birminghammail--2020-02-21--Home truths, jaffa cakes and John Terry - Behind the scenes at Aston Villa HQ with Dean Smith

The glistening sunshine beamed down on Bodymoor Heath just as Dean Smith wrapped-up yesterday 's Aston Villa media briefing .
Positivity , jokes and smiles were aplenty during Smith 's pre-match press conference ahead of Southampton tomorrow - arguably Villa 's biggest game to date .
The blinding weather at Bodymoor HQ could just be the sign that things are starting to look up .
Tyrone Mings is primed for action , John McGinn will be back running on the grass this weekend and Keinan Davis will train on Monday - and that was just the injury update .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the best Villa had played in a long , long time .
Ezri Konsa 's crunching challenge on Heung-Min Son in the opening seconds set the tone , as did Mbwana Samatta 's relentless work-rate up top ; pushing , harrying and barging Spurs ' petrified centre-back pairing .
Matt Targett and Jack Grealish were up to their usual tricks causing carnage down the left , too .
It was peak Villa and , according to the Great Barr gaffer , reason for optimism .
Back to Smith 's presser , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detail about his big team debrief .
The players were immediately back in on Monday and frank discussions were had .
`` We came in the following day and did our debrief and knew what we had to work on to improve , '' Smith explained , before alluding to how Villa 's players had returned from the winter break looking razor-sharp .
`` The break has done us well .
It showed the way we came out of the traps against Spurs , going right at a team who are top-four .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rocketing in training last week upon the squad 's return from a five or six-day extended break .
They 're all champing at the bit - and Villa 's coaching staff have been blown away by what they 've seen .
It was evident during the first half at Spurs , too .
It was time for some no more Mr Nice Guy from the head coach at the presser , though , who almost snarled at that big number 50 being chucked at him once more - 50 being the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leakiest defence in the Premier League .
`` Two or three months ago people were harping on about getting a new centre-forward in , getting new people in to challenge Wesley , '' Smith declared , with an air of frustration .
`` But we all knew , as a group , that defensively is where we needed to tighten up . ''
Villa have the 10th-best record for goals scored in the Premier League , scoring six more than high-flying Sheffield United - but it 's finding that all-important balance that 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hold the Premier League 's wooden spoon for most errors leading to goals ( 9 ) .
`` We 've made a lot of errors that have lead to goals , '' Smith added , before referencing how Premier League strikers are the difference , `` and we 've been punished by mistakes .
Our focus and concentration has got better as the season has gone on , but it needs to improve for the last 13 games . ''
Smith then rattled off individual errors on the pitch , telling reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday : `` You look at the first chance they had on Sunday , Anwar El Ghazi did ever so well but played a blind ball inside and Lucas Moura intercepted but we managed to get a good tackle on ( Son ) .
It 's them lapses in concentration that can cost you at this level . ''
The boss wanted his Villa to go at Tottenham hammer and tong .
That was the game plan .
It took a freakish finish from centre-back Toby Alderweireld to send a gut-wrenching punch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 'd scored .
A VAR call and Bjorn Engels ' costly error condemned Villa to an undeserved defeat .
What can you do ?
`` As disappointing as it is , you move on , '' Smith said , with real intent in his voice .
`` We can take a lot of heart from the performance from the game . ''
Attention quickly turned to tomorrow 's opponents Southampton , the Premier League 's worst home team - and Smith certainly smells blood : `` There ’ s been an awful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first 15 minutes of games , there ’ s an expectation on them .
The players have not handled that as well as they could have . ''
What that hints at is to expect a fast start from Villa on Saturday .
That could just be the ticket while it 'll represent the polar opposite of Villa 's last start to a game on the the south-coast , a laboured first 45 showing against direct relegation rivals Bournemouth which proved costly .
`` We have to make sure we put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters to try to get them against their team , '' Smith waded in again .
`` Their home record hasn ’ t been great , hopefully that ’ s something we can play on .
If we can play to the capabilities we ’ ve got , we can be a match for anyone . ''
The boss was in full flow at this point during his briefing , firing back at Sky Sports reporter Kirsty Edwards .
John Terry was watching on at the back of the room , studying his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a learning assignment ahead of taking up a big job in the years to come .
A mention for JT as well , he was an absolute delight and welcomed himself to the reporters , shaking everyone 's hand before saying : `` You do n't get spoiled much here , do you ?
Jaffa Cakes and a roll ! ''
As for JT , the assistant head coach tried desperately to avoid being talked about , imploring the gaffer to keep him out of it , with Smith quipping : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have we ?
You 're getting it ! ''
Chat moved swiftly on and Smith spoke comprehensively about clawing Southampton back into the relegation sesspit .
The manager dismissed any talk whatsoever of next week 's Carabao Cup final , suggesting Villa 's remaining 13 games are all cup finals in their own right , starting at St Mary 's .
He gave his thoughts on VAR once more but is growing increasingly tired of it all , admitting to mentally tying himself up in knots during a dog walk this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why am I wasting gray matter on this ? ''
Finally , before departing , the ever-classy Smith reserved special praise for Alan Hutton who retired from the game this week : `` He was an unbelievable professional , a good player and probably under-rated at times as well but , on top of that , a really good character and personality around the place . ''
As for the place itself , the building work is ongoing to erect a giant-new gym to extend onto the current main building while , around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the like were all in buoyant mood .
The women 's team were about to train , too , and each of them had a spring in their step , laughing , joking and smiling from ear to ear .
The mood around Bodymoor was not one of doom and gloom of yesteryear .
Yes , Villa are currently staring down the barrel of relegation but , just as the North Warwickshire sunshine suggested , there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel and , if Villa get that away-day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , you would n't bet against them soaring away from danger from now until May .

The glistening sunshine beamed down on Bodymoor Heath just as Dean Smith wrapped-up yesterday's Aston Villa media briefing.
Positivity, jokes and smiles were aplenty during Smith's pre-match press conference ahead of Southampton tomorrow - arguably Villa's biggest game to date.
The blinding weather at Bodymoor HQ could just be the sign that things are starting to look up. Tyrone Mings is primed for action, John McGinn will be back running on the grass this weekend and Keinan Davis will train on Monday - and that was just the injury update.
That first 25 minutes against Tottenham on Sunday was the best Villa had played in a long, long time. Ezri Konsa's crunching challenge on Heung-Min Son in the opening seconds set the tone, as did Mbwana Samatta's relentless work-rate up top; pushing, harrying and barging Spurs' petrified centre-back pairing. Matt Targett and Jack Grealish were up to their usual tricks causing carnage down the left, too. It was peak Villa and, according to the Great Barr gaffer, reason for optimism.
Back to Smith's presser, though, and the head coach went into detail about his big team debrief. The players were immediately back in on Monday and frank discussions were had. "We came in the following day and did our debrief and knew what we had to work on to improve," Smith explained, before alluding to how Villa's players had returned from the winter break looking razor-sharp. "The break has done us well. It showed the way we came out of the traps against Spurs, going right at a team who are top-four."
Smith banged on about the standards rocketing in training last week upon the squad's return from a five or six-day extended break. They're all champing at the bit - and Villa's coaching staff have been blown away by what they've seen. It was evident during the first half at Spurs, too.
It was time for some no more Mr Nice Guy from the head coach at the presser, though, who almost snarled at that big number 50 being chucked at him once more - 50 being the number of goals Villa have conceded making them the leakiest defence in the Premier League. "Two or three months ago people were harping on about getting a new centre-forward in, getting new people in to challenge Wesley," Smith declared, with an air of frustration. "But we all knew, as a group, that defensively is where we needed to tighten up."
Villa have the 10th-best record for goals scored in the Premier League, scoring six more than high-flying Sheffield United - but it's finding that all-important balance that'll prove key. Villa do, though, hold the Premier League's wooden spoon for most errors leading to goals (9). "We've made a lot of errors that have lead to goals," Smith added, before referencing how Premier League strikers are the difference, "and we've been punished by mistakes. Our focus and concentration has got better as the season has gone on, but it needs to improve for the last 13 games."
Smith then rattled off individual errors on the pitch, telling reporters of one inside the first few minutes on Sunday: "You look at the first chance they had on Sunday, Anwar El Ghazi did ever so well but played a blind ball inside and Lucas Moura intercepted but we managed to get a good tackle on (Son). It's them lapses in concentration that can cost you at this level."
The boss wanted his Villa to go at Tottenham hammer and tong. That was the game plan. It took a freakish finish from centre-back Toby Alderweireld to send a gut-wrenching punch to the stomach of Villa just after they'd scored. A VAR call and Bjorn Engels' costly error condemned Villa to an undeserved defeat. What can you do? "As disappointing as it is, you move on," Smith said, with real intent in his voice. "We can take a lot of heart from the performance from the game."
(Image: Getty Images)
Attention quickly turned to tomorrow's opponents Southampton, the Premier League's worst home team - and Smith certainly smells blood: "There’s been an awful lot of pressure on them and, in the first 15 minutes of games, there’s an expectation on them. The players have not handled that as well as they could have." What that hints at is to expect a fast start from Villa on Saturday. That could just be the ticket while it'll represent the polar opposite of Villa's last start to a game on the the south-coast, a laboured first 45 showing against direct relegation rivals Bournemouth which proved costly.
"We have to make sure we put that pressure on to Southampton and their supporters to try to get them against their team," Smith waded in again. "Their home record hasn’t been great, hopefully that’s something we can play on. If we can play to the capabilities we’ve got, we can be a match for anyone."
The boss was in full flow at this point during his briefing, firing back at Sky Sports reporter Kirsty Edwards. John Terry was watching on at the back of the room, studying his mentor's every answer in what appeared to be a learning assignment ahead of taking up a big job in the years to come. A mention for JT as well, he was an absolute delight and welcomed himself to the reporters, shaking everyone's hand before saying: "You don't get spoiled much here, do you? Jaffa Cakes and a roll!"
As for JT, the assistant head coach tried desperately to avoid being talked about, imploring the gaffer to keep him out of it, with Smith quipping: "We've got a guest appearance, have we? You're getting it!"
Chat moved swiftly on and Smith spoke comprehensively about clawing Southampton back into the relegation sesspit. The manager dismissed any talk whatsoever of next week's Carabao Cup final, suggesting Villa's remaining 13 games are all cup finals in their own right, starting at St Mary's.
He gave his thoughts on VAR once more but is growing increasingly tired of it all, admitting to mentally tying himself up in knots during a dog walk this week, before saying to himself: "Why am I wasting gray matter on this?"
Finally, before departing, the ever-classy Smith reserved special praise for Alan Hutton who retired from the game this week: "He was an unbelievable professional, a good player and probably under-rated at times as well but, on top of that, a really good character and personality around the place."
As for the place itself, the building work is ongoing to erect a giant-new gym to extend onto the current main building while, around the premises, staff, JT and the like were all in buoyant mood. The women's team were about to train, too, and each of them had a spring in their step, laughing, joking and smiling from ear to ear. The mood around Bodymoor was not one of doom and gloom of yesteryear. Yes, Villa are currently staring down the barrel of relegation but, just as the North Warwickshire sunshine suggested, there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel and, if Villa get that away-day win they've been longing for on Saturday, you wouldn't bet against them soaring away from danger from now until May.


birminghammail--2020-02-21--'This shouldn’t be allowed' - Aston Villa fans react to latest fixture update

All four of Aston Villa 's Premier League fixtures in April have been rearranged - and Villa now face the prospect of playing the rest of the season without a traditional 3pm Saturday kick-off at home .
If the Arsenal match in May is moved , Villa will play matches in alternative time slots until the end of the season .
Here 's how the April slate of fixtures stands .
Even then , two fixtures could be moved again .
The ties with Liverpool and Manchester United could be rearranged to yet another date .
It all depends on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Champions League and FA Cup by the time the matches come around .
Here 's how Villa fans reacted after this latest update ... Lee : So we won ’ t have had a Saturday 3pm game at home this calendar year ... Neil : So basically , we do n't have a Saturday 3pm kick off at all in April .
Big club problems .
Amy : 2 of the fixtures changes work in my favour for a change ... Tom : Always happens .
Always .
Darren : So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved for TV too ( which I ’ d be shocked if it doesn ’ t ) , then we played our last Saturday 3pm kick off at Villa Park on the 21st December against Southampton ... Pete : Ca n't wait to get relegated so we can actually play matches on a Saturday .
Sam : This shouldn ’ t be allowed .
Every single game in the month moved to a different date just to suit TV , embarrassing from Sky/BT .
Moy : Villa at home to Arsenal on 9th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Villa Park this season .
Jason : Almost lost for words but then again WE ARE MASSIVE !

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All four of Aston Villa's Premier League fixtures in April have been rearranged - and Villa now face the prospect of playing the rest of the season without a traditional 3pm Saturday kick-off at home.
If the Arsenal match in May is moved, Villa will play matches in alternative time slots until the end of the season.
Here's how the April slate of fixtures stands.
Sunday April 4: Aston Villa vs Wolves (12:30pm)
Sunday April 12: Liverpool vs Aston Villa (4.30pm)
Sunday April 19: Aston Villa vs Man Utd (4.30pm)
Monday April 27: Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace (8pm)
Even then, two fixtures could be moved again. The ties with Liverpool and Manchester United could be rearranged to yet another date.
It all depends on whether the two teams are still participating in the Champions League and FA Cup by the time the matches come around.
Here's how Villa fans reacted after this latest update...
Lee: So we won’t have had a Saturday 3pm game at home this calendar year...
Neil: So basically, we don't have a Saturday 3pm kick off at all in April. Big club problems.
Spencer: Pain in the backside.
Amy: 2 of the fixtures changes work in my favour for a change...
Tom: Always happens. Always.
Darren: So if the Arsenal match in May gets moved for TV too (which I’d be shocked if it doesn’t), then we played our last Saturday 3pm kick off at Villa Park on the 21st December against Southampton...
Callan: Typical.
Pete: Can't wait to get relegated so we can actually play matches on a Saturday.
Sam: This shouldn’t be allowed. Every single game in the month moved to a different date just to suit TV, embarrassing from Sky/BT.
Moy: Villa at home to Arsenal on 9th May is the only remaining 3pm KO at Villa Park this season.
Jason: Almost lost for words but then again WE ARE MASSIVE!


birminghammail--2020-02-21--Couple lied about relationship status in £20,000 benefit and right to buy fraud

A council worker and his wife have been sentenced after lying about their relationship status to claim benefits to help buy a council home at a discounted rate .
Anthony Cheshire who worked as a painter and decorator for Sandwell Council , and his wife Elizabeth Webb falsely claimed council tax and housing benefit for more than four years .
Webb told officials she was single and that Cheshire was her uncle , not her husband , to receive the benefits .
They used the payments to purchase the council property they were living at in Newmans Close , Smethwick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed housing and council tax benefit between February 2013 and November 2017 .
When she first made the benefit claim , the council queried her relationship with Cheshire and Webb claimed he was her uncle who had moved in with her .
Webb went on to make several dishonest statements to the council to obtain housing and council tax benefits she was not entitled to .
Webb and Cheshire then applied to buy their council property in 2017 .
She told the council that Cheshire , who she was still claiming was her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of buying the property – a price that had been discounted by 42 per cent under the Right to Buy scheme .
Their dishonesty was revealed when they made the application and council officers looked more closely at their relationship .
Cheshire , aged 52 , pleaded guilty to two false representation fraud offences - one in relation to the false Right to Buy claim , which would have defrauded the council out of £42,000 , and a second in relation to the false benefit claims .
The court heard that he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough to buy the council property under Right to Buy outright , without a mortgage .
Webb , aged 49 , pleaded guilty to five false representation offences relating to the benefit claims and the false representation fraud offence relating to the Right to Buy claim .
She was found guilty of seven further offences of false representation following a trial .
Sandwell Council ’ s cabinet member for resources and core services Councillor Wasim Ali said : “ This case uncovered dishonesty over a considerable amount of time .
“ Ms Webb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to by lying about the identity of her husband – who at that time worked for Sandwell Council .
“ They were paid just over £20,000 in benefits they were not entitled to and they would have benefited by £42,000 had they gone on to buy their council property at a 42 % discount .
“ This is a warning to people that if they lie when they claim benefits , we will find out .
We don ’ t tolerate fraud and we will be pursuing repayment of the falsely claimed benefits.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crown Court on Friday , February 21 .
Webb was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment , suspended for two years .
She was also ordered to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work .
And Cheshire received a six month electronically monitored curfew , between 9pm and 6am .

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A council worker and his wife have been sentenced after lying about their relationship status to claim benefits to help buy a council home at a discounted rate.
Anthony Cheshire who worked as a painter and decorator for Sandwell Council, and his wife Elizabeth Webb falsely claimed council tax and housing benefit for more than four years.
Webb told officials she was single and that Cheshire was her uncle, not her husband, to receive the benefits.
They used the payments to purchase the council property they were living at in Newmans Close, Smethwick.
The court heard how Webb dishonestly claimed housing and council tax benefit between February 2013 and November 2017.
When she first made the benefit claim, the council queried her relationship with Cheshire and Webb claimed he was her uncle who had moved in with her.
Webb went on to make several dishonest statements to the council to obtain housing and council tax benefits she was not entitled to. Webb and Cheshire then applied to buy their council property in 2017.
She told the council that Cheshire, who she was still claiming was her uncle, would pay the £58,000 cost of buying the property – a price that had been discounted by 42 per cent under the Right to Buy scheme.
Their dishonesty was revealed when they made the application and council officers looked more closely at their relationship.
Cheshire, aged 52, pleaded guilty to two false representation fraud offences - one in relation to the false Right to Buy claim, which would have defrauded the council out of £42,000, and a second in relation to the false benefit claims.
The court heard that he had more than £60,000 in the bank – enough to buy the council property under Right to Buy outright, without a mortgage.
Webb, aged 49, pleaded guilty to five false representation offences relating to the benefit claims and the false representation fraud offence relating to the Right to Buy claim. She was found guilty of seven further offences of false representation following a trial.
Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for resources and core services Councillor Wasim Ali said: “This case uncovered dishonesty over a considerable amount of time.
“Ms Webb falsely claimed benefits she was not entitled to by lying about the identity of her husband – who at that time worked for Sandwell Council.
“They were paid just over £20,000 in benefits they were not entitled to and they would have benefited by £42,000 had they gone on to buy their council property at a 42% discount.
“This is a warning to people that if they lie when they claim benefits, we will find out. We don’t tolerate fraud and we will be pursuing repayment of the falsely claimed benefits.”
The pair were sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday, February 21.
Webb was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. She was also ordered to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work.
And Cheshire received a six month electronically monitored curfew, between 9pm and 6am.
Cheshire no longer works for Sandwell Council.


birminghammail--2020-02-21--Qualities will come through' - Pundit tips Aston Villa star to succeed

Aston Villa midfielder Danny Drinkwater has come in for criticism following his performance in the middle of the park against Tottenham Hotspur .
Following the 3-2 loss , Premier League winner Drinkwater received criticism towards his reactions and passing ability .
He made way for Marvelous Nakamba in the second-half and Villa fans responded positively to that .
Drinkwater seems set for a role tomorrow against Southampton , and will know a performance is due - but the player is being backed .
Ex-player , Alex Bruce has voiced his backing of Drinkwater - who has struggled for match-time since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just needs to get himself playing again , ” said Bruce , speaking to Football Insider .
“ I know Drinky well .
He had a great season at Leicester and we all know what happened there .
“ Since he joined Chelsea it has been a bit stop-start which has been unfortunate for him but I am sure when he starts playing on a regular basis his qualities will come through .
It is difficult as a player to play once and then not play for three or four weeks .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the baton up when you are not playing regularly – it is tough .
That is what he has struggled with over the last couple of years .
I am sure we will see the player we know he can be.
” Villa head coach Dean Smith has backed his midfield man .
In Villa 's past five matches , Drinkwater has started four times since his loan arrival from Chelsea in last month 's transfer window .
That has n't stopped Smith picking Drinkwater from the start in four of Villa 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Chelsea last month .
Still , fan concerns over his fitness rose up - leading Smith to defend Drinkwater .
`` His fitness is OK , he ’ s working really hard and he ’ s getting to where we want him to be , '' said Smith in his pre-Southampton press conference .
`` The only way you can work on your fitness is by working hard every day in training , which he does , and play matches , and he ’ s come in and his pass completion stat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and probably the most forward passes in a game as well , so he was a big part of our build-up .
`` Where he ’ s working to get better is without the ball . ''

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Aston Villa midfielder Danny Drinkwater has come in for criticism following his performance in the middle of the park against Tottenham Hotspur.
Following the 3-2 loss, Premier League winner Drinkwater received criticism towards his reactions and passing ability. He made way for Marvelous Nakamba in the second-half and Villa fans responded positively to that.
Drinkwater seems set for a role tomorrow against Southampton, and will know a performance is due - but the player is being backed.
Ex-player, Alex Bruce has voiced his backing of Drinkwater - who has struggled for match-time since joining Chelsea from Leicester.
“He just needs to get himself playing again,” said Bruce, speaking to Football Insider.
“I know Drinky well. He had a great season at Leicester and we all know what happened there.
“Since he joined Chelsea it has been a bit stop-start which has been unfortunate for him but I am sure when he starts playing on a regular basis his qualities will come through. It is difficult as a player to play once and then not play for three or four weeks.
“It is really difficult to keep picking the baton up when you are not playing regularly – it is tough. That is what he has struggled with over the last couple of years. I am sure we will see the player we know he can be.”
Villa head coach Dean Smith has backed his midfield man. In Villa's past five matches, Drinkwater has started four times since his loan arrival from Chelsea in last month's transfer window.
That hasn't stopped Smith picking Drinkwater from the start in four of Villa's last five matches ever since he arrived from Chelsea last month.
Still, fan concerns over his fitness rose up - leading Smith to defend Drinkwater.
"His fitness is OK, he’s working really hard and he’s getting to where we want him to be," said Smith in his pre-Southampton press conference.
"The only way you can work on your fitness is by working hard every day in training, which he does, and play matches, and he’s come in and his pass completion stat last week was 91 per cent, and probably the most forward passes in a game as well, so he was a big part of our build-up.
"Where he’s working to get better is without the ball."


birminghammail--2020-02-21--Harry and Meghan back down in Royal Sussex trademark wrangle

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer use the word royal , as in their `` Sussex Royal '' branding , a spokeswoman for the couple has said .
The spokeswoman said : `` While The Duke and Duchess are focused on plans to establish a new non-profit organisation , given the specific UK Government rules surrounding use of the word Royal , it has been therefore agreed that their non-profit organisation , when it is announced this Spring , will not be named Sussex Royal Foundation .
`` The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post Spring 2020 . ''
She added : “ Therefore the trademark applications that were filed as protective measures , acting on advice from and following the same model for The Royal Foundation , have been removed.
” It comes as it was today revealed Meghan , mother to nine-month-old Archie , told her friends there is nothing `` legally stopping '' her and Prince Harry from using the Sussex Royal name despite the Queen banning it , the Express reports .
Meghan is also thought to have told her inner circle that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be an issue in the first place and it 's not like they want to be in the business of selling T-shirts and pencils ” , an insider said .
The Duchess of Sussex is also reported to have said she and her husband , the Duke of Sussex , are working on `` global projects '' and the use of the Sussex Royal name has nothing to do with profit .

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer use the word royal, as in their "Sussex Royal" branding, a spokeswoman for the couple has said.
The spokeswoman said: "While The Duke and Duchess are focused on plans to establish a new non-profit organisation, given the specific UK Government rules surrounding use of the word Royal, it has been therefore agreed that their non-profit organisation, when it is announced this Spring, will not be named Sussex Royal Foundation.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use 'SussexRoyal' in any territory post Spring 2020."
She added: “Therefore the trademark applications that were filed as protective measures, acting on advice from and following the same model for The Royal Foundation, have been removed.”
It comes as it was today revealed Meghan, mother to nine-month-old Archie, told her friends there is nothing "legally stopping" her and Prince Harry from using the Sussex Royal name despite the Queen banning it, the Express reports.
Meghan is also thought to have told her inner circle that using the name “shouldn't even be an issue in the first place and it's not like they want to be in the business of selling T-shirts and pencils”, an insider said.
The Duchess of Sussex is also reported to have said she and her husband, the Duke of Sussex, are working on "global projects" and the use of the Sussex Royal name has nothing to do with profit.


birminghammail--2020-02-21--Watch: Miracle on M6 toll as lorry performs dangerous u-turn into oncoming traffic

This is the astonishing moment a lorry driver performs a dangers u-turn on the M6 Toll – during rush hour .
The unbelievable footage , which has been shared by Staffordshire Police , shows the white truck driving the wrong way down the busy slip road on Tuesday , January 21 at around 8am .
The hauler , who has not been named , then waits for around 60 seconds before a motorist flashes him onto the carriageway .
The illegal – and highly dangerous – move then sees him cross into the path of on-coming traffic before pulling back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of view of the camera .
A spokesman for force said the driver was jailed for six months and disqualified from driving for 15 months .
“ Imagine this on your morning commute , ” they said .
“ The driver of this lorry was jailed for six months and disqualified from driving for 15 months after he was caught driving dangerously on the M6 Toll last month .
Thankfully , no one was injured.
” The video has sparked outrage online with many branding the motorist ’ s actions as outrageous .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why did n't he just stop when realised .
Amazing no one was hurt .
Should be disqualified for longer , shocking lack of respect for life.
” Another added : “ Have seen it all now .
Should never be driving ever again !
Shocking !
” And a third wrote : “ Six months ?
Try six years that could ’ ve been devastating .
”

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This is the astonishing moment a lorry driver performs a dangers u-turn on the M6 Toll – during rush hour.
The unbelievable footage, which has been shared by Staffordshire Police, shows the white truck driving the wrong way down the busy slip road on Tuesday, January 21 at around 8am.
The hauler, who has not been named, then waits for around 60 seconds before a motorist flashes him onto the carriageway.
The illegal – and highly dangerous – move then sees him cross into the path of on-coming traffic before pulling back into the right lane and going out of view of the camera.
A spokesman for force said the driver was jailed for six months and disqualified from driving for 15 months.
“Imagine this on your morning commute,” they said. “The driver of this lorry was jailed for six months and disqualified from driving for 15 months after he was caught driving dangerously on the M6 Toll last month. Thankfully, no one was injured.”
The video has sparked outrage online with many branding the motorist’s actions as outrageous.
(Image: Staffs Police)
“Unbelievable,” one said. Why didn't he just stop when realised. Amazing no one was hurt. Should be disqualified for longer, shocking lack of respect for life.”
Another added: “Have seen it all now. Should never be driving ever again! Shocking!”
And a third wrote: “Six months? Try six years that could’ve been devastating.”


birminghammail--2020-02-21--'Needs shin pads!' - Aston Villa fans react to incredible Jack Grealish statistic

Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish is having a season for the ages as his club battles against relegation .
Grealish is Villa 's main goalscorer , with seven Premier League goals .
Unsurprisingly , he leads the assist charts for the club with six goals created as well , along with 2.8 chances created per game .
He 's also the most utilised player this season - playing in over ninety percent of Villa 's available match minutes .
However , another stat has grabbed the attention of Villa fans .
Grealish is the most fouled Premier League player - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tripped , pushed , kicked and barged .
That 's 32 more whistle-blows than the next most-fouled - Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace , and 42 more than Leicester City 's James Maddison .
In an almost ten minute compilation , Twitter account AVFCGOALS compiled footage of every single foul awarded on Grealish - and it 's an incredible watch .
Here 's how Villa fans reacted to every single foul on Grealish so far this season .
Robin : Wow , Grealish more than anyone else actually needs shin pads !
Aidan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our top goalscorer with 117 goals this season but DS does n't want to start him .
James : My take , most of these are tactical fouls in own half .
Zaha also gets this treatment , robbing us of watching the best dribblers .
He does go down easily sometimes , I would too especially early in games to stop/highlight the fouls .
When he leaves maybe he ’ ll leave Prem for abroad ?
Ben : He gets fouled all the time because he is good !
Matt : And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southgate 's England ...
He loves a set piece .
@ ShedsVilla : You do get fouled when you 're that good to be fair .
JJ : Pity it doesn ’ t show the foul in the last minute against Palace .
Still angers me !
Tasha : I could watch him all day .
Ben : And to think people say he dives

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Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish is having a season for the ages as his club battles against relegation.
Grealish is Villa's main goalscorer, with seven Premier League goals. Unsurprisingly, he leads the assist charts for the club with six goals created as well, along with 2.8 chances created per game. He's also the most utilised player this season - playing in over ninety percent of Villa's available match minutes.
However, another stat has grabbed the attention of Villa fans. Grealish is the most fouled Premier League player - having won 117 free kicks for being tripped, pushed, kicked and barged.
That's 32 more whistle-blows than the next most-fouled - Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace, and 42 more than Leicester City's James Maddison.
In an almost ten minute compilation, Twitter account AVFCGOALS compiled footage of every single foul awarded on Grealish - and it's an incredible watch.
Here's how Villa fans reacted to every single foul on Grealish so far this season.
Robin: Wow, Grealish more than anyone else actually needs shin pads!
Aidan: Just think: Hourihane could be our top goalscorer with 117 goals this season but DS doesn't want to start him.
James: My take, most of these are tactical fouls in own half. Zaha also gets this treatment, robbing us of watching the best dribblers. He does go down easily sometimes, I would too especially early in games to stop/highlight the fouls. When he leaves maybe he’ll leave Prem for abroad?
Ben: He gets fouled all the time because he is good!
Matt: And for this reason he should slot into Southgate's England... He loves a set piece.
@ShedsVilla: You do get fouled when you're that good to be fair.
Nathan: Cue rival fans 'He DiVeS aT 2:35'
Darren: Nothing like a Grealish foul.
JJ: Pity it doesn’t show the foul in the last minute against Palace. Still angers me!
Tasha: I could watch him all day.
Paul: Painful to watch.
Ben: And to think people say he dives


birminghammail--2020-02-21--Woman dies after severe blaze rips through Bilston flat and kills dog

A woman has died in hospital after a severe blaze ripped through a Black Country flat and killed a dog .
Firefighters were able to rescue the woman from the burning building in Green Lanes , Bilston , at around 3.30am on Friday , February 21 .
She was given advanced life support at the scene before being rushed to Wolverhampton 's New Cross Hospital for further treatment .
But , sadly , she later died in hospital , a spokesman for West Midlands Police confirmed .
Her death is not being treated as suspicious , the spokesman added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and two children but they were discharged at the scene .
In total , 13 firefighters tackled the blaze , which started in the living room and was believed to have been smoking related .
Speaking at the time , a spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said : `` We were called to Green Lanes at 3.29am to reports of a fire in the ground floor flat of a low rise block .
`` We sent a 13 firefighters in total , with the first crew arriving in less than four minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman from inside the property .
A dog was also recovered from the scene but unfortunately it had died .
`` Around half of the living room was destroyed and there is extensive smoke logging in the property .
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service added : “ We were called by the fire service at 3.34am to a fire at a property in Green Lanes in Bilston .
`` Two ambulances , two paramedic officers and the Hazardous Area Response Team attended the scene. ''
Upon arrival , crews found one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked to administer advanced life support on scene before continuing treatment on blue lights to New Cross Hospital .
`` A man , woman and two children were also assessed and discharged on scene .
”

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A woman has died in hospital after a severe blaze ripped through a Black Country flat and killed a dog.
Firefighters were able to rescue the woman from the burning building in Green Lanes, Bilston, at around 3.30am on Friday, February 21.
She was given advanced life support at the scene before being rushed to Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital for further treatment.
But, sadly, she later died in hospital, a spokesman for West Midlands Police confirmed.
Her death is not being treated as suspicious, the spokesman added.
Medics also assessed a man, woman and two children but they were discharged at the scene.
In total, 13 firefighters tackled the blaze, which started in the living room and was believed to have been smoking related.
Speaking at the time, a spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "We were called to Green Lanes at 3.29am to reports of a fire in the ground floor flat of a low rise block.
"We sent a 13 firefighters in total, with the first crew arriving in less than four minutes.
"They located and rescued a woman from inside the property. A dog was also recovered from the scene but unfortunately it had died.
"Around half of the living room was destroyed and there is extensive smoke logging in the property.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service added: “We were called by the fire service at 3.34am to a fire at a property in Green Lanes in Bilston.
"Two ambulances, two paramedic officers and the Hazardous Area Response Team attended the scene.
" Upon arrival, crews found one woman in a critical condition. Staff worked to administer advanced life support on scene before continuing treatment on blue lights to New Cross Hospital.
"A man, woman and two children were also assessed and discharged on scene.”


birminghammail--2020-02-21--Watch: Hapless robber holds up city centre bank with towel over his head

This is the moment a serial bank robber holds up staff at Nationwide in the city centre - with a towel draped over this head .
Hapless Cecil Stephens first went to Natwest in St Phillips Place on October 11 last year - just 24 hours after he had previously targeted the same branch .
This time , the 56-year-old grabbed cash with a red dye pack - which began leaking from his trouser pocket - creating a red mist .
CCTV shows him dumping the stained cash and dye in a bin , before later wrapping a towel around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the High Street .
Images show the habitual offender going behind the counter , threatening a cashier and grabbing notes from an auto teller machine .
The cashier immediately activated the security smoke device and the bank filled with smoke as Stevens fled the scene .
He was eventually caught when a manager at NatWest in St. Phillips Place spotted him as he entered the bank , nearly a month later on 7 November .
A security guard asked him to remove his headwear , but he walked off instead .
Bur he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who alerted police and two Colmore BID ( Business Improvement District ) security officers , who kept watch on Stevens until police arrived .
Stephens , from Lombard Street in Digbeth , had already served two prison sentences − one for robbing a building society in Walsall at gunpoint in 1998 and another robbery at a post office in East Yorkshire in 2008 .
He was eventually released from jail in July 2018 after persuading the parole board it was safe to do so .
But after falling into debt the 56-year-old “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentence Recorder Andrew Reynolds said : “ Your antecedent history is a remarkable one .
Indeed it is no exaggeration to describe you as a career criminal .
“ Self-evidently you persuaded the parole board that you were safe to be released in the community .
You presented stability in the community and it is clear you were working and you got an engineering qualification during your last sentence .
“ However when things started to go wrong you reverted to your old ways .
It was known that you were experiencing personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stable accommodation.
” The judge said that according to his offender manager , Stephens “ was obsessed with financial gain and wanted to live the high life and had a sense of entitlement that he could live well beyond his means.
” He pleaded guilty to one robbery , two thefts and one attempted theft and was jailed for 11 years at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday ( 19 Feb ) .
Detective Constable Nick Betts said : “ I have to praise the actions of the bank manager and security team in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were instrumental in putting a prolific offender behind bars for a very long time.
” A spokesperson for Colmore BID said : “ Keeping local businesses safe is a key part of the work that we do .
We ’ re really proud of the partnership we have with West Midlands Police that helps us to do this , and we are pleased to have been involved in helping to bring this offender to justice .
”

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This is the moment a serial bank robber holds up staff at Nationwide in the city centre - with a towel draped over this head.
Hapless Cecil Stephens first went to Natwest in St Phillips Place on October 11 last year - just 24 hours after he had previously targeted the same branch.
This time, the 56-year-old grabbed cash with a red dye pack - which began leaking from his trouser pocket - creating a red mist.
(Image: WMP)
CCTV shows him dumping the stained cash and dye in a bin, before later wrapping a towel around his head and raiding the Nationwide in the High Street.
Images show the habitual offender going behind the counter, threatening a cashier and grabbing notes from an auto teller machine.
(Image: WMP)
The cashier immediately activated the security smoke device and the bank filled with smoke as Stevens fled the scene.
He was eventually caught when a manager at NatWest in St. Phillips Place spotted him as he entered the bank, nearly a month later on 7 November.
A security guard asked him to remove his headwear, but he walked off instead. Bur he was followed by an eagle-eyed bank manager who alerted police and two Colmore BID (Business Improvement District) security officers, who kept watch on Stevens until police arrived.
(Image: WMP)
Stephens, from Lombard Street in Digbeth, had already served two prison sentences − one for robbing a building society in Walsall at gunpoint in 1998 and another robbery at a post office in East Yorkshire in 2008.
He was eventually released from jail in July 2018 after persuading the parole board it was safe to do so.
But after falling into debt the 56-year-old “returned to his old habits.”
Passing sentence Recorder Andrew Reynolds said: “Your antecedent history is a remarkable one. Indeed it is no exaggeration to describe you as a career criminal.
“Self-evidently you persuaded the parole board that you were safe to be released in the community. You presented stability in the community and it is clear you were working and you got an engineering qualification during your last sentence.
“However when things started to go wrong you reverted to your old ways. It was known that you were experiencing personal difficulties of finding employment, finances and stable accommodation.”
The judge said that according to his offender manager, Stephens “ was obsessed with financial gain and wanted to live the high life and had a sense of entitlement that he could live well beyond his means.”
He pleaded guilty to one robbery, two thefts and one attempted theft and was jailed for 11 years at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday (19 Feb).
Detective Constable Nick Betts said: “I have to praise the actions of the bank manager and security team in the city centre. They reacted immediately and were instrumental in putting a prolific offender behind bars for a very long time.”
A spokesperson for Colmore BID said: “Keeping local businesses safe is a key part of the work that we do. We’re really proud of the partnership we have with West Midlands Police that helps us to do this, and we are pleased to have been involved in helping to bring this offender to justice.”


birminghammail--2020-02-21--All four of Aston Villa's April fixtures rescheduled for television coverage

Aston Villa are set to endure a full-scale fixture upheaval in April .
During the penultimate month of the season @ @ @ @ @ will be played during it 's originally scheduled time - or date .
The four @ @ @ @ @ have been moved to feature on television .
Annoyingly for Villa fans , two of @ @ @ @ @ subject to further changes .
As for the changes ?
Villa vs Wolves will take @ @ @ @ @ , kicking off at half twelve in the afternoon .
The match against Liverpool at @ @ @ @ @ Sunday tea-time on April 12th , while a week later Manchester United will travel to @ @ @ @ @ crucial clash with Crystal Palace at home will now take place on Monday evening .
@ @ @ @ @ - all matches are on TV .
The two fixtures that could be moved again @ @ @ @ @ and Manchester United .
It all depends on whether the two teams are still participating @ @ @ @ @ FA Cup by the time the matches come around .

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Aston Villa are set to endure a full-scale fixture upheaval in April.
During the penultimate month of the season, not one scheduled match will be played during it's originally scheduled time - or date.
The four matches for Villa during April have been moved to feature on television. Annoyingly for Villa fans, two of the four matches could be subject to further changes.
As for the changes? Villa vs Wolves will take place earlier on April 4th, kicking off at half twelve in the afternoon. The match against Liverpool at Anfield will take place during Sunday tea-time on April 12th, while a week later Manchester United will travel to Villa Park.
Villa's crucial clash with Crystal Palace at home will now take place on Monday evening.
Here's the full run-down - all matches are on TV.
Sunday April 4: Aston Villa vs Wolves (12:30pm)
Sunday April 12: Liverpool vs Aston Villa (4.30pm)
Sunday April 19: Aston Villa vs Man Utd (4.30pm)
Monday April 27: Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace (8pm)
The two fixtures that could be moved again are the ties with Liverpool and Manchester United.
It all depends on whether the two teams are still participating in the Champions League and FA Cup by the time the matches come around.


birminghammail--2020-02-21--Woman arrested in Staffordshire tests negative for coronavirus after cell block lockdown

Police have reported that a female prisoner arrested in Staffordshire does not have coronavirus .
The Staffordshire Police Northern Area Custody Facility at Etruria went into lockdown on Wednesday after the woman fell ill .
The woman , a non-UK national , had been arrested in Burton-upon-Trent before being transferred to Stoke-on-Trent .
She has now undergone testing for coronavirus and the results have come back as negative , StokeonTrentLive reports .
Two police constables and a PCSO were told to self-isolate as a precaution while they awaited the results , but will now be returning to duty .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been confirmed that tests show there is no risk of Covid-19 ( coronavirus ) or any concerns following the arrest of a woman in Burton on Wednesday ( 19 February ) .
`` As a result , officers will be returning to duty . ''
There were reports that the woman taken into custody was a Chinese national but this was not confirmed by police .
As of 2pm on Friday , a total of 5,885 people in the UK have been tested for coronavirus , of whom nine have tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contain 35 passengers who spent more than two weeks trapped on a coronavirus-stricken cruise ship in Japan is set to depart for the UK within hours .
Britons who have spent more than two weeks quarantined on the Diamond Princess are gearing up for their evacuation home this weekend .
A repatriation flight , initially due to leave on Friday , will now depart in the early hours of Saturday , local time .
Some 35 passengers are confirmed to board the repatriation flight , mainly British nationals with a small number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understands .
The plane that will take them home has landed at Haneda airport in Tokyo , and will take off slightly later than planned due to its late arrival .
In addition , UK Government medics will be on board .
The passengers are due to land at Boscombe Down Ministry of Defence base , near Salisbury in Wiltshire .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ruby Davies, Jemma Crew, PA, Brett Gibbons)

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Police have reported that a female prisoner arrested in Staffordshire does not have coronavirus.
The Staffordshire Police Northern Area Custody Facility at Etruria went into lockdown on Wednesday after the woman fell ill.
The woman, a non-UK national, had been arrested in Burton-upon-Trent before being transferred to Stoke-on-Trent.
She has now undergone testing for coronavirus and the results have come back as negative, StokeonTrentLive reports.
Two police constables and a PCSO were told to self-isolate as a precaution while they awaited the results, but will now be returning to duty.
A Staffordshire Police spokeswoman said: "It has been confirmed that tests show there is no risk of Covid-19 (coronavirus) or any concerns following the arrest of a woman in Burton on Wednesday (19 February).
"As a result, officers will be returning to duty."
There were reports that the woman taken into custody was a Chinese national but this was not confirmed by police.
As of 2pm on Friday, a total of 5,885 people in the UK have been tested for coronavirus, of whom nine have tested positive.
Meanwhile a repatriation flight expected to contain 35 passengers who spent more than two weeks trapped on a coronavirus-stricken cruise ship in Japan is set to depart for the UK within hours.
Britons who have spent more than two weeks quarantined on the Diamond Princess are gearing up for their evacuation home this weekend.
A repatriation flight, initially due to leave on Friday, will now depart in the early hours of Saturday, local time.
Some 35 passengers are confirmed to board the repatriation flight, mainly British nationals with a small number of EU citizens, the PA news agency understands.
The plane that will take them home has landed at Haneda airport in Tokyo, and will take off slightly later than planned due to its late arrival.
In addition, UK Government medics will be on board.
The passengers are due to land at Boscombe Down Ministry of Defence base, near Salisbury in Wiltshire.


birminghammail--2020-02-21--The key calls facing Slaven Bilic as West Brom play four games in 11 days

There are two strong arguments when it comes to West Brom and Slaven Bilic ’ s selection policy at the moment .
There ’ s the ‘ if it ain ’ t broke ’ approach ; it ’ s a fair point , who could argue with Bilic ’ s decision to call upon the same XI for three games in a row when they ’ re putting in the kind of performances they have been ?
Then there ’ s the other side of the fence - how does the Croat keep things fresh , rotate his group effectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has been fed by one sight of the league table ?
The trip to Bristol City kicks off a run of four matches in 11 days - mercifully with three of them at home - and players are going to be called upon , with the expectation that this sequence of results continues .
How might Bilic change it ?
Does he need to leave it alone this weekend ?
“ Kieran has trained with us for ten days , ” Bilic said .
“ Unfortunately he didn ’ t play for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off and that was very important in his recovery , to have that game .
“ He ’ s training with us .
Gareth trained also Thursday with us , so they are not injured , they ’ re training with us .
“ Grady and Nathan [ Ferguson ] are both the other ones .
Grady is a few weeks away , yes .
We ’ re at that final stage now where we don ’ t know if we ’ re going to be two or three .
“ Of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not a week , you know ?
I think it shouldn ’ t be more than , let ’ s say , tops three weeks , I don ’ t think.
” Bilic has kept faith with the same starting XI for the last three matches , since being able to welcome back Matheus Pereira from injury .
Eager to keep Filip Krovinovic in the side , he tweaked the system to accommodate both ; it ’ s worked to date , with seven points taken from the last possible nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Townsend have continued at full-back , while Romaine Sawyers has been dropped a little deeper into a holding midfield role .
Hal Robson-Kanu has continued to lead the line .
The new signing has looked handy from the bench in each of the last three matches .
He almost forced another own goal out of Tobias Figueiredo last Saturday , and might ’ ve opened his account at Millwall , where he made his debut .
The options on the wing at the moment appear rather nailed down , though , so Grosicki @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait .
What we ’ ve seen from him so far , though , has been promising .
Phillips has looked a player of late who all of a sudden has a point to prove .
Fresh competition is bringing better displays out of him , and when Diangana returns he ’ ll have to work even harder just to retain a place in the 18 .
Bilic is expected to mix things up across the next 11 days , though , with four matches to play - Phillips could feature more prominently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfortunate individual in the squad at the moment , Furlong was contributing in an attacking sense just before Christmas , with an assist at Blues and a goal against Brentford .
His strong form couldn ’ t keep him in the starting line-up , though , as Bilic opted for young Dara O ’ Shea - more defensively minded , and someone who ’ d bring balance .
Furlong retains hopes of a recall at some stage .
Striker Austin was hauled off in the win over Luton without contributing too much , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice forward behind the in-form Hal Robson-Kanu .
Austin , though , remains the Baggies ’ top scorer this term with nine strikes and will expect a look-in in the coming days with the matches coming thick and fast .
There isn ’ t a more pertinent example of just how deep Bilic ’ s group is in terms of options than the fact that he now has as many as four senior , fit players being omitted from the match-day squad each game .
Albion fans haven ’ t seen hide nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kyle Edwards or new arrival Lee Peltier since February replaced January , the quartet victims of the current circumstances - there are few injuries in the squad at the moment , and competition is particularly stern throughout the squad .
Then you ’ ll have Gareth Barry , Grady Diangana and Kieran Gibbs all to introduce into the equation in the coming weeks , too , all of them used to getting regular minutes .
Who ’ d be a manager ?

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There are two strong arguments when it comes to West Brom and Slaven Bilic’s selection policy at the moment.
There’s the ‘if it ain’t broke’ approach; it’s a fair point, who could argue with Bilic’s decision to call upon the same XI for three games in a row when they’re putting in the kind of performances they have been?
Then there’s the other side of the fence - how does the Croat keep things fresh, rotate his group effectively and retain the squad harmony and confidence that has been fed by one sight of the league table?
The trip to Bristol City kicks off a run of four matches in 11 days - mercifully with three of them at home - and players are going to be called upon, with the expectation that this sequence of results continues.
How might Bilic change it? Does he need to leave it alone this weekend?
Injury news
“Kieran has trained with us for ten days,” Bilic said. “Unfortunately he didn’t play for the under 23s, the game was off and that was very important in his recovery, to have that game.
“He’s training with us. Gareth trained also Thursday with us, so they are not injured, they’re training with us.
“Grady and Nathan [Ferguson] are both the other ones. Grady is a few weeks away, yes. We’re at that final stage now where we don’t know if we’re going to be two or three.
“Of course the sooner the better, but it’s not a week, you know? I think it shouldn’t be more than, let’s say, tops three weeks, I don’t think.”
The starting XI
Bilic has kept faith with the same starting XI for the last three matches, since being able to welcome back Matheus Pereira from injury.
Eager to keep Filip Krovinovic in the side, he tweaked the system to accommodate both; it’s worked to date, with seven points taken from the last possible nine.
Dara O’Shea and Conor Townsend have continued at full-back, while Romaine Sawyers has been dropped a little deeper into a holding midfield role. Hal Robson-Kanu has continued to lead the line.
Johnstone; O'Shea, Ajayi, Bartley, Townsend; Sawyers, Livermore, Krovinovic, Robinson, Pereira; Robson-Kanu
Staking a claim
Kamil Grosicki
The new signing has looked handy from the bench in each of the last three matches. He almost forced another own goal out of Tobias Figueiredo last Saturday, and might’ve opened his account at Millwall, where he made his debut.
The options on the wing at the moment appear rather nailed down, though, so Grosicki’s first start may have to wait. What we’ve seen from him so far, though, has been promising.
Matt Phillips
Phillips has looked a player of late who all of a sudden has a point to prove. Fresh competition is bringing better displays out of him, and when Diangana returns he’ll have to work even harder just to retain a place in the 18.
Bilic is expected to mix things up across the next 11 days, though, with four matches to play - Phillips could feature more prominently at some point.
Darnell Furlong
Perhaps the most unfortunate individual in the squad at the moment, Furlong was contributing in an attacking sense just before Christmas, with an assist at Blues and a goal against Brentford.
His strong form couldn’t keep him in the starting line-up, though, as Bilic opted for young Dara O’Shea - more defensively minded, and someone who’d bring balance. Furlong retains hopes of a recall at some stage.
Charlie Austin
Striker Austin was hauled off in the win over Luton without contributing too much, and he’s currently comfortably second choice forward behind the in-form Hal Robson-Kanu.
Austin, though, remains the Baggies’ top scorer this term with nine strikes and will expect a look-in in the coming days with the matches coming thick and fast.
Missing out
There isn’t a more pertinent example of just how deep Bilic’s group is in terms of options than the fact that he now has as many as four senior, fit players being omitted from the match-day squad each game.
Albion fans haven’t seen hide nor hair of Kenneth Zohore, Chris Brunt, Kyle Edwards or new arrival Lee Peltier since February replaced January, the quartet victims of the current circumstances - there are few injuries in the squad at the moment, and competition is particularly stern throughout the squad.
Then you’ll have Gareth Barry, Grady Diangana and Kieran Gibbs all to introduce into the equation in the coming weeks, too, all of them used to getting regular minutes. Who’d be a manager?


birminghammail--2020-02-21--Behind the scenes at Aston Villa's training sessions as Mbwana Samatta impresses

Aston Villa fans that have bought tickets in the Manchester City end , will have their Wembley tickets cancelled for safety reasons .
According to the Manchester Evening News a small group of Villa fans – believed to be less than 20 , bought tickets to City ’ s latest home game in an attempt to be given priority to secure a seat in the East End of Wembley .
Earlier this week , City reduced the criteria to secure a seat , giving supporters who have been to one game at The Etihad , the ability to buy three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cup final .
Villa have already sold out their allocation of 33,666 tickets for their third trip to the national stadium in as many seasons .
However , City believe that up to 50 Villa fans have attempted to purchase tickets in the City end , but it is claimed the club know who are those purchasers are and will cancel the tickets on security grounds .
Behind the scenes at training Aston Villa have been preparing for another Premier League battle back at Bodymoor - and training sessions have been razor-sharp .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the quality of sessions ever since the players returned from an extended winter break .
The head coach has waxed lyrical about Mbwana Samatta 's impact since returning while , last week , Villa 's fast and frenetic start against Tottenham proved they 're bang up for what 's proving to be a relegation dogfight .
Ahead of traveling down to Southampton , the first-team stars have been put through their paces at Bodymoor HQ , with Villa TV releasing a seven-minute video clip of Villa 's latest session - and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ashley Preece picks out some stand-out moments , explaining the role of Villa 's coaches , the messages directed at players and how the ever-brilliant skipper Jack Grealish made team-mate Danny Drinkwater chuckle at the camera .
The session started with Villa 's 20-man outfield squad - including Indy Vassilev - pumping their feet in between four , ladder-like poles on the ground before bursting to and from a mannequin .
Lead sports scientist Jack Sharkey , the man behind Villa 's match-day warm-ups , shouts : `` Through to the cone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round , drive into it , cut ( away ) .
Nice and bright ! ''
Aman Singh Shergill , the performance scientist poached from neighbours Birmingham City , leads another group to get the blood moving around their legs .
Instructing a group lead by Jack Grealish , he says : `` Change of speed past that pole , let 's go !
Come on , as sharp as you can . ''
Tyrone Mings , back in training after a bout of tonsillitis , is smiling from ear-to-ear , such is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the fresh countryside air .
Shergill then rallies the players some more , adding : `` When you come out here it 's not enough , make sure you put in the f****** effort . ''
Jack Grealish , Tyrone Mings , Ezri Konsa & Co have been taken aback by Mbwana Samatta 's blistering form in training at Bodymoor .
The Tanzanian spent time in Dubai prior to Spurs building up his fitness - and Dean Smith has been blown away by the results .
`` He has surprised a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' explained Smith , who 's worked with Samatta for a month now .
`` He has great movement and understands the game .
He can link up well and is good aerially .
He has his first Premier League goal as well .
He can only be an asset . ''
The 27-year-old headed in his first goal on his Premier League debut for Villa at Bournemouth before following up with a relentless 80-minute showing against Tottenham .
Samatta pressed Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez from the get-go - and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aston Villa are committed to their philosophy of signing players with an eye on the future .
According to a report , they are linked with a move for a thirteen-year-old striker to boost their academy ranks .
Africa Top Sports names the Villa as one of a few clubs interested in Daniel Akinleye of Quevilly-Rouen Métropole .
The French third-tier side are having to fend off inquiries from Premier League sides , but can not avoid the presence of scouts following whispers regarding the talent of Akinleye in their youth ranks .

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Wembley ticket warning
Aston Villa fans that have bought tickets in the Manchester City end, will have their Wembley tickets cancelled for safety reasons.
According to the Manchester Evening News a small group of Villa fans – believed to be less than 20, bought tickets to City’s latest home game in an attempt to be given priority to secure a seat in the East End of Wembley.
Earlier this week, City reduced the criteria to secure a seat, giving supporters who have been to one game at The Etihad, the ability to buy three tickets for next month’s Carabao Cup final.
Villa have already sold out their allocation of 33,666 tickets for their third trip to the national stadium in as many seasons.
However, City believe that up to 50 Villa fans have attempted to purchase tickets in the City end, but it is claimed the club know who are those purchasers are and will cancel the tickets on security grounds.
Full Story
Behind the scenes at training
Aston Villa have been preparing for another Premier League battle back at Bodymoor - and training sessions have been razor-sharp.
Dean Smith has continued to make reference to the quality of sessions ever since the players returned from an extended winter break.
The head coach has waxed lyrical about Mbwana Samatta's impact since returning while, last week, Villa's fast and frenetic start against Tottenham proved they're bang up for what's proving to be a relegation dogfight.
Ahead of traveling down to Southampton, the first-team stars have been put through their paces at Bodymoor HQ, with Villa TV releasing a seven-minute video clip of Villa's latest session - and it was telling.
Here, club writer Ashley Preece picks out some stand-out moments, explaining the role of Villa's coaches, the messages directed at players and how the ever-brilliant skipper Jack Grealish made team-mate Danny Drinkwater chuckle at the camera.
The session started with Villa's 20-man outfield squad - including Indy Vassilev - pumping their feet in between four, ladder-like poles on the ground before bursting to and from a mannequin.
Lead sports scientist Jack Sharkey, the man behind Villa's match-day warm-ups, shouts: "Through to the cone, open up! Not a big arch round, drive into it, cut (away). Nice and bright!"
Aman Singh Shergill, the performance scientist poached from neighbours Birmingham City, leads another group to get the blood moving around their legs. Instructing a group lead by Jack Grealish, he says: "Change of speed past that pole, let's go! Come on, as sharp as you can."
Tyrone Mings, back in training after a bout of tonsillitis, is smiling from ear-to-ear, such is his delight of being back out on in the fresh countryside air. Shergill then rallies the players some more, adding: "When you come out here it's not enough, make sure you put in the f****** effort."
FULL STORY
Samatta impresses
Jack Grealish, Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa & Co have been taken aback by Mbwana Samatta's blistering form in training at Bodymoor.
The Tanzanian spent time in Dubai prior to Spurs building up his fitness - and Dean Smith has been blown away by the results.
"He has surprised a lot of our players how good he is," explained Smith, who's worked with Samatta for a month now.
"He has great movement and understands the game. He can link up well and is good aerially. He has his first Premier League goal as well. He can only be an asset."
The 27-year-old headed in his first goal on his Premier League debut for Villa at Bournemouth before following up with a relentless 80-minute showing against Tottenham.
Samatta pressed Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez from the get-go - and had the centre-back duo in trouble throughout.
Full Story
Young striker linked
Aston Villa are committed to their philosophy of signing players with an eye on the future.
According to a report, they are linked with a move for a thirteen-year-old striker to boost their academy ranks.
Africa Top Sports names the Villa as one of a few clubs interested in Daniel Akinleye of Quevilly-Rouen Métropole.
The French third-tier side are having to fend off inquiries from Premier League sides, but cannot avoid the presence of scouts following whispers regarding the talent of Akinleye in their youth ranks.
Full Story


birminghammail--2020-02-21--West Brom sanction winger loan as he reunites with former boss

Nick Clayton-Phillips , the young West Brom winger , has joined non-league Solihull Moors on a one-month loan deal .
@ @ @ @ @ the end of last season on loan at Kidderminster Harriers , has hooked up with @ @ @ @ @ as the Moors look to press on with their promotion push under new management .
@ @ @ @ @ this month at Damson Park , but is yet to manage his first game after @ @ @ @ @ weekend was postponed due to Storm Dennis .
He has strengthened his group by adding @ @ @ @ @ on a short-term loan , and now Clayton-Phillips has arrived for a stay too , @ @ @ @ @ football .
He recently scored the only goal , a rocket of a strike , @ @ @ @ @ Villa U23s at Bodymoor Heath in the Premier League 2 but will not be available @ @ @ @ @ next month .
He could make his debut in Shan ’ s first game in @ @ @ @ @ the Moors take on Dagenham and Redbridge .

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Nick Clayton-Phillips, the young West Brom winger, has joined non-league Solihull Moors on a one-month loan deal.
The 20-year-old, who spent the end of last season on loan at Kidderminster Harriers, has hooked up with former Albion boss Jimmy Shan as the Moors look to press on with their promotion push under new management.
Shan replaced Tim Flowers earlier this month at Damson Park, but is yet to manage his first game after the visit of Hartlepool last weekend was postponed due to Storm Dennis.
He has strengthened his group by adding Birmingham City defender Geraldo Bajrami on a short-term loan, and now Clayton-Phillips has arrived for a stay too, to benefit from more senior football.
He recently scored the only goal, a rocket of a strike, in the win over Aston Villa U23s at Bodymoor Heath in the Premier League 2 but will not be available to Deon Burton for the next month.
He could make his debut in Shan’s first game in charge this weekend, as the Moors take on Dagenham and Redbridge.


birminghammail--2020-02-21--Here's first look at Dark Knight costume for latest Batman superhero movie

Filming for The Batman with new images showing the Dark Knight ’ s new suit .
Production is taking place in Glasgow for the new Warner Bros and DC Comics movie , which is being released next year .
Crews were set up around the Necropolis cemetery near the Scottish city 's cathedral and Royal Infirmary – with someone in the famous suit riding a motorcycle .
However , it is thought to be a stuntman seen on Friday afternoon rather than Twilight star Robert Pattinson , who will portray the dual role of Bruce Wayne and the Batman .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be seen wiping the rain away from his goggles as the city thought to be doubling up as Gotham was hit with a yellow weather warning on Friday .
It comes a week after director Matt Reeves shared a glimpse of the suit in a tweet with the hashtag # CameraTest .
The filming in Glasgow will see a number of roads closed including Wishart Street , Ladywell Street , Cathedral Square , Drygate and John Knox Street .
Diversions are in place around Castle Street , High Street , Duke Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also used recently to film scenes for Netflix-sequel The Princess Switch : Switched Again starring Vanessa Hudgens .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Douglas Barrie, PA, Brett Gibbons)

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Filming for The Batman with new images showing the Dark Knight’s new suit.
Production is taking place in Glasgow for the new Warner Bros and DC Comics movie, which is being released next year.
Crews were set up around the Necropolis cemetery near the Scottish city's cathedral and Royal Infirmary – with someone in the famous suit riding a motorcycle.
However, it is thought to be a stuntman seen on Friday afternoon rather than Twilight star Robert Pattinson, who will portray the dual role of Bruce Wayne and the Batman.
As rehearsals progressed, the costumed man could be seen wiping the rain away from his goggles as the city thought to be doubling up as Gotham was hit with a yellow weather warning on Friday.
It comes a week after director Matt Reeves shared a glimpse of the suit in a tweet with the hashtag #CameraTest.
The filming in Glasgow will see a number of roads closed including Wishart Street, Ladywell Street, Cathedral Square, Drygate and John Knox Street.
Diversions are in place around Castle Street, High Street, Duke Street and Alexandra Parade.
The cathedral was also used recently to film scenes for Netflix-sequel The Princess Switch: Switched Again starring Vanessa Hudgens.


birminghammail--2020-02-21--The Batman filming begins as new images show Robert Pattinson's suit

Filming for The Batman has begun in Glasgow , with new images showing the Dark Knight 's new suit .
The production comes to the Scottish city for the new Warner Bros and DC Comics movie being released next year , with road closures in place until Sunday .
Crews were set up around the Necropolis cemetery near Glasgow Cathedral and Glasgow Royal Infirmary - with someone in the famous suit riding a motorcycle .
However , it is thought to be a stuntman seen on Friday afternoon rather than Twilight star Robert Pattinson , who will portray the dual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As rehearsals progressed , the costumed man could be seen wiping the rain away from his goggles as the city thought to be doubling up as Gotham was hit with a yellow weather warning on Friday .
It comes a week after director Matt Reeves shared a first look at the suit in a tweet with the hashtag £CameraTest .
The filming in Glasgow will see a number of roads closed including Wishart Street , Ladywell Street , Cathedral Square , Drygate and John Knox Street .
Diversions are in place around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street and Alexandra Parade .
The cathedral was also used recently to film scenes for Netflix-sequel The Princess Switch : Switched Again starring Vanessa Hudgens .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
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Filming for The Batman has begun in Glasgow, with new images showing the Dark Knight's new suit.
The production comes to the Scottish city for the new Warner Bros and DC Comics movie being released next year, with road closures in place until Sunday.
Crews were set up around the Necropolis cemetery near Glasgow Cathedral and Glasgow Royal Infirmary - with someone in the famous suit riding a motorcycle.
However, it is thought to be a stuntman seen on Friday afternoon rather than Twilight star Robert Pattinson, who will portray the dual role of Bruce Wayne and the Batman.
As rehearsals progressed, the costumed man could be seen wiping the rain away from his goggles as the city thought to be doubling up as Gotham was hit with a yellow weather warning on Friday.
It comes a week after director Matt Reeves shared a first look at the suit in a tweet with the hashtag £CameraTest.
The filming in Glasgow will see a number of roads closed including Wishart Street, Ladywell Street, Cathedral Square, Drygate and John Knox Street.
Diversions are in place around Castle Street, High Street, Duke Street and Alexandra Parade.
The cathedral was also used recently to film scenes for Netflix-sequel The Princess Switch: Switched Again starring Vanessa Hudgens.


birminghammail--2020-02-21--Police name men killed in 'Brierley Hill cannabis factory robbery'

Two men killed during a suspected cannabis factory robbery in Dudley have been named as detectives continue a murder investigation .
The man pronounced dead in Pensnett Road , Brierley Hill , was 19-year-old Khuzaimah Douglas from the Moseley area of Birmingham .
And the 36-year-old man who later died in hospital has been named as Waseem Ramzan who lived in Pensnett Road near where disorder broke out in the early hours of yesterday morning ( February 20 ) .
Both men suffered serious injuries and post mortem examinations are taking place to confirm the precise cause of death .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ received several 999 calls just after 3.30am yesterday from people reporting a group of lads trying to force entry to a house Pensnett Road .
`` A fight spilled out into the street during which the victims were fatally stabbed , while a cannabis factory was later uncovered nearby in Pensnett Road which is understood to have been targeted by robbers .
`` Officers arrested a 19-year-old man yesterday on suspicion of conspiracy to rob and he has now been further arrested on suspicion of murder .
He remains in police custody .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our Homicide Unit is now leading the investigation .
He said : “ We ’ ve been working throughout the night to take witness statements and seize CCTV .
It ’ s helped us get a clearer understanding of what ’ s gone on .
“ We believe around seven men attacked an address in which cannabis was being cultivated and were confronted by people who were inside the address .
“ We ’ re working to identify who was involved and we ’ re making good progress.
” Detectives are still appealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Pensnett Road area in the early hours of yesterday morning to get in touch .
Det Chief Inspector Munro added : “ People may have witnessed the disorder , people or vehicles leaving the scene , or seen something suspicious .
We need them to get in touch as every piece of information , no matter how small , could be crucial .
“ I ’ d also like to hear from any motorists who were in the area at the time and have dash cam footage as they also may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Chief Superintendent Sally Bourner , added : “ Our thoughts are with the families of two men who have tragically lost their lives .
We have specially trained Family Liaison Officers working with them to offer support .
“ This is an awful incident and we recognise the wider impact it can have on our communities .
But what I would say is that we believe this address was deliberately targeted , it was not a random attack .
“ In the immediate term , local officers are providing reassurance in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in patrols .
Longer term we are working with partners including the council , health , education and charities to tackle violent crime and the root causes of violence.
” Anyone with information is urged to message police via Live Chat at their website or call 101 .
Alternatively they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 ; callers won ’ t be asked for their names and calls can not be traced .

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Two men killed during a suspected cannabis factory robbery in Dudley have been named as detectives continue a murder investigation.
The man pronounced dead in Pensnett Road, Brierley Hill, was 19-year-old Khuzaimah Douglas from the Moseley area of Birmingham.
And the 36-year-old man who later died in hospital has been named as Waseem Ramzan who lived in Pensnett Road near where disorder broke out in the early hours of yesterday morning (February 20).
Both men suffered serious injuries and post mortem examinations are taking place to confirm the precise cause of death.
Police had previously said: "We received several 999 calls just after 3.30am yesterday from people reporting a group of lads trying to force entry to a house Pensnett Road.
"A fight spilled out into the street during which the victims were fatally stabbed, while a cannabis factory was later uncovered nearby in Pensnett Road which is understood to have been targeted by robbers.
"Officers arrested a 19-year-old man yesterday on suspicion of conspiracy to rob and he has now been further arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody."
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Munro from our Homicide Unit is now leading the investigation.
He said: “We’ve been working throughout the night to take witness statements and seize CCTV. It’s helped us get a clearer understanding of what’s gone on.
“We believe around seven men attacked an address in which cannabis was being cultivated and were confronted by people who were inside the address.
“We’re working to identify who was involved and we’re making good progress.”
Detectives are still appealing for witnesses or anyone who was in the Pensnett Road area in the early hours of yesterday morning to get in touch.
Det Chief Inspector Munro added: “People may have witnessed the disorder, people or vehicles leaving the scene, or seen something suspicious. We need them to get in touch as every piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial.
“I’d also like to hear from any motorists who were in the area at the time and have dash cam footage as they also may have recorded something important.”
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Dudley Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Sally Bourner, added: “Our thoughts are with the families of two men who have tragically lost their lives. We have specially trained Family Liaison Officers working with them to offer support.
“This is an awful incident and we recognise the wider impact it can have on our communities. But what I would say is that we believe this address was deliberately targeted, it was not a random attack.
“In the immediate term, local officers are providing reassurance in the area and people should have seen an increase in patrols. Longer term we are working with partners including the council, health, education and charities to tackle violent crime and the root causes of violence.”
Anyone with information is urged to message police via Live Chat at their website or call 101. Alternatively they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111; callers won’t be asked for their names and calls cannot be traced.


birminghammail--2020-02-21--Aston Villa linked with striker likened to Romelu Lukaku - report

Aston Villa are committed to their philosophy of signing players with an eye on the future .
According to a report , they are linked with a move for a thirteen-year-old striker to boost their academy ranks .
Africa Top Sports names the Villa as one of a few clubs interested in Daniel Akinleye of Quevilly-Rouen Métropole .
The French third-tier side are having to fend off inquiries from Premier League sides , but can not avoid the presence of scouts following whispers regarding the talent of Akinleye in their youth ranks .
The report describes Akinleye as a similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The striker is noted as a fast and intelligent forward with presence , and his abilities are attracting attention .
Crystal Palace and French Ligue 2 sides are said to be keeping a close eye on him .
The striker , who towers above his peers , is currently the top scorer in his youth bracket , and is progressing well at the club .
A move for Akinleye would fall in line with Villa 's philosophy to recruit talent into their academy from a young-age - even if that talent is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also ensure Villa are first on the scene when a talent is discovered - cutting out the middle man that usually stands between Villa and high-profile young transfers .
Villa CEO Christian Purslow wants Villa to focus their attentions on building a successful academy , full of younger talent breaking through at an earlier age .
He also mentioned that Villa should be snapping up the best youth talent in other markets - whether they are 16 , 13 or 9 years of age .
`` The under-23 team sits under the academy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing 16 and 17-year-olds in the U23 team , now that is the acid test of the programme , `` said the CEO at a supporter 's trust AGM earlier this week .
“ Frankly , I ’ m going to be brutal , 22-year-olds playing in an under-23 team means your system isn ’ t working .
It means your system has failed because 22-year-old footballers at Aston Villa need to be in the first team .
“ The ultimate goal is to populate the under-23 team with 11 outstanding 16 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know it ’ s working .
And that will take years , not months .
`` We need to be higher in recruiting the best eight-year-old , nine-year-old , 10-year-old , 11-year-old , 12-year-old , 14 , 16 , one a year that makes it and gets a professional contract at 16 . ''

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Aston Villa are committed to their philosophy of signing players with an eye on the future.
According to a report, they are linked with a move for a thirteen-year-old striker to boost their academy ranks.
Africa Top Sports names the Villa as one of a few clubs interested in Daniel Akinleye of Quevilly-Rouen Métropole.
The French third-tier side are having to fend off inquiries from Premier League sides, but cannot avoid the presence of scouts following whispers regarding the talent of Akinleye in their youth ranks.
The report describes Akinleye as a similar talent to Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku. The striker is noted as a fast and intelligent forward with presence, and his abilities are attracting attention. Crystal Palace and French Ligue 2 sides are said to be keeping a close eye on him.
The striker, who towers above his peers, is currently the top scorer in his youth bracket, and is progressing well at the club.
A move for Akinleye would fall in line with Villa's philosophy to recruit talent into their academy from a young-age - even if that talent is not local to Birmingham.
It would also ensure Villa are first on the scene when a talent is discovered - cutting out the middle man that usually stands between Villa and high-profile young transfers.
Villa CEO Christian Purslow wants Villa to focus their attentions on building a successful academy, full of younger talent breaking through at an earlier age.
He also mentioned that Villa should be snapping up the best youth talent in other markets - whether they are 16, 13 or 9 years of age.
"The under-23 team sits under the academy and you made an interesting observation about seeing 16 and 17-year-olds in the U23 team, now that is the acid test of the programme, "said the CEO at a supporter's trust AGM earlier this week.
“Frankly, I’m going to be brutal, 22-year-olds playing in an under-23 team means your system isn’t working. It means your system has failed because 22-year-old footballers at Aston Villa need to be in the first team.
“The ultimate goal is to populate the under-23 team with 11 outstanding 16, 17 and 18-year-olds, then I will know it’s working. And that will take years, not months.
"We need to be higher in recruiting the best eight-year-old, nine-year-old, 10-year-old, 11-year-old, 12-year-old, 14, 16, one a year that makes it and gets a professional contract at 16."