birminghammail--2020-10-17--Bogus council officials raid pensioner's home

Bogus council officials raided an elderly man 's Bilston home after 'canvassing ' the area for a potential target .
A conman knocked on the victim 's door and told him he 'd been sent by the local authority to sort an issue with the water .
The pensioner went to see his neighbour to see if it was genuine and when his suspicions were roused , he returned to find three men inside his property , rummaging through cupboards .
They fled empty-handed and are believed to have left the scene in a black VW Golf .
Police say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vale area the week before , knocking on doors and handing out gardening leaflets , before selecting the elderly man as their victim .
Sergeant Gemma Griffith warned people about the incident , which happened on Friday , October 16 , via West Midlands Police 's online alert system , WM Now .
She said : `` Please be extra vigilant at this time and pass this information onto vulnerable/elderly neighbours and relatives .
`` If you notice anything suspicious in your area , please don ’ t hesitate to report on 999 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
This is the second attempted distraction burglary to take place in the city in recent days .
A bogus official told attempted to get into a pensioner 's home in Windsor Gardens , Castlecroft , on Saturday , October 10 .
They claimed the next door neighbour had a leak which was coming from the attic .
Luckily , the pensioner knew something was n't quite right and sent them on their way .
They later spoke to their neighbour , who confirmed there had been no leak .
Anyone with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight .

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Bogus council officials raided an elderly man's Bilston home after 'canvassing' the area for a potential target.
A conman knocked on the victim's door and told him he'd been sent by the local authority to sort an issue with the water.
The pensioner went to see his neighbour to see if it was genuine and when his suspicions were roused, he returned to find three men inside his property, rummaging through cupboards.
They fled empty-handed and are believed to have left the scene in a black VW Golf.
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Police say the trio had 'canvassed' the Spring Vale area the week before, knocking on doors and handing out gardening leaflets, before selecting the elderly man as their victim.
Sergeant Gemma Griffith warned people about the incident, which happened on Friday, October 16, via West Midlands Police's online alert system, WM Now.
She said: "Please be extra vigilant at this time and pass this information onto vulnerable/elderly neighbours and relatives.
"If you notice anything suspicious in your area, please don’t hesitate to report on 999 (crime in progress) or 101."
This is the second attempted distraction burglary to take place in the city in recent days.
A bogus official told attempted to get into a pensioner's home in Windsor Gardens, Castlecroft, on Saturday, October 10.
They claimed the next door neighbour had a leak which was coming from the attic.
Luckily, the pensioner knew something wasn't quite right and sent them on their way.
They later spoke to their neighbour, who confirmed there had been no leak.
Anyone with information about the incidents can contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight.


birminghammail--2020-10-17--Skint student living off just £1 a day shares her genius shopping list

A cash-strapped student has shared her secret after she managed to live off just £1 every day .
The skint university student has revealed how she got by on £1 a day - and helpfully revealed her shopping list to boot .
Savvy student Poppy Barr , 23 , decided to challenge herself to spend as little as possible on her weekly food shop .
And she managed to survive on just £5 for five days , she says .
Poppy says she managed to keep in the limit by getting creative with her meals .
The 23-year-old helpfully shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mirror Online - and it 's the stuff of inspiration .
`` The premise of my challenge was relatively simple , '' Poppy told money-saving website Vogo .
`` I wanted to save as much money as I could while wasting as little food as possible , spending only £5 in the process .
`` I decided that as much as I needed to be economical , I also wanted to make meals that tasted good and gave me some nutritional value , which is why I picked up the stock cubes for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fortified with vitamins . ''
She added : `` For the most part , I was pretty happy with my choices !
I stayed with own brand items as these were a lot cheaper than the more well-known brands .
This reduced my costs significantly .
`` I even attempted a homemade pizza one night using blended oats and water for a base , pasta sauce and frozen veg – honestly not as bad as it sounds ! ''
She continued : `` I also made homemade cookies that were pretty successful using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oats , which helped satisfy my cravings for snacks throughout the day .
`` Overall , I found the week challenging but in ways that I did n't expect .
`` I 'd recommend shopping around for the best deals .
`` I 'd rely on cheap staples such as pasta , and planning meticulously for the week – there is no way I would 've had enough food for over 5 days if I had n't put so much thought into my meals beforehand . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Emma Munbodh, James Rodger)

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A cash-strapped student has shared her secret after she managed to live off just £1 every day.
The skint university student has revealed how she got by on £1 a day - and helpfully revealed her shopping list to boot.
Savvy student Poppy Barr, 23, decided to challenge herself to spend as little as possible on her weekly food shop.
And she managed to survive on just £5 for five days, she says.
Poppy says she managed to keep in the limit by getting creative with her meals.
The 23-year-old helpfully shared her shopping list with our sister title Mirror Online - and it's the stuff of inspiration.
"The premise of my challenge was relatively simple," Poppy told money-saving website Vogo.
"I wanted to save as much money as I could while wasting as little food as possible, spending only £5 in the process.
"I decided that as much as I needed to be economical, I also wanted to make meals that tasted good and gave me some nutritional value, which is why I picked up the stock cubes for flavour and soya milk, which is fortified with vitamins."
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She added: "For the most part, I was pretty happy with my choices! I stayed with own brand items as these were a lot cheaper than the more well-known brands. This reduced my costs significantly.
"I even attempted a homemade pizza one night using blended oats and water for a base, pasta sauce and frozen veg – honestly not as bad as it sounds!"
She continued: "I also made homemade cookies that were pretty successful using a mashed banana, peanut butter and oats, which helped satisfy my cravings for snacks throughout the day.
"Overall, I found the week challenging but in ways that I didn't expect.
"I'd recommend shopping around for the best deals.
"I'd rely on cheap staples such as pasta, and planning meticulously for the week – there is no way I would've had enough food for over 5 days if I hadn't put so much thought into my meals beforehand."
Shopping list:
Oats: 75p
Spaghetti: 20p
White bread: 37p
Pasta sauce: 39p
Soya milk: 59p
2 bananas: 20p
Vegetable stock cubes: 36p
Peanut butter: 70p
Butter beans: 36p
Baked beans: 29p
Frozen mixed veg: 79p
Total: £5


birminghammail--2020-10-17--Toblerone announces massive change and fans are all saying the same thing

Toblerone is a fixture of every household come Christmas time - and as festive to some as Brussels sprouts , carols and presents .
The huge confectionery is making a big change for 2020 , though .
The iconic chocolate is ready to launch two new flavours in time for Christmas and they sound amazing .
The popular chocolate bar now comes in two delicious new flavours which are available in UK supermarkets .
Bars are available at Tesco , Asda , Morrisons and Sainsbury 's , so you have plenty of chances to pick up one of the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range .
Fans can pick up the newly released Toblerone Orange Twist and brand-new flavour : Crunchy Almonds .
Nancy Moore , Junior Brand Manager for Toblerone said : `` We are very excited to share the Toblerone Orange Twist and Toblerone Crunchy Almonds with chocolate fans in the UK .
`` We are always experimenting and looking for innovative ways to reinvent our bars .
We can ’ t wait for people to try the two new flavours for themselves and let us know what they think . ''
Fans were clearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media users saying they `` ca n't wait '' to try them .
Well , the Toblerone Crunchy Almond bar is being sold exclusively at Asda for £6.29 , but the Orange Twist comes in £5 packs .
So if your mind is already turning to Christmas , be sure to sample one after your next food shop or shopping delivery from a supermarket .
Toblerone , Quality Street , Heroes , Terry 's Chocolate Oranges and tubs of Roses - what is more festive than that ?
You only have two months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you best get preparing .
After all , there is n't much else to look forward to right now !

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Toblerone is a fixture of every household come Christmas time - and as festive to some as Brussels sprouts, carols and presents.
The huge confectionery is making a big change for 2020, though.
The iconic chocolate is ready to launch two new flavours in time for Christmas and they sound amazing.
The popular chocolate bar now comes in two delicious new flavours which are available in UK supermarkets.
Bars are available at Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's, so you have plenty of chances to pick up one of the two exciting new additions to the popular Toblerone range.
Fans can pick up the newly released Toblerone Orange Twist and brand-new flavour: Crunchy Almonds.
Nancy Moore, Junior Brand Manager for Toblerone said: "We are very excited to share the Toblerone Orange Twist and Toblerone Crunchy Almonds with chocolate fans in the UK.
"We are always experimenting and looking for innovative ways to reinvent our bars. We can’t wait for people to try the two new flavours for themselves and let us know what they think."
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Fans were clearly excited by the news, with social media users saying they "can't wait" to try them.
Still not sold?
Well, the Toblerone Crunchy Almond bar is being sold exclusively at Asda for £6.29, but the Orange Twist comes in £5 packs.
So if your mind is already turning to Christmas, be sure to sample one after your next food shop or shopping delivery from a supermarket.
Toblerone, Quality Street, Heroes, Terry's Chocolate Oranges and tubs of Roses - what is more festive than that? You only have two months left until the big day - so you best get preparing.
After all, there isn't much else to look forward to right now!


birminghammail--2020-10-17--Tesco has 11,000 jobs available for Christmas

If you 're worried about making ends meet as we approach Christmas , then we have some good news : one of the UK 's most popular supermarkets is hiring .
Tesco is Britain 's biggest grocer and operates stores across Birmingham and throughout the wider West Midlands region .
The supermarket chain 's portfolio of stores includes large supermarkets , like in Hodge Hill and Spring Hill , as well as city centre Express and Metro stores .
The supermarket makes up one of the so-called Big Four alongside Sainsbury 's , Morrisons and Asda - and it needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rush .
Ahead of Christmas , Tesco is recruiting more than 11,000 temporary colleagues to help in stores across the UK at the busiest time of the year .
Each year Tesco recruits temporary colleagues to help customers during the busy Christmas period , the supermarket giant has confirmed .
These UK-wide roles , in Tesco ’ s Superstores and Extra stores , will include picking for online deliveries and store replenishment , supporting existing store colleagues .
Tesco People Director Rachel Bushby said : `` Once the seasonal period comes to an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to apply for any permanent roles available in their stores . ''
Applications for all job positions are now open - so , if you fancy throwing your hat in the ring , there is simply no time like the present .
Temp jobs are a life-saver for many each and every Christmas , and Tesco has kick-started the recruitment drive already .
Tesco operates numerous stores in Birmingham - giving you plenty of chance to find a local branch .
Anyone interested should apply to : https : //www.tesco-careers.com/christmas

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If you're worried about making ends meet as we approach Christmas, then we have some good news: one of the UK's most popular supermarkets is hiring.
Tesco is Britain's biggest grocer and operates stores across Birmingham and throughout the wider West Midlands region.
The supermarket chain's portfolio of stores includes large supermarkets, like in Hodge Hill and Spring Hill, as well as city centre Express and Metro stores.
The supermarket makes up one of the so-called Big Four alongside Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Asda - and it needs your help to cope with the festive rush.
Ahead of Christmas, Tesco is recruiting more than 11,000 temporary colleagues to help in stores across the UK at the busiest time of the year.
Each year Tesco recruits temporary colleagues to help customers during the busy Christmas period, the supermarket giant has confirmed.
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These UK-wide roles, in Tesco’s Superstores and Extra stores, will include picking for online deliveries and store replenishment, supporting existing store colleagues.
Tesco People Director Rachel Bushby said: "Once the seasonal period comes to an end, Christmas colleagues will be encouraged to apply for any permanent roles available in their stores."
Applications for all job positions are now open - so, if you fancy throwing your hat in the ring, there is simply no time like the present.
Temp jobs are a life-saver for many each and every Christmas, and Tesco has kick-started the recruitment drive already.
Tesco operates numerous stores in Birmingham - giving you plenty of chance to find a local branch.
Anyone interested should apply to: https://www.tesco-careers.com/christmas


birminghammail--2020-10-17--The list of free agents that could interest Blues and Karanka

The summer transfer window caused some football clubs to be a lot more cautious than they usually would .
Due to the coronavirus pandemic , teams have struggled with their finances - due to a loss of matchday revenue , amongst other things .
Championship clubs would ’ ve felt the economic crisis much more than teams in the Premier League , for example .
The 24 sides have been forced to look for bargains , in a transfer market where some clubs are desperate to sell their star players .
Birmingham City can certainly claim to have done so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the season , it ’ s looking like a successful approach .
Blues banked millions from the sale of academy wonder kid Jude Bellingham , but they ’ ve been prudent in the market and secured deals for small fees - or , in some cases , nothing at all .
George Friend and Adam Clayton were free pick ups from Middlesbrough , as was Jon Toral after he left Hull .
Mikel San Jose and Ivan Sanchez look like very nifty freebies too , while the bulk of the money spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neil Etheridge and attackers Scott Hogan and Jonathan Leko .
The transfer window is now closed , but that doesn ’ t mean Blues can ’ t add further ; the free agent market is open .
It makes great financial sense to sign a free agent - who could prove valuable to the club - and whose wages don ’ t exceed the side ’ s budget .
As well as this , those players without a club can be signed during any point of the season .
Here , we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that could come to the Championship this season , or beyond that .
Are there any here that could prove to be a bargain for Aitor Karanka ?
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest transfer news and comment Why should you sign up ?
In our daily Birmingham City bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Joseph Chapman, Bobby Vincent)

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The summer transfer window caused some football clubs to be a lot more cautious than they usually would.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, teams have struggled with their finances - due to a loss of matchday revenue, amongst other things.
Championship clubs would’ve felt the economic crisis much more than teams in the Premier League, for example.
The 24 sides have been forced to look for bargains, in a transfer market where some clubs are desperate to sell their star players.
Birmingham City can certainly claim to have done so - and, in the early stages of the season, it’s looking like a successful approach.
Blues banked millions from the sale of academy wonder kid Jude Bellingham, but they’ve been prudent in the market and secured deals for small fees - or, in some cases, nothing at all.
George Friend and Adam Clayton were free pick ups from Middlesbrough, as was Jon Toral after he left Hull.
Mikel San Jose and Ivan Sanchez look like very nifty freebies too, while the bulk of the money spent in the window came in landing goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and attackers Scott Hogan and Jonathan Leko.
The transfer window is now closed, but that doesn’t mean Blues can’t add further; the free agent market is open.
It makes great financial sense to sign a free agent - who could prove valuable to the club - and whose wages don’t exceed the side’s budget.
As well as this, those players without a club can be signed during any point of the season.
Here, we have gathered some of the best free agents that could come to the Championship this season, or beyond that.
Are there any here that could prove to be a bargain for Aitor Karanka?
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest news and comment Why should you sign up? In our daily Birmingham City bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Players currently without a club (age)
Daniel Sturridge (31)
Danny Welbeck (29)
Jack Wilshere (28)
Fabio Borini (29)
Daryl Janmaat (31)
Kevin Stewart (27)
Oumar Niasse (30)
Jackson Irvine (27)
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (28)
Rajiv van La Parra (29)
Steven Defour (32)
Duncan Watmore (26)
Yaya Sanogo (27)
Andrew Surman (34)
Charlie Daniels (34)
Adrian Mariappa (34)
Andre Green (22)
Ashley Williams (36)
Andy King (31)
Pape Souare (30)
Orjan Nyland (30)
Kieron Freeman (28)
Ezequiel Schelotto (31)
Diafra Sakho (30)
Cuco Martina (31)
Jon Flanagan (27)
Beram Kayal (32)


birminghammail--2020-10-17--Pupils at school sent home in Covid 'circuit break'

Year 11 pupils at a school in Halesowen have been sent home for a week as part of a 'circuit break ' following a number of positive Covid tests .
Parents were sent a letter yesterday ( Friday ) telling them that a decision had been made to send the whole of Year 11 home for seven days .
The letter from headteacher Matthew Mynott said the school had been advised to take part in the 'circuit break ' following advice from Public Health England , Dudley Health and the Invictus Trust .
The move comes as a Willenhall school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to a mass outbreak where 40 staff were sent home .
The letter said : `` This has certainly been a very testing week for the school with positive Covid test results and numbers of students and staff who are having to isolate due to this .
`` We have had some more today which is the reason I have sent home Year 11 to work from home for a week , '' This is not a decision I have taken on my own , but with support and advice from Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trust as an attempt to 'circuit break . '
The email goes on to say : `` Please continue to reiterate the messages of staying safe at home .
We have had our control measures in school and we have been reviewing these as part of the discussions with PHE .
We are still having to remind students to wear face coverings - they are as much essential to every day as their equipment .
Please check they leave the house with it .
`` Please continue to stay safe every day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are seeing across the country , but the health of you all has been a concern of mine ever since we went into lockdown in March and continues to be . ''

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Year 11 pupils at a school in Halesowen have been sent home for a week as part of a 'circuit break' following a number of positive Covid tests.
Parents were sent a letter yesterday (Friday) telling them that a decision had been made to send the whole of Year 11 home for seven days.
The letter from headteacher Matthew Mynott said the school had been advised to take part in the 'circuit break' following advice from Public Health England, Dudley Health and the Invictus Trust.
The move comes as a Willenhall school said it was closing for two weeks due to a mass outbreak where 40 staff were sent home.
The letter said: "This has certainly been a very testing week for the school with positive Covid test results and numbers of students and staff who are having to isolate due to this.
"We have had some more today which is the reason I have sent home Year 11 to work from home for a week,
"This is not a decision I have taken on my own, but with support and advice from Public Health, Dudley Health and the Invictus Trust as an attempt to 'circuit break.'
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The email goes on to say: "Please continue to reiterate the messages of staying safe at home. We have had our control measures in school and we have been reviewing these as part of the discussions with PHE. We are still having to remind students to wear face coverings - they are as much essential to every day as their equipment. Please check they leave the house with it.
"Please continue to stay safe every day. Things are not getting any easier as we are seeing across the country, but the health of you all has been a concern of mine ever since we went into lockdown in March and continues to be."


birminghammail--2020-10-17--Eight places at risk of tier three lockdowns next as coronavirus cases soar

Eight parts of the country could be added to tier three lockdowns next , according to the latest figures .
While the rate in Birmingham edges towards 200 , the city is nowhere near the top of the table for current coronavirus cases .
The areas tipped for Tier 3 lockdown restrictions , according to the latest Covid Symptom Tracker app data , have been revealed .
The eight areas include Hartlepool , Newcastle upon Tyne and Leeds , as well as Burnley and Salford .
Manchester could also be thrown into one , as well as Sheffield .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk .
Tier three lockdowns mean pubs and bars must close - unless they serve main meals , which must be `` substantial '' .
Wedding receptions have also been banned as part of the rules , as well as bans on households mixing inside or outside .
Rule of Six applies outside , and you can avoid travelling outside of the local area , the government says .
The guidance also bans overnight stays in other parts of the UK .
There are also closures for gyms , casinos and lesiure centres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities .
Prof Tim Spector , a genetic epidemiologist , said : `` Our new Tier Prediction model highlights that nine out of 10 are in the North of England , where most of the cases currently are concentrated .
`` Unlike the North which is accelerating , London has been showing a steady linear increase , doubling every 21 ( range 14-28 ) days so it will be interesting to see how the new Tier 2 restrictions influence the rate of new cases in the next two weeks.
” He added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the exponential increases that we were seeing a couple of weeks ago .
`` But it is clearly showing new cases continuing to rise .
`` The North West still has the most cases and the fastest acceleration of cases with doubling times of around 10 days .
`` Scotland , Wales , London and the Midlands are slowly increasing with a doubling time of 14-28 days and the South and East of England remaining relatively flat with five-fold fewer cases than the worst hit regions .
`` Our data is roughly 7-10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it acts like an early warning system , whilst we wait for the data from the confirmed cases . ''

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Eight parts of the country could be added to tier three lockdowns next, according to the latest figures.
While the rate in Birmingham edges towards 200, the city is nowhere near the top of the table for current coronavirus cases.
The areas tipped for Tier 3 lockdown restrictions, according to the latest Covid Symptom Tracker app data, have been revealed.
The eight areas include Hartlepool, Newcastle upon Tyne and Leeds, as well as Burnley and Salford.
Manchester could also be thrown into one, as well as Sheffield.
In the Midlands, Nottingham is also at risk.
Tier three lockdowns mean pubs and bars must close - unless they serve main meals, which must be "substantial".
Wedding receptions have also been banned as part of the rules, as well as bans on households mixing inside or outside.
Rule of Six applies outside, and you can avoid travelling outside of the local area, the government says.
The guidance also bans overnight stays in other parts of the UK.
There are also closures for gyms, casinos and lesiure centres, but this remains up to local authorities.
Prof Tim Spector, a genetic epidemiologist, said: "Our new Tier Prediction model highlights that nine out of 10 are in the North of England, where most of the cases currently are concentrated.
(Image: PA)
"Unlike the North which is accelerating, London has been showing a steady linear increase, doubling every 21 (range 14-28) days so it will be interesting to see how the new Tier 2 restrictions influence the rate of new cases in the next two weeks.”
He added: "The data is no longer showing the exponential increases that we were seeing a couple of weeks ago.
"But it is clearly showing new cases continuing to rise.
"The North West still has the most cases and the fastest acceleration of cases with doubling times of around 10 days.
"Slowing this rapid rise is a priority.
"Scotland, Wales, London and the Midlands are slowly increasing with a doubling time of 14-28 days and the South and East of England remaining relatively flat with five-fold fewer cases than the worst hit regions.
"Our data is roughly 7-10 days ahead of other sources meaning that it acts like an early warning system, whilst we wait for the data from the confirmed cases."


birminghammail--2020-10-17--Klopp's different view as he reflects on Liverpool's Villa beating

Maybe Liverpool needed the ‘ proper knock ’ that Aston Villa dealt them to remind them that they mustn ’ t let their standards slip , boss Jurgen Klopp has argued .
Klopp leads his Reds into a Merseyside battle this afternoon against Everton , who sit at the top of the league having won their first four matches .
They ’ ve had the entire international break to digest the 7-2 hammering they received at Villa Park , when Jack Grealish and co ran riot against the English champions in a result that left the nation wide eyed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League , the Champions League and the Club World Cup , there ’ s no other positive way of taking such a score-line , inflicted by Villa , other than for it to serve as a reminder that they can ’ t take their collective eye off the ball .
“ Maybe after all the positive things that happened to us it needed a proper knock in the middle of our face to shake us through , ” Klopp explained .
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for Ollie Watkins updates The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wesley Moraes , and big things are expected of the winger/striker at Villa Park .
He 's well known to Villa head coach Dean Smith , and you could get to know Watkins just as well by signing up to our free AVFC newsletter .
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
If you fancy another present , we 've got plenty of prizes in our FPL league .
Ollie Watkins could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FPL glory .
In our Fantasy League , you could win £250 , a new replica 20/21 football shirt of your choice , and the inaugural RFFL winner ’ s trophy and certificate .
To enter , simply sign up here .
“ I ’ m not 100 per cent sure about that , but that is the way I take it , and then it was OK because there is no other reason why 7-2 should be good .
“ If it was for that then it could have been the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is why we try to use it and we will see .
”

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Maybe Liverpool needed the ‘proper knock’ that Aston Villa dealt them to remind them that they mustn’t let their standards slip, boss Jurgen Klopp has argued.
Klopp leads his Reds into a Merseyside battle this afternoon against Everton, who sit at the top of the league having won their first four matches.
They’ve had the entire international break to digest the 7-2 hammering they received at Villa Park, when Jack Grealish and co ran riot against the English champions in a result that left the nation wide eyed.
Klopp admits that, after securing the Premier League, the Champions League and the Club World Cup, there’s no other positive way of taking such a score-line, inflicted by Villa, other than for it to serve as a reminder that they can’t take their collective eye off the ball.
“Maybe after all the positive things that happened to us it needed a proper knock in the middle of our face to shake us through,” Klopp explained.
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“I’m not 100 per cent sure about that, but that is the way I take it, and then it was OK because there is no other reason why 7-2 should be good.
“If it was for that then it could have been the most important game of the season, so that is why we try to use it and we will see.”


birminghammail--2020-10-17--Nuno can select exciting new Wolves XI against Leeds United

Nuno Espirito Santo hopes to have a fully fit squad to choose from when Wolverhampton Wanderers take on Leeds United on Monday night .
Brazilian defender Marcal has resumed training this week following a calf injury and the club ’ s international stars returned to Compton Park on Friday .
Upon their arrival they underwent testing for COVID-19 with Nuno set to discover the results on Sunday .
Cristiano Ronaldo ’ s positive test has sparked some fears over Wolves ’ Portuguese contingent , five of whom were in Fernando Santos ' squad alongside the Juventus superstar .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same France under-21 squad as Matteo Guendouzi , who has since tested positive for the virus .
Needless to say , Wolves will be monitoring their players closely over the weekend and praying for the all-clear ahead of their fixture at Elland Road .
And with the window now done and dusted , Nuno is free to select all six of his new recruits for the first time .
But what is his best XI currently and what will he go with at Elland Road ?
Rui Patricio picks himself , while Willy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two of the three spots in Nuno ’ s back line .
The left-sided centre-back is up for grabs although Romain Saiss is expected to keep his place in the team in the immediate future .
Max Kilman slotted in to solve a problem last time out , while Marcal can also operate there .
Nelson Semedo will continue at right wing-back and if he is fit enough , Marcal is expected to start on the left .
The 31-year-old former Lyon man looked sharp on his debut against Sheffield United and Wolves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City and West Ham .
He isn ’ t the most electric player in Wolves ’ system , but he adds vital balance on the left flank .
Ruben Neves has been way below his standards of last season in the opening weeks of the season but he still remains the first pick in midfield .
It ’ s very much one of Joao Moutinho and Leander Dendoncker next to him and , at the moment , it ’ s clear Wolves function better with the latter .
Dendoncker ’ s physicality has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past and it will be just that against a Leeds side with bags of energy in midfield .
Raul Jimenez is possibly the first name on the team sheet and Daniel Podence can ’ t be far off after the start he ’ s enjoyed this season .
The newly crowned Portugal international is a different type of wideman to Adama Traore and Pedro Neto and provides the creative craft Wolves have lacked in the past .
Traore vs Neto is a debate dividing Wolves supporters at present given the latter ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his day Traore remains one of the most fearsome forwards in the Premier League and he ’ ll start more games than he doesn ’ t this season .
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Google Play Store and App Store Some have put forward an argument that Wolves are better served using Traore off the bench - but are they ?
Traore ’ s record in the Premier League last season suggests not .
He scored four goals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ term , averaging a goal contribution every 193 minutes .
In comparison , he didn ’ t score and only recorded one assist in 10 outings off the bench for Wolves at a rate of a goal contribution every 282 minutes .
Traore , who has become a fully-fledged Spain international over the last two weeks , is still the man for Wolves .

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Nuno Espirito Santo hopes to have a fully fit squad to choose from when Wolverhampton Wanderers take on Leeds United on Monday night.
Brazilian defender Marcal has resumed training this week following a calf injury and the club’s international stars returned to Compton Park on Friday.
Upon their arrival they underwent testing for COVID-19 with Nuno set to discover the results on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s positive test has sparked some fears over Wolves’ Portuguese contingent, five of whom were in Fernando Santos' squad alongside the Juventus superstar.
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Meanwhile, new signing Rayan Ait-Nouri was in the same France under-21 squad as Matteo Guendouzi, who has since tested positive for the virus.
Needless to say, Wolves will be monitoring their players closely over the weekend and praying for the all-clear ahead of their fixture at Elland Road.
And with the window now done and dusted, Nuno is free to select all six of his new recruits for the first time.
But what is his best XI currently and what will he go with at Elland Road?
Defence
Rui Patricio picks himself, while Willy Boly and Conor Coady will make up two of the three spots in Nuno’s back line.
The left-sided centre-back is up for grabs although Romain Saiss is expected to keep his place in the team in the immediate future. Max Kilman slotted in to solve a problem last time out, while Marcal can also operate there.
Nelson Semedo will continue at right wing-back and if he is fit enough, Marcal is expected to start on the left. The 31-year-old former Lyon man looked sharp on his debut against Sheffield United and Wolves missed him badly in defeats to Manchester City and West Ham.
He isn’t the most electric player in Wolves’ system, but he adds vital balance on the left flank.
Midfield
Ruben Neves has been way below his standards of last season in the opening weeks of the season but he still remains the first pick in midfield.
It’s very much one of Joao Moutinho and Leander Dendoncker next to him and, at the moment, it’s clear Wolves function better with the latter.
Dendoncker’s physicality has been a huge help to Neves in the past and it will be just that against a Leeds side with bags of energy in midfield.
Attack
Raul Jimenez is possibly the first name on the team sheet and Daniel Podence can’t be far off after the start he’s enjoyed this season.
The newly crowned Portugal international is a different type of wideman to Adama Traore and Pedro Neto and provides the creative craft Wolves have lacked in the past.
Traore vs Neto is a debate dividing Wolves supporters at present given the latter’s improved form.
However, on his day Traore remains one of the most fearsome forwards in the Premier League and he’ll start more games than he doesn’t this season.
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Some have put forward an argument that Wolves are better served using Traore off the bench - but are they? Traore’s record in the Premier League last season suggests not.
He scored four goals and grabbed eight assists in 27 starts last term, averaging a goal contribution every 193 minutes.
In comparison, he didn’t score and only recorded one assist in 10 outings off the bench for Wolves at a rate of a goal contribution every 282 minutes.
Traore, who has become a fully-fledged Spain international over the last two weeks, is still the man for Wolves.
Wolves’ strongest available XI
(3-4-3): Patricio; Boly, Coady, Saiss; Semedo, Dendoncker, Neves, Marcal; Traore, Jimenez, Podence


birminghammail--2020-10-17--Birmingham City's best XI after Aitor Karanka's transfer make-over

Birmingham City have signed an entire new team over the summer .
Perhaps not eleven new recruits who could be fashioned into a coherent side in the strictest sense , but eleven arrivals who have utterly transformed Aitor Karanka ’ s squad .
The new head coach has a wealth of options at his disposal and the spine of his side is looking more sturdy than any at Blues in a long , long time .
But with so many new faces , the question begs to be asked ... what ’ s Birmingham City ’ s best XI ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at picking his .
Let ’ s work on the basis that everyone is fit , including Josh McEachran and Jonathan Leko and I ’ m going to restrict myself to a 4-2-3-1 , given that ’ s what Karanka is most likely to field .
Neil Etheridge is a no brainer – and there ’ s not much discussion to be had around the full backs , so it ’ s Maxime Colin and Kristian Pedersen .
However , there ’ s lots of talking to be done at centre half where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clarke-Salter and Marc Roberts are front line central defenders , with Mikel San Jose as an option .
The one that leaps off the page for me is and has the highest ceiling , with pace and distribution , is Clarke-Salter who operates on the left-side .
That leaves us with the choice between moving Friend to the right or sticking with Harlee Dean – and that ’ s a tough call .
I ’ ll say Dean on the basis he ’ s the man in possession of that position , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is dynamic in the air in both boxes .
Again a glut of options between San Jose , Adam Clayton , Ivan Sunjic and Gary Gardner .
A rejuvenated Sunjic is the one who has the most energy – and is playing well , so he gets one of those spots .
The other is very much a toss up between Clayton and San Jose – who you would expect to be an absolute class act .
This is all very harsh on Gary Gardner who is the right horse for some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ m stalling for time ... .Clayton because he ’ s the known quantity at present .
Ask me again after two San Jose games , though .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter here It ’ s Scott Hogan leading the line for me , he ’ s got the mobility to run the channels and only needs half a chance to score a goal .
Two of the three behind are easy picks , the classy Ivan Sanchez and fleetingly effective Jeremie Bela – though the latter doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many periods of games .
Which brings us to the No .
10 spot .
We ’ ve seen Jon Toral mainly – and he is yet to do enough to win the argument .
Dan Crowley deserves a shot , Riley McGree is an unknown quantity but if he ’ s fit I ’ d go with Jonathan Leko as a second striker .
Pace kills and he ’ s got plenty of that .

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Birmingham City have signed an entire new team over the summer.
Perhaps not eleven new recruits who could be fashioned into a coherent side in the strictest sense, but eleven arrivals who have utterly transformed Aitor Karanka’s squad.
The new head coach has a wealth of options at his disposal and the spine of his side is looking more sturdy than any at Blues in a long, long time.
But with so many new faces, the question begs to be asked...what’s Birmingham City’s best XI?
Blues writer Brian Dick has a go at picking his.
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Rationale
Let’s work on the basis that everyone is fit, including Josh McEachran and Jonathan Leko and I’m going to restrict myself to a 4-2-3-1, given that’s what Karanka is most likely to field.
Here goes.
GK/Defence
Neil Etheridge is a no brainer – and there’s not much discussion to be had around the full backs, so it’s Maxime Colin and Kristian Pedersen.
However, there’s lots of talking to be done at centre half where Harlee Dean, George Friend, Jake Clarke-Salter and Marc Roberts are front line central defenders, with Mikel San Jose as an option.
(Image: Birmingham City/bcfc.com)
The one that leaps off the page for me is and has the highest ceiling, with pace and distribution, is Clarke-Salter who operates on the left-side.
That leaves us with the choice between moving Friend to the right or sticking with Harlee Dean – and that’s a tough call.
I’ll say Dean on the basis he’s the man in possession of that position, has played well so far this season and is dynamic in the air in both boxes.
Midfield
Again a glut of options between San Jose, Adam Clayton, Ivan Sunjic and Gary Gardner.
A rejuvenated Sunjic is the one who has the most energy – and is playing well, so he gets one of those spots.
The other is very much a toss up between Clayton and San Jose – who you would expect to be an absolute class act.
This is all very harsh on Gary Gardner who is the right horse for some of the courses Blues will come up against.
I’m stalling for time....Clayton because he’s the known quantity at present. Ask me again after two San Jose games, though.
Attack
It’s Scott Hogan leading the line for me, he’s got the mobility to run the channels and only needs half a chance to score a goal.
Two of the three behind are easy picks, the classy Ivan Sanchez and fleetingly effective Jeremie Bela – though the latter doesn’t want to coast through too many periods of games.
Which brings us to the No. 10 spot. We’ve seen Jon Toral mainly – and he is yet to do enough to win the argument.
Dan Crowley deserves a shot, Riley McGree is an unknown quantity but if he’s fit I’d go with Jonathan Leko as a second striker. Pace kills and he’s got plenty of that.
BLUES (4-2-3-1): Etheridge; Colin, Dean, Clarke-Salter, Pedersen; Sunjic, Clayton; Sanchez, Leko, Bela; Hogan.


birminghammail--2020-10-17--54 more venues given government money to survive coronavirus

More than £76 million has been handed to arts organisations in the latest tranche of Government support for the cultural sector .
Comedy clubs , circuses , music festivals , theatres and museums are all in line to receive the funding as part of the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund .
A total of 588 organisations will share the latest round of grants of up to £1 million - including 54 in the West Midlands .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said : `` This is more vital funding to protect cultural gems across the country , save jobs and prepare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Through Arts Council England we are delivering the biggest ever investment in the arts in record time .
`` Hundreds of millions of pounds are already making their way to thousands of organisations .
`` These awards build on our commitment to be here for culture in every part of the country . ''
Arts Council England chairman Sir Nicholas Serota said : `` Culture is an essential part of life across the country , helping to support people 's wellbeing through creativity and self-expression , bringing communities together , and fuelling our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest set of awards from the Culture Recovery Fund builds on those announced recently and will help hundreds of organisations to survive the next few months , ensuring that the cultural sector can bounce back after the crisis .
`` We will continue doing everything we can to support artists and cultural and creative organisations , with further funding to be announced in the coming weeks . ''
The latest round of funding follows the £257 million which was allocated on Monday .

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More than £76 million has been handed to arts organisations in the latest tranche of Government support for the cultural sector.
Comedy clubs, circuses, music festivals, theatres and museums are all in line to receive the funding as part of the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.
A total of 588 organisations will share the latest round of grants of up to £1 million - including 54 in the West Midlands.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "This is more vital funding to protect cultural gems across the country, save jobs and prepare the arts to bounce back.
"Through Arts Council England we are delivering the biggest ever investment in the arts in record time.
"Hundreds of millions of pounds are already making their way to thousands of organisations.
"These awards build on our commitment to be here for culture in every part of the country."
Arts Council England chairman Sir Nicholas Serota said: "Culture is an essential part of life across the country, helping to support people's wellbeing through creativity and self-expression, bringing communities together, and fuelling our world class creative industries.
"This latest set of awards from the Culture Recovery Fund builds on those announced recently and will help hundreds of organisations to survive the next few months, ensuring that the cultural sector can bounce back after the crisis.
"We will continue doing everything we can to support artists and cultural and creative organisations, with further funding to be announced in the coming weeks."
The latest round of funding follows the £257 million which was allocated on Monday.


birminghammail--2020-10-17--Marc Albrighton lifts the lid on all of his Aston Villa managers

Marc Albrighton was a special guest on our Claret & Blue podcast and YouTube channel over the summer .
Albrighton will forever be remembered among Aston Villa fans as the one who got away , leaving his boyhood club in 2014 and then going on to lift the Premier League title with Midlands rivals Leicester City .
The flying winger and born and bred Villa fan played under five bosses during an up and down claret and blue career - Martin O'Neill , Kevin MacDonald , Gerard Houllier , Alex McLeish and Paul Lambert .
During the podcast Albrighton talked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the various Villa managers .
You can see him explaining the circumstances of his departure in the video at the top of this piece .
O'Neill was the man who gave Albrighton his debut in the infamous UEFA Cup defeat at CSKA Moscow in February 2009 .
While he felt like a peripheral figure under O'Neill he was sad to see the Irishman and his backroom staff , particularly John Robertson go , during the bombshell departure of August 2010 .
“ I ’ d certainly say it was a shock , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite well for me being the first game of the season because Kev MacDonald took over and put me straight in .
There was a divide .
There were some players who were happy about it but there were some players who were distraught .
He had his 12-13 players who he picked every week , they were all happy ( under O ’ Neill ) , and obviously the ones who weren ’ t playing , were not happy .
`` So when he left , there was a divide with people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was gutted , personally , because John Robertson , who was part of his staff , absolutely adored me .
He took me under his wing and really took an interest in my game and he was always helping me .
He ’ d come up to me and watch the reserve games and if my manager was getting on my back , he ’ d always back me up and say , ‘ No , I know why he ’ s done that , or why he ’ s done this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see Martin go , Robbo go and Steve Walford .
I think what they did for the club at the time - I know it ’ s hindsight - but with everything that happened after , it was no coincidence that it happened after .
He had stability at the club and he got the club to some good finishes in the league.
” With Villa left in chaos following the timing of O'Neill 's resignation , academy guru Kevin MacDonald was placed in temporary charge at the start of the 2010-11 season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came through the ranks at Bodymoor Heath and included the 20-year-old in his first XI for the opening day 3-0 win over West Ham at Villa Park .
`` I was buzzing when Kev was put in charge - 100 per cent ! ''
he smiles .
`` He was brilliant with me .
Straight away , I remember Kev coming up to me and telling me I was playing on Saturday , and to get my head around it , get ready for it , no excuses and show everyone what you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I needed .
I think that might ’ ve been on the Thursday before with the game on the Saturday .
I remember , to wake up on the first day of a Premier League season , knowing that you are going to be starting - it was incredible.
” Gerard Houllier was the man appointed , theoretically , as O'Neill 's long term successor at Villa , but it was not to be as the Frenchman had barely got started before health problems forced him to stand down .
Even in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developed a strong working relationship with Houllier .
“ I , personally , really got on with him , '' says Albrighton .
`` He helped me a lot , he gave me a lot of game-time , he said the right things to me that I wanted to hear .
He gave me pointers about my game , I was still learning .
He always made reference to players that he had previously back at Liverpool .
I remember before the Tottenham game I scored my first goal in , I remember @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there and he might ’ ve dragged him off at half-time because he wasn ’ t ready .
But he told me I was more than ready .
He said go out there and do yourself proud .
I remember him reminding me of that after the game .
There was no-one more pleased for me than he was .
`` Throughout , I feel like he knew what Villa meant , he tried to buy into it .
We had a lot of derby games that year and he always tried to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city in his team talks .
Me being local , I knew that , but we had a lot of foreign players that probably didn ’ t know .
So , he always tried to get that point across which I thought was good . ''
Albrighton admits he was sad to see Houllier depart at a time when his efforts to change the culture at the club were only just beginning .
“ I know there were still a lot of people saying , ‘ I ’ m not sure whether he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ , he was sort of in the balance with the fans , '' he acknowledges .
`` For us , when that news come through , we were obviously gutted .
The main thing was for him to get better and he was okay , and thankfully , he made a full recovery and he ’ s doing well now .
`` Like I said , he was such a nice guy .
He said all the right things to you .
For somebody like that , for anyone to suffer that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nice and our main concern was for his health .
I don ’ t think I ’ ve seen him since .
I still see someone who knows him well - who I met through him - he introduced me .
I still speak to him occasionally .
He always passes on his regards to me .
It ’ s good to see that he ’ s back fit and well.
” With Houllier , or rather his doctors , calling time on his claret and blue career in the summer of 2011 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another manager .
Alex McLeish , having guided Blues to cup glory and relegation , was the controversial choice .
Having established himself around the first team scene under Houllier , Albrighton stayed there during the year under McLeish .
Albrighton was coming at it as a concerned Villa fan and as a young professional anxious to impress his latest gaffer .
“ At the time , obviously all my mates were Villa , and I remember getting messages left , right and centre , saying , ‘ I can ’ t believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I was getting sent the photos of Bodymoor Heath and the spray paint , and everything .
`` I didn ’ t know how to feel .
I was thinking from my point-of-view , I hope he likes me .
The first time I met him was at the kit launch at Star City , he came into the dressing room where we were getting changed and my first thought was how massive he was .
He had conversations with us , he was a real nice guy .
`` It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans over having come from Birmingham .
The period he was there , even before and after , it was a big transitional period .
Ever since Martin O ’ Neill left , it was really bad timing for him .
`` It was a shame , because I really got on with him and I thought some of the stuff he said was positive and the lads took that on board .
Peter Grant was his assistant , who again , was good .
He was good to talk to as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development as well.
” Seeing the Holte End - and indeed the whole of Villa Park - turn on Big Eck was not nice , especially for a measured lad like Albrighton who felt a sense of responsibility .
“ It is hard because obviously you don ’ t know , well you sort of know that it ’ s aimed at the manager , '' he recalls .
`` But you ’ re thinking are they not happy with me , are they not happy with the manager because they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Their anger is towards the manager but every bad thing you then do on the pitch is greeted with 40,000 jeers .
`` At that point , unless you pull something spectacular out of the bag , it ’ s hard to turn that around .
Once that happens , it ’ s hard to get back to get the fans on side and get them positive again.
” Eventually , just about staying up instalments and a disillusioned fanbase did for McLeish .
In his final game , a dreadul 2-0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans were serenading Paul Lambert and soon the Norwich City boss replaced his fellow Scot in the Villa Park dugout .
Albrighton 's initial enthusiasm for the appointment quickly made way for frustration .
“ When Lambert was appointed , I was really pleased in terms of , he was very much like Martin O ’ Neill , '' he explains .
`` O ’ Neill liked me , I looked at his teams previously , he likes the hard-working players , I thought I couldn ’ t really go far wrong here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if I ’ m honest .
It was the transitional period at Villa .
It was difficult for anyone to come in .
I don ’ t know to this day who was making the decisions , who was making the signings .
The signings weren ’ t good enough - there was one in five or six that were good enough .
It wasn ’ t a good dressing room , it was a toxic dressing room , it was very separated .
I was walking around the place and never had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a part of his plans .
It was always difficult for me to ever be a part of it .
From my point-of-view , it wasn ’ t all that .
I was injured as well , that probably didn ’ t help my cause .
Things that happened in that era that didn ’ t exactly fill me with motivation at all in terms of playing for him .
”

Marc Albrighton was a special guest on our Claret & Blue podcast and YouTube channel over the summer.
Albrighton will forever be remembered among Aston Villa fans as the one who got away, leaving his boyhood club in 2014 and then going on to lift the Premier League title with Midlands rivals Leicester City.
The flying winger and born and bred Villa fan played under five bosses during an up and down claret and blue career - Martin O'Neill, Kevin MacDonald, Gerard Houllier, Alex McLeish and Paul Lambert.
During the podcast Albrighton talked us through his experiences and feelings towards the various Villa managers.
You can see him explaining the circumstances of his departure in the video at the top of this piece.
Martin O'Neill
O'Neill was the man who gave Albrighton his debut in the infamous UEFA Cup defeat at CSKA Moscow in February 2009. While he felt like a peripheral figure under O'Neill he was sad to see the Irishman and his backroom staff, particularly John Robertson go, during the bombshell departure of August 2010.
“I’d certainly say it was a shock," he admits. "It worked out quite well for me being the first game of the season because Kev MacDonald took over and put me straight in. There was a divide. There were some players who were happy about it but there were some players who were distraught. He had his 12-13 players who he picked every week, they were all happy (under O’Neill), and obviously the ones who weren’t playing, were not happy.
"So when he left, there was a divide with people who were happy or not.
"I was gutted, personally, because John Robertson, who was part of his staff, absolutely adored me. He took me under his wing and really took an interest in my game and he was always helping me. He’d come up to me and watch the reserve games and if my manager was getting on my back, he’d always back me up and say, ‘No, I know why he’s done that, or why he’s done this’.
"I was sad to see Martin go, Robbo go and Steve Walford. I think what they did for the club at the time - I know it’s hindsight - but with everything that happened after, it was no coincidence that it happened after. He had stability at the club and he got the club to some good finishes in the league.”
Kevin MacDonald
With Villa left in chaos following the timing of O'Neill's resignation, academy guru Kevin MacDonald was placed in temporary charge at the start of the 2010-11 season. MacDonald had mentored Albrighton as he came through the ranks at Bodymoor Heath and included the 20-year-old in his first XI for the opening day 3-0 win over West Ham at Villa Park.
"I was buzzing when Kev was put in charge - 100 per cent!" he smiles. "He was brilliant with me. Straight away, I remember Kev coming up to me and telling me I was playing on Saturday, and to get my head around it, get ready for it, no excuses and show everyone what you can do.
"That was all I needed. I think that might’ve been on the Thursday before with the game on the Saturday. I remember, to wake up on the first day of a Premier League season, knowing that you are going to be starting - it was incredible.”
Gerard Houllier
Gerard Houllier was the man appointed, theoretically, as O'Neill's long term successor at Villa, but it was not to be as the Frenchman had barely got started before health problems forced him to stand down. Even in their brief time together, however, Albrighton developed a strong working relationship with Houllier.
“I, personally, really got on with him," says Albrighton. "He helped me a lot, he gave me a lot of game-time, he said the right things to me that I wanted to hear. He gave me pointers about my game, I was still learning. He always made reference to players that he had previously back at Liverpool. I remember before the Tottenham game I scored my first goal in, I remember him saying that he played Steven Gerrard there and he might’ve dragged him off at half-time because he wasn’t ready. But he told me I was more than ready. He said go out there and do yourself proud. I remember him reminding me of that after the game. There was no-one more pleased for me than he was.
"Throughout, I feel like he knew what Villa meant, he tried to buy into it. We had a lot of derby games that year and he always tried to emphasise how much that meant to the city in his team talks. Me being local, I knew that, but we had a lot of foreign players that probably didn’t know. So, he always tried to get that point across which I thought was good."
Albrighton admits he was sad to see Houllier depart at a time when his efforts to change the culture at the club were only just beginning.
“I know there were still a lot of people saying, ‘I’m not sure whether he’s the right manager for us’, he was sort of in the balance with the fans," he acknowledges. "For us, when that news come through, we were obviously gutted. The main thing was for him to get better and he was okay, and thankfully, he made a full recovery and he’s doing well now.
"Like I said, he was such a nice guy. He said all the right things to you. For somebody like that, for anyone to suffer that, it isn’t very much nice and our main concern was for his health. I don’t think I’ve seen him since. I still see someone who knows him well - who I met through him - he introduced me. I still speak to him occasionally. He always passes on his regards to me. It’s good to see that he’s back fit and well.”
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Alex McLeish
With Houllier, or rather his doctors, calling time on his claret and blue career in the summer of 2011, Villa were on the search for another manager. Alex McLeish, having guided Blues to cup glory and relegation, was the controversial choice. Having established himself around the first team scene under Houllier, Albrighton stayed there during the year under McLeish.
Albrighton was coming at it as a concerned Villa fan and as a young professional anxious to impress his latest gaffer.
“At the time, obviously all my mates were Villa, and I remember getting messages left, right and centre, saying, ‘I can’t believe this’," he recalls. "I was getting sent the photos of Bodymoor Heath and the spray paint, and everything.
"I didn’t know how to feel. I was thinking from my point-of-view, I hope he likes me. The first time I met him was at the kit launch at Star City, he came into the dressing room where we were getting changed and my first thought was how massive he was. He had conversations with us, he was a real nice guy.
"It was difficult for him to ever win the fans over having come from Birmingham. The period he was there, even before and after, it was a big transitional period. Ever since Martin O’Neill left, it was really bad timing for him.
"It was a shame, because I really got on with him and I thought some of the stuff he said was positive and the lads took that on board. Peter Grant was his assistant, who again, was good. He was good to talk to as an assistant and he helped me in my development as well.”
Seeing the Holte End - and indeed the whole of Villa Park - turn on Big Eck was not nice, especially for a measured lad like Albrighton who felt a sense of responsibility.
“It is hard because obviously you don’t know, well you sort of know that it’s aimed at the manager," he recalls. "But you’re thinking are they not happy with me, are they not happy with the manager because they’re picking you, or picking this side? Their anger is towards the manager but every bad thing you then do on the pitch is greeted with 40,000 jeers.
"At that point, unless you pull something spectacular out of the bag, it’s hard to turn that around. Once that happens, it’s hard to get back to get the fans on side and get them positive again.”
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Paul Lambert
Eventually, just about staying up instalments and a disillusioned fanbase did for McLeish. In his final game, a dreadul 2-0 defeat at Carrow Road, the away fans were serenading Paul Lambert and soon the Norwich City boss replaced his fellow Scot in the Villa Park dugout. Albrighton's initial enthusiasm for the appointment quickly made way for frustration.
“When Lambert was appointed, I was really pleased in terms of, he was very much like Martin O’Neill," he explains.
"O’Neill liked me, I looked at his teams previously, he likes the hard-working players, I thought I couldn’t really go far wrong here. It was probably the opposite, if I’m honest. It was the transitional period at Villa. It was difficult for anyone to come in. I don’t know to this day who was making the decisions, who was making the signings. The signings weren’t good enough - there was one in five or six that were good enough. It wasn’t a good dressing room, it was a toxic dressing room, it was very separated.
I was walking around the place and never had the feeling that he wanted me as a part of his plans. It was always difficult for me to ever be a part of it. From my point-of-view, it wasn’t all that. I was injured as well, that probably didn’t help my cause. Things that happened in that era that didn’t exactly fill me with motivation at all in terms of playing for him.”


birminghammail--2020-10-17--3 lockdown changes taking effect today - and 4 which may happen next

London and swathes of Essex are now living under tier two lockdown restrictions - as Lancashire and parts of the North West become tier three .
Now , over half the English population are living in either tier two or tier three , with changes taking effect from midnight Saturday .
And there are warnings more changes could follow this week - after Lancashire and Londoners were banned from meeting indoors .
In the West Midlands , people in Dudley are being urged to voluntarily stop mixing households .
The warnings were sounded during a key regional briefing before a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new measures placed more than 28 million people in England into the top two tiers of restrictions .
Boris Johnson warned Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham on Friday he would impose Tier 3 measures if they could not reach an agreement as he warned of a `` grave '' situation .
Lancashire became the second region of England to go into a harsh 'Tier 3 ' local lockdown from midnight .
Pubs and bars will be forced to shut in the county unless they can operate as a restaurant .
Indoor gatherings will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gardens or beer gardens are banned , and residents will be advised against non-essential travel in or out of the area .
The new restrictions cover Burnley , Blackburn with Darwen , Blackpool , Chorley , Fylde , Hyndburn , Lancaster , Pendle , Preston , Ribble Valley , Rossendale , South Ribble , West Lancashire , Wyre .
London , most of Essex , Elmbridge , Barrow-in-Furness , North East Derbyshire , Erewash , Chesterfield and York are moving to Tier 2 at 12.01am on Saturday .
Tim Spector , professor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and co-founder of the app 's developer , Zoe , said : `` Our new tier prediction model highlights that nine out of ten are in the North of England , where most of the cases currently are concentrated .
`` Uunlike the North which is accelerating , London has been showing a steady linear increase , doubling every 21 days so it will be interesting to see how the new Tier 2 restrictions influence the rate of new cases in the next two weeks.
” First Minister Mark Drakeford said the Welsh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to discuss a circuit-breaker lockdown and announce any decisions on Monday .
Mr Drakeford previously said police could use number plate technology to catch people illegally crossing the border , with officers patrolling highways .
`` They will have long-practice techniques developed earlier in the year , and they will apply those again over the weeks to come , '' he said on Thursday .
Police in Wales have already been monitoring traffic for Welsh local lockdown areas , where travel is restricted to and from .
And what could happen next ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tier - level one or medium risk .
Current restrictions for this tier include the rule of six , applying indoors and outdoors , and pubs , bars and restaurants must close at 10pm .
Although Dudley continues to have the lowest rates of coronavirus in the Black Country , figures continue to rise , doubling every two weeks , and there is concern that increased formal restrictions could be placed on the borough within the next week .
And yesterday people in Dudley have been asked to voluntarily stop mixing with other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be at risk of going from Tier 2 to Tier 3 when the situation is reviewed next week , while Leeds , Sheffield and Bradford are thought to be at risk of being plunged into the toughest lockdown as well .
Nottingham remains England 's coronavirus hotspot with a rate of 922.2 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to October 11 .
It is a huge leap from 609.8 in the week up to October 4 .
The Midlands city had the highest rate when the three-tier system was announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead of Tier 3 .
The council warned this week that the city will move to Tier 3 if the infection rate continues to soar .
A furious political row between local politicians and Westminster has so far prevented Greater Manchester being moved into Tier 3 - the most severe restrictions .
Northern mayors Andy Burnham of Greater Manchester , Jamie Driscoll of North Tyne and Steve Rotheram of Liverpool City Region are calling on the Government to improve its financial package to include an 80 per cent furlough scheme for everyone in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burnham has said that what is proposed goes far beyond just closing pubs and bars and is not guaranteed to bring the outbreak under control .

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London and swathes of Essex are now living under tier two lockdown restrictions - as Lancashire and parts of the North West become tier three.
Now, over half the English population are living in either tier two or tier three, with changes taking effect from midnight Saturday.
And there are warnings more changes could follow this week - after Lancashire and Londoners were banned from meeting indoors.
In the West Midlands, people in Dudley are being urged to voluntarily stop mixing households.
The warnings were sounded during a key regional briefing before a Boris Johnson press conference yesterday.
The new measures placed more than 28 million people in England into the top two tiers of restrictions.
Boris Johnson warned Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham on Friday he would impose Tier 3 measures if they could not reach an agreement as he warned of a "grave" situation.
(Image: Getty Images)
Lancashire - moves to tier 3
Lancashire became the second region of England to go into a harsh 'Tier 3' local lockdown from midnight.
Pubs and bars will be forced to shut in the county unless they can operate as a restaurant.
Indoor gatherings will also be banned, meetings in private gardens or beer gardens are banned, and residents will be advised against non-essential travel in or out of the area.
The new restrictions cover Burnley, Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Chorley, Fylde, Hyndburn, Lancaster, Pendle, Preston, Ribble Valley, Rossendale, South Ribble, West Lancashire, Wyre.
London and Essex - moving to tier 2
London, most of Essex, Elmbridge, Barrow-in-Furness, North East Derbyshire, Erewash, Chesterfield and York are moving to Tier 2 at 12.01am on Saturday.
Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London and co-founder of the app's developer, Zoe, said: "Our new tier prediction model highlights that nine out of ten are in the North of England, where most of the cases currently are concentrated.
"Uunlike the North which is accelerating, London has been showing a steady linear increase, doubling every 21 days so it will be interesting to see how the new Tier 2 restrictions influence the rate of new cases in the next two weeks.”
Travel ban in Wales
First Minister Mark Drakeford said the Welsh Government will be meeting over the weekend to discuss a circuit-breaker lockdown and announce any decisions on Monday.
Mr Drakeford previously said police could use number plate technology to catch people illegally crossing the border, with officers patrolling highways.
"They will have long-practice techniques developed earlier in the year, and they will apply those again over the weeks to come," he said on Thursday.
Police in Wales have already been monitoring traffic for Welsh local lockdown areas, where travel is restricted to and from.
And what could happen next?
(Image: BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
West Midlands
Dudley is currently classified in the lowest tier - level one or medium risk.
Current restrictions for this tier include the rule of six, applying indoors and outdoors, and pubs, bars and restaurants must close at 10pm.
Although Dudley continues to have the lowest rates of coronavirus in the Black Country, figures continue to rise, doubling every two weeks, and there is concern that increased formal restrictions could be placed on the borough within the next week.
And yesterday people in Dudley have been asked to voluntarily stop mixing with other households.
North East and Yorkshire
The North East is said to be at risk of going from Tier 2 to Tier 3 when the situation is reviewed next week, while Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford are thought to be at risk of being plunged into the toughest lockdown as well.
East Midlands
Nottingham remains England's coronavirus hotspot with a rate of 922.2 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to October 11. It is a huge leap from 609.8 in the week up to October 4.
The Midlands city had the highest rate when the three-tier system was announced, but was put in Tier 2 instead of Tier 3.
The council warned this week that the city will move to Tier 3 if the infection rate continues to soar.
Greater Manchester
A furious political row between local politicians and Westminster has so far prevented Greater Manchester being moved into Tier 3 - the most severe restrictions.
Northern mayors Andy Burnham of Greater Manchester, Jamie Driscoll of North Tyne and Steve Rotheram of Liverpool City Region are calling on the Government to improve its financial package to include an 80 per cent furlough scheme for everyone in England affected by regional lockdowns.
Mr Burnham has said that what is proposed goes far beyond just closing pubs and bars and is not guaranteed to bring the outbreak under control.


birminghammail--2020-10-17--It's an exciting time for Moors - and winning league is the aim

The National League is back - and at Solihull Moors , there is fresh optimism as to what the 2020-21 season may bring .
We ’ ll never know how Moors might ’ ve fared had the coronavirus pandemic not derailed the previous campaign , with new boss Jimmy Shan only a month into the job .
While the football itself has been forced to take a break in the following months , Solihull have still been busy putting plans in place ; shortly before the pandemic forced the suspension - and consequent scratching - of the season , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they added Richard Beale as Jimmy Shan ’ s right hand man .
A figure previously at Villa , but perhaps better known for his years of work at Blues , Beale is a man who knows all about this footballing corner of the world .
They ’ ve added players , since , too ; Adam Rooney and Stephen Gleeson are associated with Blues , while Northern Ireland international Jamie Ward is Birmingham born and has played for Nottingham Forest , Derby and Burton in recent years .
Shan has brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ youngster Nick Clayton-Phillips , too .
They ’ re two from three and hammered King ’ s Lynn 5-0 on their last outing .
We caught up with Shan to discuss all things Moors as the season gets into its stride .
“ First and foremost , we ’ re delighted to be back .
We ’ re having to be more careful , in terms of loading the players .
We were fortunate that we had enough numbers in the building to share minutes in the first two or three pre-season friendlies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The players came back in very good physical condition , but they ’ re having that reconnection with the football and getting back used to the physical , technical and tactical demands .
They ’ ve not been used to that for a number of months .
“ The only negative at that stage was the question mark over whether the season would get underway because of having no fans in the stadium .
That was a bit of a downer , but we got over that hurdle and got up and running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 45 minutes at Woking on the opening day , but then we were our own worst enemy and we lost the game 2-1 .
On the back of that , we ’ ve had two very positive results and two clean sheets .
“ It gives us a chance to build and gain a bit of momentum .
We ’ re all delighted that football is back.
” “ We ’ re down at Studley , where Studley football club play .
We ’ ve got a gym on-site , which is fabulous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and West Brom , and our gym is every bit as good as what they ’ ve got , ” Shan explained .
“ The club have invested heavily .
We ’ ve got a fantastic training pitch , which is properly drained and has sprinklers .
We ’ ve also got access to the full size pitch that Studley play their home games on .
“ It ’ s got floodlights so if we wanted to train late in the evening , we could do so .
We ’ ve got hot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the players and dinner for the players so everything is geared towards being a Football League club long-term .
“ The chairman and vice-chairman have invested to enable us to fulfil a professional programme.
” “ Their experience , knowledge and know-how is going to be invaluable , where they ’ ve played and performed , ” Shan said of Gleeson , Rooney and Ward .
“ You can see that in the way they train , but it ’ s more than that .
They ’ ve got the personalities and character @ @ @ @ @ @ @ younger players regularly .
“ We had a centre forward trialist in a few weeks ago , and one thing that the agent spoke to me about was how good Adam was with him , educating a trialist , not even a squad player .
“ They ’ ll play a massive part , not just their quality but also how informally they spread the message we give them on a day to day basis.
” The aims for the season “ That ’ s at the forefront of everybody ’ s thinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of everybody at the football club , ” Shan added .
“ We ’ d liked to think we ’ ve built a competitive squad , it ’ s about getting results and three points on the board .
I ’ ve always had a strong winning mentality .
“ It ’ s not just promotion , I want to win the league .
It ’ s a difficult league to get out of , there ’ s only one automatic promotion spot .
The play-offs are a bit of a lottery , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a busy schedule .
“ We ’ re going to do everything we can to get up automatically , we have a strong winning mentality throughout the football club , we just need to make sure we capitalise every time we play .
”

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The National League is back - and at Solihull Moors, there is fresh optimism as to what the 2020-21 season may bring.
We’ll never know how Moors might’ve fared had the coronavirus pandemic not derailed the previous campaign, with new boss Jimmy Shan only a month into the job.
While the football itself has been forced to take a break in the following months, Solihull have still been busy putting plans in place; shortly before the pandemic forced the suspension - and consequent scratching - of the season, with Moors on the cusp of the play-offs, they added Richard Beale as Jimmy Shan’s right hand man.
A figure previously at Villa, but perhaps better known for his years of work at Blues, Beale is a man who knows all about this footballing corner of the world.
They’ve added players, since, too; Adam Rooney and Stephen Gleeson are associated with Blues, while Northern Ireland international Jamie Ward is Birmingham born and has played for Nottingham Forest, Derby and Burton in recent years.
Shan has brought in Villa kid Cameron Archer and Albion youngster Nick Clayton-Phillips, too. They’re two from three and hammered King’s Lynn 5-0 on their last outing.
We caught up with Shan to discuss all things Moors as the season gets into its stride.
Back on the grass
“First and foremost, we’re delighted to be back. We’re having to be more careful, in terms of loading the players. We were fortunate that we had enough numbers in the building to share minutes in the first two or three pre-season friendlies,” Shan told BirminghamLive .
“The players came back in very good physical condition, but they’re having that reconnection with the football and getting back used to the physical, technical and tactical demands. They’ve not been used to that for a number of months.
“The only negative at that stage was the question mark over whether the season would get underway because of having no fans in the stadium. That was a bit of a downer, but we got over that hurdle and got up and running.
“We were very good for 45 minutes at Woking on the opening day, but then we were our own worst enemy and we lost the game 2-1. On the back of that, we’ve had two very positive results and two clean sheets.
“It gives us a chance to build and gain a bit of momentum. We’re all delighted that football is back.”
The training complex
“We’re down at Studley, where Studley football club play. We’ve got a gym on-site, which is fabulous. I’ve worked at Birmingham and West Brom, and our gym is every bit as good as what they’ve got,” Shan explained.
“The club have invested heavily. We’ve got a fantastic training pitch, which is properly drained and has sprinklers. We’ve also got access to the full size pitch that Studley play their home games on.
“It’s got floodlights so if we wanted to train late in the evening, we could do so. We’ve got hot food, there’s breakfast for the players and dinner for the players so everything is geared towards being a Football League club long-term.
“The chairman and vice-chairman have invested to enable us to fulfil a professional programme.”
The transfer business
“Their experience, knowledge and know-how is going to be invaluable, where they’ve played and performed,” Shan said of Gleeson, Rooney and Ward. “You can see that in the way they train, but it’s more than that. They’ve got the personalities and character to help. They speak to the younger players regularly.
“We had a centre forward trialist in a few weeks ago, and one thing that the agent spoke to me about was how good Adam was with him, educating a trialist, not even a squad player.
“They’ll play a massive part, not just their quality but also how informally they spread the message we give them on a day to day basis.”
poll loading Will Solihull Moors get promoted this season? 0+ VOTES SO FAR Yes No
The aims for the season
“That’s at the forefront of everybody’s thinking. It’s on the minds of everybody at the football club,” Shan added. “We’d liked to think we’ve built a competitive squad, it’s about getting results and three points on the board. I’ve always had a strong winning mentality.
“It’s not just promotion, I want to win the league. It’s a difficult league to get out of, there’s only one automatic promotion spot. The play-offs are a bit of a lottery, and they come off the back of a busy schedule.
“We’re going to do everything we can to get up automatically, we have a strong winning mentality throughout the football club, we just need to make sure we capitalise every time we play.”


birminghammail--2020-10-17--Emiliano Martinez explains bold Aston Villa ambitions

Emiliano Martinez wants to help bring European football back to Villa Park , saying : `` I did not come here thinking that we are going to settle for not being relegated . ''
Martinez has hit the ground running for Aston Villa since his £20million move from Arsenal in the summer , firmly establishing himself as Dean Smith 's number one .
He 's kept two clean sheets in three matches as Villa have enjoyed a terrific start to the season with maximum points in the Premier League .
The turnaround from last term 's relegation battle has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to impress .
The decision to charge fans £14.95 per match to watch their teams on PPV ( in addition to their existing TV subscriptions ) has generated plenty of debate .
We think it 's an insult too far .
What do you think ?
Have a read of our open letter and if you agree then please add your name to it .
Villa last played in Europe in the 2010/11 season when they were knocked out in the Europa League play-offs during a run of three successive appearances in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play in Europe , because I did not come here thinking that we are going to settle for not being relegated , ” the 28-year-old told DAZN , as relayed by AS .
“ My ambition is to reach the Europa League and that is my goal , it is my dream , that ’ s why I work , that ’ s why I do everything I do.
” Having been forced to wait patiently for his opportunities at Arsenal , an injury to the Gunners ' first-choice stopper Bernd Leno @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shine .
He grasped it , playing the final nine matches of the Premier League campaign and playing a vital role in the club 's FA Cup triumph .
There were strong calls for Martinez to keep hold of his place in the starting XI but boss Mikel Arteta opted to restore Leno to the team for the first match of the new season against Fulham .
Martinez then completed his move to Villa in mid-September , putting pen to paper on four-year deal .
He said : “ I know the history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know the ambition that the club has .
They called me from day one and what 's more , I said no to many teams to come here because my intuition told me to come here .
”

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Emiliano Martinez wants to help bring European football back to Villa Park, saying: "I did not come here thinking that we are going to settle for not being relegated."
Martinez has hit the ground running for Aston Villa since his £20million move from Arsenal in the summer, firmly establishing himself as Dean Smith's number one.
He's kept two clean sheets in three matches as Villa have enjoyed a terrific start to the season with maximum points in the Premier League.
The turnaround from last term's relegation battle has been remarkable and Martinez is convinced Villa will continue to impress.
The decision to charge fans £14.95 per match to watch their teams on PPV (in addition to their existing TV subscriptions) has generated plenty of debate. We think it's an insult too far.
What do you think? Have a read of our open letter and if you agree then please add your name to it.
Villa last played in Europe in the 2010/11 season when they were knocked out in the Europa League play-offs during a run of three successive appearances in the tournament.
“My goal is to play in Europe, because I did not come here thinking that we are going to settle for not being relegated,” the 28-year-old told DAZN, as relayed by AS.
“My ambition is to reach the Europa League and that is my goal, it is my dream, that’s why I work, that’s why I do everything I do.”
Having been forced to wait patiently for his opportunities at Arsenal, an injury to the Gunners' first-choice stopper Bernd Leno last season gave Martinez the chance to shine.
He grasped it, playing the final nine matches of the Premier League campaign and playing a vital role in the club's FA Cup triumph.
There were strong calls for Martinez to keep hold of his place in the starting XI but boss Mikel Arteta opted to restore Leno to the team for the first match of the new season against Fulham.
Martinez then completed his move to Villa in mid-September, putting pen to paper on four-year deal.
He said: “I know the history, I know the club and I know the ambition that the club has. They called me from day one and what's more, I said no to many teams to come here because my intuition told me to come here.”