birminghammail--2020-11-13--TV details for Villa's clashes vs Brighton and West Ham confirmed

Aston Villa have had another Premier League fixture chosen for live TV coverage - but fans no longer face paying an extra charge to watch matches after the controversial pay-per-view streaming service was scrapped .
The top-flight have today released 'additional ' TV selections for November and Villa 's clash against Brighton and Hove Albion after the international break will now be shown live on BT Sport .
Both the date and kick-off time remain the same , however , with the game still scheduled for Saturday , November 21 at 3pm .
It would previously have cost supporters £14.95 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduced only last month - has been scrapped after widespread criticism .
Instead all Premier League fixtures from now until the new year period will be shown via existing Sky Sports , BT Sport , Amazon and BBC services .
A statement confirmed : `` There is a full schedule of Premier League matches over the festive period and clubs are committed to an accessible solution for fans .
`` These plans have been made with the cooperation of our broadcast partners , working with us to deliver these additional matches while stadiums @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an integral part of the game . ''
Villa 's trip to West Ham will still take place on Monday , November 30 ( 8pm kick-off ) to be screened live on Sky Sports Main Event and Football .
Villa 's four most recent fixtures - against Arsenal , Southampton , Leeds United and Leicester City - were all selected as part of the 'Box Office ' service meaning supporters racked up a bill of almost £60 to watch each match .
TV selections for December and January will follow in due course @

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Aston Villa have had another Premier League fixture chosen for live TV coverage - but fans no longer face paying an extra charge to watch matches after the controversial pay-per-view streaming service was scrapped.
The top-flight have today released 'additional' TV selections for November and Villa's clash against Brighton and Hove Albion after the international break will now be shown live on BT Sport.
Both the date and kick-off time remain the same, however, with the game still scheduled for Saturday, November 21 at 3pm.
It would previously have cost supporters £14.95 to watch but the PPV system - introduced only last month - has been scrapped after widespread criticism.
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Instead all Premier League fixtures from now until the new year period will be shown via existing Sky Sports, BT Sport, Amazon and BBC services.
A statement confirmed: "There is a full schedule of Premier League matches over the festive period and clubs are committed to an accessible solution for fans.
"These plans have been made with the cooperation of our broadcast partners, working with us to deliver these additional matches while stadiums are missing the supporters who are such an integral part of the game."
Villa's trip to West Ham will still take place on Monday, November 30 (8pm kick-off) to be screened live on Sky Sports Main Event and Football.
Villa's four most recent fixtures - against Arsenal, Southampton, Leeds United and Leicester City - were all selected as part of the 'Box Office' service meaning supporters racked up a bill of almost £60 to watch each match.
TV selections for December and January will follow in due course.


birminghammail--2020-11-13--Merry Hill to host Christmas lights switch-on you can watch from home

A Black Country shopping centre is hoping to spread the festive cheer with a Christmas lights switch on - and it can be watched from your own home .
Bosses at intu Merry Hill have announced that the Covid-19 pandemic has forced the traditional event , which attracts thousands of punters , to be replaced with a virtual show .
And on Sunday , November 15 , a magical video will go live on the mall 's social media channels at 6pm which people can enjoy from the comfort and safety of their homes .
Staff at the shopping centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spark Media and the local community to create the heart-warming video that follows a Christmas star as it travels across the borough .
The illuminated star , which is said to be controlled by Santa , flies over landmarks , including Dudley Castle , Russell 's Hall Hospital and The Waterfront before it enters intu Merry Hill where it lands on top of the Christmas tree to light up the mall .
Duncan Burns , marketing manager at intu Merry Hill said : `` Christmas is a very special time of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about helping families create happy memories together during the holidays .
`` We know that for many , the annual Christmas lights switch-on event at intu Merry Hill has been a longstanding tradition .
That ’ s why we wanted to bring a sense of festive cheer to the local community with a virtual alternative that everyone can enjoy from the comfort and safety of their own homes .
`` We ’ d like to thank everyone who took part in the making of the video , especially the nurses from Russell ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be there for us all when we need them the most .
`` We ’ re asking everyone to continue to play their part and would like to remind our shoppers who are visiting the centre for essential products or services over the next few weeks to wear face coverings , keep their hands clean , following marked routes and to keep their distance at all times . ''

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A Black Country shopping centre is hoping to spread the festive cheer with a Christmas lights switch on - and it can be watched from your own home.
Bosses at intu Merry Hill have announced that the Covid-19 pandemic has forced the traditional event, which attracts thousands of punters, to be replaced with a virtual show.
And on Sunday, November 15, a magical video will go live on the mall's social media channels at 6pm which people can enjoy from the comfort and safety of their homes.
Staff at the shopping centre have worked with Birmingham-based film production company Spark Media and the local community to create the heart-warming video that follows a Christmas star as it travels across the borough.
The illuminated star, which is said to be controlled by Santa, flies over landmarks, including Dudley Castle, Russell's Hall Hospital and The Waterfront before it enters intu Merry Hill where it lands on top of the Christmas tree to light up the mall.
Duncan Burns, marketing manager at intu Merry Hill said: "Christmas is a very special time of the year and we’ve always been passionate about helping families create happy memories together during the holidays.
"We know that for many, the annual Christmas lights switch-on event at intu Merry Hill has been a longstanding tradition. That’s why we wanted to bring a sense of festive cheer to the local community with a virtual alternative that everyone can enjoy from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
"We’d like to thank everyone who took part in the making of the video, especially the nurses from Russell’s Hall Hospital, who continue to be there for us all when we need them the most.
"We’re asking everyone to continue to play their part and would like to remind our shoppers who are visiting the centre for essential products or services over the next few weeks to wear face coverings, keep their hands clean, following marked routes and to keep their distance at all times."


birminghammail--2020-11-13--'Too early' to tell if lockdown has been effective

It 's still 'too early ' to tell if the second lockdown is proving effective , health bosses say .
Infection rates remain 'very high ' in Dudley , Sandwell and Staffordshire - and the 14-day incubation period of Covid-19 coupled with a lag in testing means figures are expected to rise across the Midlands throughout the next week .
The overall aim is to get the R rate below one but Clive Wright , regional convenor for the Department of Health and Social Care in the West Midlands , said there was `` some way to go before we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Midlands Combined Authority briefing on Friday , November 13 , he said : `` It 's too early to tell whether the lockdown has been effective or at what point the lockdown measures will need to end .
`` When we do get there , there is always the opportunity for us to come out in tiers , which is the current policy plan and the measures that will be appropriate at that time may then continue our efforts in order to contain and to diminish the prevalence of the disease across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO of the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust , said even when the infection rate drops , the NHS would continue to feel the pressure .
He said : `` As far as I 'm concerned , the rate of two weeks ago is now my intensive care patients .
So of course , once the rate does come down , we will still continue to feel the pressure in the NHS for what 's gone before in terms of the numbers . ''
The R rate for the Midlands is around 1.1 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a rise in the number of cases in the over 50s but there has been a `` sharp rise '' in hospitalisations for those aged 60 and over .

It's still 'too early' to tell if the second lockdown is proving effective, health bosses say.
Infection rates remain 'very high' in Dudley, Sandwell and Staffordshire - and the 14-day incubation period of Covid-19 coupled with a lag in testing means figures are expected to rise across the Midlands throughout the next week.
The overall aim is to get the R rate below one but Clive Wright, regional convenor for the Department of Health and Social Care in the West Midlands, said there was "some way to go before we get there".
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During a West Midlands Combined Authority briefing on Friday, November 13, he said: "It's too early to tell whether the lockdown has been effective or at what point the lockdown measures will need to end.
"When we do get there, there is always the opportunity for us to come out in tiers, which is the current policy plan and the measures that will be appropriate at that time may then continue our efforts in order to contain and to diminish the prevalence of the disease across the region."
Professor David Loughton, CEO of the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said even when the infection rate drops, the NHS would continue to feel the pressure.
He said: "As far as I'm concerned, the rate of two weeks ago is now my intensive care patients. So of course, once the rate does come down, we will still continue to feel the pressure in the NHS for what's gone before in terms of the numbers."
The R rate for the Midlands is around 1.1 to 1.3 at the moment. There has been a rise in the number of cases in the over 50s but there has been a "sharp rise" in hospitalisations for those aged 60 and over.


birminghammail--2020-11-13--I'm A Celebrity 2020 filming begins as helicopters seen over Gwrych Castle

Filming has begun on the new series of I 'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here !
Helicopters have been spotted above Gwrych Castle in North Wales where this year 's series will take place - far from its usual Australian jungle location .
With the hot and humid rainforest and all its exotic wildlife now replaced by a damp and chilly UK , it remains to be seen what ITV has in store for the contestants in a Covid-secure celebrity camp at the castle .
Bosses normally try to involve helicopters or planes for some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spectacular launch .
The choppers were seen shortly before new flying restrictions were put in place in the area around the set , Mirror Online reported .
Aerial activity status above Gwrych Castle will become a yellow or red zone from 5pm this evening until 8pm on December 5 , meaning flying restrictions will be in place throughout filming to prevent other aircraft from taking a sneak peek .
Based on previous series , the celebrities are likely to meet up and then be split into two groups before being sent into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mirror that filming was under way on Friday afternoon ahead of the opening show on Sunday .
Earlier this week contestant Jessica Plummer confirmed filming would begin on Friday .
She said she was interested to see how bosses would drop them into the castle , as there are no swamps or lakes like those in Australia .
Jessica said : `` They 're quite good at keeping it all hush .
I try it with everyone , the chaperones , the medics , anyone that comes through the door .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all getting in on Friday ?
I 'm really intrigued to know how we 're getting in because you know , in Australia , usually they jump in or they swim in or , yeah . ''
Contestant Victoria Derbyshire revealed : `` After the programme has gone out live , whoever has been selected to do the trial is then gon na do the trial at night .
`` So for the first time they are gon na have night time trials and the rest of the camp will wait up for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bed at 3am in the morning .
`` So in quarantine what I have been doing is trying to push the time I go to bed later and later , it ’ s so we get used to going to bed much much later and then hopefully sleeping in longer in the morning .
`` But I think that ’ s exciting doing the trials at night .
It ’ s dark , it ’ s cold .
There will be big TV lights on .
I think it might add to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A Celebrity starts on Sunday night at 9pm on ITV .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Mark Jefferies, David Bentley)

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Filming has begun on the new series of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!
Helicopters have been spotted above Gwrych Castle in North Wales where this year's series will take place - far from its usual Australian jungle location.
With the hot and humid rainforest and all its exotic wildlife now replaced by a damp and chilly UK, it remains to be seen what ITV has in store for the contestants in a Covid-secure celebrity camp at the castle.
Bosses normally try to involve helicopters or planes for some of the contestants to travel in as part of the spectacular launch.
The choppers were seen shortly before new flying restrictions were put in place in the area around the set, Mirror Online reported.
Aerial activity status above Gwrych Castle will become a yellow or red zone from 5pm this evening until 8pm on December 5, meaning flying restrictions will be in place throughout filming to prevent other aircraft from taking a sneak peek.
Based on previous series, the celebrities are likely to meet up and then be split into two groups before being sent into the castle.
Show insiders told the Mirror that filming was under way on Friday afternoon ahead of the opening show on Sunday.
Earlier this week contestant Jessica Plummer confirmed filming would begin on Friday.
She said she was interested to see how bosses would drop them into the castle, as there are no swamps or lakes like those in Australia.
Jessica said: "They're quite good at keeping it all hush. I try it with everyone, the chaperones, the medics, anyone that comes through the door.
"I'm like, 'So how are we all getting in on Friday? I'm really intrigued to know how we're getting in because you know, in Australia, usually they jump in or they swim in or, yeah."
Contestant Victoria Derbyshire revealed: "After the programme has gone out live, whoever has been selected to do the trial is then gonna do the trial at night.
"So for the first time they are gonna have night time trials and the rest of the camp will wait up for them and potentially we are going to bed at 3am in the morning.
"So in quarantine what I have been doing is trying to push the time I go to bed later and later, it’s so we get used to going to bed much much later and then hopefully sleeping in longer in the morning.
"But I think that’s exciting doing the trials at night. It’s dark, it’s cold. There will be big TV lights on. I think it might add to the magical atmosphere."
* I'm A Celebrity starts on Sunday night at 9pm on ITV.


birminghammail--2020-11-13--Dudley teen set to wow judges in the final of The Voice UK

A teenager from Dudley is going head to head in a battle for the winning spot in this year ’ s The Voice UK .
Dubbed the `` pocket performer with one mighty voice '' , Blessing Chitapa is set to vow judges and audiences on Saturday night ( November 14 ) .
The 18-year-old student earned herself a spot in the semi-finals with her unique rendition of Mariah Carey ’ s Without You , which mentor Olly Murs described as “ the performance of the night ” .
As one of the youngest contestants this year , she will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hutton , Broke Scullion and Jonny Brooks .
For Blessing , her passion for music is integral to her upbringing in a family of gospel singers .
She grew up in Zimbabwe until the age of seven then moved to the UK in 2009 .
The talented vocalist has even built her own recording studio in her back garden where she practices with her sister .
As the daughter of a pastor and reverend at a local church in Dudley , Blessing says faith plays a massive role in her life and her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ singing , the teenager has a passion for the sciences and dreams of becoming a doctor or surgeon if she doesn ’ t become a professional musician .
She said : `` I ’ m 18 and I am used to singing in church congregations so this for me is just big-time .
`` I am going to leave my heart and soul on that stage .
This has built my confidence so much because Olly really believes I can win this .
I am living a life I can only dream of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the semi-finals she added : `` I am so happy , I didn ’ t think I would get to the semi-final , even at the battle stages I was like uh oh I ’ m up against Beryl .
I was like , ‘ I don ’ t think I ’ m going to make it !
`` I ’ m super happy and super excited , I just can ’ t wait to be honest '' .
The final of The Voice is on ITV on Saturday , November 14 @ @ @

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A teenager from Dudley is going head to head in a battle for the winning spot in this year’s The Voice UK.
Dubbed the "pocket performer with one mighty voice",Blessing Chitapa is set to vow judges and audiences on Saturday night (November 14).
The 18-year-old student earned herself a spot in the semi-finals with her unique rendition of Mariah Carey’s Without You, which mentor Olly Murs described as “the performance of the night”.
As one of the youngest contestants this year, she will fight for a winning spot against Gevanni Hutton, Broke Scullion and Jonny Brooks.
(Image: ITV)
For Blessing, her passion for music is integral to her upbringing in a family of gospel singers. She grew up in Zimbabwe until the age of seven then moved to the UK in 2009.
The talented vocalist has even built her own recording studio in her back garden where she practices with her sister.
As the daughter of a pastor and reverend at a local church in Dudley, Blessing says faith plays a massive role in her life and her success so far.
As well as singing, the teenager has a passion for the sciences and dreams of becoming a doctor or surgeon if she doesn’t become a professional musician.
(Image: PA)
She said: "I’m 18 and I am used to singing in church congregations so this for me is just big-time.
"I am going to leave my heart and soul on that stage. This has built my confidence so much because Olly really believes I can win this. I am living a life I can only dream of when I sleep!"
Looking ahead to the semi-finals she added: "I am so happy, I didn’t think I would get to the semi-final, even at the battle stages I was like uh oh I’m up against Beryl. I was like, ‘I don’t think I’m going to make it!
"I’m super happy and super excited, I just can’t wait to be honest".
The final of The Voice is on ITV on Saturday, November 14 at 8.40pm.


birminghammail--2020-11-13--Eggs, fruit and fitness - The superb story of Blues' George Friend

Not too many pulses would have been set racing when it was confirmed the first signing of the shiny , new Aitor Karanka era was an aging defender with more of his career behind him than in front .
That was before those outside Birmingham City knew much about George Friend beyond his success under the Spaniard ’ s management at Middlesbrough and the fact that during that time he had been one of the best defenders in the Championship .
What has become apparent since though is many of his playing qualities remain undimmed , that his willingness to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that this could be the beginning of quite a special relationship .
That will certainly be the case if Friend ’ s time at St Andrew ’ s follows the same pattern of those at Exeter City , Wolverhampton Wanderers , Doncaster Rovers and Boro .
It is a long tale about someone whose value on the field of play is just a part of the whole story .
A tale about a highly-educated farmer ’ s son who has regularly brought eggs from the family business in Devon into whichever dressing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about someone who has worked hard to enjoy a privileged position in life – but who has tried to use it to benefit those less fortunate .
We spoke to people who have coached him , played with him and covered his 15-year professional career to deliver this unique insight into Aitor Karanka ’ s first Birmingham City signing .
“ Saying his dad is a farmer gives slightly the wrong impression , ” said Friend ’ s first manager , Paul Tisdale .
“ His father goes round the world lecturing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not embarrass George too much but his dad wears a cravat and talks like he is in the Cabinet .
“ George gets the work ethic from that but I don ’ t think that should be used to say he ’ s some kind of farm-hand .
His family are gorgeous people and the apple doesn ’ t fall far from the tree.
” Tisdale became Exeter manager in 2006 and when he did so found 18-year-old Friend as a very young , slightly ungainly professional , with just 69 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The physical attributes were obvious but as a relatively new recruit to the pro ranks there was plenty of technical work to do .
Exeter resolved to send the teenager out on loan - but any old non-league outfit would not do , so Tisdale returned to his former club , Team Bath , the footballing arm of the town ’ s university .
“ Not your norm but it suited him , ” he said .
“ I instantly had some kind of affinity to him because he had stayed at school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much like I had done as footballer and didn ’ t do an apprenticeship .
“ He was culturally very elegant , not the typical footballer .
He was still growing into his body , going through a growth spurt and coming out the other side with a lot of coordination issues that hadn ’ t been resolved , so you had to be very patient as a coach.
” Friend developed well and returned in 2008 to play 35 games as the Grecians won promotion back to the Football League .
Sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friend would make just six more appearances for his first club before Mick McCarthy and Wolves came calling .
More of which later .
“ Most importantly , his USP was his ability to take information , do the right thing , ” Tisdale continued .
“ Above all he could concentrate and had the intellect to take information and quantify it in a social as well as technical way - and apply it .
“ That ’ s how footballers are made , it ’ s not just technical and physical , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what ’ s needed , what to improve .
“ He fitted in very much to how I wanted to build Exeter , he was a proper person .
“ My time at Exeter was built on doing things properly in a very different way .
He benefited hugely from that culture .
“ There will be a lot of coaches who played a part in George ’ s career and added something – and he has had the intelligence to take things and apply them .
“ The only thing I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the sort of thing people talk about – is being lucky enough to be in the right culture when you are an 18 or 19-year-old .
“ When you have that fortune you don ’ t understand what it ’ s like not to have it .
“ Most don ’ t have it and with George being who he is , it would be a very different story if he had been in a different environment in those early days .
“ It ’ s about the confidence you get from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s the only bit I am going to take credit for .
The rest of it comes down to him , his drive and his determination .
“ It was always going to be when rather than if he moved on .
I was very , very sad when he left Exeter .
I knew he would go but he was one of my favourites .
“ I played a part in many , many young players ’ careers , he still remains if not my favourite , then one of my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t the end of their time together , though .
Wolves would send Friend out on loan to Millwall , Scunthorpe and Southend - but in March 2010 he returned St James Park – a decision that impressed even Tisdale .
“ Ninety-nine per cent of young footballers would have had too much pride to go back to the club they started at .
“ He did the right thing at the right time , knew it was best for him , he helped us stay in League One , he played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it was a dream having him back .
“ That says more about his personality than anything else.
” Even though much of his time at Wolves was spent on loan at other clubs , people at Molineux were noticing the same traits .
As soon as Friend arrived in the West Midlands in 2008 , he and Old Gold favourite – and current Shrewsbury Town midfielder , Dave Edwards struck up good relationship .
“ He was very much the sort of signing Mick McCarthy had been making for the previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower league clubs of a similar age , ” Edwards said .
“ I came in from Luton , Matt Jarvis from Gillingham , Michael Kightly from Grays - we were all in the same year with George .
“ Mick was huge on bringing the right sort of characters to the club and George fitted right in with that .
From the moment he came in he was such a nice lad .
“ My family and his used to speak together at games and they got on really well .
Apart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working professional.
” Two other things stuck out for Edwards .
Friend ’ s ability to run - and run - and run - and his desire to on take on board the right fuel .
Family produce would regularly appear in the Wolves dressing room - but never cakes .
“ He was , if not the fittest player I ever played with , one of them .
I always thought I was the fittest until George arrived and then he ran rings around all of us .
“ Some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on were really tough and George just used to stride in front like a 400 metre runner , just gliding along – and he ’ d do that for 400m , 800m or 1500m .
“ The season we got promoted we went to Australia in pre-season and we had these horrific runs in Kings Park in Perth and everyone was really , really struggling - apart from George .
“ It as his perfect type of run – about 800m long and he was miles in front of everyone and he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again .
“ Also the lads used to have to bring cakes in on their birthday and people would either go to the supermarket and get lots of different cupcakes , or go to Krispy Kreme and get doughnuts .
“ But I ’ ll always remember , George brought in the most wonderful fruit platter you have ever seen .
It was definitely home made , you ’ d never be able to buy that from anywhere .
“ It was huge , it had your strawberries and stuff like that but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and whatever , all chopped up .
“ I will never forget the way he chopped the pineapple , it looked like something out of a fancy restaurant .
“ The lads gave him stick for it but it was that well-presented , quietly everyone really enjoyed it .
“ He also used to bring in ready-meals that they used to make up themselves and box up .
“ Really healthy foods , all in tupperware boxes with a little sticker on it with the branding ‘ By George ’ .
I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see if people liked them .
“ He ’ d only have been 22 or 23 at that point but that shows that right from an early age he wanted to look after himself and was ahead of his time with how important nutrition was .
“ That ’ s come later in all our careers but he was miles ahead .
“ He was reasonably quiet in a group situation , we were only young at that point and there were some quite big personalities in that dressing room .
`` But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real leader at Middlesbrough.
” Before that though , Friend ’ s next stop was Championship side Doncaster Rovers .
Wolves released Mark Little , Daniel Jones and Friend in May 2010 , the latter having made only eight first team appearances - and none since December 2009 when he was part of the ‘ weakened team ’ McCarthy fielded at Old Trafford .
Friend was one of ten changes as Wolves kept their powder try against Manchester United , took at 3-0 beating on the chin and reversed the team selection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They were fined £25,000 for that jiggery-pokery .
That summer Friend was linked with a return to Exeter but instead opted for the Championship and a two-year deal at the Keepmoat Stadium .
Under Sean O ’ Driscoll he often played left back to James O ’ Connor ’ s right back .
Just as Edwards had , O ’ Connor , now part of the staff at Kidderminster Harriers , instantly took to Friend .
“ For a young lad the way he conducted himself from minute one was absolutely fantastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Coming from Wolves there could have been airs and graces but it was the complete opposite , if I was to put out there the top five most genuine people I have come across in football , George would be in it – for certain .
“ He was always more than just a football player and whatever he was going to do he was going to be successful .
“ He had a spell at centre half where he did really well and that helped in his development and his learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the captaincy really well .
When he first joined we started that season really well but tailed off around Christmas and struggled in the second half of the season .
“ We stayed up but then went into George ’ s second season and it was a really transitional year , where we changed managers as part of an experiment where a lot of foreign players were brought into the club – and it didn ’ t quite work out .
“ But throughout that George was one of the players who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when a lot around him found it difficult .
“ It was not the way we wanted it to go as a club but I am sure as an individual George learned a hell of a lot .
“ In today ’ s game footballers often get a lot of bad press but George is the complete opposite to be honest .
He is a model professional and a really good guy.
” The press only got better at Middlesbrough where Friend arrived as a 24-year-old , with the benefit of more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hardened by the adversity of Doncaster 's relegation to League One .
He turned down interest from Ipswich and Nottingham Forest and joined Tony Mowbray at The Riverside .
It was a decision that would change not just his career - but his life .
Friend ’ s on-field success at Boro is well documented .
In eight seasons on Teesside he would make 299 appearances , assume the captaincy , scoop several club accolades , be named as the best left back in the league two years running - and in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League .
Obviously that ’ s only one side of the coin .
While playing regularly in what many consider to be the toughest league in the world Friend started and completed a degree in sports journalism - even undergoing a period of work experience at the Northern Echo .
“ When people said I couldn ’ t do it , I thought that ’ s just a nonsense , ” Friend would recall .
“ I worked hard , believed in myself and I did it .
It was difficult at times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With that and with many other causes too .
“ When the steelworks closed in Middlesbrough in 2015 , it was a huge thing , thousands and thousands were directly affected but they say every family was touched in some way by at least being connected to someone who worked there ” Shaw said .
“ There were loads of protests , it got quite messy but Friend organised a charity calendar among the players to raise money and did loads of interview at the time to raise awareness .
“ He talked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local radio on his way into training every day and he was struck by real stories of real life and how he wanted to make a difference.
” Only last year , when his career has being undermined by fitness problems he continued to represent the club .
Shaw added : “ He had something like an abductor injury and they just couldn ’ t get to the bottom of it , he ’ d had surgery which hadn ’ t worked , he ’ d come back it turned out it wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything it was getting worse .
“ At this time he was a special guest at the opening of a new base for the MFC Foundation in Loftus , probably a good 30-40 minutes from Middlesbrough .
“ He was there before any of the other dignitaries , chatting and doing his stuff , there was a lot of waiting around and he spent probably half an hour talking and doing autographs with fans then we got to speak to him .
`` He told us he had just found out he needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else and it was looking like he ’ d be out for another couple of months .
“ What struck me was , he was talking about how it was the most frustrating time of his career , he ’ d just found out this fresh setback - and you wouldn ’ t have been able to tell because he was spending a good couple of hours of his own time with fans and local media.
” Friend would also write personally to Shaw to congratulate him for completing the Great North Run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acts of kindness .
All of which meant , by this summer when Friend decided to uproot his family and end his long relationship with Middlesbrough the football club and Middlesbrough the area , the outpourings were as sincere as they were numerous .
Shaw concluded : “ It ’ s the best value for money signing of my lifetime , definitely .
`` When you think of the whole package , all those games but also everything else he brings – realising what a club means .
That why it was such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the summer.
” Middlesbrough ’ s loss in Birmingham ’ s gain – even if coronavirus restrictions means his new team-mates might have to wait until Easter for their eggs .

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George Friend has invoked a clause in his contract that will keep him at Birmingham City for the next two years.
His first season since his move from Middlesbrough was challenging on the field and off it - but even through tough times he showed himself to be the consummate professional.
To mark his contract extension here's a look back at an article written when he first signed for Blues last summer.
A good Friend
Not too many pulses would have been set racing when it was confirmed the first signing of the shiny, new Aitor Karanka era was an aging defender with more of his career behind him than in front.
That was before those outside Birmingham City knew much about George Friend beyond his success under the Spaniard’s management at Middlesbrough and the fact that during that time he had been one of the best defenders in the Championship.
What has become apparent since though is many of his playing qualities remain undimmed, that his willingness to accept a leadership role has been intensified and that this could be the beginning of quite a special relationship.
That will certainly be the case if Friend’s time at St Andrew’s follows the same pattern of those at Exeter City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Doncaster Rovers and Boro.
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It is a long tale about someone whose value on the field of play is just a part of the whole story.
A tale about a highly-educated farmer’s son who has regularly brought eggs from the family business in Devon into whichever dressing room has been home.
A tale about someone who has worked hard to enjoy a privileged position in life – but who has tried to use it to benefit those less fortunate.
We spoke to people who have coached him, played with him and covered his 15-year professional career to deliver this unique insight into Aitor Karanka’s first Birmingham City signing.
“Saying his dad is a farmer gives slightly the wrong impression,” said Friend’s first manager, Paul Tisdale.
“His father goes round the world lecturing for the UN on farming – let’s not embarrass George too much but his dad wears a cravat and talks like he is in the Cabinet.
“George gets the work ethic from that but I don’t think that should be used to say he’s some kind of farm-hand. His family are gorgeous people and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
Tisdale became Exeter manager in 2006 and when he did so found 18-year-old Friend as a very young, slightly ungainly professional, with just 69 minutes of Conference football to his name.
The physical attributes were obvious but as a relatively new recruit to the pro ranks there was plenty of technical work to do.
Exeter resolved to send the teenager out on loan - but any old non-league outfit would not do, so Tisdale returned to his former club, Team Bath, the footballing arm of the town’s university.
“Not your norm but it suited him,” he said. “I instantly had some kind of affinity to him because he had stayed at school, done his A Levels, very much like I had done as footballer and didn’t do an apprenticeship.
“He was culturally very elegant, not the typical footballer. He was still growing into his body, going through a growth spurt and coming out the other side with a lot of coordination issues that hadn’t been resolved, so you had to be very patient as a coach.”
Friend developed well and returned in 2008 to play 35 games as the Grecians won promotion back to the Football League.
Friend would make just six more appearances for his first club before Mick McCarthy and Wolves came calling. More of which later.
“Most importantly, his USP was his ability to take information, do the right thing,” Tisdale continued.
“Above all he could concentrate and had the intellect to take information and quantify it in a social as well as technical way - and apply it.
“That’s how footballers are made, it’s not just technical and physical, it’s the ability to understand what’s needed, what to improve.
“He fitted in very much to how I wanted to build Exeter, he was a proper person.
“My time at Exeter was built on doing things properly in a very different way. He benefited hugely from that culture.
“There will be a lot of coaches who played a part in George’s career and added something – and he has had the intelligence to take things and apply them.
“The only thing I will take credit for and it’s not the sort of thing people talk about – is being lucky enough to be in the right culture when you are an 18 or 19-year-old.
“When you have that fortune you don’t understand what it’s like not to have it.
“Most don’t have it and with George being who he is, it would be a very different story if he had been in a different environment in those early days.
“It’s about the confidence you get from the people around you.
“That’s the only bit I am going to take credit for. The rest of it comes down to him, his drive and his determination.
“It was always going to be when rather than if he moved on. I was very, very sad when he left Exeter. I knew he would go but he was one of my favourites.
“I played a part in many, many young players’ careers, he still remains if not my favourite, then one of my favourite two or three.”
That wasn’t the end of their time together, though.
Wolves would send Friend out on loan to Millwall, Scunthorpe and Southend - but in March 2010 he returned St James Park – a decision that impressed even Tisdale.
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“Ninety-nine per cent of young footballers would have had too much pride to go back to the club they started at.
“He did the right thing at the right time, knew it was best for him, he helped us stay in League One, he played in a number of positions for me and it was a dream having him back.
“That says more about his personality than anything else.”
Even though much of his time at Wolves was spent on loan at other clubs, people at Molineux were noticing the same traits.
As soon as Friend arrived in the West Midlands in 2008, he and Old Gold favourite – and current Shrewsbury Town midfielder, Dave Edwards struck up good relationship.
(Image: Getty Images)
“He was very much the sort of signing Mick McCarthy had been making for the previous 18 months, bringing in lads from lower league clubs of a similar age,” Edwards said.
“I came in from Luton, Matt Jarvis from Gillingham, Michael Kightly from Grays - we were all in the same year with George.
“Mick was huge on bringing the right sort of characters to the club and George fitted right in with that. From the moment he came in he was such a nice lad.
“My family and his used to speak together at games and they got on really well. Apart from that he was an extremely hard working professional.”
(Image: BPM)
Two other things stuck out for Edwards.
Friend’s ability to run - and run - and run - and his desire to on take on board the right fuel.
Family produce would regularly appear in the Wolves dressing room - but never cakes.
“He was, if not the fittest player I ever played with, one of them. I always thought I was the fittest until George arrived and then he ran rings around all of us.
“Some of the pre-season runs Tony Daley used to put on were really tough and George just used to stride in front like a 400 metre runner, just gliding along – and he’d do that for 400m, 800m or 1500m.
“The season we got promoted we went to Australia in pre-season and we had these horrific runs in Kings Park in Perth and everyone was really, really struggling - apart from George.
(Image: Matthew Ashton/AMA)
“It as his perfect type of run – about 800m long and he was miles in front of everyone and he’d just jog back and do it again.
“Also the lads used to have to bring cakes in on their birthday and people would either go to the supermarket and get lots of different cupcakes, or go to Krispy Kreme and get doughnuts.
“But I’ll always remember, George brought in the most wonderful fruit platter you have ever seen. It was definitely home made, you’d never be able to buy that from anywhere.
“It was huge, it had your strawberries and stuff like that but it also had tropical fruits like papaya and whatever, all chopped up.
“I will never forget the way he chopped the pineapple, it looked like something out of a fancy restaurant.
“The lads gave him stick for it but it was that well-presented, quietly everyone really enjoyed it.
“He also used to bring in ready-meals that they used to make up themselves and box up.
“Really healthy foods, all in tupperware boxes with a little sticker on it with the branding ‘By George’. I think he was just trying them out to see if people liked them.
“He’d only have been 22 or 23 at that point but that shows that right from an early age he wanted to look after himself and was ahead of his time with how important nutrition was.
“That’s come later in all our careers but he was miles ahead.
“He was reasonably quiet in a group situation, we were only young at that point and there were some quite big personalities in that dressing room.
"But from what I heard he developed into a real leader at Middlesbrough.”
Before that though, Friend’s next stop was Championship side Doncaster Rovers.
Wolves released Mark Little, Daniel Jones and Friend in May 2010, the latter having made only eight first team appearances - and none since December 2009 when he was part of the ‘weakened team’ McCarthy fielded at Old Trafford.
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Friend was one of ten changes as Wolves kept their powder try against Manchester United, took at 3-0 beating on the chin and reversed the team selection to beat Burnley in their next game. They were fined £25,000 for that jiggery-pokery.
That summer Friend was linked with a return to Exeter but instead opted for the Championship and a two-year deal at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Under Sean O’Driscoll he often played left back to James O’Connor’s right back.
Just as Edwards had, O’Connor, now part of the staff at Kidderminster Harriers, instantly took to Friend.
“For a young lad the way he conducted himself from minute one was absolutely fantastic,” O’Connor said.
“Coming from Wolves there could have been airs and graces but it was the complete opposite, if I was to put out there the top five most genuine people I have come across in football, George would be in it – for certain.
“He was always more than just a football player and whatever he was going to do he was going to be successful.
“He had a spell at centre half where he did really well and that helped in his development and his learning about the game
“And he took to the captaincy really well. When he first joined we started that season really well but tailed off around Christmas and struggled in the second half of the season.
(Image: CT)
“We stayed up but then went into George’s second season and it was a really transitional year, where we changed managers as part of an experiment where a lot of foreign players were brought into the club – and it didn’t quite work out.
“But throughout that George was one of the players who I thought maintained some kind of form when a lot around him found it difficult.
“It was not the way we wanted it to go as a club but I am sure as an individual George learned a hell of a lot.
“In today’s game footballers often get a lot of bad press but George is the complete opposite to be honest. He is a model professional and a really good guy.”
The press only got better at Middlesbrough where Friend arrived as a 24-year-old, with the benefit of more than 60 Championship appearances under his belt and hardened by the adversity of Doncaster's relegation to League One.
He turned down interest from Ipswich and Nottingham Forest and joined Tony Mowbray at The Riverside. It was a decision that would change not just his career - but his life.
Friend’s on-field success at Boro is well documented.
In eight seasons on Teesside he would make 299 appearances, assume the captaincy, scoop several club accolades, be named as the best left back in the league two years running - and in 2016 help Boro win promotion to the Premier League.
Obviously that’s only one side of the coin.
While playing regularly in what many consider to be the toughest league in the world Friend started and completed a degree in sports journalism - even undergoing a period of work experience at the Northern Echo.
“When people said I couldn’t do it, I thought that’s just a nonsense,” Friend would recall. “I worked hard, believed in myself and I did it. It was difficult at times, but I stuck with it.”
With that and with many other causes too.
Dominic Shaw, Boro editor at Teesside Live, chronicled Friend’s involvement in community issues.
“When the steelworks closed in Middlesbrough in 2015, it was a huge thing, thousands and thousands were directly affected but they say every family was touched in some way by at least being connected to someone who worked there” Shaw said.
“There were loads of protests, it got quite messy but Friend organised a charity calendar among the players to raise money and did loads of interview at the time to raise awareness.
“He talked about how he’d listen to local radio on his way into training every day and he was struck by real stories of real life and how he wanted to make a difference.”
Only last year, when his career has being undermined by fitness problems he continued to represent the club.
Shaw added: “He had something like an abductor injury and they just couldn’t get to the bottom of it, he’d had surgery which hadn’t worked, he’d come back it turned out it wasn’t getting any better, if anything it was getting worse.
“At this time he was a special guest at the opening of a new base for the MFC Foundation in Loftus, probably a good 30-40 minutes from Middlesbrough.
“He was there before any of the other dignitaries, chatting and doing his stuff, there was a lot of waiting around and he spent probably half an hour talking and doing autographs with fans then we got to speak to him.
"He told us he had just found out he needed another operation, they had discovered something else and it was looking like he’d be out for another couple of months.
“What struck me was, he was talking about how it was the most frustrating time of his career, he’d just found out this fresh setback - and you wouldn’t have been able to tell because he was spending a good couple of hours of his own time with fans and local media.”
Friend would also write personally to Shaw to congratulate him for completing the Great North Run and would routinely impress club staff similar acts of kindness.
All of which meant, by this summer when Friend decided to uproot his family and end his long relationship with Middlesbrough the football club and Middlesbrough the area, the outpourings were as sincere as they were numerous.
Former Boro press officer Mike McGeary tweeted this tribute:
Shaw concluded: “It’s the best value for money signing of my lifetime, definitely.
"When you think of the whole package, all those games but also everything else he brings – realising what a club means. That why it was such a big decision for him to leave in the summer.”
Middlesbrough’s loss in Birmingham’s gain – even if coronavirus restrictions means his new team-mates might have to wait until Easter for their eggs.


birminghammail--2020-11-13--Health workers taking steps to combat growing social problem

Health chiefs across Wolverhampton are taking urgent steps to tackle the growing problem of loneliness and isolation amongst the elderly , which has increased alarmingly since the outbreak of Covid-19 .
It is estimated that thousands of people across the city have little or no social contact with family members , friends or community groups , leading to many suffering mentally , emotionally and physically .
The problem has been exacerbated by the pandemic crisis and the current lockdown conditions , which has led to reduced communication and physical contact with the outside world for many older people .
Adults @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are now looking at a number of ways in which they can use technology to help those who are feeling lonely and isolated to connect with others .
Using the theme 'Connected City ' , health workers and their partners will be implementing a number of ways in which individuals can gain digital access to coffee and chat meetings via Zoom , yoga sessions , quizzes and online computer training .
As the council 's in-house day services and respite care is closed during lockdown , a YouTube channel has been set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cooking , keep fit sessions and craft activities .
And because many people living in the community do not have access to IT equipment or smart phones , the council has set up a digital lending scheme , which will initially see 50 devices given out .
Plans are also under way to expand the programme to libraries and voluntary organisations .
The lending scheme will include connectivity via SIM cards for three months .
Ten people , including carers and vulnerable adults , have already been allocated devices , and funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city 's wards to pay for SIM cards so schoolchildren can conduct online learning .
In a report to the council 's Adults and Safer City Scrutiny Panel , Head of Service for Mental Health Sandra Ashton Jones said : `` Loneliness and social isolation is not a phenomenon specific to Wolverhampton .
`` Loneliness is described as a feeling that occurs when there is something missing or lacking in a person ’ s social relationships , or when the quality or frequency of their relationships is less satisfying than they would like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lonely even when they are surrounded by many people .
Social isolation is when someone lacks social ties or connections to a community .
`` People can also experience emotional isolation where a personal or intimate relationship is missing , '' she added .
`` For many people virtual activities are not enough and , in those situations , support workers undertake face to face doorstep visits and take gifts and activities for people to do at home . ''
An estimated 1.2 million older people in the UK are believed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Surveys suggest life events such as being an informal carer , becoming new parents , relationship breakdowns , bereavement , job losses , retirement , financial insecurity and physical or mental ill health can trigger loneliness .
Stigma and prejudice can also heighten feelings of loneliness and isolation - often experienced by those with disabilities and mental health problems , or people from black , ethnic minority and LGBTQ+ communities .
In Wolverhampton , partners Adult Social Care , Public Health , Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council ( WVSC ) , West Midlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to map levels of social isolation and loneliness .
The council 's Adults and Safer City Scrutiny Panel will discuss the scheme next Tuesday , November 17 .

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Health chiefs across Wolverhampton are taking urgent steps to tackle the growing problem of loneliness and isolation amongst the elderly, which has increased alarmingly since the outbreak of Covid-19.
It is estimated that thousands of people across the city have little or no social contact with family members, friends or community groups, leading to many suffering mentally, emotionally and physically.
The problem has been exacerbated by the pandemic crisis and the current lockdown conditions, which has led to reduced communication and physical contact with the outside world for many older people.
Adults and Safer City bosses at the council are now looking at a number of ways in which they can use technology to help those who are feeling lonely and isolated to connect with others.
Using the theme 'Connected City', health workers and their partners will be implementing a number of ways in which individuals can gain digital access to coffee and chat meetings via Zoom, yoga sessions, quizzes and online computer training.
As the council's in-house day services and respite care is closed during lockdown, a YouTube channel has been set up with weekly uploads including Makaton signed stories, cooking, keep fit sessions and craft activities.
And because many people living in the community do not have access to IT equipment or smart phones, the council has set up a digital lending scheme, which will initially see 50 devices given out.
Plans are also under way to expand the programme to libraries and voluntary organisations. The lending scheme will include connectivity via SIM cards for three months.
Ten people, including carers and vulnerable adults, have already been allocated devices, and funds have been secured from five of the city's wards to pay for SIM cards so schoolchildren can conduct online learning.
In a report to the council's Adults and Safer City Scrutiny Panel, Head of Service for Mental Health Sandra Ashton Jones said: "Loneliness and social isolation is not a phenomenon specific to Wolverhampton.
"Loneliness is described as a feeling that occurs when there is something missing or lacking in a person’s social relationships, or when the quality or frequency of their relationships is less satisfying than they would like.
"A person can still feel lonely even when they are surrounded by many people. Social isolation is when someone lacks social ties or connections to a community.
"People can also experience emotional isolation where a personal or intimate relationship is missing," she added.
"For many people virtual activities are not enough and, in those situations, support workers undertake face to face doorstep visits and take gifts and activities for people to do at home."
An estimated 1.2 million older people in the UK are believed to be struggling with severe loneliness and chronic isolation.
Surveys suggest life events such as being an informal carer, becoming new parents, relationship breakdowns, bereavement, job losses, retirement, financial insecurity and physical or mental ill health can trigger loneliness.
Stigma and prejudice can also heighten feelings of loneliness and isolation - often experienced by those with disabilities and mental health problems, or people from black, ethnic minority and LGBTQ+ communities.
In Wolverhampton, partners Adult Social Care, Public Health, Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council (WVSC), West Midlands Fire Service and Wolverhampton Homes have begun to map levels of social isolation and loneliness.
The council's Adults and Safer City Scrutiny Panel will discuss the scheme next Tuesday, November 17.


birminghammail--2020-11-13--Soap & Glory gift set massively reduced in early Black Friday sale

Boots have launched early deals ready for the Christmas rush .
Plenty of beauty gift sets , perfumes , grooming and bath gifts are all reduced ahead of Black Friday- where shoppers will be able to bag tonnes more savings .
Usually , Boots launch massive 70/80 % savings so you have to be quick to get the best of the bargains with most of the popular brands including Soap & Glory , No7 and Sanctuary selling out rapidly .
Here is the stores latest offering which shoppers can pick up the Soap & Glory The Square Necessities Christmas Gift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
• DROP IN THE LOTION™ Lightweight Body Lotion 500 ml 16.2 US Fl .
Oz .
• THE SCRUB OF YOUR LIFE™ Smoothing Body Scrub 200 ml 6.7 US Fl .
Oz .
• FACE SOAP AND CLARITY™ 3-in-1 Daily Vitamin C Facial Wash 350 ml 11.8 US Fl .
Oz .
And , it 's better than half price !
What did Boots offer in Black Friday 2019 High street chain Boots gave shoppers a first look at some of the bargains they were to feature in 2019 's deals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first set of exclusive beauty deals that were available to buy in stores and online at Boots.com from 20 November - a whole week before Black Friday officially kicked off on 29 November .
And now , similarly they will be launching deals as early as a month before for their 2020 savings .
The price cuts include better than half price discounts on Soap and Glory and Sanctuary sets , as well as discounts on Mark Hill hair straighteners , Spectrum make up brushes and more .
Shoppers will be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shop all the latest deals as they are released - perfect for consumers keen to make savings on those last few bits on their Christmas shopping list .

Boots have launched early deals ready for the Christmas rush.
Plenty of beauty gift sets, perfumes, grooming and bath gifts are all reduced ahead of Black Friday- where shoppers will be able to bag tonnes more savings.
Usually, Boots launch massive 70/80% savings so you have to be quick to get the best of the bargains with most of the popular brands including Soap & Glory , No7 and Sanctuary selling out rapidly.
Here is the stores latest offering which shoppers can pick up the Soap & Glory The Square Necessities Christmas Gift Set for just £30 (was £65).
Inside beauty lovers can find:
CLEAN A-COLADA™ Hydrating Body Wash 500 ml 16.2 US Fl. Oz.
DROP IN THE LOTION™ Lightweight Body Lotion 500 ml 16.2 US Fl. Oz.
CLEAN ON ME™ Creamy Moisture Shower Gel 500 ml 16.2 US Fl. Oz.
THE SCRUB OF YOUR LIFE™ Smoothing Body Scrub 200 ml 6.7 US Fl. Oz.
THE RIGHTEOUS BUTTER™ Body Moisturizer 300 ml 10.1 US Fl. Oz.
HAND FOOD™ Non-Greasy Hydrating Hand Cream 50 ml 1.69 US Fl. Oz.
YOUR BEST SHOT™ Coffee & Oat Scrub 180 g Net wt. 6.3 Oz.
FACE SOAP AND CLARITY™ 3-in-1 Daily Vitamin C Facial Wash 350 ml 11.8 US Fl. Oz.
BRIGHT + BEAUTIFUL™ Radiance-Boosting Mask 29 g Net wt. 1 Oz.
THE FAB PORE™ Pore-refining Mask 29 g Net wt. 1 Oz.
THE RUSHOWER™ Scent-sational Dry Shampoo 200 ml Net wt. 4.1 Oz. (117g)
THICK & FAST™ HIGH-DEFINITION MASCARA in Film Noir 10 ml 0.33 US Fl. Oz.
Tin
And, it's better than half price!
What did Boots offer in Black Friday 2019
High street chain Boots gave shoppers a first look at some of the bargains they were to feature in 2019's deals last year.
The retailer revealed its first set of exclusive beauty deals that were available to buy in stores and online at Boots.com from 20 November - a whole week before Black Friday officially kicked off on 29 November.
And now, similarly they will be launching deals as early as a month before for their 2020 savings.
The price cuts include better than half price discounts on Soap and Glory and Sanctuary sets, as well as discounts on Mark Hill hair straighteners, Spectrum make up brushes and more.
Shoppers will be able to check Boots official Black Friday page to shop all the latest deals as they are released - perfect for consumers keen to make savings on those last few bits on their Christmas shopping list.


birminghammail--2020-11-13--Covid drop and collect service remains suspended after used tests given out

Birmingham 's drop and collect service remains suspended after used coronavirus test kits were handed to students in Selly Oak .
It 's believed a number of undergraduates were given used swabs , with some packaging reportedly containing names and addresses .
The mistake was made in Tiverton Road by staff taking part in Birmingham City Council 's drop and collect service on Tuesday , October 13 .
During a West Midlands Combined Authority briefing on Friday , November 13 , the city 's council leader , Cllr Ian Ward revealed an investigation into the incident had concluded - but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said : `` I again would apologise to the people who were impacted by the error on the drop and collect service .
`` There has been a conclusion to that investigation . ''
Cllr Ward would n't be drawn on further but said : `` The one thing I can say is that the drop and collect service remains suspended . ''
He said the council had taken advice from the Armed Forces about changes that would need to be made if it proved necessary to reinstate the drop and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was doing everything it could to ensure there was `` no repeat of what happened '' when it comes to the roll out of the antigen lateral flow tests .
He continued : `` There is a different process that will be in place for these lateral tests , as they involve someone with clinical expertise , rather than what was in operation with drop and collect side .
We do n't envisage there will be the same problems . ''
Birmingham is one of the authorities to receive 10,000 test kits today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clive Wright , regional convenor for the Department of Health and Social Care in the West Midlands , said there were `` advantages and disadvantages of all tests '' , adding : `` In terms of lateral flow , they 're quick and easy to administer they 're very mobile and get quick results , but they 're not as good at indicating positive cases in the early stages of infection . ''

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Birmingham's drop and collect service remains suspended after used coronavirus test kits were handed to students in Selly Oak.
It's believed a number of undergraduates were given used swabs, with some packaging reportedly containing names and addresses.
The mistake was made in Tiverton Road by staff taking part in Birmingham City Council's drop and collect service on Tuesday, October 13.
During a West Midlands Combined Authority briefing on Friday, November 13, the city's council leader, Cllr Ian Ward revealed an investigation into the incident had concluded - but remained tight-lipped on what the outcome was.
He said: "I again would apologise to the people who were impacted by the error on the drop and collect service.
"There has been a conclusion to that investigation."
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Cllr Ward wouldn't be drawn on further but said: "The one thing I can say is that the drop and collect service remains suspended."
He said the council had taken advice from the Armed Forces about changes that would need to be made if it proved necessary to reinstate the drop and collect test kits but said the authority was doing everything it could to ensure there was "no repeat of what happened" when it comes to the roll out of the antigen lateral flow tests.
He continued: "There is a different process that will be in place for these lateral tests, as they involve someone with clinical expertise, rather than what was in operation with drop and collect side. We don't envisage there will be the same problems."
Birmingham is one of the authorities to receive 10,000 test kits today to assist with mass testing.
However Clive Wright, regional convenor for the Department of Health and Social Care in the West Midlands, said there were "advantages and disadvantages of all tests", adding: "In terms of lateral flow, they're quick and easy to administer they're very mobile and get quick results, but they're not as good at indicating positive cases in the early stages of infection."


birminghammail--2020-11-13--Inmate threatened to go on 'killing spree' before attacking prison staff

A violent inmate who attacked prison officers with makeshift weapons and threatened to go on a 'killing spree ' has been jailed for 20 years .
Over a series of incidents dating back to 2017 , Daniel Matthews attacked fellow inmates as well as staff members at a number of prisons including HMP Long Lartin and HMP Hewell in Worcestershire .
Worcester Crown Court heard today ( Friday , November 13 ) that he would attack others with makeshift weapons , including one described as a 'metal spike ' .
One incident in HMP Hewell in 2017 saw Matthews , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inmate and initiate a violent struggle .
Summing up the case , His Honour Judge Burbidge told Matthews : `` You grabbed him in a headlock .
`` He found it hard to breathe .
You left him shaken and scared .
You said ' I 'm going to f*** you up .
You 're going to die tonight ' .
Another prisoner was left needing stitches for facial wounds after being attacked with a razor during the same incident .
Matthews was later visited the same year by a governor at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` You [ Matthews ] were agitated and unhappy , '' Judge Burbidge said .
`` The governor was speaking to another member of staff when he noticed someone in his peripheral vision .
That person was you .
`` He felt a blow to the side of his face and was punched two or three times . ''
In a third incident at HMP Long Lartin in February 2019 , Matthews had to be restrained in his cell after he 'lost his temper ' and threw a flask which narrowly missed prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HMP Bristol where he began a job as a cleaner and initially appeared to have turned a corner .
However , a further incident took place on January 10 this year after he made a threat while talking to a female prison officer who had previously reported him for `` inappropriate remarks ' .
Speaking to Matthews , Judge Burbidge said : `` It was clear you harboured a grudge and you did not let bygones be bygones .
`` You said to her you intended to carry out a killing spree at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a calm and matter of fact way . ''
As prison officers later attempted to restrain him in his cell , Matthews used a makeshift weapon described as 'metal spike ' to attack one staff member .
`` It was used in hammer-like blows , '' the judge said .
`` He received significant eye injuries . ''
Passing sentence , Judge Burbidge said : `` You attack prisoners and prisoner officers without discrimination .
You can not control yourself . ''
Matthews was subsequently sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for wounding with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and four counts assault of an emergency worker .
His sentence is made up of : • Seven years in prison for wounding with intent , five years for causing grievous bodily harm with intent and eight months for each of four counts of assaulting an emergency worker at HMP Bristol , to run concurrently .
• Three years in total for the assaults at HMP Hewell .
• Seven years for wounding with intent at HMP Long Lartin .
• Concurrent sentences of one year and two years respectively after admitting two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• An extended sentence of three years .

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A violent inmate who attacked prison officers with makeshift weapons and threatened to go on a 'killing spree' has been jailed for 20 years.
Over a series of incidents dating back to 2017, Daniel Matthews attacked fellow inmates as well as staff members at a number of prisons including HMP Long Lartin and HMP Hewell in Worcestershire.
Worcester Crown Court heard today (Friday, November 13) that he would attack others with makeshift weapons, including one described as a 'metal spike'.
One incident in HMP Hewell in 2017 saw Matthews, 28, enter the cell of another inmate and initiate a violent struggle.
Summing up the case, His Honour Judge Burbidge told Matthews: "You grabbed him in a headlock.
"He found it hard to breathe. You left him shaken and scared. You said 'I'm going to f*** you up. You're going to die tonight'.
"You stabbed with a sharp object."
Another prisoner was left needing stitches for facial wounds after being attacked with a razor during the same incident.
Matthews was later visited the same year by a governor at the prison who discussed moving with him.
"You [Matthews] were agitated and unhappy," Judge Burbidge said.
"The governor was speaking to another member of staff when he noticed someone in his peripheral vision. That person was you.
"He felt a blow to the side of his face and was punched two or three times."
In a third incident at HMP Long Lartin in February 2019, Matthews had to be restrained in his cell after he 'lost his temper' and threw a flask which narrowly missed prison officers.
Matthews was later moved to HMP Bristol where he began a job as a cleaner and initially appeared to have turned a corner.
However, a further incident took place on January 10 this year after he made a threat while talking to a female prison officer who had previously reported him for "inappropriate remarks'.
Speaking to Matthews, Judge Burbidge said: "It was clear you harboured a grudge and you did not let bygones be bygones.
"You said to her you intended to carry out a killing spree at the prison. You said this in a calm and matter of fact way."
As prison officers later attempted to restrain him in his cell, Matthews used a makeshift weapon described as 'metal spike' to attack one staff member.
"It was used in hammer-like blows," the judge said. "He received significant eye injuries."
Passing sentence, Judge Burbidge said: "You attack prisoners and prisoner officers without discrimination. You cannot control yourself."
Matthews was subsequently sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for wounding with intent, grievous bodily harm with intent and four counts assault of an emergency worker.
His sentence is made up of:


birminghammail--2020-11-13--Plea to supermarkets to drop food delivery fees for vulnerable

Vulnerable people shielding during lockdown and who rely on home deliveries shouldn ’ t have to pay extra for the essential items they need , a Dudley councillor has said .
Cllr Shaukat Ali , Labour party ’ s shadow cabinet member for health and adult social care , is calling on supermarkets to abolish fees he claims can substantially increase food bill costs .
He is now asking stores offering priority deliveries to those who have been told they must stay at home to drop packing and delivery charges .
He said : “ It is not fair that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law are required to self-isolate are being asked to pay delivery charges by large supermarkets if the order is below £40 in value .
“ People using this service live hand-to-mouth and don ’ t have that amount to spend in one go .
They often order weekly items such as fruit , vegetables , meat and bread which come nowhere near to the £40 limit and find that most of their bill is made up of these additional charges .
“ He highlighted one case where a supermarket added £8.40 for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be bought in store for £38 – creating a bill of £46.50 .
Morrisons said that since April it stores had made over 100,000 deliveries to those who were shielding .
A spokesperson for Tesco said the company had put its most vulnerable customers first and provided priority delivery slots to 600,000 customers .
The supermarket chain defended its policy of charging , saying : “ Demand for slots remains extremely high at all times of the week , so we have moved to a simpler pricing structure with a flat rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , packing and delivering orders .
“ This structure is fairer for everyone and means no customers has to pay the highest slot price – which was previously £7 – as a result of demand .
“ Customers who have signed up for our Delivery Saver subscription service continue to benefit from free deliveries and collections as part of their plan.
” Cllr Ali is calling for exemptions where Covid-19 guidance require people to shield or have been sent a letter from the NHS or their GP telling them that they must stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charges might seem relatively small to some people , but it adds up to larger amounts over time , hitting those shielding , unable to work or on fixed incomes hardest .
“ We are calling on all participating supermarkets to reconsider their policy and drop the delivery charges as every little helps .
”

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Vulnerable people shielding during lockdown and who rely on home deliveries shouldn’t have to pay extra for the essential items they need, a Dudley councillor has said.
Cllr Shaukat Ali, Labour party’s shadow cabinet member for health and adult social care, is calling on supermarkets to abolish fees he claims can substantially increase food bill costs.
He is now asking stores offering priority deliveries to those who have been told they must stay at home to drop packing and delivery charges.
He said: “It is not fair that clinically, extremely vulnerable people who by law are required to self-isolate are being asked to pay delivery charges by large supermarkets if the order is below £40 in value.
“People using this service live hand-to-mouth and don’t have that amount to spend in one go. They often order weekly items such as fruit, vegetables, meat and bread which come nowhere near to the £40 limit and find that most of their bill is made up of these additional charges. “
He highlighted one case where a supermarket added £8.40 for the packing and delivery of groceries – which could be bought in store for £38 – creating a bill of £46.50.
Morrisons said that since April it stores had made over 100,000 deliveries to those who were shielding.
A spokesperson for Tesco said the company had put its most vulnerable customers first and provided priority delivery slots to 600,000 customers.
The supermarket chain defended its policy of charging, saying: “Demand for slots remains extremely high at all times of the week, so we have moved to a simpler pricing structure with a flat rate that better reflects the cost of picking, packing and delivering orders.
“This structure is fairer for everyone and means no customers has to pay the highest slot price – which was previously £7 – as a result of demand.
“Customers who have signed up for our Delivery Saver subscription service continue to benefit from free deliveries and collections as part of their plan.”
Cllr Ali is calling for exemptions where Covid-19 guidance require people to shield or have been sent a letter from the NHS or their GP telling them that they must stay at home.
He added: “Charges might seem relatively small to some people, but it adds up to larger amounts over time, hitting those shielding, unable to work or on fixed incomes hardest.
“We are calling on all participating supermarkets to reconsider their policy and drop the delivery charges as every little helps.”


birminghammail--2020-11-13--Tree gets protection despite protests from church next door

A preservation order on a tree at the entrance to a Wolverhampton golf club is set to be granted - despite objections from a neighbouring church and social club claiming its roots are damaging building foundations .
The tree , a large maturing beech , stands adjacent to the front gate and driveway of Oxley Park Golf Club , which is located immediately next door to the Polish Catholic Centre and Church on Stafford Road .
Officials from the church and community centre say the roots of the tree are affecting the club 's drains , which has led to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is situated .
They also claim the roots are damaging the retaining wall between the golf club and the church , with the canopy of the tree overhanging the car park resulting in branches and leaves littering the driveway .
Church leaders say they are concerned that if they repair the problem and it occurs again , it will cause further expense which they can not afford .
In a report to the council , Tree Officer James Dunn said : `` The tree has developed a good form , is in good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the surrounding area due to its visibility from the public areas and highways - in particular when viewed from Stafford Road .
`` In addition , it is also visually pleasing for visitors to the church and the golf course which , given the number of visitors and the nature of the properties , is sufficient to justify the service of a Tree Preservation Order ( TPO ) .
`` Whilst roots getting into drains is possible and not infrequent , the remedy for such issues is to fit the drain with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much greater resistance to roots growing in than older terracotta section drains .
`` Damage to the wall between the golf club and the church is noted , and it is accepted that it appears to be related to the expansion of the tree ’ s roots , '' he added .
*However , it appears to have been present for some time and there is no evidence to show that it is causing a safety issue .
`` Should work become necessary in relation to the roots or the damage to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made with the appropriate evidence to justify the proposed tree works at the time they are required .
`` No evidence of poor health has been observed in the tree , and the clearance of leaves , twigs and other seasonal debris forms part of reasonable property maintenance , '' added Mr Dunn .
`` Overall , the grounds for objection are not sufficient to prevent the confirmation of the order at this time . ''
Wolverhampton Council 's planning committee is recommended to confirm the order without modification at its meeting on @ @ @ @ @

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A preservation order on a tree at the entrance to a Wolverhampton golf club is set to be granted - despite objections from a neighbouring church and social club claiming its roots are damaging building foundations.
The tree, a large maturing beech, stands adjacent to the front gate and driveway of Oxley Park Golf Club, which is located immediately next door to the Polish Catholic Centre and Church on Stafford Road.
Officials from the church and community centre say the roots of the tree are affecting the club's drains, which has led to flooding in the cellar where the boiler is situated.
They also claim the roots are damaging the retaining wall between the golf club and the church, with the canopy of the tree overhanging the car park resulting in branches and leaves littering the driveway.
Church leaders say they are concerned that if they repair the problem and it occurs again, it will cause further expense which they cannot afford.
In a report to the council, Tree Officer James Dunn said: "The tree has developed a good form, is in good condition and provides a high amenity value to the surrounding area due to its visibility from the public areas and highways - in particular when viewed from Stafford Road.
"In addition, it is also visually pleasing for visitors to the church and the golf course which, given the number of visitors and the nature of the properties, is sufficient to justify the service of a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
"Whilst roots getting into drains is possible and not infrequent, the remedy for such issues is to fit the drain with a fibreglass drain liner. These have much greater resistance to roots growing in than older terracotta section drains.
"Damage to the wall between the golf club and the church is noted, and it is accepted that it appears to be related to the expansion of the tree’s roots," he added.
*However, it appears to have been present for some time and there is no evidence to show that it is causing a safety issue.
"Should work become necessary in relation to the roots or the damage to the wall, then an application could be made with the appropriate evidence to justify the proposed tree works at the time they are required.
"No evidence of poor health has been observed in the tree, and the clearance of leaves, twigs and other seasonal debris forms part of reasonable property maintenance," added Mr Dunn.
"Overall, the grounds for objection are not sufficient to prevent the confirmation of the order at this time."
Wolverhampton Council's planning committee is recommended to confirm the order without modification at its meeting on Monday, November 16.


birminghammail--2020-11-13--Wolves striker Raul Jimenez confirms transfer 'approaches' made

Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez has confirmed he was the subject of 'approaches ' from other clubs during the summer transfer window .
But the Mexico striker reaffirmed his commitment to Wolves having recently signed a new four-year contract at Molineux .
Jimenez has been a revelation since joining Nuno Espirito Santo 's side from Benfica two years ago and topped the magical 20-goal mark in all competitions last season .
That form inevitably led to speculation over the 29-year-old 's future in the summer , when he was linked with the likes of Manchester United and Juventus .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via Sport Witness ] during the international break , Jimenez admitted potential suitors had been in contact but an agreement was never close to being reached .
“ During vacations or a transfer window a new team will come out every day , what I knew was about the news , rumours , ” said Jimenez .
“ One day I ’ d wake up and Juventus loved me , another it ’ d be Manchester United , and what I know is that there were approaches , but an agreement was never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m very good at Wolves.
” There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news , views , gossip and opinion .
All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 Jimenez already has four Premier League goals this term having netted 13 and 17 in his first two campaigns with Wolves and put pen to paper on a new deal at the start of October .
Asked whether he has any regrets over staying at Wolves , he said : “ Well , not really , I ’ m very happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced because I ’ m in a place where I ’ m fine , they know I ’ m not satisfied , I ’ m always looking for more .
“ It didn ’ t happen this time , if it happens at some point will have to want the best for me , Wolves and the team who came , but I ’ m very happy at Wolves being very important.
” Jimenez added : “ The truth is I ’ m giving my best by giving myself to the top in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m doing my best , obviously Wolves are not a team that is talked about a lot , but I ’ m in the best league in the world and if I ’ m doing it at a team that doesn ’ t have much popularity , I can do it at any team .
”

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Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez has confirmed he was the subject of 'approaches' from other clubs during the summer transfer window.
But the Mexico striker reaffirmed his commitment to Wolves having recently signed a new four-year contract at Molineux.
Jimenez has been a revelation since joining Nuno Espirito Santo's side from Benfica two years ago and topped the magical 20-goal mark in all competitions last season.
That form inevitably led to speculation over the 29-year-old's future in the summer, when he was linked with the likes of Manchester United and Juventus.
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In an interview with Mexican outlet TUDN [via Sport Witness] during the international break, Jimenez admitted potential suitors had been in contact but an agreement was never close to being reached.
“During vacations or a transfer window a new team will come out every day, what I knew was about the news, rumours,” said Jimenez.
“One day I’d wake up and Juventus loved me, another it’d be Manchester United, and what I know is that there were approaches, but an agreement was never reached, nothing close, but I’m very good at Wolves.”
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on 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
Jimenez already has four Premier League goals this term having netted 13 and 17 in his first two campaigns with Wolves and put pen to paper on a new deal at the start of October.
Asked whether he has any regrets over staying at Wolves, he said: “Well, not really, I’m very happy at Wolverhampton, it’s never forced because I’m in a place where I’m fine, they know I’m not satisfied, I’m always looking for more.
“It didn’t happen this time, if it happens at some point will have to want the best for me, Wolves and the team who came, but I’m very happy at Wolves being very important.”
Jimenez added: “The truth is I’m giving my best by giving myself to the top in every training, game, I’m doing my best, obviously Wolves are not a team that is talked about a lot, but I’m in the best league in the world and if I’m doing it at a team that doesn’t have much popularity, I can do it at any team.”


birminghammail--2020-11-13--Hays Travel founder John Hays dies after collapse at work

John Hays , the founder of holiday firm Hays Travel , has died .
The company said in a statement : `` It is with the deepest sadness and regret that we have to announce that John Hays , the founder and managing director of Hays Travel , died today while doing the job he loved .
`` John , who with his wife and co-owner Irene Hays bought the Thomas Cook retail estate a year ago , was at work in the company 's Sunderland head office when he collapsed .
`` John built Hays Travel into the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs and careers for thousands of young people over 40 years .
`` Throughout this past difficult year he did everything in his power to save jobs and protect the travel industry .
`` He was held in immense respect by his staff , colleagues , family and friends and was recognised throughout his life for his many achievements . ''
Mr Hays is believed to have been in his early 70s and owned the travel agency company with his wife , Irene , who also chairs the company .
He founded Hays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's children 's wear store in Seaham , Durham

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John Hays, the founder of holiday firm Hays Travel, has died.
The company said in a statement: "It is with the deepest sadness and regret that we have to announce that John Hays, the founder and managing director of Hays Travel, died today while doing the job he loved.
"John, who with his wife and co-owner Irene Hays bought the Thomas Cook retail estate a year ago, was at work in the company's Sunderland head office when he collapsed.
"John built Hays Travel into the UK's largest independent travel agent, providing jobs and careers for thousands of young people over 40 years.
"Throughout this past difficult year he did everything in his power to save jobs and protect the travel industry.
"He was held in immense respect by his staff, colleagues, family and friends and was recognised throughout his life for his many achievements."
Mr Hays is believed to have been in his early 70s and owned the travel agency company with his wife, Irene, who also chairs the company.
He founded Hays Travel in the back of his mother's children's wear store in Seaham, Durham


birminghammail--2020-11-14--Ex-Villa target Henderson could be forced to quit Man United

Former Aston Villa transfer target Dean Henderson may have to leave Manchester United in order to force his way into the England team , according to reports .
Henderson has returned to Old Trafford after two seasons on loan at Sheffield United and is now playing the role of understudy to David De Gea .
The 23-year-old is now a regular in the England squad and made his debut against Republic of Ireland on Thursday , but he 's behind Jordan Pickford and Nick Pope in the pecking order .
90min reports that England boss Gareth Southgate has told Henderson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at club level to become his country 's number one in time for the Euros next year .
It 's now being suggested that Henderson could look to leave United on loan in January to boost his international hopes .
Scottish champions Celtic is reportedly an option for Henderson , who 90min claim 'had all but agreed ' a transfer to Villa over the summer before United convinced him to stay at Old Trafford .
Villa 's search for a goalkeeper saw them linked with lots of names in the last transfer window @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arsenal for Emi Martinez .
Henderson could well be on the move in January but Villa no longer need to strengthen in that department with Martinez , Tom Heaton and Jed Steer jostling for position .

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Former Aston Villa transfer target Dean Henderson may have to leave Manchester United in order to force his way into the England team, according to reports.
Henderson has returned to Old Trafford after two seasons on loan at Sheffield United and is now playing the role of understudy to David De Gea.
The 23-year-old is now a regular in the England squad and made his debut against Republic of Ireland on Thursday, but he's behind Jordan Pickford and Nick Pope in the pecking order.
90min reports that England boss Gareth Southgate has told Henderson that he needs to be playing regularly at club level to become his country's number one in time for the Euros next year.
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It's now being suggested that Henderson could look to leave United on loan in January to boost his international hopes.
Scottish champions Celtic is reportedly an option for Henderson, who 90min claim 'had all but agreed' a transfer to Villa over the summer before United convinced him to stay at Old Trafford.
Villa's search for a goalkeeper saw them linked with lots of names in the last transfer window before a £20million deal was struck with Arsenal for Emi Martinez.
Henderson could well be on the move in January but Villa no longer need to strengthen in that department with Martinez, Tom Heaton and Jed Steer jostling for position.


birminghammail--2020-11-14--McDonald's Christmas advert viewers all have the same complaint

McDonald 's fans are all having the same complaint about the fast food giant 's brand new Christmas advert for 2020 .
Maccies customers have seen the ad and are having their say , as festive offerings are dropped by a range of high street giants and huge firms .
McDonald 's is just the latest to launch its new advert , with John Lewis , Aldi , Lidl and Coca Cola already dropping theirs for people to enjoy .
The Maccies one has gone down a storm among viewers , many of whom say it has `` won '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But some people have been left weeping as a result of the sentimental trailer , which well and truly tugs on the heartstrings .
The fast food giant 's ad follows a teen boy who lives with his mum , as he spends the entire season playing it cool and failing to get excited .
Despite the inner child in him jumping for joy with excitement , the angsty teen plays it cool while in his room and visiting Christmas markets across the land .
It is only when the pair share a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and allows himself to get excited and enjoy the festivities with his beloved mother .
Many on Twitter have commented how sad the ad is .
And many of them say it is too sentimental , saying after the year the country and globe has had amid the coronavirus pandemic , we deserved something a little cheerier .
`` No , I 'm not crying over a McDonald 's advert , you are . ''
one wrote .
A second added : `` Did n't expect McDonald 's to come up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a child growing up too fast will understand this one . ''
A third said : `` Crying at the McDonalds Christmas advert is not something I thought I 'd be doing today . ''
A fourth chipped in with : `` There is absolutely no need for a McDonalds advert to be this sad and have me crying pre 9AM ... ''

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McDonald's fans are all having the same complaint about the fast food giant's brand new Christmas advert for 2020.
Maccies customers have seen the ad and are having their say, as festive offerings are dropped by a range of high street giants and huge firms.
McDonald's is just the latest to launch its new advert, with John Lewis, Aldi, Lidl and Coca Cola already dropping theirs for people to enjoy.
The Maccies one has gone down a storm among viewers, many of whom say it has "won" the advert battle this festive season.
But some people have been left weeping as a result of the sentimental trailer, which well and truly tugs on the heartstrings.
The fast food giant's ad follows a teen boy who lives with his mum, as he spends the entire season playing it cool and failing to get excited.
(Image: McDonald's)
Despite the inner child in him jumping for joy with excitement, the angsty teen plays it cool while in his room and visiting Christmas markets across the land.
It is only when the pair share a McDonald's that the boy finally relents, and allows himself to get excited and enjoy the festivities with his beloved mother.
Many on Twitter have commented how sad the ad is.
And many of them say it is too sentimental, saying after the year the country and globe has had amid the coronavirus pandemic, we deserved something a little cheerier.
"No, I'm not crying over a McDonald's advert, you are." one wrote.
A second added: "Didn't expect McDonald's to come up with the emotional Christmas advert... Any parent with a child growing up too fast will understand this one."
A third said: "Crying at the McDonalds Christmas advert is not something I thought I'd be doing today."
A fourth chipped in with: "There is absolutely no need for a McDonalds advert to be this sad and have me crying pre 9AM..."