birminghammail--2020-10-25--Firing blanks, Hogan and the Blues star with 'peerless pedigree'

Birmingham City fired blanks once more as they left Queen ’ s Park Rangers with a point and a 0-0 draw to show for their efforts .
Scott Hogan had the ball in the net twice – on both occasions the offside flag curtailed his joy – as Aitor Karanka tried another system to find the winning formula .
Gary Gardner returned to the side , Lukas Jutkiewicz made his comeback but even a commanding debut from a Basque legend was not enough to break the stalemate .
Here ’ s what stood out at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first extended glimpse of Mikel San Jose , which left everyone with Birmingham City ’ s interests at heart , wanting more .
The 31-year-old arrived a Blues over a month ago , after a decade and more than 300 appearances in La Liga .
Would , at this stage of his career , he up sufficiently motivated by the Championship or even able to cope with the physical rigours of the competition .
Er , if this 90 minutes is anything to go by - that ’ s an emphatic yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a pinpoint , first time ball into Maxime Colin ’ s feet which set the tone for a display that manifested his peerless pedigree .
His positioning betrayed a sixth sense , his neat use of the ball another level to what has gone before for so many years at St Andrew ’ s .
He broke up play , filled gaps , blocked shots and left just one more question hanging in the air .
Can he play up front ?
Which is slightly harsh on Scott Hogan who looked far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be fair to the 28-year-old , his chances of making any offensive impact at Norwich were non-existent .
He looked bright in the final ten minutes of the Sheffield Wednesday game , when Jonathan Leko came on to give him some company – before being hopelessly outnumbered at Carrow Road .
Leko was there for him again yesterday – and Hogan looked buoyed by his presence .
This wasn ’ t pre-lockdown razor sharp Scott Hogan , but it was a striker who at least looked as though he thought something might drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Which is an improvement .
In fact the ball did drop on two or three occasions and he put it in the net on a couple of them and forced Semy Dieng into a sharp saves when he turned a Marc Roberts knockdown goalwards .
With Leko and Lukas Jutkiewicz back in the squad the hope is Hogan will start to flourish .
As long as he carries on getting starts that is .
After this match Karanka restated his preference for a 4-2-3-1 system and hinted that five at the back is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the likes of Leko , Jutkiewicz and Jon Toral get back to full fitness .
Before the game it would have been easy to roll eyes , expect a repeat of the Norwich Defendathon and wonder whether uber-caution was once again the order of the day .
But this worked out much differently , the midfield triumvirate of San Jose , Gary Gardner and Ivan Sunjic gave Blues an extra man in the middle of the park , which enabled them to have more of the ball and more control .
That meant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with defending and could help Leko and Hogan in attack , as did Gardner and Sunjic who got up in support .
On paper 5-3-2 comes across as a conservative set-up but the reality was that it produced ten shots on goal and three on target – hardly a siege but still the best return for five matches .
Of course the main difference was the quality of the opposition , Lyndon Dykes and Macauley Bonne were a pretty blunt pairing compared to Jordan Hugill and Teemu Pukki – but on another day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no point on this day did they look like losing it .
The battle for No 10 It looks like the 4-2-3-1 Plan A is only going to be rolled out when Jutkiewicz and Toral are fit .
The difference between Hogan with a partner and Hogan on his Jack Jones has been marked this season and as much as he points to his time at Brentford when he was their single spearhead , recent evidence suggests he ’ s better in a two .
That means the former Aston Villa man is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gets the pieces he wants for his favoured shape .
Whilst the favouring of Jutkiewicz as a target man isn ’ t at all surprising , what looks like total reliance on Toral as the No 10 might be .
Dan Crowley was once again left out of the squad , with Karanka saying on Thursday he hasn ’ t made the most of his chances this season , while Riley McGree isn ’ t considered ready yet .
That suggests no Toral , no No , 10 , no Plan A.
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put in a player who has plenty to prove after a few inconsistent seasons .
There are some stands where away fans really dominate - and the School End at QPR is one of them .
It used to be that Blues travelling contingent were given both tiers , until one QPR supporter overestimated his abilities , since when it ’ s just been the upper .
Even then the scenes at the end of Lee Camp ’ s finest hour , when the goalkeeper saved an injury time penalty to preserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , will live long in the memory .
This match though was played out to a soundtrack of piped crowd noise - not always judiciously employed - and driving wind .
Oh for a Keep Right On , Gary Gardner preferring Blue or some ditty about Ivan Sunjic .
Football stadiums are morgues without supporters and no amount of piped noise is going to change that .

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Birmingham City fired blanks once more as they left Queen’s Park Rangers with a point and a 0-0 draw to show for their efforts.
Scott Hogan had the ball in the net twice – on both occasions the offside flag curtailed his joy – as Aitor Karanka tried another system to find the winning formula.
Gary Gardner returned to the side, Lukas Jutkiewicz made his comeback but even a commanding debut from a Basque legend was not enough to break the stalemate.
Here’s what stood out at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
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Commander in chief
No other place to start that the first extended glimpse of Mikel San Jose, which left everyone with Birmingham City’s interests at heart, wanting more.
The 31-year-old arrived a Blues over a month ago, after a decade and more than 300 appearances in La Liga. Would, at this stage of his career, he up sufficiently motivated by the Championship or even able to cope with the physical rigours of the competition.
Er, if this 90 minutes is anything to go by - that’s an emphatic yes.
San Jose’s first touch was a pinpoint, first time ball into Maxime Colin’s feet which set the tone for a display that manifested his peerless pedigree.
(Image: Tom Dulat/Getty Images)
His positioning betrayed a sixth sense, his neat use of the ball another level to what has gone before for so many years at St Andrew’s.
He broke up play, filled gaps, blocked shots and left just one more question hanging in the air. Can he play up front?
Better
Which is slightly harsh on Scott Hogan who looked far more engaged in this game. To be fair to the 28-year-old, his chances of making any offensive impact at Norwich were non-existent.
He looked bright in the final ten minutes of the Sheffield Wednesday game, when Jonathan Leko came on to give him some company – before being hopelessly outnumbered at Carrow Road.
Leko was there for him again yesterday – and Hogan looked buoyed by his presence.
(Image: PA)
This wasn’t pre-lockdown razor sharp Scott Hogan, but it was a striker who at least looked as though he thought something might drop for him in the penalty box. Which is an improvement.
In fact the ball did drop on two or three occasions and he put it in the net on a couple of them and forced Semy Dieng into a sharp saves when he turned a Marc Roberts knockdown goalwards.
With Leko and Lukas Jutkiewicz back in the squad the hope is Hogan will start to flourish.
Solid citizens
As long as he carries on getting starts that is.
After this match Karanka restated his preference for a 4-2-3-1 system and hinted that five at the back is a bit of a sticking plaster while the likes of Leko, Jutkiewicz and Jon Toral get back to full fitness.
Before the game it would have been easy to roll eyes, expect a repeat of the Norwich Defendathon and wonder whether uber-caution was once again the order of the day.
But this worked out much differently, the midfield triumvirate of San Jose, Gary Gardner and Ivan Sunjic gave Blues an extra man in the middle of the park, which enabled them to have more of the ball and more control.
That meant the wing backs were not solely concerned with defending and could help Leko and Hogan in attack, as did Gardner and Sunjic who got up in support.
(Image: Getty Images)
On paper 5-3-2 comes across as a conservative set-up but the reality was that it produced ten shots on goal and three on target – hardly a siege but still the best return for five matches.
Of course the main difference was the quality of the opposition, Lyndon Dykes and Macauley Bonne were a pretty blunt pairing compared to Jordan Hugill and Teemu Pukki – but on another day Blues would win this match and at no point on this day did they look like losing it.
The battle for No 10
It looks like the 4-2-3-1 Plan A is only going to be rolled out when Jutkiewicz and Toral are fit.
The difference between Hogan with a partner and Hogan on his Jack Jones has been marked this season and as much as he points to his time at Brentford when he was their single spearhead, recent evidence suggests he’s better in a two.
That means the former Aston Villa man is likely to be left out when Karanka gets the pieces he wants for his favoured shape.
Whilst the favouring of Jutkiewicz as a target man isn’t at all surprising, what looks like total reliance on Toral as the No 10 might be.
Dan Crowley was once again left out of the squad, with Karanka saying on Thursday he hasn’t made the most of his chances this season, while Riley McGree isn’t considered ready yet.
That suggests no Toral, no No, 10, no Plan A. That’s a huge amount of faith to put in a player who has plenty to prove after a few inconsistent seasons.
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Absent friends
There are some stands where away fans really dominate - and the School End at QPR is one of them.
It used to be that Blues travelling contingent were given both tiers, until one QPR supporter overestimated his abilities, since when it’s just been the upper.
Even then the scenes at the end of Lee Camp’s finest hour, when the goalkeeper saved an injury time penalty to preserve a 4-3 victory a couple of years ago, will live long in the memory.
This match though was played out to a soundtrack of piped crowd noise - not always judiciously employed - and driving wind.
Oh for a Keep Right On, Gary Gardner preferring Blue or some ditty about Ivan Sunjic. Football stadiums are morgues without supporters and no amount of piped noise is going to change that.


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Emotional Phillip Schofield in tearful tribute to Holly Willoughby

Emotional Phillip Schofield was reduced to floods of tears as he paid tribute to co-host Holly Willoughby .
The This Morning presenter was speaking to Chris Evans , on his Virgin Radio Breakfast Show , about the release of his new book , when he broke down .
In his memoir , Life 's What You Make It , Phillip lifts the lid on his showbiz career as well as personal details from his private life - including the heart-wrenching decision to reveal he is gay , reports the ManchesterEveningNews .
The book also includes the moment he told Holly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interview with her live on This Morning .
Paying tribute to his TV presenting partner , Phillip told Evans : `` Holly has been astonishing .
Literally , the best mate .
She 's serene and calming and sensible and balanced .
Not just for me but also for ( wife ) Steph . ''
Evans also became emotional as he told Phillip that he did n't recognise him the last time they met because of his plummeting weight .
`` Holly gave me a look and I thought - hmm - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked like a little old man , because there was nothing of you , '' Chris said .
Phillip responded : `` You disappear inside yourself , and that 's when you 're lost .
All you 're doing is thinking about whatever it is that 's on your mind .
`` I say you have to talk , even if you 're not a talker , even if it 's not something that you do .
If you are in trouble you ca n't do it on your own and it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saved me - talking out loud .
`` I just was n't me anymore .
I lost me .
And I still have n't found me , if I 'm honest .
I 've tried all the way through this - writing the book - and the few interviews that I 'm doing - to be as honest as I possibly can be .
`` And I do n't know that I 've necessarily found me yet .
And I think it 's okay for me to look .
`` I have recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more - it 's always funny with Holly , we always have a laugh .
But you think - oh that feels nice to laugh , that feels better .
So finding me is the goal for the moment . ''
Speaking in the book about the day , he finally found the courage to tell Holly of his torment , he wrote : `` I asked her to come into my dressing room and I told her everything .
`` I knew she would be incredible .
She was so much more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was gay in an on-screen statement in February .
He had been married to wife Steph for 27 years and the couple share two daughters , Molly , 27 , and Ruby , 24 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jessica Sansome, Brett Gibbons)

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Emotional Phillip Schofield was reduced to floods of tears as he paid tribute to co-host Holly Willoughby.
The This Morning presenter was speaking to Chris Evans, on his Virgin Radio Breakfast Show, about the release of his new book, when he broke down.
In his memoir, Life's What You Make It, Phillip lifts the lid on his showbiz career as well as personal details from his private life - including the heart-wrenching decision to reveal he is gay, reports the ManchesterEveningNews.
The book also includes the moment he told Holly about his sexuality which then lead to an interview with her live on This Morning.
Paying tribute to his TV presenting partner, Phillip told Evans: "Holly has been astonishing. Literally, the best mate. She's serene and calming and sensible and balanced. Not just for me but also for (wife) Steph."
Evans also became emotional as he told Phillip that he didn't recognise him the last time they met because of his plummeting weight.
"Holly gave me a look and I thought - hmm - something's going on here - you looked like a little old man, because there was nothing of you," Chris said.
(Image: ITV)
Phillip responded: "You disappear inside yourself, and that's when you're lost. All you're doing is thinking about whatever it is that's on your mind.
"I say you have to talk, even if you're not a talker, even if it's not something that you do. If you are in trouble you can't do it on your own and it will eat you up. That was what saved me - talking out loud.
"I just wasn't me anymore. I lost me. And I still haven't found me, if I'm honest. I've tried all the way through this - writing the book - and the few interviews that I'm doing - to be as honest as I possibly can be.
"And I don't know that I've necessarily found me yet. And I think it's okay for me to look.
"I have recently found myself finding it easier to laugh more - it's always funny with Holly, we always have a laugh. But you think - oh that feels nice to laugh, that feels better. So finding me is the goal for the moment."
Speaking in the book about the day, he finally found the courage to tell Holly of his torment, he wrote: "I asked her to come into my dressing room and I told her everything.
"I knew she would be incredible. She was so much more than that."
The presenter announced he was gay in an on-screen statement in February. He had been married to wife Steph for 27 years and the couple share two daughters, Molly, 27, and Ruby, 24.


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Newcastle United suffer another injury blow ahead of Wolves clash

Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has revealed Jonjo Shelvey could be forced out of contention for today 's clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers .
The Magpies are already facing a goalkeeping crisis for the match at Molineux with Karl Darlow a major doubt and number one Martin Dubravka out until December .
Darlow is set to be given until Sunday morning to prove his fitness with third choice goalkeeper Mark Gillespie waiting to deputise .
Bruce has now told reporters that midfielder Shelvey has been playing with a groin injury for several weeks which may require a period of time out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4-1 defeat to Manchester United last week .
`` Well , look , I 'm sure he will be disappointed with last week , '' Bruce said .
`` He has been carrying a bit of an injury , which Jonjo does unfortunately .
`` He puts himself out there when maybe he should n't have done .
He 's had a sore groin for the last two or three weeks and tried to play with it .
`` It 's got to the stage now where he 's not going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the hugest respect for Jonjo .
`` He 's a very good player and most players would n't be playing with the injury that he 's played with and we 'll probably address that over the next two or three weeks . ''
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Google Play Store and App Store Former Walsall goalkeeper Gillespie , 28 , has played three times for Newcastle in the Carabao Cup this season and kept clean sheets in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an update on Darlow at his press conference on Friday morning , Bruce said : “ He is still sore .
He has made a huge improvement from Saturday night .
We will take it to the wire and see how he is .
It is an impact .
It is in a very sore region .
He took an awful knock .
`` We will see how fit he is in 48 hours .
He has done fantastically well and waited patiently for his chance .
He was thrown into it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hope he can make it .
We 'll wait and see .
`` Mark is ready .
That 's why we brought him here .
It looks a good shout now .
He has played in the SPL for 4-5 years and he 'll be fine if called on . ''
Back-to-back wins over Fulham and Leeds United have moved Wolves up to sixth in the early standings , two points ahead of Newcastle who sit 13th .

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Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has revealed Jonjo Shelvey could be forced out of contention for today's clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Magpies are already facing a goalkeeping crisis for the match at Molineux with Karl Darlow a major doubt and number one Martin Dubravka out until December.
Darlow is set to be given until Sunday morning to prove his fitness with third choice goalkeeper Mark Gillespie waiting to deputise.
Bruce has now told reporters that midfielder Shelvey has been playing with a groin injury for several weeks which may require a period of time out of the side having struggled in the 4-1 defeat to Manchester United last week.
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"Well, look, I'm sure he will be disappointed with last week," Bruce said. "He has been carrying a bit of an injury, which Jonjo does unfortunately.
"He puts himself out there when maybe he shouldn't have done. He's had a sore groin for the last two or three weeks and tried to play with it.
"It's got to the stage now where he's not going to be able to but I've got nothing but the hugest respect for Jonjo.
"He's a very good player and most players wouldn't be playing with the injury that he's played with and we'll probably address that over the next two or three weeks."
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Former Walsall goalkeeper Gillespie, 28, has played three times for Newcastle in the Carabao Cup this season and kept clean sheets in wins over Blackburn and Morecambe.
Asked for an update on Darlow at his press conference on Friday morning, Bruce said: “He is still sore. He has made a huge improvement from Saturday night. We will take it to the wire and see how he is. It is an impact. It is in a very sore region. He took an awful knock.
"We will see how fit he is in 48 hours. He has done fantastically well and waited patiently for his chance. He was thrown into it after Martin's injury. We hope, hope he can make it. We'll wait and see.
"Mark is ready. That's why we brought him here. It looks a good shout now. He has played in the SPL for 4-5 years and he'll be fine if called on."
Back-to-back wins over Fulham and Leeds United have moved Wolves up to sixth in the early standings, two points ahead of Newcastle who sit 13th.


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Matty Cash sent brutal message after Aston Villa's defeat to Leeds

Former Aston Villa and Leeds United defender Stephen Warnock says Matty Cash looked 'absolutely shattered ' trying to keep Jack Harrison at bay on Friday night .
Villa 's perfect start to the Premier League season was ended by Leeds who took all three points courtesy of Patrick Bamford 's second-half hat-trick .
Cash endured his most difficult match so far in a Villa shirt as Leeds attacked down their left flank through winger Harrison and full-back Ezgjan Alioski .
The 23-year-old , who joined Villa from Nottingham Forest during the summer window , was left helplessly exposed by Trezeguet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teammate .
“ The way he [ Harrison ] has progressed his game , he has been superb , ” Warnock told beIN SPORTS .
“ A phenomenal performance from him .
“ He [ Matty Cash ] is absolutely shattered .
He has been left in 1 v 1 and 2 v 1 situations all night .
Not being helped out .
“ Jack Harrison , what a performance he has put in tonight .
He has caused Matty Cash all kinds of problems.
” Pundit Noel Whelan , meanwhile , praised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but admitted he 'felt sorry ' for the Villa player .
“ He was incredible .
The amount of work-rate that he put in , not just going back , the way he terrorised them on the left-hand side , taking him on time and time again .
“ I don ’ t think I have ever seen Matty Cash never actually get really into the opposition ’ s half or even get close into the 18-yard box to not go and attack .
“ He was that worked defensively by Harrison and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt sorry for him at one point because he just kept coming down this left-hand side .
”

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Former Aston Villa and Leeds United defender Stephen Warnock says Matty Cash looked 'absolutely shattered' trying to keep Jack Harrison at bay on Friday night.
Villa's perfect start to the Premier League season was ended by Leeds who took all three points courtesy of Patrick Bamford's second-half hat-trick.
Cash endured his most difficult match so far in a Villa shirt as Leeds attacked down their left flank through winger Harrison and full-back Ezgjan Alioski.
The 23-year-old, who joined Villa from Nottingham Forest during the summer window, was left helplessly exposed by Trezeguet who failed to provide cover for his teammate.
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“The way he [Harrison] has progressed his game, he has been superb,” Warnock told beIN SPORTS. “A phenomenal performance from him.
“He [Matty Cash] is absolutely shattered. He has been left in 1 v 1 and 2 v 1 situations all night. Not being helped out.
“Jack Harrison, what a performance he has put in tonight. He has caused Matty Cash all kinds of problems.”
Pundit Noel Whelan, meanwhile, praised Cash for sticking to his defensive duties but admitted he 'felt sorry' for the Villa player.
“He was incredible. The amount of work-rate that he put in, not just going back, the way he terrorised them on the left-hand side, taking him on time and time again.
“I don’t think I have ever seen Matty Cash never actually get really into the opposition’s half or even get close into the 18-yard box to not go and attack.
“He was that worked defensively by Harrison and Alioski that it was one-sided. I felt sorry for him at one point because he just kept coming down this left-hand side.”


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Jack Grealish sends advice to Man Utd forward Mason Greenwood

Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish has advised Mason Greenwood to 'ignore everyone ' after new claims were made about the Manchester United forward in the national press .
Greenwood missed United 's last two matches before Saturday 's clash with Chelsea amid reports he had been turning up late for training .
It comes after the 19-year-old was sent home from England duty in September having breached lockdown protocols while in Iceland .
Greenwood returned to squad to face Chelsea as the two sides played out a goalless draw at Old Trafford in the Premier League .
He posted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of support .
Responding to a post on Saturday , Villa midfielder Grealish wrote : `` My bruddddaaaa the [ goat emoji ] ignore everyone '' .
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said earlier this week that Greenwood has become a target for the press .
He said : `` You do ( make a target for yourself ) when you play well and I ’ m not concerned at all with Mason making a target of himself .
`` He ’ s come in , he ’ s played fantastic , he played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , was brilliant and just kicked on .
`` Yeah , he ’ s made a mistake this summer with England and suddenly the whole English press go after him and that ’ s something we ’ ve got to look after .
`` He ’ s a fantastic boy to work with .
I have to disappoint you , he ’ s never , ever late for training , he ’ s never a problem when he ’ s in the training ground .
He ’ s always on time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , actually some ex-United players talking about him and they don ’ t really know anything what they ’ re talking about because , well , we ’ ve got photographers outside the training ground every day so they can check the time every day .
`` I don ’ t know where these stories have come and I ’ ve just got to say he ’ s got a good family behind him , he ’ s had a good background in the academy .
`` He ’ s a good trainer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can not believe all these stories about him not being professional .
`` So , anyway , that ’ s something we have to deal with with many players .
Many other players at United have had that . ''

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Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish has advised Mason Greenwood to 'ignore everyone' after new claims were made about the Manchester United forward in the national press.
Greenwood missed United's last two matches before Saturday's clash with Chelsea amid reports he had been turning up late for training.
It comes after the 19-year-old was sent home from England duty in September having breached lockdown protocols while in Iceland.
Greenwood returned to squad to face Chelsea as the two sides played out a goalless draw at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
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He posted on Instagram, where Grealish offered a message of support.
Responding to a post on Saturday, Villa midfielder Grealish wrote: "My bruddddaaaa the [goat emoji] ignore everyone".
(Image: Instagram / @masongreenwood)
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said earlier this week that Greenwood has become a target for the press.
He said: "You do (make a target for yourself) when you play well and I’m not concerned at all with Mason making a target of himself.
"He’s come in, he’s played fantastic, he played his first league game against Tottenham last season, was brilliant and just kicked on.
"Yeah, he’s made a mistake this summer with England and suddenly the whole English press go after him and that’s something we’ve got to look after.
"He’s a fantastic boy to work with. I have to disappoint you, he’s never, ever late for training, he’s never a problem when he’s in the training ground. He’s always on time.
"I’ve seen the stories, actually some ex-United players talking about him and they don’t really know anything what they’re talking about because, well, we’ve got photographers outside the training ground every day so they can check the time every day.
"I don’t know where these stories have come and I’ve just got to say he’s got a good family behind him, he’s had a good background in the academy.
"He’s a good trainer, he trains really well, and I cannot believe all these stories about him not being professional.
"So, anyway, that’s something we have to deal with with many players. Many other players at United have had that."


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Aitor Karanka spells out his Birmingham City philosophy

Aitor Karanka spoke with the media after Birmingham City ’ s 0-0 draw at Queen ’ s Park Rangers .
The Blues head coach was happy with Mikel San Jose ’ s full debut , felt his team were worthy of a victory and gave fitness updates on some of his attacking options .
I think we have lost two points because we should have won this game , we had the better chances , the clearer chances .
I think it is a good performance another step forward .
Last Saturday we defended really well but didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weren ’ t as offensive as we should be .
Today we played more offensively , had good chances , showed again consistency on the pitch and I think we should have won this game but one point and another clean sheet is important .
Hard to get time with players in current schedule ?
You can imagine if you have arrived two months ago and brought 11 new players it is more difficult .
But I am always mad about the commitment of the players because if the players are committed everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this team is amazing , with that commitment everything single thing is easier , it is easier to manage them , to follow them because you know you have a really committed team on the pitch and on the bench .
Have the players said anything about them ?
I heard that they were , hmmm – the first one .
I was complaining a little bit last Tuesday because we suffered the penalty against Sheffield Wednesday , then suffered the sending off of Clayton and today another goal – today I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team has played really well .
He has shown today why he has played top level for the last 15 years .
So I had to be sure when he was going to play because it is not easy to play in this league .
He has been training really well , I knew when he was going to play he was going to be really good , He is going to give us a lot of things , he has his experience , his quality , with him on the pitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But he is not a teenager , he hasn ’ t played a lot of games last year , we need to be careful with him .
If you lose a player for one week or ten days , you lose a player for four or five games .
We have to be careful because he is going to be important .
A case of taking him in and out ?
Yes , not just Mikel , everybody .
For example Ivan Sanchez didn ’ t play today because I felt he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has come to this country and league and he has done really well .
But I felt against Norwich he was completely exhausted – especially when he is not used to defending as he has been defending so I moved him to the bench .
Gazza went to the pitch and has been brilliant , the main thing is that the players on the pitch were really good .
Quality of Championship suffering because of the amount of football being played ?
A good question .
I was speaking with my staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrived here five or six years ago and the league has improved a lot , it is completely different .
The level of the players and coaches is much better , the only shame is we can ’ t play with our crowd .
I think the league is improving .
You have a lot of surprises every single fixture , which means this league is as tough as always .
I am not concerned at all because the main thing for me is to have a committed team on the pitch .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have quality to score goals but I am the kind of manager who prefers to draw games 0-0 rather than 5-5 or 4-4 .
When you keep a clean sheet it means commitment , then we have created chances today and with the players we have when we train together more we will score goals .
With the consistency when the goals arrive , this will be easier .
Scott Hogan looked happier with someone near him ?
Obviously , especially when the ball is in the box arriving with him , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is true that I have been here for two months , I have said always my preferred shape is 4-2-3-1 , I have had to change because I think the team needs other things in this moment .
Again I don ’ t care because all the players I wanted at the beginning of the season are here .
The team is improving , if we improve as team it means they will improve as individuals .
Yeah , yeah .
He came from international break not as good as we were expecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are away with your international team if they don ’ t play games the way of training is not the way it should be .
Jeremie has started really well and for sure he will be an important player for us .
I focus on Wednesday now but without forgetting we have another one on Saturday , another one on Wednesday and another one on Saturday .
It ’ s the league , it ’ s amazing , the team which are better prepared for everything , sometimes we can say that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is momentum .
We need to keep going the same way knowing we have 23 really good players .

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Aitor Karanka spoke with the media after Birmingham City’s 0-0 draw at Queen’s Park Rangers.
The Blues head coach was happy with Mikel San Jose’s full debut, felt his team were worthy of a victory and gave fitness updates on some of his attacking options.
Here’s what was discussed.
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Match analysis
I think we have lost two points because we should have won this game, we had the better chances , the clearer chances.
I think it is a good performance another step forward. Last Saturday we defended really well but didn’t have the ball [much] and weren’t as offensive as we should be.
Today we played more offensively, had good chances, showed again consistency on the pitch and I think we should have won this game but one point and another clean sheet is important.
Hard to get time with players in current schedule?
You can imagine if you have arrived two months ago and brought 11 new players it is more difficult. But I am always mad about the commitment of the players because if the players are committed everything is easier.
The mood we have in this team is amazing, with that commitment everything single thing is easier, it is easier to manage them, to follow them because you know you have a really committed team on the pitch and on the bench.
Offside goals
I didn’t see them.
Have the players said anything about them?
I heard that they were, hmmm – the first one. I was complaining a little bit last Tuesday because we suffered the penalty against Sheffield Wednesday, then suffered the sending off of Clayton and today another goal – today I prefer to keep the good things and the team has played really well.
Mikel San Jose debut
He has shown today why he has played top level for the last 15 years. So I had to be sure when he was going to play because it is not easy to play in this league.
He has been training really well, I knew when he was going to play he was going to be really good, He is going to give us a lot of things, he has his experience, his quality, with him on the pitch the team is going to improve.
But he is not a teenager, he hasn’t played a lot of games last year, we need to be careful with him.
If you lose a player for one week or ten days, you lose a player for four or five games. We have to be careful because he is going to be important.
(Image: Getty Images)
A case of taking him in and out?
Yes, not just Mikel, everybody. For example Ivan Sanchez didn’t play today because I felt he was exhausted, it is the first time he has come to this country and league and he has done really well.
But I felt against Norwich he was completely exhausted – especially when he is not used to defending as he has been defending so I moved him to the bench.
Gazza went to the pitch and has been brilliant, the main thing is that the players on the pitch were really good.
Quality of Championship suffering because of the amount of football being played?
A good question. I was speaking with my staff at the pre-match meal today. I arrived here five or six years ago and the league has improved a lot, it is completely different.
The level of the players and coaches is much better, the only shame is we can’t play with our crowd. I think the league is improving. You have a lot of surprises every single fixture, which means this league is as tough as always.
Not scored from open play....
I am not concerned at all because the main thing for me is to have a committed team on the pitch.
We are building, we know we have quality to score goals but I am the kind of manager who prefers to draw games 0-0 rather than 5-5 or 4-4.
When you keep a clean sheet it means commitment, then we have created chances today and with the players we have when we train together more we will score goals.
With the consistency when the goals arrive, this will be easier.
Scott Hogan looked happier with someone near him?
Obviously, especially when the ball is in the box arriving with him, that is normal as a striker.
It is true that I have been here for two months, I have said always my preferred shape is 4-2-3-1, I have had to change because I think the team needs other things in this moment.
Again I don’t care because all the players I wanted at the beginning of the season are here. The team is improving, if we improve as team it means they will improve as individuals.
Bela completely fit?
Yeah, yeah. He came from international break not as good as we were expecting because of all the journeys and when you are away with your international team if they don’t play games the way of training is not the way it should be.
Jeremie has started really well and for sure he will be an important player for us.
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Focus quickly move to Huddersfield?
I focus on Wednesday now but without forgetting we have another one on Saturday, another one on Wednesday and another one on Saturday.
It’s the league, it’s amazing, the team which are better prepared for everything, sometimes we can say that this league is tiring physically but sometimes it is momentum. We need to keep going the same way knowing we have 23 really good players.


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Arsenal fans eye top four return after Aston Villa defeat to Leeds United

Arsenal fans are all saying the same thing after Aston Villa 's 100 per cent record was ended by Leeds United on Monday night .
Dean Smith 's side were humbled by Patrick Bamford , with the Whites striker scoring a 19-minute second half hat-trick to stun Villa .
Villa opened the campaign with defeats of Sheffield United , Fulham , Liverpool and Leicester City and until last night they were the only side left to have garnered maximum points from their first four games .
The claret and blue remain in second place with 12 points , one place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Leeds moved up to third place after the win and only three points separate Arsenal , who have nine points , from Villa in second .
They play Leicester City on Sunday ( 7.15pm ) and could go level on points with a win after Manchester City , Chelsea and Man United all dropped points today .
At this early stage of the season , the Gunners could gain ground on their rivals .
`` Villa dropped points , City dropped points , United dropped points and Chelsea dropped points , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` So Arsenal , over to you please , '' added another .
A third fan said : `` Every time results go our way we rarely take advantage so I would not be too excited come tomorrow . ''
`` Villa , City , Chelsea , United have all dropped points , '' another added .
`` A win for Arsenal tomorrow gon na take us back into the top four . ''
`` Great opportunity for Arsenal to make a statement of intent tomorrow , '' said a fifth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to win tomorrow . ''

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Arsenal fans are all saying the same thing after Aston Villa's 100 per cent record was ended by Leeds United on Monday night.
Dean Smith's side were humbled by Patrick Bamford, with the Whites striker scoring a 19-minute second half hat-trick to stun Villa.
Villa opened the campaign with defeats of Sheffield United, Fulham, Liverpool and Leicester City and until last night they were the only side left to have garnered maximum points from their first four games.
The claret and blue remain in second place with 12 points, one place and point behind Everton in top spot.
Leeds moved up to third place after the win and only three points separate Arsenal, who have nine points, from Villa in second.
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They play Leicester City on Sunday (7.15pm) and could go level on points with a win after Manchester City, Chelsea and Man United all dropped points today.
At this early stage of the season, the Gunners could gain ground on their rivals.
"Villa dropped points, City dropped points, United dropped points and Chelsea dropped points," one fan said. "Please Arsenal."
"So Arsenal, over to you please," added another.
A third fan said: "Every time results go our way we rarely take advantage so I would not be too excited come tomorrow."
"Villa, City, Chelsea, United have all dropped points," another added. "A win for Arsenal tomorrow gonna take us back into the top four."
"Great opportunity for Arsenal to make a statement of intent tomorrow," said a fifth fan while another added: "Arsenal need to win tomorrow."


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Mum was watching TV with daughters before fatal brain haemorrhage

It was a rainy Sunday morning and Elaine Myers was watching telly with her daughters Vickie and Sophie when she suddenly complained of head pain .
Within minutes , she was unconscious and being rushed to hospital .
It turned out she had suffered a ‘ catastrophic ’ brain haemorrhage and , tragically , doctors were unable to save her .
There had been no symptoms , no signs to detect what was happening .
She was just 55 .
In their moment of complete loss and despair , Elaine ’ s husband Dave and two daughters bravely followed Elaine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It meant their beloved Elaine ultimately went onto save the lives of four people .
The family described the moment they learnt she could help so many people as 'bittersweet ... but amazing . '
On the fateful day on Sunday , August 26 2018 , the Myers had been having fun at music festival Camper Calling at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire .
As they 'd awoken to rain , they 'd decided to go home for a cooked breakfast before returning .
Elaine and the girls had relaxed watching Sunday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get ready to go back to the festival .
The next thing they knew Elaine was at the bottom of the stairs calling for help .
`` We started getting ready to go back to the festival and Mom called out to Dad while she was sitting at the bottom of the stairs , '' said Sophie , from Alcester .
`` She was saying ‘ oh I don ’ t feel right , I ’ ve got a really bad pain in my head .
`` Dad took her to the sofa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She wasn ’ t well , so we called 999 and kept her comfortable in the recovery position , making sure her airways were clear .
`` She came around for a couple of seconds and I remember seeing her and thinking ‘ whatever has happened , it ’ s bad , something serious has happened but what ’ s done is done now , and let ’ s get her to the hospital.
’ '' She tried to sit up and we said ‘ you ’ re okay , lie down , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s happened and people will be here in a minute to help you.
’ '' We told her we loved her and then she went back under . ''
Within minutes , the paramedics arrived and took Elaine straight into hospital where the family were taken aside by the doctors in A & E and told that they believed she had suffered a brain haemorrhage .
Unfortunately , it was clear almost immediately that the damage had been 'catastrophic ' .
Vickie explained : `` When the doctors told us , they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convinced it would just be a matter of how bad is she going to be now and started to think ahead about what the future may hold .
`` How would she communicate , how many carers we would need , would we have to stop working to look after her – it was never an option that she was going to go . ''
Tests confirmed that Elaine wouldn ’ t be able to wake up .
She had suffered an internal bleed inside her brain called ‘ coning ’ .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brain into the brain stem with devastating consequences .
Doctors said it could never have been detected before happening and that it was just a freak , unexpected trauma .
`` Once they had confirmed that she was no longer with us , we all went in to see her and we said to Dad : ‘ I ’ m so sorry to say this but we have got to talk about organ donation .
We ’ ve got to , she ’ s perfect.
’ '' said Sophie .
`` A little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donation Specialist who took their time with us .
She listened to everything we had to say and never interrupted us .
`` There ’ s no doubt that we were in shock , but it was a weirdly nice conversation because we were talking all about her and describing what she was like and how full of life she was .
`` They laughed ( and cried ) with us and we were able to give them the full picture of exactly who our amazing mom was .
They calmly talked us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paperwork and began the next steps . ''
How Elaine helped to save four lives The Organ Donation Specialist ran some tests and put Elaine 's details onto the national database to search for recipients - and within minutes they had found somebody .
Sophie explained : `` Another ten minutes later , they came back and said they ’ d found another two possible matches , which they said was amazing and didn ’ t happen very often .
`` Soon there were more , and within a few hours we knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very high matches , plus another one for her heart .
It was so bittersweet - but it was amazing . ''
Elaine was able to donate five organs in the following ways : * A man in his 50s received a kidney after spending over four and a half years waiting for a transplant * A woman in her 60s eceived Elaine ’ s other kidney after spending two years on the waiting list * Her pancreas was donated to a research programme Sophie added : `` During the hours we got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the recipients around the country , the Organ Donation Specialist asked us if we wanted to create any keepsakes .
!
At first we weren ’ t sure because everything felt so wrong , but she helped us take a lock of Mom ’ s hair and even a handprint .
`` These items are now so precious to us and her handprint takes pride of place in our family homes .
`` Those moments we spent together have become some of the most special memories to look back on and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The Organ Donation Specialist never left Mom ’ s side , even during her operation .
They promised to hold her hand and , after we had left the hospital , they even called us in the middle of the night to explain what had happened and how successful it had been – it was just like any other operation , just this time Mom wasn ’ t going to come home . ''
Vickie added : `` I remember in the first couple of weeks thinking ‘ I pray to God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ever go through in our lives , but there are people out there that are now having the best days of their lives - families just as lovely as ours are that are celebrating all because of Mom .
`` While we were making phone calls to explain to our family that she had gone , these families were making calls to say , 'oh my God , this has just changed our lives – we ’ re going to have another chance ' . ''
Dave , Sophie and Vickie say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how passionate Elaine , a popular member of the local community , had been to share her wishes with her family before her sudden passing .
The Myers are helping to support organ donation campaign Save9Lives which was founded last year by heart transplant patient Jim Lynskey ( more details below ) .
Sophie explained : `` I think if we had said no in the moment , if we hadn ’ t have been sure of what she wanted , it would be a huge regret now .
When we tell our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a happy ending but it is uplifting .
`` We don ’ t tell our story about how we had this awful tragedy where Mom died , and then put a full-stop at the end .
`` That ’ s not where our story ends .
We are able to add this tiny little comma where we take a deep breath , carry on and we say , ‘ but this is what we did , this is what she did… ’ '' There are four people out there who are properly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re not just surviving anymore , they ’ re living – and that ’ s really comforting to know . ''
Vickie added : `` I am so proud that she gave so many organs .
`` Our final memory is when we followed her down to theatre and I remember thinking ‘ this is so wrong , but I am so proud of her ’ .
`` It ’ s not just us that made that decision , I ’ m proud because she made it for us , and she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We knew that if she was looking down on us , she ’ d be saying ‘ this is right , this is good , girls you ’ re going to be ok. ’ '' We just couldn ’ t imagine leaving everything in her without considering the good for others , I really can ’ t imagine living the rest of our lives regretting that we could have helped someone . ''
Just a few months following the loss of their mom , Vickie and Sophie said goodbye to their beloved nan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after she was suddenly diagnosed with terminal cancer .
Vickie said : `` One thing that Nan said to me when she was really poorly was ‘ if they can take any of my organs , tell them they can have them all.
’ '' We didn ’ t have the heart to tell Nan that because of her condition she wouldn ’ t be able to donate , but she still wanted to help people - she wanted to be just like Mom . ''
Sophie added : “ Our Nan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our lives and everything has changed forever since we lost them .
`` But knowing how much they loved us and how much Mom has helped others means we ’ d have no hesitation to offer our own organs if needed .
`` We wouldn ’ t wish the losses we ’ ve had on anyone , but I remember the Organ Donation Specialist telling us at the time that we would find solace in our decision – I didn ’ t believe her at the time , but I do now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support organ donation campaign , Save9Lives , which has been granted official charity status by the Charity Commission .
The campaign applied for charity status in May 2020 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the campaign founder , Jim Lynskey ’ s death .
Jim , from Studley , founded Save9Lives in 2015 whilst waiting for a heart transplant .
He 'd developed heart problems after contracting meningitis as a baby and had several cardiac arrests as a child and teenager .
For the majority of his teenage life , Jim was able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal life as he could but , at the age of 17 , he suffered another cardiac arrest which came as a huge setback to his health and confidence .
At 19 , he contracted pneumonia which attacked his heart in 2015 and , as a result , his organs started to fail .
To keep him alive , Jim was fitted with Left Ventricle Assisted Device ( LVAD ) – which is essentially a battery-powered machine that would force the blood around his body as his heart was no longer strong enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the transplant waiting list .
Researching organ donation led Jim to learn that one person can donate enough organs to save or enhance the lives of nine people .
And so , from his hospital bed , Jim founded Save9Lives , a campaign dedicated to supporting the NHS in encouraging the discussion around organ donation .
Through sports , music and media , Jim promoted the Save9Lives campaign with great success , working with best-selling artist Lewis Capaldi on the music video for Someone You Loved , as well as author Susan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sadly , in April 2019 , Jim suffered complications following a procedure with his LVAD and died on May 13 at the age of 23 .
The campaign has been continued by his twin sister Grace , mum Collette and family friend Lauren Knowles , all of whom are now the charity ’ s registered trustees .
Grace said : “ Becoming an official registered charity is a huge achievement for us , it ’ s a milestone which Jim ultimately wanted the campaign to get to , so we are thrilled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It will mean we have so much more opportunity now to establish more impactful partnerships and continue to get the message out there to talk about organ donation . ''
Collette said : `` This milestone comes almost as a birthday present for Jim – which is on the 21 October - and I didn ’ t know what it would mean to me until the news made tears trickle down my face .
`` I do offer school workshops and , although COVID-19 has made this difficult , they will return !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the families who have been brave enough to donate during their darkest hour and sending a beautiful Save9Lives rose as a memory and thank you for their heroic and brave decision . ''
To commemorate the one-year anniversary of Jim ’ s passing , Save9Lives launched an official rose as a tribute for all those who have been affected by organ donation .

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It was a rainy Sunday morning and Elaine Myers was watching telly with her daughters Vickie and Sophie when she suddenly complained of head pain.
Within minutes, she was unconscious and being rushed to hospital.
It turned out she had suffered a ‘catastrophic’ brain haemorrhage and, tragically, doctors were unable to save her.
There had been no symptoms, no signs to detect what was happening. She was just 55.
In their moment of complete loss and despair, Elaine’s husband Dave and two daughters bravely followed Elaine's wishes and agreed to organ donation.
It meant their beloved Elaine ultimately went onto save the lives of four people.
The family described the moment they learnt she could help so many people as 'bittersweet ... but amazing.'
On the fateful day on Sunday, August 26 2018, the Myers had been having fun at music festival Camper Calling at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire.
As they'd awoken to rain, they'd decided to go home for a cooked breakfast before returning.
Elaine and the girls had relaxed watching Sunday morning TV then they went to start to get ready to go back to the festival.
The next thing they knew Elaine was at the bottom of the stairs calling for help.
"We started getting ready to go back to the festival and Mom called out to Dad while she was sitting at the bottom of the stairs," said Sophie, from Alcester.
"She was saying ‘oh I don’t feel right, I’ve got a really bad pain in my head.
"Dad took her to the sofa and then she suddenly went unconscious. She wasn’t well, so we called 999 and kept her comfortable in the recovery position, making sure her airways were clear.
"She came around for a couple of seconds and I remember seeing her and thinking ‘whatever has happened, it’s bad, something serious has happened but what’s done is done now, and let’s get her to the hospital.’
"She tried to sit up and we said ‘you’re okay, lie down, you’re okay but something’s happened and people will be here in a minute to help you.’
"We told her we loved her and then she went back under."
Within minutes, the paramedics arrived and took Elaine straight into hospital where the family were taken aside by the doctors in A&E and told that they believed she had suffered a brain haemorrhage.
Unfortunately, it was clear almost immediately that the damage had been 'catastrophic'.
Vickie explained: "When the doctors told us, they were very gentle about it – we were convinced it would just be a matter of how bad is she going to be now and started to think ahead about what the future may hold.
"How would she communicate, how many carers we would need, would we have to stop working to look after her – it was never an option that she was going to go."
Tests confirmed that Elaine wouldn’t be able to wake up. She had suffered an internal bleed inside her brain called ‘coning’.
The pressure of the haemorrhage had pushed her brain into the brain stem with devastating consequences. Doctors said it could never have been detected before happening and that it was just a freak, unexpected trauma.
"Once they had confirmed that she was no longer with us, we all went in to see her and we said to Dad: ‘I’m so sorry to say this but we have got to talk about organ donation. We’ve got to, she’s perfect.’" said Sophie.
"A little while later they brought in an Organ Donation Specialist who took their time with us. She listened to everything we had to say and never interrupted us.
"There’s no doubt that we were in shock, but it was a weirdly nice conversation because we were talking all about her and describing what she was like and how full of life she was.
"They laughed (and cried) with us and we were able to give them the full picture of exactly who our amazing mom was. They calmly talked us through everything and ultimately went through the paperwork and began the next steps."
How Elaine helped to save four lives
The Organ Donation Specialist ran some tests and put Elaine's details onto the national database to search for recipients - and within minutes they had found somebody.
Sophie explained: "Another ten minutes later, they came back and said they’d found another two possible matches, which they said was amazing and didn’t happen very often.
"Soon there were more, and within a few hours we knew that there were five people that were very high matches, plus another one for her heart. It was so bittersweet - but it was amazing."
Elaine was able to donate five organs in the following ways:
* A man in his 50s received a lung transplant
* A man in his 20s received a liver transplant
* A man in his 50s received a kidney after spending over four and a half years waiting for a transplant
* A woman in her 60s eceived Elaine’s other kidney after spending two years on the waiting list
* Her pancreas was donated to a research programme
Sophie added: "During the hours we got to spend with Mom while they contacted all the recipients around the country, the Organ Donation Specialist asked us if we wanted to create any keepsakes.
!At first we weren’t sure because everything felt so wrong, but she helped us take a lock of Mom’s hair and even a handprint.
"These items are now so precious to us and her handprint takes pride of place in our family homes.
"Those moments we spent together have become some of the most special memories to look back on and I will hold in my heart forever.
"The Organ Donation Specialist never left Mom’s side, even during her operation. They promised to hold her hand and, after we had left the hospital, they even called us in the middle of the night to explain what had happened and how successful it had been – it was just like any other operation, just this time Mom wasn’t going to come home."
Vickie added: "I remember in the first couple of weeks thinking ‘I pray to God that this is the worst thing that we ever go through in our lives, but there are people out there that are now having the best days of their lives - families just as lovely as ours are that are celebrating all because of Mom.
"While we were making phone calls to explain to our family that she had gone, these families were making calls to say, 'oh my God, this has just changed our lives – we’re going to have another chance'."
Dave, Sophie and Vickie say their decision was made simpler by knowing how passionate Elaine, a popular member of the local community, had been to share her wishes with her family before her sudden passing. The Myers are helping to support organ donation campaign Save9Lives which was founded last year by heart transplant patient Jim Lynskey (more details below).
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Sophie explained: "I think if we had said no in the moment, if we hadn’t have been sure of what she wanted, it would be a huge regret now. When we tell our story to people, it’s not a happy ending but it is uplifting.
"We don’t tell our story about how we had this awful tragedy where Mom died, and then put a full-stop at the end.
"That’s not where our story ends. We are able to add this tiny little comma where we take a deep breath, carry on and we say, ‘but this is what we did, this is what she did…’
"There are four people out there who are properly living now because of Mom. They’re not just surviving anymore, they’re living – and that’s really comforting to know."
Vickie added: "I am so proud that she gave so many organs.
"Our final memory is when we followed her down to theatre and I remember thinking ‘this is so wrong, but I am so proud of her’.
"It’s not just us that made that decision, I’m proud because she made it for us, and she made sure that we knew that. We knew that if she was looking down on us, she’d be saying ‘this is right, this is good, girls you’re going to be ok.’
"We just couldn’t imagine leaving everything in her without considering the good for others, I really can’t imagine living the rest of our lives regretting that we could have helped someone."
Just a few months following the loss of their mom, Vickie and Sophie said goodbye to their beloved nan Denise, 81, just nine weeks after she was suddenly diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Vickie said: "One thing that Nan said to me when she was really poorly was ‘if they can take any of my organs, tell them they can have them all.’
"We didn’t have the heart to tell Nan that because of her condition she wouldn’t be able to donate, but she still wanted to help people - she wanted to be just like Mom."
Sophie added: “Our Nan and Mom are the two biggest female influences in our lives and everything has changed forever since we lost them.
"But knowing how much they loved us and how much Mom has helped others means we’d have no hesitation to offer our own organs if needed.
"We wouldn’t wish the losses we’ve had on anyone, but I remember the Organ Donation Specialist telling us at the time that we would find solace in our decision – I didn’t believe her at the time, but I do now."
Save9Lives organ donation campaign
The Myers are helping to support organ donation campaign, Save9Lives, which has been granted official charity status by the Charity Commission.
The campaign applied for charity status in May 2020 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the campaign founder, Jim Lynskey’s death.
Jim, from Studley, founded Save9Lives in 2015 whilst waiting for a heart transplant. He'd developed heart problems after contracting meningitis as a baby and had several cardiac arrests as a child and teenager.
For the majority of his teenage life, Jim was able to continue with as much of a normal life as he could but, at the age of 17, he suffered another cardiac arrest which came as a huge setback to his health and confidence.
At 19, he contracted pneumonia which attacked his heart in 2015 and, as a result, his organs started to fail. To keep him alive, Jim was fitted with Left Ventricle Assisted Device (LVAD) – which is essentially a battery-powered machine that would force the blood around his body as his heart was no longer strong enough to do so – and was added to the transplant waiting list.
Researching organ donation led Jim to learn that one person can donate enough organs to save or enhance the lives of nine people. And so, from his hospital bed, Jim founded Save9Lives, a campaign dedicated to supporting the NHS in encouraging the discussion around organ donation.
Through sports, music and media, Jim promoted the Save9Lives campaign with great success, working with best-selling artist Lewis Capaldi on the music video for Someone You Loved, as well as author Susan Lewis on her novel One Minute Later.
Sadly, in April 2019, Jim suffered complications following a procedure with his LVAD and died on May 13 at the age of 23.
The campaign has been continued by his twin sister Grace, mum Collette and family friend Lauren Knowles, all of whom are now the charity’s registered trustees.
Grace said: “Becoming an official registered charity is a huge achievement for us, it’s a milestone which Jim ultimately wanted the campaign to get to, so we are thrilled to have achieved that for him. It will mean we have so much more opportunity now to establish more impactful partnerships and continue to get the message out there to talk about organ donation."
Collette said: "This milestone comes almost as a birthday present for Jim – which is on the 21 October - and I didn’t know what it would mean to me until the news made tears trickle down my face.
"I do offer school workshops and, although COVID-19 has made this difficult, they will return! For now, I’m targeting all the families who have been brave enough to donate during their darkest hour and sending a beautiful Save9Lives rose as a memory and thank you for their heroic and brave decision."
To commemorate the one-year anniversary of Jim’s passing, Save9Lives launched an official rose as a tribute for all those who have been affected by organ donation.


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Married at First Sight star's amazing 'How to be a prepper' guide

Married at First Sight star David Pugh is so obsessed with preparing for the worst , he has written a book devoted to the subject .
Viewers were fascinated with the survival kit he gave new wife Shareen at the start of their honeymoon - although she was clearly freaked out .
So fans of David should enjoy reading his book , The Ultimate Guide To Preparing Yourself For Future Pandemics And Disasters .
He also has a 'Prepped and Ready ' website .
The sales director , who lives in Solihull , even has a link on his site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here , you can buy all you need to create your very own survival kit .
The website also includes The Preppers Traffic Light System , an accessible guide for beginners who want to know the basics .
David writes : `` You don ’ t have to have a bunker in your garden to be prepared .
`` It can be simple things like knowing what essentials you will need in your house should the worst case happen . ''
The 57-year-old is no stranger to the worst case happening - after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raid on his Catherine-de Barnes home back in 2018 .
He goes on : `` The Preppers Traffic Light System makes this easy to accomplish in manageable steps .
`` Make sure you are prepared for that rainy day .
The blog comprises of handy tutorials and articles to help you get started . ''
David writes : `` Being prepared , in my opinion , is sanity , not craziness .
`` It is satisfying to know that , to some degree , I am largely self-reliant in keeping myself and my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protected thanks to my supplies and my preparedness .
`` It ’ s actually quite a confidence-building and liberating feeling .
`` On the subject of Covid-19 , being a prepper meant I had my food stockpiles and yes , even toilet paper stocks .
`` I did not have to go to the supermarket for five weeks and was able to give my family , friends food supplies , and even the wonderful gift of toilet paper , hand sanitiser , and protective face masks . ''
Sadly David 's survival instincts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple split after the honeymoon .
However , as he revealed in an interview with BirminghamLive , plenty of viewers could understand his survival kit and he has become a celebrity in his home town .
So what are David 's prepper beginner tips ?
His states online : `` Stock up on an absolute minimum of one to three months of food and supplies .
One month ’ s food and essential items will help you get through most “ minor ” events .
He also advocates : `` Set up rainwater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of connected water butts .
`` Water is valuable , and rainwater can be boiled or filtered for drinking or used for washing clothes/dishes , etc .
You can store a lot of water at home quite simply this way and in a very unobtrusive way . ''
There are also several tips on home security and defence .
This lengthy must do list is based on David 's own terrible past experience when there was an attempt to raid his Midland home .
These home defence tips include : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , gives massive under bed storage ... .the bed still looks just like a regular bed ... easily overlooked by looters. ''
.
He also states : `` Bury supplies in air and watertight containers in your back garden .
`` For a large and serious cache , one of the best choices is to utilise a new plastic septic tank for this purpose . ''
To find out more go to David Pugh 's Prepped and Ready website .
*The Ultimate Guide To Preparing Yourself For Future Pandemics And Disasters is available @ @ @

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Married at First Sight star David Pugh is so obsessed with preparing for the worst, he has written a book devoted to the subject.
Viewers were fascinated with the survival kit he gave new wife Shareen at the start of their honeymoon - although she was clearly freaked out.
So fans of David should enjoy reading his book, The Ultimate Guide To Preparing Yourself For Future Pandemics And Disasters.
He also has a 'Prepped and Ready' website.
The sales director, who lives in Solihull, even has a link on his site to a preppers' online shop. Here, you can buy all you need to create your very own survival kit.
The website also includes The Preppers Traffic Light System, an accessible guide for beginners who want to know the basics.
(Image: Channel 4)
David writes: "You don’t have to have a bunker in your garden to be prepared.
"It can be simple things like knowing what essentials you will need in your house should the worst case happen."
The 57-year-old is no stranger to the worst case happening - after bravely fighting off five thugs during a raid on his Catherine-de Barnes home back in 2018.
He goes on: "The Preppers Traffic Light System makes this easy to accomplish in manageable steps.
(Image: Channel4)
"Make sure you are prepared for that rainy day. The blog comprises of handy tutorials and articles to help you get started."
David writes: "Being prepared, in my opinion, is sanity, not craziness.
"It is satisfying to know that, to some degree, I am largely self-reliant in keeping myself and my loved ones fed, watered, and protected thanks to my supplies and my preparedness.
"It’s actually quite a confidence-building and liberating feeling.
(Image: SWNS.com)
"On the subject of Covid-19, being a prepper meant I had my food stockpiles and yes, even toilet paper stocks.
"I did not have to go to the supermarket for five weeks and was able to give my family, friends food supplies, and even the wonderful gift of toilet paper, hand sanitiser, and protective face masks."
Sadly David's survival instincts did not impress wife Shareen and the couple split after the honeymoon.
However, as he revealed in an interview with BirminghamLive, plenty of viewers could understand his survival kit and he has become a celebrity in his home town.
So what are David's prepper beginner tips?
His states online: "Stock up on an absolute minimum of one to three months of food and supplies. One month’s food and essential items will help you get through most “minor” events.
(Image: Channel 4)
He also advocates: "Set up rainwater collection at your home, maybe even a series of connected water butts.
"Water is valuable, and rainwater can be boiled or filtered for drinking or used for washing clothes/dishes, etc. You can store a lot of water at home quite simply this way and in a very unobtrusive way."
There are also several tips on home security and defence.
This lengthy must do list is based on David's own terrible past experience when there was an attempt to raid his Midland home.
These home defence tips include: "Buy a storage bed with hydraulic arms, gives massive under bed storage....the bed still looks just like a regular bed... easily overlooked by looters.".
He also states: "Bury supplies in air and watertight containers in your back garden.
"For a large and serious cache, one of the best choices is to utilise a new plastic septic tank for this purpose."
To find out more go to David Pugh's Prepped and Ready website.
*The Ultimate Guide To Preparing Yourself For Future Pandemics And Disasters is available on Amazon.


birminghammail--2020-10-25--‘My son has lost his lifeline’ - heartbreak at respite home closure

Luke Ashton loves northern soul , cinema trips and nights out at the pub with his mum .
The 26-year-old has spastic quadriplegia and cerebral palsy , meaning he needs round-the-clock care , which his mum Gina Powers is happy to provide .
The Harborne family receives 56 days of respite care a year and Luke loves going in a minibus to Emscote House in Wylde Green , Sutton Coldfield , where he stays to give his 56-year-old mum a much-needed break .
But The Norman Laud Association , which runs Emscote House for adults and Lime Grove House for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut both homes later this year due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic - and Luke and Gina are devastated .
“ Luke fell in love with Emscote House straight away , ” said Gina , who said he started attending there after turning 18 .
“ Due to shielding , Luke has been at home for seven months .
He ’ s only just returned to Emscote and then I had a call to say it was closing .
Life is unthinkable without respite .
He 's lost his lifeline , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s my son and I love him but it ’ s very tiring and , after seven months , I ’ m starting to feel the pinch .
This is a nightmare now , I think our future looks very bleak.
” The Norman Laud Association has faced funding issues for some time , which the CEO , the board of Trustees , key staff members and supporters have been seeking to address .
But it said the pandemic had made ‘ an already challenging position much worse ’ with increasing loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Much of the organisation ’ s income comes from councils which part-fund service users ' visits .
But lockdown rules meant occupancy rates fell well below 50 per cent .
The charity said reductions in occupancy had put its finances in a critical position .
As a result , it has been decided there will be ‘ a gradual winding-down of services until the end of the year with a view to , as best as possible , protecting the association ’ s most vulnerable clients ’ .
Having been forced to eat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and despite the efforts of fundraisers , the charity said it could not cover the on-going losses .
It 's a huge blow to the 60 adults and 30 children whose families use the homes for respite care .
“ The thought of going for another six or 12 months without respite is awful , ” said Gina , who has two older kids .
Luke also has autism , learning difficulties and global developmental delays .
“ And am I going to find another respite unit ?
Will I trust them with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a case of finding a place , and these places are like gold dust , it ’ s whether it ’ s going to be suitable for him .
“ Luke is bubbly , cheeky , outgoing and a bit of a ladies man , he likes to flirt !
He loves his music , especially northern soul and he has done a bit of DJing on the Out on the Floor with Chalky show on Radio WCRFM .
Emscote is a real home from home for Luke . ''
She added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meals together , go to the cinema and the cafe and enjoy the garden .
Luke really enjoys it , he ’ s got some friends there , some of whom he knows from school .
“ But the manager says they applied to the government for a grant but have been turned down so they ’ re having to close and make the staff redundant .
I find it insulting when I think of how government money is being spent elsewhere .
It 's sad the staff are losing their jobs just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updated on family news , like our Brummie Mummies Facebook page .
You can also sign up to our weekly Brummie Mummies email newsletter and our Lemon Aid newsletter here The organisation said its regulators , the Care Quality Commission and Ofsted , as well as local authorities and social workers , together with parents and other carers , would be consulted about the best way to secure alternative placements for all the children and adults who continue to need short break care services .
Staff at the homes have been informed of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full during their notice period until the end of the year .
Elaine Mountford , CEO of The Norman Laud Association , said : “ The Trustees have regretfully concluded the charity will have to wind down its operations and close at the end of 2020 , after which the organisation will be placed into liquidation .
`` The Norman Laud Association closing marks the end of an era and I would like to thank all those people who have contributed to making the Association something I ’ ve had the privilege to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Care will continue to be provided for children , adults and their families whilst alternative arrangements are made.
” Charles Turner , partner at CVR Global and a specialist in the charity sector together with Craig Povey , head of CVR Global ’ s Birmingham office , will be helping with the liquidation process .
Charles said : “ It is never easy when a charity doing excellent work in the community runs into financial difficulty , but our job is to face the commercial realities and find the best options for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trustees , our recommended process is a gradual winding-down of the charity , which means its most vulnerable clients can continue to get the care they need while arrangements are made for their future care .
Charles added : “ Given the circumstances , this is the Trustees ’ preferred outcome – it is the best way to protect the interests of both clients and stakeholders in what is a very difficult situation .
“ Every effort was made to keep the homes open , but long-term challenges to the underlying financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , meant this was simply not viable .
“ We are pleased to hear everything is being done to ensure The Norman Laud Association ’ s children , adults and families find alternative care arrangements after the homes close .
”

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Luke Ashton loves northern soul, cinema trips and nights out at the pub with his mum.
The 26-year-old has spastic quadriplegia and cerebral palsy, meaning he needs round-the-clock care, which his mum Gina Powers is happy to provide.
The Harborne family receives 56 days of respite care a year and Luke loves going in a minibus to Emscote House in Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield, where he stays to give his 56-year-old mum a much-needed break.
But The Norman Laud Association, which runs Emscote House for adults and Lime Grove House for children, has announced it is to shut both homes later this year due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic - and Luke and Gina are devastated.
“Luke fell in love with Emscote House straight away,” said Gina, who said he started attending there after turning 18.
“Due to shielding, Luke has been at home for seven months. He’s only just returned to Emscote and then I had a call to say it was closing. Life is unthinkable without respite. He's lost his lifeline, and so have I.
"Luke’s my son and I love him but it’s very tiring and, after seven months, I’m starting to feel the pinch. This is a nightmare now, I think our future looks very bleak.”
The Norman Laud Association has faced funding issues for some time, which the CEO, the board of Trustees, key staff members and supporters have been seeking to address. But it said the pandemic had made ‘an already challenging position much worse’ with increasing loss of income for the short-break homes.
Much of the organisation’s income comes from councils which part-fund service users' visits. But lockdown rules meant occupancy rates fell well below 50 per cent.
The charity said reductions in occupancy had put its finances in a critical position. As a result, it has been decided there will be ‘a gradual winding-down of services until the end of the year with a view to, as best as possible, protecting the association’s most vulnerable clients’.
Having been forced to eat into its reserves for a prolonged period and despite the efforts of fundraisers, the charity said it could not cover the on-going losses.
It's a huge blow to the 60 adults and 30 children whose families use the homes for respite care.
“The thought of going for another six or 12 months without respite is awful,” said Gina, who has two older kids. Luke also has autism, learning difficulties and global developmental delays.
“And am I going to find another respite unit? Will I trust them with Luke? It’s not just a case of finding a place, and these places are like gold dust, it’s whether it’s going to be suitable for him.
“Luke is bubbly, cheeky, outgoing and a bit of a ladies man, he likes to flirt! He loves his music, especially northern soul and he has done a bit of DJing on the Out on the Floor with Chalky show on Radio WCRFM. Emscote is a real home from home for Luke."
She added: "Normally at Emscote, they have meals together, go to the cinema and the cafe and enjoy the garden. Luke really enjoys it, he’s got some friends there, some of whom he knows from school.
“But the manager says they applied to the government for a grant but have been turned down so they’re having to close and make the staff redundant. I find it insulting when I think of how government money is being spent elsewhere. It's sad the staff are losing their jobs just before Christmas."
• To keep updated on family news, like our Brummie Mummies Facebook page. You can also sign up to our weekly Brummie Mummies email newsletter and our Lemon Aid newsletter here
The organisation said its regulators, the Care Quality Commission and Ofsted, as well as local authorities and social workers, together with parents and other carers, would be consulted about the best way to secure alternative placements for all the children and adults who continue to need short break care services.
Staff at the homes have been informed of the position and will be paid in full during their notice period until the end of the year.
Elaine Mountford, CEO of The Norman Laud Association, said: “The Trustees have regretfully concluded the charity will have to wind down its operations and close at the end of 2020, after which the organisation will be placed into liquidation.
"The Norman Laud Association closing marks the end of an era and I would like to thank all those people who have contributed to making the Association something I’ve had the privilege to be part of.
She added: “Care will continue to be provided for children, adults and their families whilst alternative arrangements are made.”
Charles Turner, partner at CVR Global and a specialist in the charity sector together with Craig Povey, head of CVR Global’s Birmingham office, will be helping with the liquidation process.
Charles said: “It is never easy when a charity doing excellent work in the community runs into financial difficulty, but our job is to face the commercial realities and find the best options for everyone involved.
“Following discussions with the Trustees, our recommended process is a gradual winding-down of the charity, which means its most vulnerable clients can continue to get the care they need while arrangements are made for their future care.
Charles added: “Given the circumstances, this is the Trustees’ preferred outcome – it is the best way to protect the interests of both clients and stakeholders in what is a very difficult situation.
“Every effort was made to keep the homes open, but long-term challenges to the underlying financial operational model, made much worse by the pandemic, meant this was simply not viable.
“We are pleased to hear everything is being done to ensure The Norman Laud Association’s children, adults and families find alternative care arrangements after the homes close.”


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Weirdest things bought in Birmingham - including Elton John’s bed

You might think you 've bought some odd things in your time - but possibly never an international megastar 's bed .
Well , Fellows Auctioneers , which has had a presence in Birmingham for 144 years , has revealed some of the most interesting things it has sold in the city .
In that time , some weird and wonderful lots have been put up for sale by the business .
We asked Fellows ' press officer Liam Bolland to list 10 of the most unusual items sold in recent .
It is a compendium of antiquities that ranges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from Elton John 's bed to Marie-Antoinette 's calendar .
Sold at Fellows ’ antiques , silver and collectables sale on October 5 , 2020 , for £1,914 .
The singer originally sold the bed at a 2003 Sotheby ’ s auction entitled `` Elton John and his London Lifestyle '' .
It then resurfaced at Fellows 17-years later .
The bed retained its original label from the Sotheby ’ s sale .
It is unclear which room from the London property the bed was from , however the home has hosted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and former President of the United States Bill Clinton .
Sold at the January 30 , 2020 , fine jewellery sale for £1,202.40 .
An 18ct gold and diamond England crest brooch which belonged to the former West Bromwich Albion and Football Association chairman .
It sparked a fierce bidding war during Fellows ’ Fine Jewellery sale .
The stunning brooch had 1996 hallmarks – the year Sir Bert retired from the Football Association .
It sparked a fierce bidding war .
Sold at July and October , 2018 , watch sales .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ £14,674 and the rose gold rum watch realised £16,588 three months later .
The watches by Speake-Marin contained 1780 Harewood Rum on the 11 hour mark , which was certified by the Guinness Book of Records as the world ’ s oldest .
Only 59 of the watches were ever made , 10 in rose gold and 49 in titanium .
Company Wealth Solutions acquired bottles of the prestigious rum in 2011 .
They had been found in an old cellar in the Harewood Estate near Leeds .
They began the rum watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ containing the droplets .
There were 49 in titanium and only 10 in rose gold .
Fellows auctioned the screen covering Banksy ’ s Jewellery Quarter , Birmingham , art depicting two reindeers flying away from a bench .
It highlighted homelessness .
The perspex was placed over the masterpiece to prevent it from being vandalised and Fellows put it up for sale after a more permanent cover was installed .
All proceeds went to Midland Langar Seva Society ( MLSS ) .
Sold at the antique and modern jewellery sale on December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A 17th century Stuart crystal memorial portrait ring , depicting Charles I , a controversial figure who appeared to lack leadership .
His reign resulted in the outbreak of civil war .
The king was executed following a lengthy war against Oliver Cromwell ’ s Parliamentarians .
Watch awarded to man who worked on Enigma Code with Alan Turing A fascinating watch awarded to an individual who worked on the British Bombe codebreaker during the Second World War .
The gentleman ’ s Majex watch has back engravings commemorating J.R Bentley who worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Company Ltd .
It is dated July 7 , 1945 .
The company was enlisted to help create the Bombe , a machine initially conceived by Alan Turing to break the Enigma Code .

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You might think you've bought some odd things in your time - but possibly never an international megastar's bed.
Well, Fellows Auctioneers, which has had a presence in Birmingham for 144 years, has revealed some of the most interesting things it has sold in the city.
In that time, some weird and wonderful lots have been put up for sale by the business.
We asked Fellows' press officer Liam Bolland to list 10 of the most unusual items sold in recent. It is a compendium of antiquities that ranges from the bizarre to the extremely rare, from Elton John's bed to Marie-Antoinette's calendar.
Elton John’s bed
(Image: Fellows Auctioneers / SWNS)
Sold at Fellows’ antiques, silver and collectables sale on October 5, 2020, for £1,914.
The singer originally sold the bed at a 2003 Sotheby’s auction entitled "Elton John and his London Lifestyle".
It then resurfaced at Fellows 17-years later. The bed retained its original label from the Sotheby’s sale. It is unclear which room from the London property the bed was from, however the home has hosted many famous individuals, including singer Lulu and former President of the United States Bill Clinton.
Sir Bert Millichip England brooch
Sold at the January 30, 2020, fine jewellery sale for £1,202.40.
An 18ct gold and diamond England crest brooch which belonged to the former West Bromwich Albion and Football Association chairman.
It sparked a fierce bidding war during Fellows’ Fine Jewellery sale. The stunning brooch had 1996 hallmarks – the year Sir Bert retired from the Football Association. It sparked a fierce bidding war.
Watches containing the world’s oldest rum
(Image: Handout)
Sold at July and October, 2018, watch sales. The July titanium rum watch sold for £14,674 and the rose gold rum watch realised £16,588 three months later.
The watches by Speake-Marin contained 1780 Harewood Rum on the 11 hour mark, which was certified by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest.
Only 59 of the watches were ever made, 10 in rose gold and 49 in titanium. Company Wealth Solutions acquired bottles of the prestigious rum in 2011. They had been found in an old cellar in the Harewood Estate near Leeds. They began the rum watch project with Speake-Marin and produced 59 timepieces containing the droplets. There were 49 in titanium and only 10 in rose gold.
Perspex protecting Banky artwork
Sold on December 12, 2019, for £2,300.
Fellows auctioned the screen covering Banksy’s Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, art depicting two reindeers flying away from a bench. It highlighted homelessness.
The perspex was placed over the masterpiece to prevent it from being vandalised and Fellows put it up for sale after a more permanent cover was installed. All proceeds went to Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS).
17th century Charles I Stuart crystal ring
(Image: Fellows)
Sold at the antique and modern jewellery sale on December 6, 2018, for £4,083.20.
A 17th century Stuart crystal memorial portrait ring, depicting Charles I, a controversial figure who appeared to lack leadership. His reign resulted in the outbreak of civil war. The king was executed following a lengthy war against Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentarians.
Watch awarded to man who worked on Enigma Code with Alan Turing
Sold on September 28, 2020, for £433.84 (including fees).
A fascinating watch awarded to an individual who worked on the British Bombe codebreaker during the Second World War. The gentleman’s Majex watch has back engravings commemorating J.R Bentley who worked for 21-years at The British Tabulating Machine Company Ltd.
It is dated July 7, 1945. The company was enlisted to help create the Bombe, a machine initially conceived by Alan Turing to break the Enigma Code.