like the ones that have already arrived it would be good because all of them are committed and all of them are hungry , but we have more time .
If nobody else comes in I am happy and if one , two or three more arrive it will be perfect.
” Do you have a position in your mind where you would like one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ core of the squad is already here , so if it something I can improve as a squad – every single area is covered now.
” Attention turns to reducing the size of the squad now ?
“ Yes , that is the aim now .
I will be speaking individually now with the players because it ’ s difficult when you have 24 and three ‘ keepers training really well .
“ It ’ s difficult for a manager to tell them it ’ s going to be difficult for them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to go on loan or to go to another club .
“ But I told them the first day that I am honest and I don ’ t want to be like other managers who tell them ‘ don ’ t worry you ’ re going to play ’ and then they don ’ t and they lose one year of their career .
“ I am telling them they can leave and should leave because one year is long.
” Last season ’ s team struggled against Swansea and conceded six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t count for anything now ?
“ No .
I don ’ t want to tell you about the team on Saturday but we are going to change a few faces in the team again and the players that are going to play on Saturday for sure don ’ t know what happened last year .
It ’ s a new season and it ’ s a new challenge and a news squad so we have to think of every single game as a normal game.
” “ Yes , he is available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 players .
It will be my choice .
”

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Aitor Karanka spoke with the media ahead of Birmingham City's trip to Swansea on Saturday.
Blues ' head coach discussed the arrival of Scott Hogan and the options that gives him up front.
He also opened up about the club's plans in the rest of the transfer market - and a host of other issues.
Here's what was discussed
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Scott Hogan arrival
“You can imagine how happy I am,” Karanka said “Scott is a player who everybody knows. He did really well here last year.
“Once again it shows how well the cub is working. I didn’t have any concerns when Jukey was injured because I knew another would arrive.
“We had a list and Scott was at the top of the list at that time, we were in no hurry. We didn’t make any mistake because we knew we wanted Scotty and Scotty wanted to come back here.”
What does he offer you?
“I will have a lot more options, if we want to play direct to Jukey we can, if we are winning games and need to play transitions Scott is really quick and intelligent, if we want to keep possession we can have both of them in the box.”
Available on Saturday?
“I hope to have him available, he trained with us today and he has been training with Villa so he is fit, if the paper has arrived he will be in the squad.”
Happy training ground this week?
“It was last week even when we lost against Cambridge. This week, imagine, the atmosphere has been better but we have to be careful because we did nothing, we won one game and if we think playing the same way did against Brentford we are going to win games, it is going to be difficult. We have to improve, we have to grow but we have to play with the same intensity and commitment because if you go on to the pitch and don’t it is going to be more difficult.”
How important first win after last season’s finish?
“It was important, especially after seven months. If we think because we won one game everything has been done, we are making a big mistake. It is the first step in 46 and we have to improve and grow.”
Is challenge picking up points whilst also moulding the squad together?
“The challenge is to win every single game. I don’t like to prepare for games to go for a point or not lose by four or five goals.
“I prefer every single game to win in the same way I prepared against Cambridge. The only way to win games is to think you can win those games.
“It is important to have quality players in the squad – that is true but we have to keep going with the same commitment.”
(Image: bcfc.com)
Ivan Sanchez debut
“It was good, you could see he is a good player and will be good for us but it is the first game, he needs time. I know for sure he will play better and he will have games where he won’t play as well as he did. He is another player in the squad – a new face, I think it was good on Saturday that the new faces played really well.”
Zach Jeacock’s performance given you something to think about?
No because I had it clear even before the game last Saturday. He did a really good game, I think the person who has taken the most benefit has been him. For a teenager to be in that goal and to finish the game winning 1-0 and with a clean sheet, with the way he played – the best is for him.”
What expecting from Swansea?
“A tough game, another team which was in the play-offs two months ago, a manager who is doing a really good job.
They have changed a few players and won last Saturday again so unfortunately they will be in a high position in the table and it will be another challenge for us.
My opinion is to forget the opponents, how good or bad they are, where they are in the table, we need to approach the game in the same way – trying to do our best.”
How do you prepare to face possession-based team?
“The same way, I don’t like to prepare games differently if we prepare home or away, I like to take the initiative and then the game will tell you.
“If we are confident and we can play it will be perfect. Sometimes you don’t have days where you are confident with the ball and we will be organised without the ball.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Wide open Championship this season?
“I’ve been here for five or six years and I always have the same question. Every single year is difficult, and every single people think they can at least get to the play-offs, so it’s another tough season for everybody.”
Injury news
“Everybody is good and has been training good except Andreas the ‘keeper. All of them are ready.”
Spoke to Scott about last season?
“I didn’t speak with him because I don’t think I need to speak to him about that. After lockdown it wasn’t just Scotty, it was all the team.
“When I was watching the games and the body language of the players you could see that they were not in a good mood. I think at the that time any player who came here would have been the same.
“I want the Scotty Hogan who played here at the beginning of the season – and he knows that. It is a hungry player who has come.”
Four -year contract a big commitment from the club?
Of course. A four year contract is a big show of commitment from the club and I think is the only way to convince a player like Scotty who had a nice contract at Villa and a lot of offers to go.
“If he has shown commitment coming here we have to show that same commitment. There are also three parties in this scenario and Birmingham City and Scotty wanted to be together.”
Other options ?
“I think so. He told me he wanted to move and know he wasn’t going back. The last how many years he has had to go along knowing he had to go back again. Now it is permanent which is important for him.”
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
With Scott on the pitch, teams can’t play so high against you?
“Yes, for example if we had Scotty on the bench last Saturday when we were winning 1-0 we would have had more options to score.
“I don’t want to say anything bad about Adan because he has done an amazing job since he has been with us.
“The experience and the quality he brings us is going to be very important.”
Thinking about bringing anyone else in?
"I am happy but I was happy when I arrived, so after bringing in eight or nine new players I am even happier. As a manager to the last second of the market I am open.”
Depends on the value what’s out there?
"Yes. While they players that keep arriving like the ones that have already arrived it would be good because all of them are committed and all of them are hungry, but we have more time. If nobody else comes in I am happy and if one, two or three more arrive it will be perfect.”
Do you have a position in your mind where you would like one more option?
"No. The core of the squad is already here, so if it something I can improve as a squad – every single area is covered now.”
Attention turns to reducing the size of the squad now?
“Yes, that is the aim now. I will be speaking individually now with the players because it’s difficult when you have 24 and three ‘keepers training really well.
“It’s difficult for a manager to tell them it’s going to be difficult for them to play and it’s better for them to go on loan or to go to another club.
“But I told them the first day that I am honest and I don’t want to be like other managers who tell them ‘don’t worry you’re going to play’ and then they don’t and they lose one year of their career.
“I am telling them they can leave and should leave because one year is long.”
(Image: EMPICS Sport)
Last season’s team struggled against Swansea and conceded six goals in two games. Doesn’t count for anything now?
“No. I don’t want to tell you about the team on Saturday but we are going to change a few faces in the team again and the players that are going to play on Saturday for sure don’t know what happened last year. It’s a new season and it’s a new challenge and a news squad so we have to think of every single game as a normal game.”
Neil Etheridge under consideration?
“Yes, he is available to play like the other 23 or 24 players. It will be my choice.”


birminghammail--2020-09-17--Man arrested on suspicion of murder after city dad shot dead

Detectives investigating the fatal shooting of a Birmingham dad have arrested a man on suspicion of his murder .
Murtaza Nazir was gunned down in Bagshaw Road , Stechford - a short distance from his home - on August 28 .
Residents were said to have heard what they assumed to be a series of fireworks , before a 'commotion ' followed in the street , just before 8pm .
A murder probe was launched and detectives have now arrested a 22-year-old Birmingham man on suspicion of Mr Nazir 's murder .
Two women , aged 49 and 22 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an offender .
They all remain in custody .
Detective Chief Inspector Scott Griffiths , from the force ’ s homicide unit , said : “ There has been no let-up in our search for Murtaza ’ s killer and this is a significant step forward in our investigation , but we still need anyone with information to come forward .
“ We need to understand what led to this tragedy and find all those involved.
” Police can be contacted via Live Chat on their website or by calling 101 anytime .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 555 111 .
In the wake of the shooting , Mr Nazir 's devastated family said : `` Our lives shattered and hearts broken .
As a family we are united and trying to heal , but the process won ’ t be an easy one .
`` As a family not only have we lost a father , husband , son , brother , we have lost our friend and protector .
“ Everyone who knew him will have their own unique memory with him , and that , in these hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Speaking shortly after the incident , Detective Chief Inspector Griffiths said it was a `` shocking crime that has resulted in a young father losing his life . ''

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Detectives investigating the fatal shooting of a Birmingham dad have arrested a man on suspicion of his murder.
Murtaza Nazir was gunned down in Bagshaw Road, Stechford - a short distance from his home - on August 28.
Residents were said to have heard what they assumed to be a series of fireworks, before a 'commotion' followed in the street, just before 8pm.
Mr Nazir, aged 26, was later found shot dea d.
A murder probe was launched and detectives have now arrested a 22-year-old Birmingham man on suspicion of Mr Nazir's murder.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Two women, aged 49 and 22, were also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
They all remain in custody.
Detective Chief Inspector Scott Griffiths, from the force’s homicide unit, said: “There has been no let-up in our search for Murtaza’s killer and this is a significant step forward in our investigation, but we still need anyone with information to come forward.
“We need to understand what led to this tragedy and find all those involved.”
Police can be contacted via Live Chat on their website or by calling 101 anytime.
(Image: WMP)
Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
In the wake of the shooting, Mr Nazir's devastated family said: "Our lives shattered and hearts broken. As a family we are united and trying to heal, but the process won’t be an easy one.
"As a family not only have we lost a father, husband, son, brother, we have lost our friend and protector.
“Everyone who knew him will have their own unique memory with him, and that, in these hard times will get them through it."
Speaking shortly after the incident, Detective Chief Inspector Griffiths said it was a "shocking crime that has resulted in a young father losing his life."


birminghammail--2020-09-17--West Brom want to 'hijack' Mbwana Samatta's exit from Aston Villa

West Bromwich Albion have been linked with a surprise move for Aston Villa striker Mbwana Samatta .
Samatta , 27 , was an £8.5million arrival at Villa Park from Belgian club Genk in the January transfer window having finished as top scorer in the Pro League in the 2018/19 season .
He provided a much-needed boost to Dean Smith 's attacking options after Wesley Moraes suffered a long-term knee injury in the win at Burnley on New Year 's Day .
But with Villa having broken their transfer record to land Ollie Watkins from Brentford - and planning on bringing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be surplus to requirements .
He has been heavily linked with a move to Turkey , where both Fenerbahce and Besiktas are keen .
But The Sun reports Albion want to 'hijack ' his move there and take him to The Hawthorns instead .
Slaven Bilic 's desire to add to his options in attack for the new Premier League season is no secret and the report claims he is ready to sign Samatta either on loan or in a permanent deal .
The Baggies boss said earlier this week he is willing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ add to his squad with the window remaining open until next month .
“ We don ’ t need numbers - we have numbers , ” Bilic said .
“ If one comes then probably one will have to go , ideally .
We don ’ t need numbers .
“ Unless we can get someone that I or we think gives us something we don ’ t have , then what ’ s the point ?
“ I would rather wait , I would rather wait to get the proper one - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get one just for the sake of doing it .
With Covid the fact is , okay we hoped , we are still trying to make the best out of the transfer window.
” Samatta was left out of Villa 's squad for the Carabao Cup win against Burton Albion this week with Keinan Davis preferred on the bench .

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West Bromwich Albion have been linked with a surprise move for Aston Villa striker Mbwana Samatta.
Samatta, 27, was an £8.5million arrival at Villa Park from Belgian club Genk in the January transfer window having finished as top scorer in the Pro League in the 2018/19 season.
He provided a much-needed boost to Dean Smith's attacking options after Wesley Moraes suffered a long-term knee injury in the win at Burnley on New Year's Day.
But with Villa having broken their transfer record to land Ollie Watkins from Brentford - and planning on bringing in another forward - Samatta looks to be surplus to requirements.
He has been heavily linked with a move to Turkey, where both Fenerbahce and Besiktas are keen.
But The Sun reports Albion want to 'hijack' his move there and take him to The Hawthorns instead.
Slaven Bilic's desire to add to his options in attack for the new Premier League season is no secret and the report claims he is ready to sign Samatta either on loan or in a permanent deal.
The Baggies boss said earlier this week he is willing to wait for the ideal forward to add to his squad with the window remaining open until next month.
“We don’t need numbers - we have numbers,” Bilic said. “If one comes then probably one will have to go, ideally. We don’t need numbers.
“Unless we can get someone that I or we think gives us something we don’t have, then what’s the point?
“I would rather wait, I would rather wait to get the proper one - the one that we want, than get one just for the sake of doing it. With Covid the fact is, okay we hoped, we are still trying to make the best out of the transfer window.”
Samatta was left out of Villa's squad for the Carabao Cup win against Burton Albion this week with Keinan Davis preferred on the bench.


birminghammail--2020-09-17--Tamworth's social distancing measures scrapped after a month

Social distancing measures in Tamworth town centre have been removed barely a month after being installed .
The temporary improvements were part of the county council ’ s local cycling and walking infrastructure plan to encourage more people to travel this way , improve safety , and improve town streets .
We reported in August how in Albert Road there is a widening of the footway and a give-way control at the Albert Road/Marmion Street junction while the Church Street footway will also be widened into an adjacent layby on the northern side to allow social distancing particularly where retail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a month later the Church Street measures have been removed and Albert Road will be removed at some stage too .
David Williams , cabinet member for highways and transport at Staffordshire County Council , confirmed : “ The temporary arrangements on a number of roads in the town centre are part of our longer term plans to improve road safety and to enable more people to walk and cycle to the shops , local businesses and to their place of work whilst maintaining adequate social distance .
“ The measures , introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easily modified if needed and we have been actively monitoring how effective they have been .
`` In light of this , changes are being made to the measures along Church Street and Albert Road and the monitoring will continue.
” Unveiling the measures last month , Mr Williams had originally said : “ In the short term this will make it easier for people to get around safely to help reduce the spread of coronavirus but longer term it will all help to improve people ’ s health and wellbeing , combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve people ’ s access to jobs and education .
“ More people have been walking or cycling as a result of the coronavirus crisis and we want to see this continue as life starts to get back to normal .
“ Over the last five years over £7 million has already been invested in walking and cycling routes in these six towns .
These temporary improvements , along with future schemes outlined in our local plan to improve sustainable transport will all help build on this success.
” In nearby Atherstone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut to allow for better social distancing between pedestrians but plans were scrapped less than a week after being implemented .
Barricades were set up in July ‘ to support the reopening of town centre businesses and encourage people to use their town centre ' but they went following 'significant feedback against the scheme ' .

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Social distancing measures in Tamworth town centre have been removed barely a month after being installed.
The temporary improvements were part of the county council’s local cycling and walking infrastructure plan to encourage more people to travel this way, improve safety, and improve town streets.
We reported in August how in Albert Road there is a widening of the footway and a give-way control at the Albert Road/Marmion Street junction while the Church Street footway will also be widened into an adjacent layby on the northern side to allow social distancing particularly where retail queues may be forming.
(Image: Karl Loxton)
However barely a month later the Church Street measures have been removed and Albert Road will be removed at some stage too.
David Williams, cabinet member for highways and transport at Staffordshire County Council, confirmed: “The temporary arrangements on a number of roads in the town centre are part of our longer term plans to improve road safety and to enable more people to walk and cycle to the shops, local businesses and to their place of work whilst maintaining adequate social distance.
“The measures, introduced in August, were designed to be easily modified if needed and we have been actively monitoring how effective they have been.
"In light of this, changes are being made to the measures along Church Street and Albert Road and the monitoring will continue.”
Unveiling the measures last month, Mr Williams had originally said: “In the short term this will make it easier for people to get around safely to help reduce the spread of coronavirus but longer term it will all help to improve people’s health and wellbeing, combat climate change, reduce air pollution and improve people’s access to jobs and education.
“More people have been walking or cycling as a result of the coronavirus crisis and we want to see this continue as life starts to get back to normal.
“Over the last five years over £7 million has already been invested in walking and cycling routes in these six towns. These temporary improvements, along with future schemes outlined in our local plan to improve sustainable transport will all help build on this success.”
In nearby Atherstone, Long Street’s parking bays were shut to allow for better social distancing between pedestrians but plans were scrapped less than a week after being implemented.
Barricades were set up in July ‘to support the reopening of town centre businesses and encourage people to use their town centre' but they went following 'significant feedback against the scheme'.