birminghammail--2020-04-17--The unpopular Aston Villa opinions we'll probably get battered for

'Opinions are like backsides ' , as one grisly old football manager once remarked , 'We 've all got one but it does n't mean they should be flaunted in public ' .
Anyway , ignoring that sage advice we 've decided to get our heads/backsides together to not only flaunt our opinions , but opinions that will fall into the 'unpopular opinions ' category .
You know the ones - an honestly held belief that flies in the face of common thinking .
Here at BirminghamLive and on our Claret & Blue podcast we like to pride ourselves on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fanbase , having a strong sense of what Aston Villa supporters do and do not like .
We risk wrecking all of that though as Mat Kendrick , Dan Rolinson and James Rushton express their outspoken views on a series of contentious subjects .
And let 's face it , we 'll probably get battered on social media for what 's to follow !
There 's a quick flavour of them here , but to hear the Unpopular Opinion debate in full tune into our podcast using the links provided at the bottom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone and gone there : Mat Kendrick hits back at all the muck-filled Platty-pusses who dislike Platt for his post Villa airbrushing .
Explain yourself , Mat : There 's a lot of Villa fans who do n't like Platt because since leaving the club he does n't mention the club enough/at all .
He has been accused of airbrushing out a very significant chapter of his career .
Forget all that , remember the joy he gave us with those marauding runs , great goals and Cheshire cat smiles of celebration as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new dawn under Graham Taylor in the late 1980s .
Who cares if he does n't mention Villa much/at all any more ?
It 's like stalking an ex-girlfriend 's Facebook page for any mentions of your name rather than simply enjoying the great days you enjoyed together .
James Rushton 's Unpopular Opinion : Theme From An Unmade Silent Movie should be banished from Villa Park He 's only gone and gone there : James Rushton risks alienating his elders by taking aim at the Norman 'Hurricane ' Smith classic , popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James : Theme from an Unmade Silent Film is terrible and should n't be considered for a Villa walk-out song in the future .
It 's a bit of a nostalgia trap and it 's a bad song !
Villa need some energy when they walk out !
If they were n't successful when that song was used at the club , it would n't even be remembered , let 's be honest .
If Tinky Winky was a wrestler you imagine that 's what his walk-on music woulkd be ( well someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Noo-Noo is racking up ) .
Give me something with dynamics man .
Just a little bit of energy without going to Charlie Methvan levels of begging William Orbit to come down and run a set .
He 's only gone and gone there : Dan Rolinson never gets a round in and now he wants to get the round out , criticising the sacred circular crest of Villa 's glory years .
Explain yourself , Dan : Okay , well first of all let me add a disclaimer that I understand that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a set of Aston Villa supporters , and I understand that badge represents an era of success for the club , I 'm not stupid .
But aesthetically speaking - and forgive me for getting my creative eye out - it just does n't look right .
I do n't think the claret or the blue are right shade and I 'm not a particular fan of a circle shape either .
It feels very generic and in the modern era of football I associate round badges with modern rebrands a la Man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Where they try and shoe horn a few club characteristics but stick it in a polished looking perfect circle .
I like a bit of character to a club crest , I like a shield shape .
There 's something about it that I just do n't like and again , I understand what this badge means but this is my opinion , I would n't want the club to 'Bring the Round Badge back ' like the popular petitions you see do the rounds from time to time .
There , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nasty comments , please .
You can listen to the whole debate here All you need to know about our Claret & Blue podcast Have you tried Claret & Blue , our podcast and YouTube channel ?
What are you waiting for ?
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newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Mat Kendrick, Dan Rolinson, James Rushton)

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'Opinions are like backsides', as one grisly old football manager once remarked, 'We've all got one but it doesn't mean they should be flaunted in public'.
Anyway, ignoring that sage advice we've decided to get our heads/backsides together to not only flaunt our opinions, but opinions that will fall into the 'unpopular opinions' category.
You know the ones - an honestly held belief that flies in the face of common thinking.
Here at BirminghamLive and on our Claret & Blue podcast we like to pride ourselves on being at one with the Villa Park fanbase, having a strong sense of what Aston Villa supporters do and do not like.
We risk wrecking all of that though as Mat Kendrick, Dan Rolinson and James Rushton express their outspoken views on a series of contentious subjects.
And let's face it, we'll probably get battered on social media for what's to follow!
There's a quick flavour of them here, but to hear the Unpopular Opinion debate in full tune into our podcast using the links provided at the bottom of this piece.
Mat Kendrick's Unpopular Opinion: David Platt is a legend
He's only gone and gone there: Mat Kendrick hits back at all the muck-filled Platty-pusses who dislike Platt for his post Villa airbrushing.
Explain yourself, Mat: There's a lot of Villa fans who don't like Platt because since leaving the club he doesn't mention the club enough/at all.
He has been accused of airbrushing out a very significant chapter of his career.
Forget all that, remember the joy he gave us with those marauding runs, great goals and Cheshire cat smiles of celebration as the poster boy for Villa's exciting new dawn under Graham Taylor in the late 1980s.
Who cares if he doesn't mention Villa much/at all any more? It's like stalking an ex-girlfriend's Facebook page for any mentions of your name rather than simply enjoying the great days you enjoyed together.
James Rushton's Unpopular Opinion: Theme From An Unmade Silent Movie should be banished from Villa Park
He's only gone and gone there: James Rushton risks alienating his elders by taking aim at the Norman 'Hurricane' Smith classic, popular in the 70s.
Explain yourself, James: Theme from an Unmade Silent Film is terrible and shouldn't be considered for a Villa walk-out song in the future.
It's a bit of a nostalgia trap and it's a bad song! Villa need some energy when they walk out! If they weren't successful when that song was used at the club, it wouldn't even be remembered, let's be honest.
If Tinky Winky was a wrestler you imagine that's what his walk-on music woulkd be (well someone's got to pay the bills that Noo-Noo is racking up). Give me something with dynamics man. Just a little bit of energy without going to Charlie Methvan levels of begging William Orbit to come down and run a set.
Dan Rolinson's Unpopular Opinion: The round badge is over-rated
He's only gone and gone there: Dan Rolinson never gets a round in and now he wants to get the round out, criticising the sacred circular crest of Villa's glory years.
Explain yourself, Dan: Okay, well first of all let me add a disclaimer that I understand that the round badge is immensely popular with a set of Aston Villa supporters, and I understand that badge represents an era of success for the club, I'm not stupid.
But aesthetically speaking - and forgive me for getting my creative eye out - it just doesn't look right. I don't think the claret or the blue are right shade and I'm not a particular fan of a circle shape either. It feels very generic and in the modern era of football I associate round badges with modern rebrands a la Man City, Brentford and Bristol City. Where they try and shoe horn a few club characteristics but stick it in a polished looking perfect circle.
I like a bit of character to a club crest, I like a shield shape. There's something about it that I just don't like and again, I understand what this badge means but this is my opinion, I wouldn't want the club to 'Bring the Round Badge back' like the popular petitions you see do the rounds from time to time. There, I said it. Don't send me nasty comments, please.
You can listen to the whole debate here
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All you need to know about our Claret & Blue podcast
Have you tried Claret & Blue, our podcast and YouTube channel?
What are you waiting for?!
Claret & Blue: An Aston Villa Podcast is available via the following platforms, subscribe and download here: iTunes, Spotify and Acast.
Mat Kendrick, Ashley Preece, Dan Rolinson and James Rushton provide a fun-filled mixture of analysis, interviews, debate and, yes, a fair amount of nonsense!
BirminghamLive has also launched its new YouTube channel to run alongside Claret & Blue.
You can view our page - make sure you subscribe - by clicking here.


birminghammail--2020-04-17--Jack Grealish transfer: Latest on Villa captain and what's been said

Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish continues to be linked with a move away from Villa Park .
Grealish has been in stunning form this season with nine goals and eight assists in all competitions .
The 24-year-old , who is under contract until 2023 , has most heavily been linked with Manchester United while the likes of Everton and Chelsea are also said to be interested .
Here 's the latest and what 's been said : Grealish is no longer a top summer transfer target for Manchester United , according to reports .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now prioritising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with United seemingly keen on keeping Paul Pogba .
Solskjaer wants to bolster up his back line and sees a holding midfielder as a priority rather than a play-maker of Grealish 's ilk .
United remain interested in but , if Villa survive this season , the B6 club could slap a sky-high price of up to £90million on their prized asset .
The transfer speculation surrounding Grealish continues to grow , despite the suspension of English football .
Fellow Premier League outfit Everton have been credited with an interest in Grealish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fresh report has emerged .
According to a report in Football Insider , quoted by the Daily Star , the Toffees are “ secretly confident ” of signing Grealish this summer .
Villa would want to be handsomely compensated for the player they have nurtured since age six – while it has previously been suggested United could offer him a wage hike to the tune of £150,000-a-week .
According to the Mirror , United would be willing to part with up to £70m to complete a move .
They add that executive vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up deals as soon as possible to ensure Solskjaer has a full pre-season to work with new players , depending on when the current campaign finishes .
Chelsea have also been linked with Grealish .
Frank Lampard 's side are on course to finish in the top four of the Premier League , when it does eventually restart and would be in a position to offer Grealish Champions League football next season .
Italian website Calciomercato say Chelsea are ready to rival United in the summer .
Bent says Grealish will have choice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has claimed that Manchster United , as well as Manchester City and Tottenham will be keen to sign Grealish this summer .
Bent also reckons that Grealish will be looking at leaving if the club are relegated from the top flight .
`` I think Jack Grealish has got his sights set on maybe three teams , ” Bent told Football Insider .
Manchester City will not pursue a move for Grealish this summer , according to reports .
Pep Guardiola has heaped public praise on the Villa skipper throughout the season , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , the Manchester Evening News ’ City correspondent Simon Bajikowski has explained why he is n't on the club 's wishlist .
Tottenham are also being linked .
Grealish has made such an impression on Jamie Carragher that the Liverpool legend has picked the Villa captain in his Premier League team of the season .
Carragher also said he has no doubt the 24-year-old would take a move to Old Trafford - or to any top club - in his stride .
The former defender said : `` Who knows how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and whether Villa go down or not , but there 's no doubt he 's got the quality to play for one of the top clubs in the Premier League or Europe . ''
How Purslow has responded to claims about selling players Villa chief executive Christian Purslow , back in November , is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail : `` We can say no .
We do have a number of wonderful players .
It 's a big compliment that we have brilliant players that attract the attention of lots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm absolutely proud to say these boys love playing for Aston Villa and we are a club these days who do n't have to worry about selling our assets to survive .
We are in a different situation now .
`` We have a team of very young players with great international futures ahead of them and that is the most important thing for the financial and footballing health of a club - that you have players that are assets , who are improving all the time and whose values are improving .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to summer to look at those players and sometimes sell players and then go again .
`` We , like every club in the Premier League , may have to do that in future but the important thing is to have a collection of really valuable assets and we do . ''
Man United hero Rio Ferdinand blasted a fan of his old side who rang into radio station talkSPORT and claimed Grealish would n't move to the club in the summer .
One United fan rang talkSPORT to claim Grealish and fellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are too good for United .
Ferdinand took to social media to brand the caller a 'loon ' .
He tweeted : `` What am I hearing from the caller on @ talkSPORT ... he doesn ’ t think @ JackGrealish would leave Villa for United !
# loon . ''
Villa legend Paul McGrath says there is 'no chance ' of Grealish moving to United when the window opens .
McGrath revealed he does n't think the playmaker will make the move as he conducted a Q & A on Instagram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joined from the club from United , addressed the speculation by saying : `` No chance '' .
Grealish has caught the attentions of La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona , according to reports in the national press .
According to The Sun , both Real Madrid and Barca are tracking Grealish , as they begin to identify their top targets for the summer .
The report suggests that Villa are readying themselves for a series of bids this summer and claim that the claret and blue talisman will have his pick @ @ @ @ @ @

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

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Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish continues to be linked with a move away from Villa Park.
Grealish has been in stunning form this season with nine goals and eight assists in all competitions.
The 24-year-old, who is under contract until 2023, has most heavily been linked with Manchester United while the likes of Everton and Chelsea are also said to be interested.
Here's the latest and what's been said:
Grealish no longer a top target for Man Utd
Grealish is no longer a top summer transfer target for Manchester United, according to reports.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now prioritising a defensive midfielder, The Athletic reports, with United seemingly keen on keeping Paul Pogba.
Solskjaer wants to bolster up his back line and sees a holding midfielder as a priority rather than a play-maker of Grealish's ilk.
United remain interested in but, if Villa survive this season, the B6 club could slap a sky-high price of up to £90million on their prized asset.
More HERE.
Claret & Blue podcast Have you tried our Claret & Blue podcast out? Claret & Blue is our expanded look at everything Aston Villa - and you can find it on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube, as well as your podcast service of choice. Our writers will bring you the latest from Villa Park in their own unique style, taking a deeper look at the Villans while having a lot of fun along the way. What can you expect? Well,analysis, news, interviews and debate along with, yes, a fair amount of nonsense! That's not all though, you can find the podcast on Twitter here, and as a newsletter which you can subscribe to here. In our newsletter you'll get original articles like this and exclusive interviews before anyone else has access. What are you waiting for?
Everton confident
The transfer speculation surrounding Grealish continues to grow, despite the suspension of English football.
Fellow Premier League outfit Everton have been credited with an interest in Grealish’s services, and now a fresh report has emerged.
According to a report in Football Insider, quoted by the Daily Star, the Toffees are “secretly confident” of signing Grealish this summer.
More HERE.
'£70m fee' and £150,000-a-week wages
Villa would want to be handsomely compensated for the player they have nurtured since he was six – while it has previously been suggested United could offer him a wage hike to the tune of £150,000-a-week.
According to the Mirror, United would be willing to part with up to £70m to complete a move. They add that executive vice chairman Ed Woodward is keen to tie up deals as soon as possible to ensure Solskjaer has a full pre-season to work with new players, depending on when the current campaign finishes.
More HERE.
Chelsea make their interest known
Chelsea have also been linked with Grealish.
Frank Lampard's side are on course to finish in the top four of the Premier League, when it does eventually restart and would be in a position to offer Grealish Champions League football next season.
Italian website Calciomercato say Chelsea are ready to rival United in the summer.
More HERE.
Bent says Grealish will have choice of clubs
Former Villa striker Darren Bent has claimed that Manchster United, as well as Manchester City and Tottenham will be keen to sign Grealish this summer.
Bent also reckons that Grealish will be looking at leaving if the club are relegated from the top flight.
"I think Jack Grealish has got his sights set on maybe three teams,” Bent told Football Insider.
More HERE.
Man City stance clarified while Spurs also linked
Manchester City will not pursue a move for Grealish this summer, according to reports.
Pep Guardiola has heaped public praise on the Villa skipper throughout the season, singling him out in pre-match press conferences.
However, the Manchester Evening News’ City correspondent Simon Bajikowski has explained why he isn't on the club's wishlist. Tottenham are also being linked.
More HERE.
Carragher's advice
Grealish has made such an impression on Jamie Carragher that the Liverpool legend has picked the Villa captain in his Premier League team of the season.
Carragher also said he has no doubt the 24-year-old would take a move to Old Trafford - or to any top club - in his stride.
The former defender said: "Who knows how the season is going to end up and whether Villa go down or not, but there's no doubt he's got the quality to play for one of the top clubs in the Premier League or Europe."
More HERE.
How Purslow has responded to claims about selling players
Villa chief executive Christian Purslow, back in November, is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail : "We can say no. We do have a number of wonderful players. It's a big compliment that we have brilliant players that attract the attention of lots of clubs around Europe.
"I'm absolutely proud to say these boys love playing for Aston Villa and we are a club these days who don't have to worry about selling our assets to survive. We are in a different situation now.
"We have a team of very young players with great international futures ahead of them and that is the most important thing for the financial and footballing health of a club - that you have players that are assets, who are improving all the time and whose values are improving.
"That gives you the flexibility summer to summer to look at those players and sometimes sell players and then go again.
"We, like every club in the Premier League, may have to do that in future but the important thing is to have a collection of really valuable assets and we do."
(Image: PA)
Ferdinand shocked
Man United hero Rio Ferdinand blasted a fan of his old side who rang into radio station talkSPORT and claimed Grealish wouldn't move to the club in the summer.
One United fan rang talkSPORT to claim Grealish and fellow playmaker James Maddison, at Leicester City, are too good for United.
Ferdinand took to social media to brand the caller a 'loon'.
He tweeted : "What am I hearing from the caller on @talkSPORT...he doesn’t think @JackGrealish would leave Villa for United! #loon."
'No chance' says McGrath
Villa legend Paul McGrath says there is 'no chance' of Grealish moving to United when the window opens.
McGrath revealed he doesn't think the playmaker will make the move as he conducted a Q&A on Instagram.
The former Villa hero, who joined from the club from United, addressed the speculation by saying: "No chance".
More HERE.
Spanish giants linked
Grealish has caught the attentions of La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, according to reports in the national press.
According to The Sun, both Real Madrid and Barca are tracking Grealish, as they begin to identify their top targets for the summer.
The report suggests that Villa are readying themselves for a series of bids this summer and claim that the claret and blue talisman will have his pick over clubs in the summer.
More HERE.


birminghammail--2020-04-17--Watch the moment water shoots 15ft into the air as pipe bursts

This is the moment water gushed 15ft into the air as a pipe burst on Rookery Road in Handsworth causing the 'ground to shake . '
Shop owner Ibrahim Suleman was walking along Rookery Road at 3.25pm today ( Friday ) when he saw the water shooting into the air .
Ibrahim said he was walking to work at his shop called Innovapours Ecig Store , based on Rookery Road , when he heard ' a sound like thunder . '
He got out his phone and took a video of the fountain of water .
He told BirminghamLive : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my shop nearby Innovapours Ecig Store when I heard something strange , that almost sounded like thunder .
`` I looked around and saw a huge fountain of water coming up from the ground .
The water was spraying around 15 feet high .
`` As I walked closer to it , the sound became very loud and you could even feel the ground shaking underneath .
Luckily , pedestrians kept their distance . ''
Ibrahim said workers from Severn Trent Water arrived on the scene and brought it under control .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trent arrived and it was all dealt with very quickly .
But it was quite an impressive sight seeing all that water spurting into the air . ''

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This is the moment water gushed 15ft into the air as a pipe burst on Rookery Road in Handsworth causing the 'ground to shake.'
Shop owner Ibrahim Suleman was walking along Rookery Road at 3.25pm today (Friday) when he saw the water shooting into the air.
Ibrahim said he was walking to work at his shop called Innovapours Ecig Store, based on Rookery Road, when he heard 'a sound like thunder.'
He got out his phone and took a video of the fountain of water.
He told BirminghamLive: "I had just reached work at my shop nearby Innovapours Ecig Store when I heard something strange, that almost sounded like thunder.
"I looked around and saw a huge fountain of water coming up from the ground. The water was spraying around 15 feet high.
"As I walked closer to it, the sound became very loud and you could even feel the ground shaking underneath. Luckily, pedestrians kept their distance."
Ibrahim said workers from Severn Trent Water arrived on the scene and brought it under control.
He added: "The people from Seven Trent arrived and it was all dealt with very quickly. But it was quite an impressive sight seeing all that water spurting into the air."


birminghammail--2020-04-17--West Brom sent summer transfer advice involving £15m signing

West Brom and Oliver Burke have been advised to part ways this summer .
The winger has been spending this season out in Spain ’ s La Liga and , according to a report in Spanish daily AS this week , Alaves would like to keep two of their six loanees once the season finishes .
And the La Liga outfit will try and keep hold of former Cardiff midfielder Victor Camarasa , on loan from Real Betis and Burke .
The Mendizorrotza side are even said to be ‘ exploring negotiations ’ with the Baggies ' hierarchy about keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sergio Fernandez who will be in charge of negotiations .
If you want to follow all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 A parting of the ways might be the best case scenario for all concerned parties in the next transfer window , says former player Noel Whelan .
“ A player that ’ s had massive potential and thought he was going to go on and do great things but he ’ s never happened at any club since he left Forest , ” Whelan told Football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really strange one because a player of that much quality and ability is usually a permanent fixture in most teams but it ’ s just not happened .
“ Maybe now at Alaves he ’ s found his team and found his happy place in football but definitely best for both player and club to get him off the wage bill , get him somewhere else playing his football .
“ Maybe he can kickstart his career there and we might see him back in the Championship or Premier League later on but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to mature and find that consistency and that love for the game again.
” It ’ s fair to say Burke ’ s time at The Hawthorns hasn ’ t gone as planned .
The 22-year-old , who was signed from RB Leipzig for £15m in August 2017 , has been out on loan since January 2019 first at Celtic and now Alaves .
It remains to be seen what sort of fee Albion will be able to recoup for Burke , who has scored once in 21 La Liga matches this season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at one goal from 24 matches .
He has two years left on his contract as of this summer .

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West Brom and Oliver Burke have been advised to part ways this summer.
The winger has been spending this season out in Spain’s La Liga and, according to a report in Spanish daily AS this week, Alaves would like to keep two of their six loanees once the season finishes.
And the La Liga outfit will try and keep hold of former Cardiff midfielder Victor Camarasa, on loan from Real Betis and Burke.
The Mendizorrotza side are even said to be ‘exploring negotiations’ with the Baggies' hierarchy about keeping Burke and it is Alaves sporting director Sergio Fernandez who will be in charge of negotiations.
A parting of the ways might be the best case scenario for all concerned parties in the next transfer window, says former player Noel Whelan.
“A player that’s had massive potential and thought he was going to go on and do great things but he’s never happened at any club since he left Forest,” Whelan told Football Insider.
“It’s a really strange one because a player of that much quality and ability is usually a permanent fixture in most teams but it’s just not happened.
“Maybe now at Alaves he’s found his team and found his happy place in football but definitely best for both player and club to get him off the wage bill, get him somewhere else playing his football.
“Maybe he can kickstart his career there and we might see him back in the Championship or Premier League later on but it just seems to me he needs to mature and find that consistency and that love for the game again.”
It’s fair to say Burke’s time at The Hawthorns hasn’t gone as planned.
(Image: DeFodi Images/Getty Images)
The 22-year-old, who was signed from RB Leipzig for £15m in August 2017, has been out on loan since January 2019 first at Celtic and now Alaves.
It remains to be seen what sort of fee Albion will be able to recoup for Burke, who has scored once in 21 La Liga matches this season.
Overall his record at Albion stands at one goal from 24 matches. He has two years left on his contract as of this summer.


birminghammail--2020-04-17--Grealish and McGinn linked with Newcastle amid takeover talk

Takevoer talk at Newcastle United has already resulted in former Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce being tipped to lose his job at St James ' Park .
Now , two Villa players are being linked with moves to the north east as a consortium of wealthy backers seemingly closes in on buying the Magpies from Mike Ashley .
A bid from PCP Capital Partners backed by Saudi Arabia 's Public Investment Fund and the Reuben Brothers is being looked at by the Premier League .
There is understandably a great deal of excitement on Tyneside about the spending power the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And Villa midfielders Jack Grealish and John McGinn are being linked with potential moves there .
One bookmaker has included Grealish ( 10/1 ) and McGinn ( 2/1 ) on the list of players Newcastle could snap up when their new-found wealth drops .
McGinn is already said to be on the Newcastle 's shortlist with claims of a £30m offer when trading resumes .
Bruce brought the Scotland international to Villa from Hearts in 2018 and he has been a revelation since then .
Grealish is Villa 's prized asset and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dean Smith 's side avoid relegation from the Premier League .
However there is nothing to suggest Newcastle hold an interest in the 24-year-old playmaker , who has scored nine goals and provided nine assists this term .

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Takevoer talk at Newcastle United has already resulted in former Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce being tipped to lose his job at St James' Park.
Now, two Villa players are being linked with moves to the north east as a consortium of wealthy backers seemingly closes in on buying the Magpies from Mike Ashley.
A bid from PCP Capital Partners backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and the Reuben Brothers is being looked at by the Premier League.
There is understandably a great deal of excitement on Tyneside about the spending power the £300m takeover could bring to the club.
And Villa midfielders Jack Grealish and John McGinn are being linked with potential moves there.
One bookmaker has included Grealish (10/1) and McGinn (2/1) on the list of players Newcastle could snap up when their new-found wealth drops.
McGinn is already said to be on the Newcastle's shortlist with claims of a £30m offer when trading resumes.
Bruce brought the Scotland international to Villa from Hearts in 2018 and he has been a revelation since then.
Grealish is Villa's prized asset and he could cost up to £90m if Dean Smith's side avoid relegation from the Premier League.
However there is nothing to suggest Newcastle hold an interest in the 24-year-old playmaker, who has scored nine goals and provided nine assists this term.


birminghammail--2020-04-17--Fit and healthy Covid-19 survivors share ICU battle against virus

Two fit and healthy Covid-19 survivors have shared their ICU battle against the deadly virus in a bid to warn others .
Great Wyrley grandmother Patricia Redpath and project engineer Warren Bennett are now recovering at their homes after beating the coronavirus , which has so far killed more than 14,000 people .
Patricia , aged 63 , spent just under three weeks at Walsall Manor Hospital – including a few days in the Intensive Care Unit – after falling ill at home .
`` When I went into ICU the staff looked me in the eyes and told me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I felt safe , I knew I was in capable hands and I knew they would do their absolute best for me – and they did , '' she said .
`` I remember watching the rugby but I started to feel out of sorts , '' she continued .
`` I developed a temperature which was 38.4 when my husband Tam first checked it but did get as high as 40.2 .
I self-isolated , following the guidance , taking paracetamol and drinking plenty but I didn ’ t feel any better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patricia , who used to work in critical care in Walsall and the Heart and Lung Centre at New Cross Hospital , became very short of breath and her husband Tam sent for an ambulance .
`` I came into A & E on 20 March and went on to Ward 29 where I became really unwell and uncomfortable but a young nurse who was doing a Bank shift was fantastic and made the call that I needed to go elsewhere .
That ’ s when I was moved to ICU .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – it was the right place and the staff were absolutely marvellous .
I didn ’ t actually feel scared because I trusted the staff to take care of me .
It was probably more frightening for my husband because ICU had to speak to him about how seriously ill I was . ''
She is now back at home but looking forward to the future .
Warren , aged 54 , has also urged people to stick to the Government ’ s lockdown and social distancing rules after his battle .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from work one day and slept for 12 hours straight .
`` I just couldn ’ t shake it off , '' he said .
`` I got through the weekend but started to get worse and I spoke to NHS 111 as my temperature was high .
I ended up having to call paramedics and was brought to hospital .
I got worse and had to go into ICU for CPAP treatment although I can hardly remember being taken there .
I put up a bit of a fight when staff were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as I was obviously ill and confused .
`` But staff in the ICU were fantastic .
I remember one doctor who helped take care of me from 8am until 10pm .
It ’ s that one to one care and treatment that no-one realises goes on until you find yourself in that situation.
” He was discharged home on Tuesday , April 7 .
They have both warned residents not to underestimate the virus .
Patricia added : `` I don ’ t have any underlying health conditions and am fit and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discriminate .
`` I ’ m looking forward to being able to spend time with my family again because I miss them .
And I want to get back to playing golf !
`` I really must thank all the wonderful NHS staff who are doing an amazing job and for saving my life .
For me it has been a very humbling experience . ''
While Warren added : `` I haven ’ t got any health conditions , I ’ m generally fit and healthy but I find that even trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` People don ’ t realise how much this virus affects you .
I just want to get back to normal and get back to work '' If anyone ’ s thinking of ignoring the lockdown and the advice from the Government they really shouldn ’ t .
`` Take it from me – I won ’ t ever forget what ’ s happened to me and some of the things I ’ ve seen .
It isn ’ t just the physical effects that stay with you .
”

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Two fit and healthy Covid-19 survivors have shared their ICU battle against the deadly virus in a bid to warn others.
Great Wyrley grandmother Patricia Redpath and project engineer Warren Bennett are now recovering at their homes after beating the coronavirus, which has so far killed more than 14,000 people.
Patricia, aged 63, spent just under three weeks at Walsall Manor Hospital – including a few days in the Intensive Care Unit – after falling ill at home.
"When I went into ICU the staff looked me in the eyes and told me just how ill I was; but I felt safe, I knew I was in capable hands and I knew they would do their absolute best for me – and they did," she said.
"I remember watching the rugby but I started to feel out of sorts," she continued. "I developed a temperature which was 38.4 when my husband Tam first checked it but did get as high as 40.2. I self-isolated, following the guidance, taking paracetamol and drinking plenty but I didn’t feel any better."
Over the next 24 hours Patricia, who used to work in critical care in Walsall and the Heart and Lung Centre at New Cross Hospital, became very short of breath and her husband Tam sent for an ambulance.
"I came into A&E on 20 March and went on to Ward 29 where I became really unwell and uncomfortable but a young nurse who was doing a Bank shift was fantastic and made the call that I needed to go elsewhere. That’s when I was moved to ICU.
"I knew I needed to be there – it was the right place and the staff were absolutely marvellous. I didn’t actually feel scared because I trusted the staff to take care of me. It was probably more frightening for my husband because ICU had to speak to him about how seriously ill I was."
(Image: Handout)
She is now back at home but looking forward to the future.
Warren, aged 54, has also urged people to stick to the Government’s lockdown and social distancing rules after his battle.
The father-of-three developed a cough and came home from work one day and slept for 12 hours straight.
"I just couldn’t shake it off," he said.
"I got through the weekend but started to get worse and I spoke to NHS 111 as my temperature was high. I ended up having to call paramedics and was brought to hospital. I got worse and had to go into ICU for CPAP treatment although I can hardly remember being taken there. I put up a bit of a fight when staff were trying to get a mask on me as I was obviously ill and confused.
"But staff in the ICU were fantastic. I remember one doctor who helped take care of me from 8am until 10pm. It’s that one to one care and treatment that no-one realises goes on until you find yourself in that situation.”
He was discharged home on Tuesday, April 7.
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They have both warned residents not to underestimate the virus.
Patricia added: "I don’t have any underlying health conditions and am fit and healthy but this virus doesn’t discriminate.
"I’m looking forward to being able to spend time with my family again because I miss them. And I want to get back to playing golf!
"I really must thank all the wonderful NHS staff who are doing an amazing job and for saving my life. For me it has been a very humbling experience."
While Warren added: "I haven’t got any health conditions, I’m generally fit and healthy but I find that even trying to go upstairs leaves me feeling exhausted.
"People don’t realise how much this virus affects you. I just want to get back to normal and get back to work
"If anyone’s thinking of ignoring the lockdown and the advice from the Government they really shouldn’t.
"Take it from me – I won’t ever forget what’s happened to me and some of the things I’ve seen. It isn’t just the physical effects that stay with you.”


birminghammail--2020-04-17--Forest star sends warning as West Brom wait on promotion chance

Joe Worrall , the Nottingham Forest defender , has claimed that he ’ d go on strike if the EFL decided to void the season with nine matches still to play .
Forest are currently sitting in the play-off places in Sabri Lamouchi ’ s first campaign in charge , a full ten points behind West Brom and eleven behind leaders Leeds United .
There are still nine scheduled matches for each team in the Championship , however , and much can still happen .
Because there are no guarantees , and because Forest are currently enjoying one of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre half Worrall has urged the footballing authorities to scratch out the option of declaring the campaign null and void .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news as it 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 Should they do so , he ’ s warned that he ’ ll down tools .
“ If they null and void the season , I ’ d strike 100 % , ” he told BBC Radio Nottingham .
“ We are in the play-off spots and doing so well for goodness sake .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t null and void the season .
“ We are probably not going up as first or second , but we can finish in the play-offs .
“ Really it doesn ’ t matter where you are in the league because there are personal accolades for people to play for as well .
“ Governing bodies need to think of a way to complete it because frankly it wouldn ’ t be fair.
” The EFL have already outlined that they ’ re committed to concluding the season provided it is safe to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ division wide acceptance that the remaining matches will be played out behind closed doors .
That would stretch to the play-off final , where Forest will hope to be if they can ’ t catch Albion or Leeds .
“ Imagine Wembley with its 88,000 seats and no-one sitting in them for a game like that , ” Worrall said .
“ It would be so strange knowing that you would be playing for a spot in the Premier League - playing against the likes of Liverpool , Arsenal , Chelsea , Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are playing in front of no fans .
“ With no fans , no buzz around the stadium , it will play a big part in some games and some results playing behind closed doors .
”

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Joe Worrall, the Nottingham Forest defender, has claimed that he’d go on strike if the EFL decided to void the season with nine matches still to play.
Forest are currently sitting in the play-off places in Sabri Lamouchi’s first campaign in charge, a full ten points behind West Brom and eleven behind leaders Leeds United.
There are still nine scheduled matches for each team in the Championship, however, and much can still happen.
Because there are no guarantees, and because Forest are currently enjoying one of their most prosperous campaigns in recent years, centre half Worrall has urged the footballing authorities to scratch out the option of declaring the campaign null and void.
Should they do so, he’s warned that he’ll down tools.
“If they null and void the season, I’d strike 100%,” he told BBC Radio Nottingham. “We are in the play-off spots and doing so well for goodness sake. It’s non-negotiable, they can’t null and void the season.
“We are probably not going up as first or second, but we can finish in the play-offs.
“Really it doesn’t matter where you are in the league because there are personal accolades for people to play for as well.
“Governing bodies need to think of a way to complete it because frankly it wouldn’t be fair.”
The EFL have already outlined that they’re committed to concluding the season provided it is safe to do so, but there is a division wide acceptance that the remaining matches will be played out behind closed doors.
That would stretch to the play-off final, where Forest will hope to be if they can’t catch Albion or Leeds.
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“Imagine Wembley with its 88,000 seats and no-one sitting in them for a game like that,” Worrall said.
“It would be so strange knowing that you would be playing for a spot in the Premier League - playing against the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City - and you are playing in front of no fans.
“With no fans, no buzz around the stadium, it will play a big part in some games and some results playing behind closed doors.”


birminghammail--2020-04-17--Police swoop as 19-year-old man shot close to chicken takeaway

This is the police scene moments after a 19-year-old man was shot in the arm close to Dixy Chicken in Alum Rock .
Armed police and paramedics were called to Highfield Road following the shooting which took place at around 8.55pm last night ( Thursday ) .
Police say a man was shot in the arm and was taken to hospital with an injury described as 'not life-threatening . '
The video , which can be viewed above , shows an ambulance and police cars at the scene of the shooting .
It also shows groups of men gathering on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
West Midlands Police is currently investigating the shooting and is urging people with information to get in touch with the force .
A West Midlands Police spokesman said : `` We were called to Highfield Road , Alum Rock , after a man was shot in the arm just before 8.55pm yesterday ( 16 April ) .
`` The 19-year-old was taken to hospital with an injury which is not life-threatening .
`` Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information can contact us online via Live Chat or by calling 101 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

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This is the police scene moments after a 19-year-old man was shot in the arm close to Dixy Chicken in Alum Rock.
Armed police and paramedics were called to Highfield Road following the shooting which took place at around 8.55pm last night (Thursday).
Police say a man was shot in the arm and was taken to hospital with an injury described as 'not life-threatening.'
The video, which can be viewed above, shows an ambulance and police cars at the scene of the shooting.
It also shows groups of men gathering on the road to watch the drama unfold.
West Midlands Police is currently investigating the shooting and is urging people with information to get in touch with the force.
(Image: Bearded Broz )
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "We were called to Highfield Road, Alum Rock, after a man was shot in the arm just before 8.55pm yesterday (16 April).
"The 19-year-old was taken to hospital with an injury which is not life-threatening.
"Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information can contact us online via Live Chat or by calling 101. Quote log number 4219 of 16/4/20."


birminghammail--2020-04-17--Why Aston Villa may not be allowed to extend contracts and season

A leading sports lawyer has cast doubt on the Premier League 's plan for the finishing the 2019/20 season .
Top-flight bosses released a statement today having held talks with Aston Villa and the other 19 clubs about how to resume - and complete - the campaign amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Representatives from the the EFL , PFA and LMA were also involved in the two-hour meeting , during which those in attendance were presented with models of how fixtures could be played .
The statement said : `` In common with other businesses and industries , the Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complex planning scenarios .
We are actively engaging with stakeholders , including broadcast partners , and our aim is to ensure we are in a position to resume playing when it is safe to do so and with the full support of the Government . ''
But Simon Leaf , head of sport at Mishcon de Reya , says finding a solution to suit all clubs will not be easy .
`` Inevitably , individual clubs will be looking at the different scenarios that are on the table , '' he said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to make a difficult judgment call as to what would be in their best interests , given not only their current league position , but also where they stand under their individual and collective commercial contracts with players and external third parties . ''
FIFA agreed earlier this month the expiry dates of player contracts should be extended now it has been accepted league seasons will run well into the summer .
Mr Leaf , however , disputed the legality of such a decision .
He said : `` Under English law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to force players to continue to play beyond the 30th June date , which has received so much attention recently , nor would it be possible to force them into taking wage cuts or deferrals – both of which could be frustrating for many clubs .
`` For now , it looks as though clubs will continue to voluntarily ask players to take such steps .
However , clubs , players and agents will be all too aware that there are strict FIFA regulations that apply internationally , which prevents clubs from putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We could end up seeing clubs not only facing censure from the football authorities but also players legitimately being able to walk away from their contracts and joining other clubs early as a result of such pressure . ''
Villa have three first-team players out of contract at the end of June - Matija Sarkic , Borja Baston and Keinan Davis - while the loan agreements for Pepe Reina and Danny Drinkwater run until the end of May .
With the lockdown being extended for a further three weeks , there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding from the top-flight .

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A leading sports lawyer has cast doubt on the Premier League's plan for the finishing the 2019/20 season.
Top-flight bosses released a statement today having held talks with Aston Villa and the other 19 clubs about how to resume - and complete - the campaign amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Representatives from the the EFL, PFA and LMA were also involved in the two-hour meeting, during which those in attendance were presented with models of how fixtures could be played.
The statement said: "In common with other businesses and industries, the Premier League and our clubs are working through complex planning scenarios. We are actively engaging with stakeholders, including broadcast partners, and our aim is to ensure we are in a position to resume playing when it is safe to do so and with the full support of the Government."
But Simon Leaf, head of sport at Mishcon de Reya, says finding a solution to suit all clubs will not be easy.
"Inevitably, individual clubs will be looking at the different scenarios that are on the table," he said in a statement.
"They’ll need to make a difficult judgment call as to what would be in their best interests, given not only their current league position, but also where they stand under their individual and collective commercial contracts with players and external third parties."
FIFA agreed earlier this month the expiry dates of player contracts should be extended now it has been accepted league seasons will run well into the summer.
Mr Leaf, however, disputed the legality of such a decision.
He said: "Under English law, it wouldn’t be possible to force players to continue to play beyond the 30th June date, which has received so much attention recently, nor would it be possible to force them into taking wage cuts or deferrals – both of which could be frustrating for many clubs.
"For now, it looks as though clubs will continue to voluntarily ask players to take such steps. However, clubs, players and agents will be all too aware that there are strict FIFA regulations that apply internationally, which prevents clubs from putting pressure on players in this way.
"We could end up seeing clubs not only facing censure from the football authorities but also players legitimately being able to walk away from their contracts and joining other clubs early as a result of such pressure."
Villa have three first-team players out of contract at the end of June - Matija Sarkic, Borja Baston and Keinan Davis - while the loan agreements for Pepe Reina and Danny Drinkwater run until the end of May.
With the lockdown being extended for a further three weeks, there are fears broadcasters and sponsors could withdraw their funding from the top-flight.


birminghammail--2020-04-17--'Dreamers' - Director sends transfer warning to Wolves & Liverpool

The sporting director of Werder Bremen has warned clubs interested in Milot Rashica that he won ’ t be sold on the cheap just because of the knock-on effect that the coronavirus pandemic is having on the football industry .
Kosovo international Rashica , 23 , has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs and recent reports suggest Wolves are among the teams fighting for his signature .
He was linked with moves to Aston Villa and Liverpool in January but no club was willing to meet Werder Bremen ’ s £33million asking price .
Rashica has scored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season , though only one of those goals has arrived since mid-December .
Sporting director Frank Baumann , though , insists that interested parties must cough up and meet the German side ’ s valuation of the player , but he admitted Bremen can ’ t hold onto talented Rashica indefinitely .
“ It is not certain he will go in the summer .
To do this , something must be found first which suits both sides , but we are not dreamers either , ” Baumann told Deichstube .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be sold .
I don ’ t think the Coronavirus crisis will affect his value.
” The player ’ s agent , Altin Lala , recently fuelled the transfer fire by claiming that he anticipates a move in the near future for his client .
“ Before the coronavirus crisis , we were in contact with some clubs - including those from the Bundesliga , ” he told German television channel Sport1 via TribalFootball .
“ At the moment , everything is standing still .
I am sure that soon , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be movement on the topic and something will definitely happen .
“ It is clear that until the end of the season Milot will concentrate entirely on staying up with Werder Bremen .
”

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The sporting director of Werder Bremen has warned clubs interested in Milot Rashica that he won’t be sold on the cheap just because of the knock-on effect that the coronavirus pandemic is having on the football industry.
Kosovo international Rashica, 23, has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs and recent reports suggest Wolves are among the teams fighting for his signature.
He was linked with moves to Aston Villa and Liverpool in January but no club was willing to meet Werder Bremen’s £33million asking price.
Rashica has scored 10 times in 24 matches for Bremen this season, though only one of those goals has arrived since mid-December.
Sporting director Frank Baumann, though, insists that interested parties must cough up and meet the German side’s valuation of the player, but he admitted Bremen can’t hold onto talented Rashica indefinitely.
“It is not certain he will go in the summer. To do this, something must be found first which suits both sides, but we are not dreamers either,” Baumann told Deichstube.
“We know it is quite possible that Milot will be sold. I don’t think the Coronavirus crisis will affect his value.”
The player’s agent, Altin Lala, recently fuelled the transfer fire by claiming that he anticipates a move in the near future for his client.
“Before the coronavirus crisis, we were in contact with some clubs - including those from the Bundesliga,” he told German television channel Sport1 via TribalFootball.
“At the moment, everything is standing still. I am sure that soon, when we are back to normal, there will be movement on the topic and something will definitely happen.
“It is clear that until the end of the season Milot will concentrate entirely on staying up with Werder Bremen.”


birminghammail--2020-04-17--Former Wolves striker pays tribute to Norman Hunter

Former Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Bobby Gould has paid tribute to Leeds United great Norman Hunter who has died in hospital aged 76 after contracting coronavirus .
One-time Molineux front man Gould has shared his memories of playing against one of the hardest players of his generation – a tough-tackling centre-back , nicknamed ‘ Bites Yer Legs ’ , whose mere presence struck fear into the opposition during Leeds ’ most successful era .
He won two league titles during a 14-year first-team career at Elland Road , and was a non-playing member of England ’ s 1966 World Cup-winning squad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really , 76 , and very sad , ” said Gould , of the famous No.6 .
“ He was certainly one of the hardest players of his time .
“ We kicked lumps out of each other but I think he won !
“ But he had a wonderful career and that left foot of his , cor blimey !
“ His left foot did damage on the floor and damage with the ball as well .
He had good balance and a very good football brain as well .
“ When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the referee ’ s final whistle you couldn ’ t wish for a nicer person .
“ It was an education for me as a striker , that if you are going to give it then you ’ re going to get it back , and that ’ s how I responded.
” Gould , who turned out 74 times in the league and scored 31 goals during two spells at Wolves , was a feisty competitor himself in a sink or swim era when players could get away with what would today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One such incident happened in the 1968/69 season when Leeds beat Arsenal 2-1 at Highbury .
“ I played against Norman when I was at Coventry and when I was at Arsenal as well , ” said the 73-year-old .
“ We had some great battles against Leeds and I recall one occasion at Highbury because that ’ s when Gary Sprake gave me a left hander and the white No.6 shirt was always around when something like that was going on.
” Explaining what happened with the United goalkeeper , Sprake , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that can be viewed on YouTube , he said : “ There was a high ball into the box and we collided .
“ He accused me of elbowing him and as he was doing that he hit me with a left hook in the jaw and floored me .
I was rolling around in agony on the pitch and later got fined 50 quid and he got off !
” Remarkably , both players were booked and Sprake remained on the field .
“ I always thought it was unfair that goalkeepers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a few keepers in my time and the No.6 would often come and pre-warn me not to do it .
“ Fortunately when I was at Wolves I had Derek Dougan , another uncompromising and tough competitor , to back me up .
“ I did get a few goals against them ( Leeds ) but I put that down to the No.9 who I was playing with who would knock it down to me in the box and I ’ d be sniffing them out .
“ But you just knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t getting off lightly.
” He added : “ He was one of the hardest men in football , along with the likes of Tommy Smith at Liverpool .
You always looked out for the No.6 or No.4 of the day because they were so aggressive .
“ Paul Reaney , Jackie Charlton , Norman Hunter and Terry Cooper - that was the Leeds United back four .
“ It was horrible playing against them because if you committed anything you faced the wrath of the four of them , who were so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your right foot and then Norman would come up to you to see how you were and step on your left one !
“ The build-up to playing Leeds was incredible because you were thinking all week about it , thinking , ‘ here he comes , here he comes ... ’ “ The build-up would start on Tuesday and go all the way through Wednesday , Thursday and Friday and then you ’ d walking out against him on the Saturday and he ’ d be looking at you , growling , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your underpants !
“ It was his way of saying , ‘ you ’ re not getting away with anything today pal !
’ “ It was the Don Revie era and they were renowned for it , week in and week out .
That was what they did , that was their style ; the aggression and commitment to the cause and they never pushed away from it.
” Asked if City ’ s own legendary hardman , George Curtis , had any run-ins with him , he said : “ Jackie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but Norman wasn ’ t that good in the air so Jack used to compensate for that .
“ They had the perfect balance and blend .
Norman would step off and wait for the drop down.
” Asked if Hunter was firm but fair , Gould said : “ It depended on what mood he was in .
“ You knew you weren ’ t going to walk off after the game not knowing you ’ d been in a battle.
” one

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Former Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Bobby Gould has paid tribute to Leeds United great Norman Hunter who has died in hospital aged 76 after contracting coronavirus.
One-time Molineux front man Gould has shared his memories of playing against one of the hardest players of his generation – a tough-tackling centre-back, nicknamed ‘Bites Yer Legs’, whose mere presence struck fear into the opposition during Leeds’ most successful era.
He won two league titles during a 14-year first-team career at Elland Road, and was a non-playing member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad.
“It’s no age really, 76, and very sad,” said Gould, of the famous No.6.
“He was certainly one of the hardest players of his time.
“We kicked lumps out of each other but I think he won!
“But he had a wonderful career and that left foot of his, cor blimey!
“His left foot did damage on the floor and damage with the ball as well. He had good balance and a very good football brain as well.
“When you walked over the white line after the referee’s final whistle you couldn’t wish for a nicer person.
“It was an education for me as a striker, that if you are going to give it then you’re going to get it back, and that’s how I responded.”
Gould, who turned out 74 times in the league and scored 31 goals during two spells at Wolves, was a feisty competitor himself in a sink or swim era when players could get away with what would today result in a common assault charge.
One such incident happened in the 1968/69 season when Leeds beat Arsenal 2-1 at Highbury.
“I played against Norman when I was at Coventry and when I was at Arsenal as well,” said the 73-year-old.
“We had some great battles against Leeds and I recall one occasion at Highbury because that’s when Gary Sprake gave me a left hander and the white No.6 shirt was always around when something like that was going on.”
Explaining what happened with the United goalkeeper, Sprake, which is captured in some remarkable footage that can be viewed on YouTube, he said: “There was a high ball into the box and we collided.
“He accused me of elbowing him and as he was doing that he hit me with a left hook in the jaw and floored me. I was rolling around in agony on the pitch and later got fined 50 quid and he got off!”
Remarkably, both players were booked and Sprake remained on the field.
“I always thought it was unfair that goalkeepers could use their hands so I collided with a few keepers in my time and the No.6 would often come and pre-warn me not to do it.
“Fortunately when I was at Wolves I had Derek Dougan, another uncompromising and tough competitor, to back me up.
“I did get a few goals against them (Leeds) but I put that down to the No.9 who I was playing with who would knock it down to me in the box and I’d be sniffing them out.
“But you just knew on the day that you weren’t getting off lightly.”
He added: “He was one of the hardest men in football, along with the likes of Tommy Smith at Liverpool. You always looked out for the No.6 or No.4 of the day because they were so aggressive.
“Paul Reaney, Jackie Charlton, Norman Hunter and Terry Cooper - that was the Leeds United back four.
“It was horrible playing against them because if you committed anything you faced the wrath of the four of them, who were so aggressive.
“Jackie Charlton would take your right foot and then Norman would come up to you to see how you were and step on your left one!
“The build-up to playing Leeds was incredible because you were thinking all week about it, thinking, ‘here he comes, here he comes...’
“The build-up would start on Tuesday and go all the way through Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and then you’d walking out against him on the Saturday and he’d be looking at you, growling, and it was time to start checking your underpants!
“It was his way of saying, ‘you’re not getting away with anything today pal!’
“It was the Don Revie era and they were renowned for it, week in and week out. That was what they did, that was their style; the aggression and commitment to the cause and they never pushed away from it.”
Asked if City’s own legendary hardman, George Curtis, had any run-ins with him, he said: “Jackie Charlton and George had a few ding-dongs but Norman wasn’t that good in the air so Jack used to compensate for that.
“They had the perfect balance and blend. Norman would step off and wait for the drop down.”
Asked if Hunter was firm but fair, Gould said: “It depended on what mood he was in.
“You knew you weren’t going to walk off after the game not knowing you’d been in a battle.”one


birminghammail--2020-04-17--Student fined for 360-mile trip to take friend to airport

Police have fined a student for breaching coronavirus lockdown rules after discovering he had driven from Sheffield to the Midlands to give a friend a lift .
Officers were on patrol in Coventry city centre at 10.15am today ( April ) 17 when they pulled over a car spotted being driven erratically .
Checks on the car , which was stopped in Corporation Street , showed it was registered to an address in Sheffield .
The driver admitted driving to the city this morning down the M1 from Sheffield to collect a friend – and had been planning on taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him the taxi money .
The 20-year-old was handed an on-the-spot fine , advised about his behaviour during the health crisis , and told to return to his Yorkshire home .
Coventry Police Sergeant Darren Walden , said : “ It ’ s quite astonishing someone would plan a 360-mile round trip the day after the government extended the national stay-at-home lockdown instructions .
“ The driver came down to the city with his flatmate and was in the process of picking up a friend who had a flight booked from Heathrow .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he wanted to save his friend paying for a taxi – and felt he was OK making the journey as he was wearing a mask .
“ Most people we encounter are adhering to the lockdown rules and only heading out for food or medicine essentials , exercise or work that can ’ t be done at home .
“ Our officers are continuing to speak to people they encounter to ensure they understand what ’ s being asked of them and to instruct people to return home if they are found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ But we will take enforcement action , and issue fines , if we believe it is necessary .
”

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Police have fined a student for breaching coronavirus lockdown rules after discovering he had driven from Sheffield to the Midlands to give a friend a lift.
Officers were on patrol in Coventry city centre at 10.15am today (April) 17 when they pulled over a car spotted being driven erratically.
Checks on the car, which was stopped in Corporation Street, showed it was registered to an address in Sheffield.
The driver admitted driving to the city this morning down the M1 from Sheffield to collect a friend – and had been planning on taking the passenger to Heathrow Airport to save him the taxi money.
The 20-year-old was handed an on-the-spot fine, advised about his behaviour during the health crisis, and told to return to his Yorkshire home.
Coventry Police Sergeant Darren Walden, said: “It’s quite astonishing someone would plan a 360-mile round trip the day after the government extended the national stay-at-home lockdown instructions.
“The driver came down to the city with his flatmate and was in the process of picking up a friend who had a flight booked from Heathrow.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
“The excuse the driver gave was that he wanted to save his friend paying for a taxi – and felt he was OK making the journey as he was wearing a mask.
“Most people we encounter are adhering to the lockdown rules and only heading out for food or medicine essentials, exercise or work that can’t be done at home.
“Our officers are continuing to speak to people they encounter to ensure they understand what’s being asked of them and to instruct people to return home if they are found flouting the government’s order.
“But we will take enforcement action, and issue fines, if we believe it is necessary.”


birminghammail--2020-04-17--UK to step up vaccine production capacity ready for coronavirus jab

The UK is to build up its vaccine manufacturing capacity ready to mass produce coronavirus jabs `` by the million '' .
Business Secretary Alok Sharma announced plans to help industry scale up manufacturing , so that vaccines can be distributed as quickly as possible once a coronavirus treatment is ready .
And there will be more support for British researchers involved in the hunt for a vaccine .
Mr Sharma said : `` We need to apply the best of British scientific endeavour to the search for a coronavirus vaccine . ''
Once a vaccine is found , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to manufacture vaccines at scale , '' he said .
Mr Sharma said : `` We are looking forward , so when we do make a breakthrough , we are ready to manufacture by the millions . ''
This includes the creation of the UK 's first vaccines manufacturing innovation centre in Harwell , near Oxford .
It remains unclear when a vaccine will be developed .
Some experts have said it is likely to be more than a year before one is available .
However , researchers at Oxford University say UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a potential coronavirus vaccine within the next week .
Sarah Gilbert , a professor of vaccinology at Oxford University , who is leading the team , said a vaccine could be available for use by the general public by the autumn .
Mr Sharma 's announcement follows criticism that the Government has been slow to provide mass testing of health workers and the wider population .
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference , Mr Sharma announced a new government-led Vaccine Taskforce that will accelerate the development and manufacture of vaccines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led by Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Jonathan van Tam , will support efforts to rapidly develop a coronavirus vaccine as soon as possible by providing industry and research institutions with the resources and support needed .
Members will include Government Life Sciences Champion Sir John Bell , as well as AstraZeneca , and the Wellcome Trust .
The Secretary of State will also announce new government-funded research projects to investigate treatments and vaccines .
One of these projects , led by the University of Oxford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have anti-inflammatory properties to determine whether it could diminish the effects of Covid-19 on people in high risk groups .
Mr Sharma said : `` UK scientists are working as fast as they can to find a vaccine that fights coronavirus , saving and protecting people ’ s lives .
We stand firmly behind them in their efforts . ''
Some critics say the Government was initially too slow to take action against covid-19 .
Britain will face “ further waves ” of Covid-19 and will probably have the highest death rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too slow ” to act , one leading physician warned .
Professor Anthony Costello , of University College London ’ s Institute for Global Health , told a committee of MPs that the “ harsh reality ” is that “ we were too slow with a number of things ” and deaths could reach to 40,000 .
In a separate announcement , the government is to extend testing to police , fire , prison and council staff .
Meanwhile , Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the government ’ s furlough scheme will be extended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme , it allows firms to allows firms to `` furlough '' employees instead of making them redundant , with the government paying 80 % of their wages up to a maximum of £2,500 .
It was originally due to last to the end of May but after the Government 's announcement that the lockdown will be extended for at least three weeks , Mr Sunak said the it would now be open until the end of June .
NHS England has announced 738 new deaths of people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 13,134 .

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The UK is to build up its vaccine manufacturing capacity ready to mass produce coronavirus jabs "by the million".
Business Secretary Alok Sharma announced plans to help industry scale up manufacturing, so that vaccines can be distributed as quickly as possible once a coronavirus treatment is ready.
And there will be more support for British researchers involved in the hunt for a vaccine.
Mr Sharma said: "We need to apply the best of British scientific endeavour to the search for a coronavirus vaccine."
Once a vaccine is found, the UK will be "in a position to manufacture vaccines at scale," he said.
Mr Sharma said: "We are looking forward, so when we do make a breakthrough , we are ready to manufacture by the millions."
This includes the creation of the UK's first vaccines manufacturing innovation centre in Harwell, near Oxford.
It remains unclear when a vaccine will be developed. Some experts have said it is likely to be more than a year before one is available.
However, researchers at Oxford University say UK volunteers could be given the first dose of a potential coronavirus vaccine within the next week.
Sarah Gilbert, a professor of vaccinology at Oxford University, who is leading the team, said a vaccine could be available for use by the general public by the autumn.
Mr Sharma's announcement follows criticism that the Government has been slow to provide mass testing of health workers and the wider population.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference, Mr Sharma announced a new government-led Vaccine Taskforce that will accelerate the development and manufacture of vaccines in the UK.
The Taskforce, led by Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Jonathan van Tam, will support efforts to rapidly develop a coronavirus vaccine as soon as possible by providing industry and research institutions with the resources and support needed.
Members will include Government Life Sciences Champion Sir John Bell, as well as AstraZeneca, and the Wellcome Trust.
The Secretary of State will also announce new government-funded research projects to investigate treatments and vaccines. One of these projects, led by the University of Oxford, will trial an anti-malarial drug believed to have anti-inflammatory properties to determine whether it could diminish the effects of Covid-19 on people in high risk groups.
Mr Sharma said: "UK scientists are working as fast as they can to find a vaccine that fights coronavirus, saving and protecting people’s lives. We stand firmly behind them in their efforts."
Some critics say the Government was initially too slow to take action against covid-19. Britain will face “further waves” of Covid-19 and will probably have the highest death rate in Europe because the Government was “too slow” to act, one leading physician warned.
Professor Anthony Costello, of University College London’s Institute for Global Health, told a committee of MPs that the “harsh reality” is that “we were too slow with a number of things” and deaths could reach to 40,000.
In a separate announcement, the government is to extend testing to police, fire, prison and council staff.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the government’s furlough scheme will be extended for a further month.
Officially called the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, it allows firms to allows firms to "furlough" employees instead of making them redundant, with the government paying 80% of their wages up to a maximum of £2,500. It was originally due to last to the end of May but after the Government's announcement that the lockdown will be extended for at least three weeks, Mr Sunak said the it would now be open until the end of June.
NHS England has announced 738 new deaths of people who tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 13,134.
They included:
East of England 93
London 145
Midlands 141
North East & Yorkshire 87
North West 138
South East 111
South West 23


birminghammail--2020-04-17--Celtic fans loving comments from West Brom striker Charlie Austin

West Bromwich Albion striker Charlie Austin has admitted he would jump at the chance to sign for either Celtic or Rangers .
The 30-year-old , who has netted nine goals in his first season at The Hawthorns , is hoping to help Albion secure promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking .
With time on his hands because of the coronavirus crisis suspension , Austin was invited to be a guest on Open Goal ’ s Get The Ball On The Ground podcast .
The impact the pandemic is having on football was understandably high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ It ’ s a strange one .
I can ’ t see how they ’ re going to do it , voiding the whole season .
What happens to football clubs and players financially ?
“ Obviously the bottom three in the Premier League are all going ‘ void it , yeah , no problem ’ and avoid relegation , but then what happens to the Championship teams , and in League One and Two ?
” Scottish football also came up as a topic on the podcast , which features @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Austin ’ s ex-Swindon teammate Simon Ferry .
Austin was quizzed about the prospect of one day playing north of the border and the forward spoke of a desire to experience one match in particular , also revealing Celtic were interested in him earlier in his career .
“ The Old Firm derby is the pull isn ’ t it to play in Scotland , ” he said .
“ You want to win things as such too .
If the opportunity came up would I go ?
I think so yeah.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Celtic fans , one of whom said : `` Better than Bayo and Klimala by the looks of it , I ’ d have him at Celtic . ''
`` Would definitely take if Bayo or Kilmala left , '' said another .
`` If Eddy left I ’ d sign him and someone else . ''
A third added : `` Charlie Austin would rip that league clean up . ''

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West Bromwich Albion striker Charlie Austin has admitted he would jump at the chance to sign for either Celtic or Rangers.
The 30-year-old, who has netted nine goals in his first season at The Hawthorns, is hoping to help Albion secure promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking.
With time on his hands because of the coronavirus crisis suspension, Austin was invited to be a guest on Open Goal’s Get The Ball On The Ground podcast.
The impact the pandemic is having on football was understandably high on the agenda, with Austin saying: “It’s a strange one. I can’t see how they’re going to do it, voiding the whole season. What happens to football clubs and players financially?
“Obviously the bottom three in the Premier League are all going ‘void it, yeah, no problem’ and avoid relegation, but then what happens to the Championship teams, and in League One and Two?”
Scottish football also came up as a topic on the podcast, which features former pros Kevin Kyle, Paul Slane and Austin’s ex-Swindon teammate Simon Ferry.
Austin was quizzed about the prospect of one day playing north of the border and the forward spoke of a desire to experience one match in particular, also revealing Celtic were interested in him earlier in his career.
“The Old Firm derby is the pull isn’t it to play in Scotland,” he said. “You want to win things as such too. If the opportunity came up would I go? I think so yeah.”
Austin's comments were picked up Celtic fans, one of whom said: "Better than Bayo and Klimala by the looks of it, I’d have him at Celtic."
"Would definitely take if Bayo or Kilmala left," said another. "If Eddy left I’d sign him and someone else."
A third added: "Charlie Austin would rip that league clean up."


birminghammail--2020-04-17--'We should all wear masks to save lives' - Birmingham professor

Everyone should already be wearing masks in the community as a way to reduce infection - and it should have been part of the government 's strategy for months to save lives .
That 's the damning verdict of Birmingham mask-wearer Professor KK Cheng , a leading academic and director of applied health research at Birmingham University .
He advocated mass wearing of masks back in February , and wrote in respected medical journal The Lancet in early March to say it was `` vital '' as a means of controlling infection in the early days of the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , particularly in some communities .
The strategy should have been adopted as a primary way to 'control harm ' , he said - but his advice was rejected .
Mr Cheng spoke out as London Mayor Sadiq Khan called for compulsory mask wearing in the capital and after New York announced it was introducing tough new mask wearing rules .
The USA 's Center for Disease Control ( CDC ) has also , belatedly , ruled that wearing masks is a way of controlling the spread of new infection .
Said Prof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been on whether it is good to wear masks as a form of self protection - that is , the idea that if I wear a mask , I will stop people infecting me .
`` Instead it should be seen as a way of protecting others - if I am infected without knowing it , this mask will help protect others from me .
It is an act of altruism not selfishness . ''
He advocates that members of the public should wear cloth masks , including ones they have made themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - leaving sophisticated , medical grade masks for health care workers to ensure their precious supplies continue to be reserved for them .
He said too this approach would only have a meaningful impact if worn by most people - akin to herd immunity after vaccination .
`` As we reopen for business , masking will help reduce the inevitable rise in transmission .
`` If we look to South Korea and Hong Kong , they have had limited outbreaks without full lockdown .
`` Instead they have focussed on testing and contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also have done , but mask use is also universal .
`` Mass masking will be important for the control of the dreaded next waves of COVID-19 if a vaccine is not available in time .
It would be useful in future influenza epidemics as well . ''
He has been lobbying for the UK 's scientific advisors to heed the warnings from China , Japan and Korea and adopt mask wearing .
He also wrote to the Government 's chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty as long ago as early February to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing of masks should be part of the Covid-19 containment strategy .
Mr Cheng , writing in The Lancet again today , says it is clear that there was `` very clear evidence '' in late February that people who were unknowingly infected and not displaying symptoms were 'virus shedding ' and so infecting others .
He says a compulsory masking policy would have to be supported with clear public health messages about usage , washing and safety .
Dr Asif Ahmed , who founded Aston Medical School and runs research company Mirzyme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospital and other communal settings to be masked up as standard to prevent the spread of infection between patients and to medics .
`` We seem to be wilfully ignoring the evidence from other countries - South Korea , Taiwan , Singapore , Hong Kong - where mask wearing is standard and where infection rates are lower .
`` We should be telling everyone with symptoms to wear a mask , and everyone in hospitals to wear a mask .
Masks are not to protect the wearer , but to protect those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` That would not negate the need for doctors and nurses to wear PPE in clinical situations but would ease the infection transmission . ''
So far calls for mass wearing of masks has been rejected by health chiefs , though it is a position that is 'under review ' .
Today Public Health England 's West Midlands Director Dr Sue Ibbotson repeated that there was `` no clear evidence '' that mass mask wearing would help .
`` Face masks play an important role in clinical settings and is vital .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for other people when we are all doing our usual activities .
`` The most effective things we can do is to wash our hands frequently , cough into tissues or our arms , and observe social distancing guidelines .
That is our view but we will of course continue to review our advice . ''
She added that people in masks might `` feel more confident and less anxious - but it might be a false confidence . ''
`` If we are all wearing masks we may feel we are protected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our distance . ''
She was speaking at a regional briefing hosted by Mayor Andy Street , who said he thought it was important that a decision on whether or not to make masks compulsory should be based on medical advice .
But he added that , unlike in London , the West Midlands transport network was `` better placed '' to ensure people were observing social distancing on trains , trams and buses - negating the need , he thought , for other measures .
`` We have also taken steps to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for themselves .
We are in a better position in the West Midlands than London on that aspect . ''

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Everyone should already be wearing masks in the community as a way to reduce infection - and it should have been part of the government's strategy for months to save lives.
That's the damning verdict of Birmingham mask-wearer Professor KK Cheng, a leading academic and director of applied health research at Birmingham University.
He advocated mass wearing of masks back in February, and wrote in respected medical journal The Lancet in early March to say it was "vital" as a means of controlling infection in the early days of the pandemic.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Coventry Telegraph)
Doing so could have reduced infection spread, particularly in some communities.
The strategy should have been adopted as a primary way to 'control harm', he said - but his advice was rejected.
Mr Cheng spoke out as London Mayor Sadiq Khan called for compulsory mask wearing in the capital and after New York announced it was introducing tough new mask wearing rules. The USA's Center for Disease Control (CDC) has also, belatedly, ruled that wearing masks is a way of controlling the spread of new infection.
Said Prof Cheng today: "The focus has been on whether it is good to wear masks as a form of self protection - that is, the idea that if I wear a mask, I will stop people infecting me.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"Instead it should be seen as a way of protecting others - if I am infected without knowing it, this mask will help protect others from me. It is an act of altruism not selfishness."
He advocates that members of the public should wear cloth masks, including ones they have made themselves, as a means to catch droplets - leaving sophisticated, medical grade masks for health care workers to ensure their precious supplies continue to be reserved for them.
He said too this approach would only have a meaningful impact if worn by most people - akin to herd immunity after vaccination.
"As we reopen for business, masking will help reduce the inevitable rise in transmission.
"If we look to South Korea and Hong Kong, they have had limited outbreaks without full lockdown.
"Instead they have focussed on testing and contact tracing, as I believe we should also have done, but mask use is also universal.
"Mass masking will be important for the control of the dreaded next waves of COVID-19 if a vaccine is not available in time. It would be useful in future influenza epidemics as well."
He has been lobbying for the UK's scientific advisors to heed the warnings from China, Japan and Korea and adopt mask wearing.
He also wrote to the Government's chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty as long ago as early February to set out his arguments that encouraging mass wearing of masks should be part of the Covid-19 containment strategy.
Mr Cheng, writing in The Lancet again today, says it is clear that there was "very clear evidence" in late February that people who were unknowingly infected and not displaying symptoms were 'virus shedding' and so infecting others.
He says a compulsory masking policy would have to be supported with clear public health messages about usage, washing and safety.
Dr Asif Ahmed, who founded Aston Medical School and runs research company Mirzyme Therapeutics, is also pressing for patients in hospital and other communal settings to be masked up as standard to prevent the spread of infection between patients and to medics.
"We seem to be wilfully ignoring the evidence from other countries - South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong - where mask wearing is standard and where infection rates are lower.
"We should be telling everyone with symptoms to wear a mask, and everyone in hospitals to wear a mask. Masks are not to protect the wearer, but to protect those who come into contact with them.
"That would not negate the need for doctors and nurses to wear PPE in clinical situations but would ease the infection transmission."
So far calls for mass wearing of masks has been rejected by health chiefs, though it is a position that is 'under review'.
Today Public Health England's West Midlands Director Dr Sue Ibbotson repeated that there was "no clear evidence" that mass mask wearing would help.
"Face masks play an important role in clinical settings and is vital. But there is little evidence of widespread benefit for other people when we are all doing our usual activities.
"The most effective things we can do is to wash our hands frequently, cough into tissues or our arms, and observe social distancing guidelines. That is our view but we will of course continue to review our advice."
She added that people in masks might "feel more confident and less anxious - but it might be a false confidence."
"If we are all wearing masks we may feel we are protected and stop washing our hands or keeping our distance."
She was speaking at a regional briefing hosted by Mayor Andy Street, who said he thought it was important that a decision on whether or not to make masks compulsory should be based on medical advice.
But he added that, unlike in London, the West Midlands transport network was "better placed" to ensure people were observing social distancing on trains, trams and buses - negating the need, he thought, for other measures.
"We have also taken steps to ensure our frontline transport workers have protection for themselves. We are in a better position in the West Midlands than London on that aspect."


birminghammail--2020-04-17--Premier League's best case scenario as West Brom sit tight

Broadcaster Jim White claims that the Premier League have never considered the idea of declaring the season null and void as West Brom await the resumption of the campaign and their opportunity to get their promotion challenge over the line .
The coronavirus pandemic has put a stop to the regular season with still , in the case of Albion and Leeds United , nine league matches left to play ; the pair , top two in the Championship , have held those spots since November and are clear of third placed Fulham .
The current situation , though , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of complications , and posed many challenges that lie in front of the footballing authorities .
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 : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 How will the league campaign be concluded ?
Will it be deemed safe enough to do so at any point in the coming weeks and months ?
How long might behind closed doors football have to be adopted ?
Sky Sports presenter White reckons that the top flight only have intentions of completing the remaining fixtures and have outlined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsides .
“ The best case scenario being discussed at the moment is that the Premier League resumes at the beginning of June - behind closed doors , ” White told talkSPORT .
“ It would finish mid-July , with each club having played its nine games , maybe playing every three days .
It ’ d finish mid-July , but there ’ d be some flexibility in that .
“ Then there ’ d be four to five weeks off , then it ’ d all start again - next season would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Then , depending what ’ s going on in the country at that time , possibly in front of full stadia .
“ There ’ s a thought that the season has to finish , because it ’ s a qualifier for every level .
Null and void has never been a consideration .
“ The best case scenario is that the Premier League would resume at the beginning of June and behind closed doors .
”

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Broadcaster Jim White claims that the Premier League have never considered the idea of declaring the season null and void as West Brom await the resumption of the campaign and their opportunity to get their promotion challenge over the line.
The coronavirus pandemic has put a stop to the regular season with still, in the case of Albion and Leeds United, nine league matches left to play; the pair, top two in the Championship, have held those spots since November and are clear of third placed Fulham.
The current situation, though, is one that has naturally caused a number of complications, and posed many challenges that lie in front of the footballing authorities.
How will the league campaign be concluded? Will it be deemed safe enough to do so at any point in the coming weeks and months? How long might behind closed doors football have to be adopted?
Sky Sports presenter White reckons that the top flight only have intentions of completing the remaining fixtures and have outlined a rather hopeful plan once the lockdown subsides.
“The best case scenario being discussed at the moment is that the Premier League resumes at the beginning of June - behind closed doors,” White told talkSPORT.
“It would finish mid-July, with each club having played its nine games, maybe playing every three days. It’d finish mid-July, but there’d be some flexibility in that.
“Then there’d be four to five weeks off, then it’d all start again - next season would start maybe late August or early September.
“Then, depending what’s going on in the country at that time, possibly in front of full stadia.
“There’s a thought that the season has to finish, because it’s a qualifier for every level. Null and void has never been a consideration.
“The best case scenario is that the Premier League would resume at the beginning of June and behind closed doors.”