birminghammail--2020-05-04--Drug-drive arrest after car crashes into house

A driver was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving after a car smashed into a home on a city street .
A man , in his 40s , was taken to hospital when his vehicle crashed into a property in Upper Holland Road , near Sutton Coldfield town centre , on Sunday night , May 3 .
He was left trapped in the driver 's seat of the vehicle after the impact of the collision left it a crumpled wreck shortly before 11pm .
The house was so badly damaged the residents had to be rehomed .
Police said a man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs .
Officers urged anyone with information to come forward .
West Midlands Police said in a statement : `` We are investigating after a car hit a house on Upper Holland Road , Sutton Coldfield , at 10.45pm yesterday , May 3 .
`` The driver of the car , a man in his 40s , was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries .
`` Enquiries are ongoing and anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight , call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
Please quote log number 3970 of 03/05 . ''
The house , close to the junction with Coleshill Road , suffered 'significant structural damage ' in the collision .
The gas supply was compromised and had to be isolated , while technical rescue teams worked to make the building safe .
Photographs showed the aftermath of the collision , with the residents moved into emergency accommodation overnight .
Bricks and the street sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damaged entrance , which was boarded up .
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service added : “ We were called at 10:45pm last night to reports a car had hit a house at the crossroads of Coleshill Road and Upper Holland Road .
`` We sent two ambulances and two paramedic officers to the scene .
`` We treated one patient , a man , who was the driver of the car for injuries not believed to be life threatening before taking him to the QE Hospital for further treatment .
”

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A driver was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving after a car smashed into a home on a city street.
A man, in his 40s, was taken to hospital when his vehicle crashed into a property in Upper Holland Road, near Sutton Coldfield town centre, on Sunday night, May 3.
He was left trapped in the driver's seat of the vehicle after the impact of the collision left it a crumpled wreck shortly before 11pm. The house was so badly damaged the residents had to be rehomed.
Police said a man, in his 40s, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.
(Image: WMFS)
Officers urged anyone with information to come forward.
West Midlands Police said in a statement: "We are investigating after a car hit a house on Upper Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield, at 10.45pm yesterday, May 3.
"The driver of the car, a man in his 40s, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries.
(Image: WMFS)
"Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote log number 3970 of 03/05."
The house, close to the junction with Coleshill Road, suffered 'significant structural damage' in the collision.
The gas supply was compromised and had to be isolated, while technical rescue teams worked to make the building safe.
Photographs showed the aftermath of the collision, with the residents moved into emergency accommodation overnight.
Bricks and the street sign could be seen scattered around the badly damaged entrance, which was boarded up.
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service added: “We were called at 10:45pm last night to reports a car had hit a house at the crossroads of Coleshill Road and Upper Holland Road.
"We sent two ambulances and two paramedic officers to the scene.
"We treated one patient, a man, who was the driver of the car for injuries not believed to be life threatening before taking him to the QE Hospital for further treatment.”


birminghammail--2020-05-04--New advice from WHO over touching supermarket products while shopping

New advice has been issued to customers over shopping in supermarkets during the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic .
As the health crisis continues , a World Health Organization spokesperson has issued fresh guidance to retailer customers .
Irish Mirror reports WHO 's advice , which has been issued as the country faces yet another week of lockdown .
An expert , on behalf of WHO , said : `` When grocery shopping , keep at least 1-metre distance from others and avoid touching your eyes , mouth and nose . ''
The expert continued ; `` If possible , sanitize the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shopping .
`` Once home , wash your hands thoroughly and also after handling and storing your purchased products .
`` There is currently no confirmed case of COVID-19 transmitted through food or food packaging . ''
When it comes to fresh fruit and vegetables , you are recommended to wash them but no differently to normal .
The expert added : `` Fruits and vegetables are important components of a healthy diet . ''
He continued ; `` Wash them the same way you should do under any circumstance : before handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and water .
`` Then , wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water , especially if you eat them raw . ''
WHO does n't see grocery shopping as a high risk but does have some advice as to how you can keep your risk of contracting the virus low .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Cormac O'Shea, James Rodger)

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New advice has been issued to customers over shopping in supermarkets during the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic.
As the health crisis continues, a World Health Organization spokesperson has issued fresh guidance to retailer customers.
Irish Mirror reports WHO's advice, which has been issued as the country faces yet another week of lockdown.
An expert, on behalf of WHO, said: "When grocery shopping, keep at least 1-metre distance from others and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose."
The expert continued; "If possible, sanitize the handles of shopping trolleys or baskets before shopping.
"Once home, wash your hands thoroughly and also after handling and storing your purchased products.
"There is currently no confirmed case of COVID-19 transmitted through food or food packaging."
When it comes to fresh fruit and vegetables, you are recommended to wash them but no differently to normal.
The expert added: "Fruits and vegetables are important components of a healthy diet."
He continued; "Wash them the same way you should do under any circumstance: before handling them, wash your hands with soap and water.
"Then, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water, especially if you eat them raw."
WHO doesn't see grocery shopping as a high risk but does have some advice as to how you can keep your risk of contracting the virus low.


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Car crashes drop by 65 per cent under lockdown

The number of car crashes across the West Midlands dropped by 65 per cent in March , compared to the same month in previous years .
West Midlands Police has revealed there were 163 reported injuries from road traffic collisions in March , when the UK went into lockdown to limit the spread of coronavirus .
This is 34.5 per cent of the average number of accidents recorded in the month of March between 2016 and last year - 472 .
This means significantly fewer people have suffered injuries such as fractures , lacerations , sprains and whiplash .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - the same number as March last year , and only slightly lower than the average between 2016 and 2019 of 4.25 .
Out of the accidents in March this year , 68 were in the Birmingham West Policing area compared to just ten in Birmingham East .
There were 23 accidents in Sandwell , 18 in Walsall , 15 in Wolverhampton , 11 in Coventry , nine in Dudley and six in Solihull .
The figures were released by the police force in response to a Freedom of Information Request from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response includes the type of injuries sustained in each accident for the majority of years covered , but the force was not able to find all details without going over the appropriate costs limit .
It has been reported traffic around the UK has fallen between 60 and 80 per cent since the lock down began on March 23 .
The West Midlands police and crime commissioner David Jamieson said : “ Reducing collisions and deaths on our roads is a top priority for myself and West Midlands Police .
We are fortunate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roads fall in recent years .
“ Having less vehicles on the road inevitably means there will be fewer collisions but it should not be an encouragement for drivers to take their eye off the road and become distracted .
The roads can still be dangerous .
“ We ’ re doing proactive work to tackle speeding motorists taking advantage of the quieter roads during the lock down .
It is no excuse to use the roads as a race track and those endangering the lives of others will have swift action taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown is lifted , motorists need to ensure that they continue to abide by the rules of the road and be safe so as to keep themselves , pedestrians and other road users safe.
” Councillor Waseem Zaffar , Birmingham City Council ’ s cabinet member for transport and environment said : “ These statistics are reflective of the fact that less traffic means less accidents .
“ It ’ s a strong indicator that our transport plans , through the Clean Air Zone and the draft Birmingham Transport Plan , to reallocate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will help to improve road safety as well as air quality .
“ We also remain committed to 20mph as the default speed limit for all residential streets and local centres.
” The news was welcomed by Neil Greig , director of policy and research at road safety charity IAM RoadSmart which aims to improve car and motorcycle standards and enhance road safety .
He said : “ I think it ’ s very good news .
It ’ s not unexpected .
If traffic is down , you would expect crashes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highlights that the vast majority of people are driving safely .
But it highlights a minority of people who continue to speed and have crashes .
“ Ideally the number of accidents would be zero .
The excessive speed issue is a worry , there ’ s no doubt about that .
“ Police need to keep up their road traffic policing efforts .
In an ideal world , they could have forgotten about this for a time .
”

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The number of car crashes across the West Midlands dropped by 65 per cent in March, compared to the same month in previous years.
West Midlands Police has revealed there were 163 reported injuries from road traffic collisions in March, when the UK went into lockdown to limit the spread of coronavirus.
This is 34.5 per cent of the average number of accidents recorded in the month of March between 2016 and last year - 472.
This means significantly fewer people have suffered injuries such as fractures, lacerations, sprains and whiplash.
There were three deaths from accidents in March - the same number as March last year, and only slightly lower than the average between 2016 and 2019 of 4.25.
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Out of the accidents in March this year, 68 were in the Birmingham West Policing area compared to just ten in Birmingham East.
There were 23 accidents in Sandwell, 18 in Walsall, 15 in Wolverhampton, 11 in Coventry, nine in Dudley and six in Solihull.
The figures were released by the police force in response to a Freedom of Information Request from the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The FOI response includes the type of injuries sustained in each accident for the majority of years covered, but the force was not able to find all details without going over the appropriate costs limit.
It has been reported traffic around the UK has fallen between 60 and 80 per cent since the lock down began on March 23.
The West Midlands police and crime commissioner David Jamieson said: “Reducing collisions and deaths on our roads is a top priority for myself and West Midlands Police. We are fortunate that we have seen deaths on the roads fall in recent years.
“Having less vehicles on the road inevitably means there will be fewer collisions but it should not be an encouragement for drivers to take their eye off the road and become distracted. The roads can still be dangerous.
“We’re doing proactive work to tackle speeding motorists taking advantage of the quieter roads during the lock down. It is no excuse to use the roads as a race track and those endangering the lives of others will have swift action taken against them.
“For when the lockdown is lifted, motorists need to ensure that they continue to abide by the rules of the road and be safe so as to keep themselves, pedestrians and other road users safe.”
Councillor Waseem Zaffar, Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for transport and environment said: “These statistics are reflective of the fact that less traffic means less accidents.
“It’s a strong indicator that our transport plans, through the Clean Air Zone and the draft Birmingham Transport Plan, to reallocate road space away from private cars, will help to improve road safety as well as air quality.
“We also remain committed to 20mph as the default speed limit for all residential streets and local centres.”
The news was welcomed by Neil Greig, director of policy and research at road safety charity IAM RoadSmart which aims to improve car and motorcycle standards and enhance road safety.
He said: “I think it’s very good news. It’s not unexpected. If traffic is down, you would expect crashes to be down as well.
“It highlights that the vast majority of people are driving safely. But it highlights a minority of people who continue to speed and have crashes.
“Ideally the number of accidents would be zero. The excessive speed issue is a worry, there’s no doubt about that.
“Police need to keep up their road traffic policing efforts. In an ideal world, they could have forgotten about this for a time.”


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Teen 'grabbed' during kidnap attempt

Teen 'grabbed' during kidnap attempt

A teenager was grabbed and pulled towards a car by a man who stopped to ask for directions .
The 17-year-old was walking in Upper Gornal when she was approached by a man in a white Mercedes on Thursday evening , April 30 .
He asked for directions before grabbing the girl and attempting to drag her towards the vehicle .
She managed to escape and ran off .
West Midlands Police is investigating the attempted kidnap , which happened at the junction of Holloway Street and Hill Street at 6.15pm .
To be alerted to any suspicious or criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our Black Country Crime Watch Facebook group .
A spokesman for the force told Black Country Live : `` A 17-year-old was walking when she was approached by a man in a white Mercedes car asking for directions .
`` The man then grabbed the teenager and attempted to pull her towards the vehicle .
Fortunately she managed to escape his grip and run away .
`` CCTV is being reviewed and investigations are ongoing . ''
Anyone with information can contact is urged to contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to quote crime reference number 20DY/101482H/20 when passing on information .

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A teenager was grabbed and pulled towards a car by a man who stopped to ask for directions.
The 17-year-old was walking in Upper Gornal when she was approached by a man in a white Mercedes on Thursday evening, April 30.
He asked for directions before grabbing the girl and attempting to drag her towards the vehicle.
She managed to escape and ran off.
West Midlands Police is investigating the attempted kidnap, which happened at the junction of Holloway Street and Hill Street at 6.15pm.
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To be alerted to any suspicious or criminal behaviour happening in your area, join our Black Country Crime Watch Facebook group.
A spokesman for the force told Black Country Live: "A 17-year-old was walking when she was approached by a man in a white Mercedes car asking for directions.
"The man then grabbed the teenager and attempted to pull her towards the vehicle. Fortunately she managed to escape his grip and run away.
"CCTV is being reviewed and investigations are ongoing."
Anyone with information can contact is urged to contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight.
Alternatively, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
People are asked to quote crime reference number 20DY/101482H/20 when passing on information.


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Labour demands action to stop West Midlands unemployment doubling

150,000 people could become unemployed across the West Midlands unless the Government provides immediate help to kickstart the economy , Labour has warned .
Liam Byrne , Labour 's candidate for West Midlands Mayor , has urged Boris Johnson 's government to provide £2.9bn to support the region 's economy , to prevent unemployment doubling .
He is also calling for a `` jobs guarantee scheme '' - which would mean guaranteeing work for anyone who lost their jobs , and higher taxes on the most wealthy to prevent a repeat of funding cuts .
It followes warnings from economists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set to be the region hardest hit by the economic impact of the coronavirus epidemic and lockdown .
Mr Byrne , Labour MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill , said : `` There is a risk that our region will be hit hardest of all .
“ Both KPMG and Oxford Economics are forecasting that we will take the biggest punch in Britain - with a 10 % hit to the economy this year - and 11 % next year .
“ That means unemployment in our region could rise between 50,000 and 167,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because I want us to prepare for it now.
” The most recent unemployment figures show they are currently 142,000 people unemployed in the West Midlands region .
This includes the area covered by the mayor and some neighbouring counties .
Mr Byrne called on the Government to provide between £1.7 billion and £2.9 billion in emergency capital spending to boost the economy by funding new home building , converting offices to council flats , buying an electric vehicle fleet for public transport , doubling the tram network and buying low cost solar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would also speed up the acceleration of High Speed 2 , which is the one of the largest construction projects in Europe .
He wants Whitehall to give Mayors and council leaders sweeping new powers to organise the recovery in their regions .
And he called for higher taxes on the wealthy to pay for it all .
`` We will need to make sure that the wealthiest pay their fair share , as we shift the burden of taxes on unearned wealth , poisonous air , and planet-warming carbon.
” Andy Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week urged Boris Johnson to bring forward plans to distribute £4.2bn in transport funding to regions with mayors , as part of his plan to get the region 's economy moving again .
Mr Street took part in a conference call with the Prime Minister , alongside other English regional mayors .
Earlier this year Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £4.2bn devolved transport fund for the UK ’ s combined authorities , meaning , if split equally , the West Midlands would be guaranteed at least £500m – the largest single devolved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cash was due to be released in the 2022/23 financial year , but Mr Street asked the Prime Minister to bring that funding forward in the wake of the economic damage caused by the coronavirus .
Mr Street said : “ The Government has already committed funding to transport but we want to bring that forward and we also want to see investment in several other key sectors in the region , not least digital infrastructure and the automotive industry ’ s push towards electric and autonomous vehicle technology.
” The Mayor is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the region on a recovery plan for the economy which has not yet been published .
Mr Street and Mr Byrne are set to be candidates in the next West Midlands mayoral election , which was due to take place this year but has been postponed to next year .

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150,000 people could become unemployed across the West Midlands unless the Government provides immediate help to kickstart the economy, Labour has warned.
Liam Byrne, Labour's candidate for West Midlands Mayor, has urged Boris Johnson's government to provide £2.9bn to support the region's economy, to prevent unemployment doubling.
He is also calling for a "jobs guarantee scheme" - which would mean guaranteeing work for anyone who lost their jobs, and higher taxes on the most wealthy to prevent a repeat of funding cuts.
It followes warnings from economists including KPMG that the West Midlands is set to be the region hardest hit by the economic impact of the coronavirus epidemic and lockdown.
Mr Byrne, Labour MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill, said: "There is a risk that our region will be hit hardest of all.
“Both KPMG and Oxford Economics are forecasting that we will take the biggest punch in Britain - with a 10% hit to the economy this year - and 11% next year.
“That means unemployment in our region could rise between 50,000 and 167,000 people. I say this now, because I want us to prepare for it now.”
The most recent unemployment figures show they are currently 142,000 people unemployed in the West Midlands region. This includes the area covered by the mayor and some neighbouring counties.
Mr Byrne called on the Government to provide between £1.7 billion and £2.9 billion in emergency capital spending to boost the economy by funding new home building, converting offices to council flats, buying an electric vehicle fleet for public transport, doubling the tram network and buying low cost solar for schools and homes. The money would also speed up the acceleration of High Speed 2, which is the one of the largest construction projects in Europe.
He wants Whitehall to give Mayors and council leaders sweeping new powers to organise the recovery in their regions.
And he called for higher taxes on the wealthy to pay for it all.
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
"We will need to make sure that the wealthiest pay their fair share, as we shift the burden of taxes on unearned wealth, poisonous air, and planet-warming carbon.”
Andy Street, the region's Conservative Mayor, last week urged Boris Johnson to bring forward plans to distribute £4.2bn in transport funding to regions with mayors, as part of his plan to get the region's economy moving again.
Mr Street took part in a conference call with the Prime Minister, alongside other English regional mayors.
Earlier this year Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £4.2bn devolved transport fund for the UK’s combined authorities, meaning, if split equally, the West Midlands would be guaranteed at least £500m – the largest single devolved sum it has ever received.
The cash was due to be released in the 2022/23 financial year, but Mr Street asked the Prime Minister to bring that funding forward in the wake of the economic damage caused by the coronavirus.
Mr Street said: “The Government has already committed funding to transport but we want to bring that forward and we also want to see investment in several other key sectors in the region, not least digital infrastructure and the automotive industry’s push towards electric and autonomous vehicle technology.”
The Mayor is also working with council and business leaders in the region on a recovery plan for the economy which has not yet been published.
Mr Street and Mr Byrne are set to be candidates in the next West Midlands mayoral election, which was due to take place this year but has been postponed to next year.


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Teenager charged after man stabbed in street

A teenager has been charged after a man was stabbed in Lichfield .
Emergency services raced to Reynolds Close at 11.19pm on Saturday , May 2 .
Medics treated a 20-year-old man for serious injuries and rushed him to hospital on blue lights for further treatement .
He was in a stable condition on Monday , May 4 .
Police later charged Nathan Michaels , 19 , of Badgers Bank Road , Sutton Coldfield , with wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article .
Three others , originally arrested on suspicion of attempted murder , were all released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those - a 20-year-old man from Lichfield – was also arrested and released under investigation for an unrelated drugs offence .
A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said : `` An investigation into the circumstances around the incident are ongoing and the 20-year-old man remains in hospital in a stable condition . ''
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said : `` We were called at 11.19pm to reports of a stabbing in Reynolds Close in Lichfield .
`` We sent one ambulance , one paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We treated one patient , a man , for serious injuries before taking him on blue lights to hospital for further treatment.
” Anyone with any information should message Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter quoting incident number 891 of May 2 , call 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .

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A teenager has been charged after a man was stabbed in Lichfield.
Emergency services raced to Reynolds Close at 11.19pm on Saturday, May 2.
Medics treated a 20-year-old man for serious injuries and rushed him to hospital on blue lights for further treatement.
He was in a stable condition on Monday, May 4.
Police later charged Nathan Michaels, 19, of Badgers Bank Road, Sutton Coldfield, with wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article.
Three others, originally arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, were all released with no further action.
One of those - a 20-year-old man from Lichfield – was also arrested and released under investigation for an unrelated drugs offence.
A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: "An investigation into the circumstances around the incident are ongoing and the 20-year-old man remains in hospital in a stable condition."
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 11.19pm to reports of a stabbing in Reynolds Close in Lichfield.
"We sent one ambulance, one paramedic officer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Critical Care car to the scene.
"We treated one patient, a man, for serious injuries before taking him on blue lights to hospital for further treatment.”
Anyone with any information should message Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter quoting incident number 891 of May 2, call 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-05-04--The damage caused to the house in Sutton Coldfield after a car smashed into it

The damage caused to the house in Sutton Coldfield after a car smashed into it Residents inside the badly damaged @ @ @ @ @ had to be moved into emergency accommodation overnight .

The damage caused to the house in Sutton Coldfield after a car smashed into it
Residents inside the badly damaged property in Upper Holland Road had to be moved into emergency accommodation overnight.
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birminghammail--2020-05-04--Who are Spinksy, Birchy and Alan McInally? That chant explained

Even if you do n't particularly appreciate the foul language or the mention of rivals Birmingham City , you 'll have definitely heard it .
The 'My Old Man ' chat has been a staple in the stands of Villa Park and Aston Villa way matches for more than three decades now .
Villa fans , young and old , belt it out with regularity at home games and on their travels .
`` There 's Spinksy and Birchy , Alan McInally , they 're the boys who are gon na do us fine ... '' .
But who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fans of a certain vintage ( in other words us older ones ! )
know full well who they are , but if the claret and blue trio were before your time , here 's a quick lowdown : Nigel Spink played 460 times for Vila between 1979 and 1996 , more than any other goalkeeper in the club 's history .
Five of them were substitute appearances , including most famously when he stepped off the bench to replace the injured Jimmy Rimmer in the European Cup final against Bayern Munich in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a brilliant performance to keep a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory that night - and clinch his place in claret and blue folklore for evermore .
After succeeding Rimmer , he was first choice for most of his time at the club , and even when Mark Bosnich ousted him , he was a very reliable back up goalie .
Spink left Villa in 1996 and had spells playing for West Bromwich Albion , Millwall and Forest Green Rovers , who he managed for a brief spell .
He was then a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Athletic , Sunderland and Bristol City .
After leaving football , Spink put those safe hands to good use by setting up a courier company with a friend .
Paul Birch has been dearly missed by the Aston Villa family since his death from bone cancer at the age of 46 in February 2009 .
Birch was a popular figure with his team-mates and the claret and blue faithful .
The Brummie midifelder won a medal on his debut , coming on as a substitute for Gary Shaw in the European Super Cup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa won 3-0 at Villa Park to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg at the Nou Camp .
`` It was quite a start for a young man who had begun his career as an apprentice three years earlier after joining Villa straight from school , '' reports Aston Villa : The Complete Record .
`` And while he never scaled such dizzy heights again , Birch was an invaluable member of the squad over the next eight seasons . ''
Birch played a vital part in the 1987-88 promotion-winning squad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the big-time at the first time of asking .
Over the course of his claret and blue career , Birch made 223 appearances , scoring 25 goals , before joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1991 .
Rambo , as he was affectionately known , will always have a place in Villa Park hearts .
`` He spent only two seasons at Villa Park but Alan McInally was a huge favourite with supporters , '' recalls Aston Villa : The Complete Record .
`` His bustling direct style in the number nine shirt made him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Andy Gray and Peter Withe . ''
McInally proved to be a £250,000 bargain buy from Celtic in 1987 .
Injury limited his contributions in his first season when he scored six league and cup goals as Taylor guided Villa to promotion back to the top flight .
The following season he rattled in 22 league and cup goals .
His love affair with the Villa Park faithful was short-lived as he moved to Bayern Munich for 1.1 million in the summer of 1989 .
McInally is more commonly known now as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Scottish striker always speaks fondly about his time at Villa on television and social media .

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You'll have heard it.
Even if you don't particularly appreciate the foul language or the mention of rivals Birmingham City, you'll have definitely heard it.
The 'My Old Man' chat has been a staple in the stands of Villa Park and Aston Villa way matches for more than three decades now.
Villa fans, young and old, belt it out with regularity at home games and on their travels.
"There's Spinksy and Birchy, Alan McInally, they're the boys who are gonna do us fine...".
But who are Spinksy, Birchy and Alan McInally?
Fans of a certain vintage (in other words us older ones!) know full well who they are, but if the claret and blue trio were before your time, here's a quick lowdown:
SPINKSY = NIGEL SPINK
Nigel Spink played 460 times for Vila between 1979 and 1996, more than any other goalkeeper in the club's history.
Five of them were substitute appearances, including most famously when he stepped off the bench to replace the injured Jimmy Rimmer in the European Cup final against Bayern Munich in Rotterdam in May 1982.
Spink produced a brilliant performance to keep a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory that night - and clinch his place in claret and blue folklore for evermore.
After succeeding Rimmer, he was first choice for most of his time at the club, and even when Mark Bosnich ousted him, he was a very reliable back up goalie.
Spink left Villa in 1996 and had spells playing for West Bromwich Albion, Millwall and Forest Green Rovers, who he managed for a brief spell.
He was then a goalkeeping coach with Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic, Sunderland and Bristol City.
After leaving football, Spink put those safe hands to good use by setting up a courier company with a friend.
BIRCHY = PAUL BIRCH
Paul Birch has been dearly missed by the Aston Villa family since his death from bone cancer at the age of 46 in February 2009.
Birch was a popular figure with his team-mates and the claret and blue faithful.
The Brummie midifelder won a medal on his debut, coming on as a substitute for Gary Shaw in the European Super Cup final second leg against Barcelona, as Villa won 3-0 at Villa Park to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg at the Nou Camp.
Steve Froggatt shares a brilliant Paul Birch story
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"It was quite a start for a young man who had begun his career as an apprentice three years earlier after joining Villa straight from school," reports Aston Villa: The Complete Record.
"And while he never scaled such dizzy heights again, Birch was an invaluable member of the squad over the next eight seasons."
Birch played a vital part in the 1987-88 promotion-winning squad as Graham Taylor got Villa back to the big-time at the first time of asking.
Over the course of his claret and blue career, Birch made 223 appearances, scoring 25 goals, before joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1991.
ALAN MCINALLY
(Image: Mirrorpix)
Rambo, as he was affectionately known, will always have a place in Villa Park hearts.
"He spent only two seasons at Villa Park but Alan McInally was a huge favourite with supporters," recalls Aston Villa: The Complete Record.
"His bustling direct style in the number nine shirt made him a Holte End hero in the mould of Andy Gray and Peter Withe."
McInally proved to be a £250,000 bargain buy from Celtic in 1987.
Injury limited his contributions in his first season when he scored six league and cup goals as Taylor guided Villa to promotion back to the top flight.
The following season he rattled in 22 league and cup goals. His love affair with the Villa Park faithful was short-lived as he moved to Bayern Munich for 1.1 million in the summer of 1989.
McInally is more commonly known now as a SkySports Soccer Saturday pundit, but the Scottish striker always speaks fondly about his time at Villa on television and social media.


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Police take GOAT home after it 'breaches coronavirus lockdown'

Police in Wolverhampton had to escort a goat home after it was found flouting the lockdown guidelines .
Officers on @ @ @ @ @ Hill and was escorted home on a lead by the two PCSOs .
West Midlands @ @ @ @ @ very happy to be reunited with the animal .
A force account tweeted : `` @ @ @ @ @ came across a goat who was breaching the covid guildlines , he was then escorted @ @ @ @ @ owner . ''
It 's not the first time goats have taken advantage of deserted @ @ @ @ @ a herd of montain goats stormed a welsh town .
The goats , who normally @ @ @ @ @ , wreaked havoc in Llandudno - which is normally packed with humans .
Footage captured @ @ @ @ @ herd running wild , nibbling on hedges and trotting along people 's garden walls .

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Police in Wolverhampton had to escort a goat home after it was found flouting the lockdown guidelines.
Officers on patrol discovered it roaming Low Hill and was escorted home on a lead by the two PCSOs.
West Midlands Police said the owner was very happy to be reunited with the animal.
A force account tweeted: "While out on patrol PCSOs came across a goat who was breaching the covid guildlines, he was then escorted home to a very happy owner."
It's not the first time goats have taken advantage of deserted streets during the lockdown after a herd of montain goats stormed a welsh town.
The goats, who normally reside on the Great Orme, wreaked havoc in Llandudno - which is normally packed with humans.
Footage captured back in March shows the herd running wild, nibbling on hedges and trotting along people's garden walls.


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Love Island cancelled by ITV after coronavirus risk deemed too high

Love Island has officially been cancelled - after ITV bosses deemed the risk too high .
The ITV2 dating show has been pulled from the summer schedule after bosses confirmed that coronavirus poses too big a risk , The Sun reports .
Kevin Lygo , head of ITV , admitted to feeling ‘ uneasy ’ the idea of the islanders in close proximity to one another while the rest of the country is still experiencing lockdown .
The series , which airs on ITV2 , usually kicks off in June and sees a group of Islanders looking for love move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sun , fun and romance .
As well as the islanders , a 200-strong TV crew is also needed to make the programme , which usually airs for around seven or eight weeks .
Mr Lygo said : `` Is that really viable or feasible ?
” He spoke at this year ’ s Edinburgh TV festival , which this year is taking place online due to the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing rules .
He said : `` We 're right approaching the moment with Love Island of is it feasible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of production people arriving ?
Will there have to be quarantine ?
`` We have to factor all of that in as well as what kind of signal that might it be sending out if we 're doing a show where everybody is crammed together slathering over each other , while the rest of the world is told , do n't go near anyone in the park .
`` I 'm a little uneasy about that .
We will make a decision in a proper way quite soon , but it affects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commercial impact for us , there 's 200 people working on that show . ''
Mr Lygo also revealed that they had looked into re-locating the programme to somewhere in the UK , but assessed that it would “ not be the same show ” .
He said : `` The team had looked at doing it in Cornwall somewhere , and we feel now in a rushed sense , no , I do n't think making it in the UK would be the same show .
`` And we do n't want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have made , because it 's been so successful . ''
It has been reported that 13,000 people have applied for this year 's series .

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Love Island has officially been cancelled - after ITV bosses deemed the risk too high.
The ITV2 dating show has been pulled from the summer schedule after bosses confirmed that coronavirus poses too big a risk, The Sun reports.
Kevin Lygo, head of ITV, admitted to feeling ‘uneasy’ the idea of the islanders in close proximity to one another while the rest of the country is still experiencing lockdown.
The series, which airs on ITV2, usually kicks off in June and sees a group of Islanders looking for love move into a Mallorcan villa for a summer of sun, fun and romance.
As well as the islanders, a 200-strong TV crew is also needed to make the programme, which usually airs for around seven or eight weeks.
Mr Lygo said: "Is that really viable or feasible?”
He spoke at this year’s Edinburgh TV festival, which this year is taking place online due to the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing rules.
He said: "We're right approaching the moment with Love Island of is it feasible, will Majorca open its doors to hundreds of production people arriving? Will there have to be quarantine?
"We have to factor all of that in as well as what kind of signal that might it be sending out if we're doing a show where everybody is crammed together slathering over each other, while the rest of the world is told, don't go near anyone in the park.
"I'm a little uneasy about that. We will make a decision in a proper way quite soon, but it affects a lot of people, a big commercial impact for us, there's 200 people working on that show."
Mr Lygo also revealed that they had looked into re-locating the programme to somewhere in the UK, but assessed that it would “not be the same show”.
He said: "The team had looked at doing it in Cornwall somewhere, and we feel now in a rushed sense, no, I don't think making it in the UK would be the same show.
"And we don't want to not make the same show as we have made, because it's been so successful."
It has been reported that 13,000 people have applied for this year's series.


birminghammail--2020-05-04--The Tyrone Mings revelation that will make Aston Villa fans howl

Tyrone Mings is today celebrating just seven years as a professional - and he has a funny story involving Aston Villa .
Mick McCarthy had signed the defender for just £10,000 from non-league Chippenham Town in December 2012 .
Mings had been playing in a trial game at Ipswich Town and was signed up immediately , with McCarthy even taking the youngster off to protect him .
`` I was walking across to watch him in a practice match and after watching him for five minutes I said , ‘ I ’ ll sign him now ’ .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` He ’ s done as well as I would ’ ve expected and you knew he was going to be a player from the minute we signed him .
`` His attitude was always aggressive .
He was 18 and he was talking to people , sticking his foot in , kicking people , winning the ball .
`` I took him off after 17 minutes and he was annoyed .
He said , ‘ Why did you take me off ?
’ I said , ‘ Because I want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get injured ’ . ''
A month later , McCarthy wanted to hand Mings his professional debut away at Villa Park in the FA Cup third round .
Little did the manager know , though , that Mings was cup-tied having played for Yate Town in a preliminary round against Winchester .
In the end , Paul Lambert 's Villa won 2-1 thanks to goals from Darren Bent and Andi Weimann .
As for Mings , he had to wait a further five months to make his Football League bow , starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moor on May 4 , 2013 .
Looking back on his pro debut , Villa 's £20million man said : `` Seven years today making my league debut .
Funny story , in the January we were playing Aston Villa in the FA Cup which was meant to be my debut .
`` The manager put me in the line up the day before the game and I had to go and tell him I ’ d already played in the FA Cup away at Winchester ! ''

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Tyrone Mings is today celebrating just seven years as a professional - and he has a funny story involving Aston Villa.
Mick McCarthy had signed the defender for just £10,000 from non-league Chippenham Town in December 2012.
Mings had been playing in a trial game at Ipswich Town and was signed up immediately, with McCarthy even taking the youngster off to protect him.
"I was walking across to watch him in a practice match and after watching him for five minutes I said, ‘I’ll sign him now’. He was that good," McCarthy said previously.
"He’s done as well as I would’ve expected and you knew he was going to be a player from the minute we signed him.
"His attitude was always aggressive. He was 18 and he was talking to people, sticking his foot in, kicking people, winning the ball.
"I took him off after 17 minutes and he was annoyed. He said, ‘Why did you take me off?’ I said, ‘Because I want to sign you and you’re going to get injured’."
A month later, McCarthy wanted to hand Mings his professional debut away at Villa Park in the FA Cup third round. Little did the manager know, though, that Mings was cup-tied having played for Yate Town in a preliminary round against Winchester.
In the end, Paul Lambert's Villa won 2-1 thanks to goals from Darren Bent and Andi Weimann. As for Mings, he had to wait a further five months to make his Football League bow, starting in a Championship dead-rubber away at Turf Moor on May 4, 2013.
Looking back on his pro debut, Villa's £20million man said: "Seven years today making my league debut. Funny story, in the January we were playing Aston Villa in the FA Cup which was meant to be my debut.
"The manager put me in the line up the day before the game and I had to go and tell him I’d already played in the FA Cup away at Winchester!"


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Corrie star debuts shock new hairstyle on Lorraine - leaving viewers stunned

A star of Coronation Street has debuted her new hairstyle on Lorraine today - and she looks hugely different .
Sue Cleaver is renowned for her role on the long-running ITV1 soap .
Sue plays Eileen Grimshaw on Corrie , and has been a staple of the Weatherfield based serial drama for two decades .
On Lorraine today , Scottish presenter Lorraine Kelly welcomed the soap actress onto the daytime favourite .
Sue appeared via video link where she flaunted her new locks - and left Lorraine seriously stunned .
Lorraine began the segment by cutting to Sue , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hello , love , '' the Scottish TV presenter said , before being blown away by Sue 's appearance .
The actress was seen sporting bright pink hair after dying it during the ongoing lockdown , which has forced Corrie from our screens .
ITV has dramatically reduced the number of episodes shown per week in a bid to ensure the soap does not run out .
Coronation Street was halted from filming new episodes last month , after a nationwide lockdown was enforced by the government .
`` Oh , I love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's instalment .
`` It 's my lockdown hair , '' Sue gushed to Lorraine , before the pair cut to a segment showing her 'best bits ' from her career on the cobbles .

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A star of Coronation Street has debuted her new hairstyle on Lorraine today - and she looks hugely different.
Sue Cleaver is renowned for her role on the long-running ITV1 soap.
Sue plays Eileen Grimshaw on Corrie, and has been a staple of the Weatherfield based serial drama for two decades.
On Lorraine today, Scottish presenter Lorraine Kelly welcomed the soap actress onto the daytime favourite.
Sue appeared via video link where she flaunted her new locks - and left Lorraine seriously stunned.
(Image: ITV)
Lorraine began the segment by cutting to Sue, who was appearing from her home.
"Hello, love," the Scottish TV presenter said, before being blown away by Sue's appearance.
The actress was seen sporting bright pink hair after dying it during the ongoing lockdown, which has forced Corrie from our screens.
ITV has dramatically reduced the number of episodes shown per week in a bid to ensure the soap does not run out.
Coronation Street was halted from filming new episodes last month, after a nationwide lockdown was enforced by the government.
"Oh, I love your hair" Lorraine proclaimed on Monday's instalment.
"It's my lockdown hair," Sue gushed to Lorraine, before the pair cut to a segment showing her 'best bits' from her career on the cobbles.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV.


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Man who set up gun factory in garden shed has jail term doubled

A Walsall man who converted imported blank-firing guns into lethal weapons has had his jail term doubled .
Robert Bartell bought blank-firing pistols from abroad and converted some into serviceable guns in his shed before test-firing them in his garden .
The stash of guns - including self-loading pistols - were manufactured in Turkey and Italy , and bought from a Spanish website .
Cops raided the 54-year-old 's home in Cambridge Street on November 28 last year after police intelligence suggested he was importing blank-firers .
Officers discovered six handguns , including some which he had converted to fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a table drill and disc cutter , plus 23 adapted 9mm blank rounds retro-fitted with ball bearings or lead shots .
Blank-firing weapons can be sold legally in mainland Europe but are illegal to sell and possess in the UK .
Along with the guns , police also uncovered lengths of steel tubing , a 5kg bag of lead shot and damaged books which the 54-year-old had used as targets to test-fire the weapons .
In an interview Bartell told officers he converted the pistols as a personal technical challenge and had no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But he went on to admit four counts of possessing prohibited weapons , two of possessing banned ammunition , and possessing a sawn-off shotgun which was also found .
He was jailed for two-and-a-half years at Wolverhampton Crown Court in February .
However , the force did n't believe the sentence was tough enough .
It took the case to the Court of Appeal and Bartell 's jail term was doubled to five years .
Det Suptt Anthony Tagg , said : “ These were very serious offences and we didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We made those feelings known to the Court of Appeal and I ’ m pleased judges reviewed the case and extended the custodial sentence .
“ This should send a strong message to criminals that we will work with the Crown Prosecution Service to pursue the toughest sentence possible for those convicted of such offences .
”

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A Walsall man who converted imported blank-firing guns into lethal weapons has had his jail term doubled.
Robert Bartell bought blank-firing pistols from abroad and converted some into serviceable guns in his shed before test-firing them in his garden.
The stash of guns - including self-loading pistols - were manufactured in Turkey and Italy, and bought from a Spanish website.
(Image: WMP)
Cops raided the 54-year-old's home in Cambridge Street on November 28 last year after police intelligence suggested he was importing blank-firers.
Officers discovered six handguns, including some which he had converted to fire live rounds in his shed workshop using a table drill and disc cutter, plus 23 adapted 9mm blank rounds retro-fitted with ball bearings or lead shots.
Blank-firing weapons can be sold legally in mainland Europe but are illegal to sell and possess in the UK.
Along with the guns, police also uncovered lengths of steel tubing, a 5kg bag of lead shot and damaged books which the 54-year-old had used as targets to test-fire the weapons.
In an interview Bartell told officers he converted the pistols as a personal technical challenge and had no intention of selling viable firearms to criminals.
But he went on to admit four counts of possessing prohibited weapons, two of possessing banned ammunition, and possessing a sawn-off shotgun which was also found.
He was jailed for two-and-a-half years at Wolverhampton Crown Court in February.
However, the force didn't believe the sentence was tough enough. It took the case to the Court of Appeal and Bartell's jail term was doubled to five years.
Det Suptt Anthony Tagg, said: “These were very serious offences and we didn’t think the original sentence reflected this.
“We made those feelings known to the Court of Appeal and I’m pleased judges reviewed the case and extended the custodial sentence.
“This should send a strong message to criminals that we will work with the Crown Prosecution Service to pursue the toughest sentence possible for those convicted of such offences.”


birminghammail--2020-05-04--West Brom could face incredible stadium situation next season

West Bromwich Albion could play the entirety of next season at neutral venues , according to reports .
At a meeting on Friday , Premier League clubs were informed of the details of a plan to play out the remaining fixtures this season at neutral stadiums .
Under the 'Project Restart ' proposal , all 92 remaining matches would take place at between eight and 10 grounds around the country with no side playing at home .
Albion are hoping to seal their place in the top-flight having led the promotion tussle alongside Leeds United for the majority of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com Brighton chief executive Paul Barber broke ranks to publicly voice his opposition on Saturday , releasing a statement saying the plan would create `` very obvious disadvantages '' for his side .
But according to reports in the national press , the idea received majority backing during the three-and-a-half hour meeting , although some clubs want the threat of relegation to be removed .
Now , the Mirror reports the plan could incredibly be rolled out to cover the whole of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is claimed the neutral venues idea was described in the meeting as a `` test run '' amid fears that fans could still congregate at home matches next season even if they are played behind-closed-doors .
The report adds some clubs feel it would not be fair to start the season at neutral venues then switch back to playing at team 's own stadiums with home advantage .
Another meeting will take place this Friday and the plan would require a 14-6 majority in a vote to be passed .
Albion and Leeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for relegation if the Premier League votes to increase the number of teams in the league for next season .
The EFL 's preferred contingency would be to promote the two clubs if the season is cut short .

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West Bromwich Albion could play the entirety of next season at neutral venues, according to reports.
At a meeting on Friday, Premier League clubs were informed of the details of a plan to play out the remaining fixtures this season at neutral stadiums.
Under the 'Project Restart' proposal, all 92 remaining matches would take place at between eight and 10 grounds around the country with no side playing at home.
Albion are hoping to seal their place in the top-flight having led the promotion tussle alongside Leeds United for the majority of the season.
Brighton chief executive Paul Barber broke ranks to publicly voice his opposition on Saturday, releasing a statement saying the plan would create "very obvious disadvantages" for his side.
But according to reports in the national press, the idea received majority backing during the three-and-a-half hour meeting, although some clubs want the threat of relegation to be removed.
Now, the Mirror reports the plan could incredibly be rolled out to cover the whole of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign.
It is claimed the neutral venues idea was described in the meeting as a "test run" amid fears that fans could still congregate at home matches next season even if they are played behind-closed-doors.
The report adds some clubs feel it would not be fair to start the season at neutral venues then switch back to playing at team's own stadiums with home advantage.
Another meeting will take place this Friday and the plan would require a 14-6 majority in a vote to be passed.
Albion and Leeds could still go up without the need for relegation if the Premier League votes to increase the number of teams in the league for next season.
The EFL's preferred contingency would be to promote the two clubs if the season is cut short.


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Dr Hilary reveals truth behind 'game changer' Covid test with 100% accuracy

Dr Hilary Jones has spoken out over a `` game changer '' new antibody test which claims to be 100 per cent accurate .
Amid the ongoing unprecedented coronavirus crisis , Dr Hilary addressed claims a new test has been developed which shows whether you 've had the deadly bug .
So far , the UK has spent seven weeks in lockdown , with 30,000 deaths from coronavirus .
But now hopes have emerged of an antibody test which shows whether you 've contracted the bug and subsequently recovered .
Discussing the medical breakthrough on Lorraine today , Dr Hilary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether the claims were true .
Dr Hilary replied : `` They say it 's 100 % accurate .
They say it does n't give false positives .
That means , if you take a test and it says positive , that means you 've had Covid-19 .
`` It also means you have recovered , because it gives you the results within 14 days of your symptoms disappearing .
`` So that could be really good news - and they say they can do hundreds of thousands of tests a week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're so optimistic about these tests is that they react only to this particular coronavirus - Covid-19 .
`` So , first of all , we 're going to find out who has had it , who has immunity , and over time , how long that immunity lasts .
The drugs giant , Roche Holding AG , revealed it has received emergency use approval from the US Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) for an antibody test which could determine whether people have ever been infected with the coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ immune to the deadly illness .
The firm had originally planned to release an antibody test early this May and to boost production by June to `` high double-digit millions '' every month .

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Dr Hilary Jones has spoken out over a "game changer" new antibody test which claims to be 100 per cent accurate.
Amid the ongoing unprecedented coronavirus crisis, Dr Hilary addressed claims a new test has been developed which shows whether you've had the deadly bug.
So far, the UK has spent seven weeks in lockdown, with 30,000 deaths from coronavirus.
But now hopes have emerged of an antibody test which shows whether you've contracted the bug and subsequently recovered.
Discussing the medical breakthrough on Lorraine today, Dr Hilary was quizzed by th Scottish presenter over whether the claims were true.
(Image: ITV)
Dr Hilary replied: "They say it's 100% accurate. They say it doesn't give false positives. That means, if you take a test and it says positive, that means you've had Covid-19.
"It also means you have recovered, because it gives you the results within 14 days of your symptoms disappearing.
"So that could be really good news - and they say they can do hundreds of thousands of tests a week."
He added: "The reason we're so optimistic about these tests is that they react only to this particular coronavirus - Covid-19.
"So, first of all, we're going to find out who has had it, who has immunity, and over time, how long that immunity lasts.
"It's a game-changer."
The drugs giant, Roche Holding AG, revealed it has received emergency use approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for an antibody test which could determine whether people have ever been infected with the coronavirus.
It could also reveal whether they are immune to the deadly illness.
The firm had originally planned to release an antibody test early this May and to boost production by June to "high double-digit millions" every month.


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Lidl is first UK supermarket to close store after staff contract coronavirus

Lidl has become the first UK supermarket to close a branch after staff became infected with coronavirus .
Workers at a branch of the German retailer tested positive for Covid-19 , reports The Mirror .
The move has now been made to close the branch of the budget supermarket impacted by the diagnoses .
Lidl has shut its store in Middlesbrough as a result of the workers falling ill .
In a statement , Lidl said : `` All supermarkets are currently operating under exceptional circumstances , and the safety of our colleagues and customers is critical to us .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ those members of our team that have tested positive for Covid-19 , to offer our support and wish them a speedy recovery .
`` We fully understand that this is a concerning and difficult time , not only for our own workforce but for the whole country .
`` We have been closely following government advice throughout this period and have stringent measures in place across all of our business areas to protect colleagues and customers .
`` Our teams are all playing a crucial role in continuing to feed communities across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we reopen the store as soon as we can , to ensure that households have access to the essential food and products they need . ''

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

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Lidl has become the first UK supermarket to close a branch after staff became infected with coronavirus.
Workers at a branch of the German retailer tested positive for Covid-19, reports The Mirror.
The move has now been made to close the branch of the budget supermarket impacted by the diagnoses.
Lidl has shut its store in Middlesbrough as a result of the workers falling ill.
In a statement, Lidl said: "All supermarkets are currently operating under exceptional circumstances, and the safety of our colleagues and customers is critical to us.
"We have been in touch with those members of our team that have tested positive for Covid-19, to offer our support and wish them a speedy recovery.
"We fully understand that this is a concerning and difficult time, not only for our own workforce but for the whole country.
"We have been closely following government advice throughout this period and have stringent measures in place across all of our business areas to protect colleagues and customers.
"Our teams are all playing a crucial role in continuing to feed communities across the country. It is therefore vitally important that we reopen the store as soon as we can, to ensure that households have access to the essential food and products they need."


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Pundit tells Premier League club to 'go for Jack Grealish'

Arsenal have been told to join the race for Aston Villa star Jack Grealish .
The Villa captain is in-demand after a brilliant first season back in the Premier League with his boyhood club .
His seven goals and six assists in 26 matches has attracted plenty of interest with Manchester United leading the chase for his signature .
But former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell reckons Gunners boss Mikel Arteta should be taking a closer look at Grealish too .
“ Arsenal need an all-rounder in midfield , Arsenal need someone in the middle of the pitch who not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play up , but he ’ s got legs , we miss that , ” Campbell told Metro.co.uk .
“ We ’ ve been a strong spine for years .
There was talk of should we go for Jack Grealish or James Maddison , these types of guys would improve Arsenal .
“ No disrespect to Mesut Ozil , but Ozil is on the wrong side of his Arsenal career with a year left on his contract after this .
“ But we need someone who ’ s going to be in there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and someone that when the game 's not going particularly well , he can get stuck in and knuckle down as well .
“ We ’ re being shown up by the likes of Sheffield United .
Chris Wilder who has done a fantastic job there , they haven ’ t got the quality that Arsenal have but they ’ re above us in the league .
“ Why ?
Because they ’ ve got a system and they fight , grab and battle , and they ’ ve got some quality there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t match these teams , we don ’ t deserve to be up there .
”

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Arsenal have been told to join the race for Aston Villa star Jack Grealish.
The Villa captain is in-demand after a brilliant first season back in the Premier League with his boyhood club.
His seven goals and six assists in 26 matches has attracted plenty of interest with Manchester United leading the chase for his signature.
But former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell reckons Gunners boss Mikel Arteta should be taking a closer look at Grealish too.
“Arsenal need an all-rounder in midfield, Arsenal need someone in the middle of the pitch who not only can create, he can break the play up, but he’s got legs, we miss that,” Campbell told Metro.co.uk.
“We’ve been a strong spine for years. There was talk of should we go for Jack Grealish or James Maddison, these types of guys would improve Arsenal.
“No disrespect to Mesut Ozil, but Ozil is on the wrong side of his Arsenal career with a year left on his contract after this.
“But we need someone who’s going to be in there with legs, we need creativity, and someone that when the game's not going particularly well, he can get stuck in and knuckle down as well.
“We’re being shown up by the likes of Sheffield United. Chris Wilder who has done a fantastic job there, they haven’t got the quality that Arsenal have but they’re above us in the league.
“Why? Because they’ve got a system and they fight, grab and battle, and they’ve got some quality there as well. If we can’t match these teams, we don’t deserve to be up there.”


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Residents urged to stay away from beauty spot as firefighters battle large blaze

People have been urged to keep away from a Staffordshire beauty spot as 20 firefighters tackle a large fire .
Four crews from Staffordshire Fire & Rescue service are currently battle a 100 by 100 metre blaze on Cannock Chase after a 999 call at around 8pm on Monday , May 4 .
It is not known how the fire started - but residents have been urged to stay back while crews work at the site .
A spokesman tweeted : `` We are dealing with a large Fire on Cannock Chase , Rugeley .
4 Crews are in attendance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Please avoid the area . ''
The news comes just over a week after fire chiefs revealed that they have been rocked by a spate of 150 arson attacks during the coronavirus crisis .
They said that Cannock Chase district had been the target of 19 deliberate fires since the lockdown on Monday , March 23 .
A spokesman added : `` These deliberate incidents are causing firefighters to be taken away from what could potentially be real life-threatening emergencies .
`` Although the number of fires in this period is comparable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious during a lockdown .
`` The message is for people to stay at home or exercise locally staying two metres apart .
`` While most people are staying away , no one except those living in the immediate area should be travelling to these areas as it is vital we all follow the government ’ s guidelines and stay safe . ''
He added : “ Fires that are caused deliberately or carelessly in the open can have devastating effects on the environment , but importantly endanger people ’ s lives and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand at this time and ensure we are not over-stretched .
`` Firefighters are working hard and we ’ re in the frontline with colleagues fighting against Covid-19 , still responding to emergencies and helping to look after the vulnerable in our society .
”

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People have been urged to keep away from a Staffordshire beauty spot as 20 firefighters tackle a large fire.
Four crews from Staffordshire Fire & Rescue service are currently battle a 100 by 100 metre blaze on Cannock Chase after a 999 call at around 8pm on Monday, May 4.
It is not known how the fire started - but residents have been urged to stay back while crews work at the site.
A spokesman tweeted: "We are dealing with a large Fire on Cannock Chase, Rugeley. 4 Crews are in attendance from Cannock, Rugeley & Chase Terrace. Please avoid the area."
The news comes just over a week after fire chiefs revealed that they have been rocked by a spate of 150 arson attacks during the coronavirus crisis.
They said that Cannock Chase district had been the target of 19 deliberate fires since the lockdown on Monday, March 23.
A spokesman added: "These deliberate incidents are causing firefighters to be taken away from what could potentially be real life-threatening emergencies.
"Although the number of fires in this period is comparable with previous years this is much more serious during a lockdown.
"The message is for people to stay at home or exercise locally staying two metres apart.
"While most people are staying away, no one except those living in the immediate area should be travelling to these areas as it is vital we all follow the government’s guidelines and stay safe."
He added: “Fires that are caused deliberately or carelessly in the open can have devastating effects on the environment, but importantly endanger people’s lives and homes. Please help us to reduce demand at this time and ensure we are not over-stretched.
"Firefighters are working hard and we’re in the frontline with colleagues fighting against Covid-19, still responding to emergencies and helping to look after the vulnerable in our society.”


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Nicolas Cage set to play Joe Exotic in Netflix Tiger King adaptation

Nicolas Cage is set to play eccentric zoo owner Joe Exotic in a new adaptation of Netflix 's breakout documentary series Tiger King .
The Oscar-winning actor will also serve as an executive producer on the eight-episode project , which will be written by American Vandal showrunner Dan Lagana .
It is based on the Texas Monthly article Joe Exotic : A Dark Journey Into The World Of A Man Gone Wild , by Leif Reigstad .
The series is being produced by Imagine Television Studios and CBS Television Studios and will soon be offered to TV networks and streaming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news .
Tiger King : Murder , Mayhem And Madness arrived on Netflix in March and proved a huge hit for the streaming giant as viewers under lockdown flocked to its colourful cast of characters and shocking plot twists .
It tells the story of Exotic - whose real name is Joe Schreibvogel - a mulleted , gun-toting , polygamist who presides over an Oklahoma zoo .
He is serving a 22-year sentence in prison for plotting the murder of Carole Baskin , an animal rights activist .
Fans have been choosing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adaptation , with Shia LaBeouf linked with playing Exotic 's ex-husband John Finlay , and Saturday Night Live star Kate McKinnon reportedly set to portray Baskin .
Exotic said his first choice to play him would be Brad Pitt .
Tiger King will be Cage 's first TV project .
The 56-year-old won the best actor Oscar for his portrayal of an alcoholic Hollywood writer in 1995 's Leaving Las Vegas .
Known for his distinctive acting style , his other roles include The Rock , Face/Off , Con Air and National Treasure @

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Nicolas Cage is set to play eccentric zoo owner Joe Exotic in a new adaptation of Netflix's breakout documentary series Tiger King.
The Oscar-winning actor will also serve as an executive producer on the eight-episode project, which will be written by American Vandal showrunner Dan Lagana.
It is based on the Texas Monthly article Joe Exotic: A Dark Journey Into The World Of A Man Gone Wild, by Leif Reigstad.
The series is being produced by Imagine Television Studios and CBS Television Studios and will soon be offered to TV networks and streaming platforms.
US outlet Variety first reported the news.
Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem And Madness arrived on Netflix in March and proved a huge hit for the streaming giant as viewers under lockdown flocked to its colourful cast of characters and shocking plot twists.
It tells the story of Exotic - whose real name is Joe Schreibvogel - a mulleted, gun-toting, polygamist who presides over an Oklahoma zoo.
He is serving a 22-year sentence in prison for plotting the murder of Carole Baskin, an animal rights activist.
Fans have been choosing their dream casting choices for a TV adaptation, with Shia LaBeouf linked with playing Exotic's ex-husband John Finlay, and Saturday Night Live star Kate McKinnon reportedly set to portray Baskin.
Exotic said his first choice to play him would be Brad Pitt.
Tiger King will be Cage's first TV project.
The 56-year-old won the best actor Oscar for his portrayal of an alcoholic Hollywood writer in 1995's Leaving Las Vegas.
Known for his distinctive acting style, his other roles include The Rock, Face/Off, Con Air and National Treasure.


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Dame Judi Dench's foul-mouthed reaction to how she looked in Cats

Dame Judi Dench has admitted to being unhappy about how her character in the much-derided Cats film turned out , saying she looked like a “ battered , mangy old cat ” .
The revered actress , 85 , has become the oldest cover star in British Vogue ’ s 104-year history , gracing the front of the magazine ’ s June issue .
In the accompanying interview , she discussed her role in box office bomb Cats , Harvey Weinstein ’ s downfall and why she is not in favour of a female James Bond .
Dame Judi starred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Lord Lloyd Webber ’ s musical .
Almost every aspect of the film was savaged by critics , though special attention was paid to the visual effects , with each character turned into a cat-human hybrid through the use of CGI .
And Oscar-winner Dame Judi , who has yet to see the film in full , admitted to being upset at how she looked .
“ The cloak I was made to wear !
” she told Vogue .
“ Like five foxes f***ing on my back.
” Dame Judi said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead resembled “ a battered , mangy old cat ” .
She added : “ A great big orange bruiser .
What ’ s that about ?
” Dame Judi also discussed the future of the James Bond franchise , having first played spymaster M in 1995 ’ s Goldeneye .
Amid growing calls for a woman to take over as 007 after Daniel Craig , Dame Judi said Bond creator Ian Fleming would not be in favour .
And while she said she is all for female action leads , in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dame Judi added : “ Call it something else , then ?
” Dame Judi won her best supporting actress Academy Award for 1998 period romantic drama Shakespeare In Love , which was produced by Weinstein when he was at the peak of his Oscar-winning powers .
Following his rape conviction in February , the disgraced mogul is now serving a 23-year prison sentence .
Dame Judi said of his victims : “ My sympathies go to anybody who went through an experience like that .
It ’ s very upsetting .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the surface and are spoken about and people feel a kind of freedom , I ’ m sure.
” Dame Judi is isolating at home amid the coronavirus pandemic and said she hopes the crisis will alert the public to the plight of those who are “ completely alone ” .
She said : “ What is a good thing is that it has made people aware of the predicament of others who are completely alone .
If a great deal of kindness comes out of this , then that will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any thought of retirement from a stage and screen career that has now entered its eighth decade .

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Dame Judi Dench has admitted to being unhappy about how her character in the much-derided Cats film turned out, saying she looked like a “battered, mangy old cat”.
The revered actress, 85, has become the oldest cover star in British Vogue’s 104-year history, gracing the front of the magazine’s June issue.
In the accompanying interview, she discussed her role in box office bomb Cats, Harvey Weinstein’s downfall and why she is not in favour of a female James Bond.
Dame Judi starred as Old Deuteronomy in the big-screen adaption of Lord Lloyd Webber’s musical. Almost every aspect of the film was savaged by critics, though special attention was paid to the visual effects, with each character turned into a cat-human hybrid through the use of CGI.
And Oscar-winner Dame Judi, who has yet to see the film in full, admitted to being upset at how she looked. “The cloak I was made to wear!” she told Vogue. “Like five foxes f***ing on my back.”
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Dame Judi said she hoped she would look elegant but instead resembled “a battered, mangy old cat”. She added: “A great big orange bruiser. What’s that about?”
Dame Judi also discussed the future of the James Bond franchise, having first played spymaster M in 1995’s Goldeneye. Amid growing calls for a woman to take over as 007 after Daniel Craig, Dame Judi said Bond creator Ian Fleming would not be in favour.
And while she said she is all for female action leads, in the case of a woman as Bond, Dame Judi added: “Call it something else, then?”
Dame Judi won her best supporting actress Academy Award for 1998 period romantic drama Shakespeare In Love, which was produced by Weinstein when he was at the peak of his Oscar-winning powers.
Following his rape conviction in February, the disgraced mogul is now serving a 23-year prison sentence.
Dame Judi said of his victims: “My sympathies go to anybody who went through an experience like that. It’s very upsetting.
“It’s good that things come to the surface and are spoken about and people feel a kind of freedom, I’m sure.”
Dame Judi is isolating at home amid the coronavirus pandemic and said she hopes the crisis will alert the public to the plight of those who are “completely alone”.
She said: “What is a good thing is that it has made people aware of the predicament of others who are completely alone. If a great deal of kindness comes out of this, then that will be a plus.”
And the actress dismissed any thought of retirement from a stage and screen career that has now entered its eighth decade.


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Explained: The Scott Hogan decision imminently facing Blues

Whether their Championship season restarts or not Birmingham City have a massive decision to make by the end of this month .
That centres around Scott Hogan , the rejuvenated striker who has thrived since the claret was removed from his blue shirt .
Just over three months ago the Republic of Ireland international crossed the city – to considerable scepticism – having had his loan with Stoke City cut short .
Too little outlay for too little return mused Potters ’ manager Michael O ’ Neill .
Yet nine games on and Hogan ’ s world looks a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followers could not have expected his Blues move to go as well as it has .
Goals in his first three league games – and seven in eight Championship matches in all , have effectively saved his career at this level .
The relationship he has struck up with Lukas Jutkiewicz has given Blues a reminder of their recent past , when Che Adams and the target man brought the best out in each other – and hopefully a vision of their near future .
Hogan ’ s loan deal expires at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big call to make – and not just about seeing if it can be extended to cover whatever remains of the end of this season .
For all we know we might already have reached that point – Hogan may have pulled on the Royal Blue for the last time .
Hopefully not .
There are only a few weeks of his Blues deal left and it has become glaringly obvious that it should not be the end of a brief friendship but the beginning of a beautiful long-term one .
For the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their squad the kind natural-born finisher they have not had since Kevin Phillips last pulled on their shirt more than a decade ago .
The penalty box predator who knows when standing still is the best kind of movement , one who possesses the power of invisibility when defenders are ball-watching .
There aren ’ t too many Championship strikers with the razor-sharp instincts Hogan demonstrated through February and March .
He scored eight goals , from how many chances ?
Twelve , 13 ?
Which means making Scott Hogan a permanent Birmingham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 , 3 and four .
Starting next season , whenever that is , with Jutkiewicz and an unknown punt from another league would be as big a risk as it was this term .
Blues got away with it in 2019/2020 – there are no guarantees they will again .
The only guarantee is that Scott Hogan will score goals .
Hopefully he ’ ll continue to do so on this side of the city .

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Whether their Championship season restarts or not Birmingham City have a massive decision to make by the end of this month.
That centres around Scott Hogan, the rejuvenated striker who has thrived since the claret was removed from his blue shirt.
Just over three months ago the Republic of Ireland international crossed the city – to considerable scepticism – having had his loan with Stoke City cut short. Too little outlay for too little return mused Potters’ manager Michael O’Neill.
Yet nine games on and Hogan’s world looks a very different place. Even his most ardent followers could not have expected his Blues move to go as well as it has.
Goals in his first three league games – and seven in eight Championship matches in all, have effectively saved his career at this level.
The relationship he has struck up with Lukas Jutkiewicz has given Blues a reminder of their recent past, when Che Adams and the target man brought the best out in each other – and hopefully a vision of their near future.
Hogan’s loan deal expires at the end of May – giving Blues a big call to make – and not just about seeing if it can be extended to cover whatever remains of the end of this season.
For all we know we might already have reached that point – Hogan may have pulled on the Royal Blue for the last time.
Hopefully not. There are only a few weeks of his Blues deal left and it has become glaringly obvious that it should not be the end of a brief friendship but the beginning of a beautiful long-term one.
For the next few weeks Birmingham City have in their squad the kind natural-born finisher they have not had since Kevin Phillips last pulled on their shirt more than a decade ago.
The penalty box predator who knows when standing still is the best kind of movement, one who possesses the power of invisibility when defenders are ball-watching.
There aren’t too many Championship strikers with the razor-sharp instincts Hogan demonstrated through February and March. He scored eight goals, from how many chances? Twelve, 13?
(Image: Tim Harley-Easthope/BirminghamLive)
Which means making Scott Hogan a permanent Birmingham City player is priority Nos 1, 2, 3 and four.
Starting next season, whenever that is, with Jutkiewicz and an unknown punt from another league would be as big a risk as it was this term.
Blues got away with it in 2019/2020 – there are no guarantees they will again. The only guarantee is that Scott Hogan will score goals. Hopefully he’ll continue to do so on this side of the city.


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Carling Cup hero Roger Johnson reveals chilling brush with disaster

Former Birmingham City defender Roger Johnson has revealed how an unfortunate knee injury didn ’ t just rob him of a chance to extend him career – it nearly cost him his life .
The 36-year-old was at Charlton and in January 2017 had lined up a move across the capital to Millwall and had agreed with Karl Robinson he would be leaving The Valley .
However , days before the transfer was due to go through Johnson claims Robinson asked him to train and be available for one final match .
Disaster struck in training when he suffered a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him in hospital .
In a revealing interview with Wales Online the former Blues defender , who won the Carling Cup during his two seasons at St Andrew ’ s , described how things took a turn for the worse .
“ We were so injury struck , Karl said he needed me for the weekend and , again , I ’ m not that sort of guy , so I agreed to play , even though we ’ d shaken hands on me leaving .
“ It was the last weekend before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for that Saturday .
So I went out to train and I was only doing a glute stretch and my bloody knee locked , I couldn ’ t straighten it .
“ I just thought , ‘ Oh f*** me , surely not ?
’ But this was serious .
“ They wanted to send me for a scan straight away but I said , ‘ Nah , I ’ m signing for someone on Monday , just give me the weekend and see if it sorts itself out.
’ “ But I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was stupid .
So I went in on the Monday and said , ‘ Nah , it ’ s f***ed ’ and I had the scan and was in surgery on the Tuesday .
“ I spent deadline day in a hospital bed .
It was an absolute mess .
“ I was supposed to be back within 16 weeks , thinking I would catch the back end of the season .
“ Ten weeks into it , my knee was just huge , it didn ’ t look right .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I had septicaemia , it was just eating my knee away .
“ So I went in for a lifesaving procedure .
My bloods were like 58 , when they should be between nought and five .
“ The doctor called it .
I was sitting in the treatment room and I put my arms through my T-shirt and he asked me what was wrong .
I said , ‘ It ’ s freezing in here.
’ “ He said , ‘ Nah , it ’ s not .
Let ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night , I was watching the darts , I ’ ll never forget it , and he comes in and says , ‘ Look , we need to get you to the Cromwell Hospital now to have surgery as soon as you get there .
You can die from this so you need to get over there now.
’ ” Charlton stood by Johnson during his rehabilitation and in November 2017 , needing games he agreed to play for their Under 23s .
“ I signed a non-contract form to play for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he continued .
“ Phil Brown ( then Southend United boss ) was at the game when we played Ipswich and said he wanted to sign me .
“ I said it wasn ’ t a problem , I ’ d signed non-contract forms and I ’ d spoken to the secretary about it and I was only playing these games so I can go .
“ So I rang and said about Phil Brown ’ s phone call but he was worried about the contract I ’ d signed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ then phoned me back and said , ‘ Roger , I ’ m so sorry , I ’ ve f***ed up , the rule changed at the start of the season and I was unaware of it .
“ You are now a registered Charlton player and the window ’ s closed so you can ’ t go anywhere.
’ “ I said , ‘ You are f***ing kidding me ?
I asked you this !
The only reason I ’ m playing the games is so that I can f***ing go somewhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t go to a league club and that ’ s how I ended up at Bromley in the National League.
” During his time at Bromley he started doing his coaching badges and is this month scheduled to compete his UEFA A qualification ahead of what he hopes is a career in coaching .

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Former Birmingham City defender Roger Johnson has revealed how an unfortunate knee injury didn’t just rob him of a chance to extend him career – it nearly cost him his life.
The 36-year-old was at Charlton and in January 2017 had lined up a move across the capital to Millwall and had agreed with Karl Robinson he would be leaving The Valley.
However, days before the transfer was due to go through Johnson claims Robinson asked him to train and be available for one final match.
Disaster struck in training when he suffered a serious knee injury – which ultimately landed him in hospital.
In a revealing interview with Wales Online the former Blues defender, who won the Carling Cup during his two seasons at St Andrew’s, described how things took a turn for the worse.
“We were so injury struck, Karl said he needed me for the weekend and, again, I’m not that sort of guy, so I agreed to play, even though we’d shaken hands on me leaving.
“It was the last weekend before deadline day, but he wanted me for that Saturday. So I went out to train and I was only doing a glute stretch and my bloody knee locked, I couldn’t straighten it.
“I just thought, ‘Oh f*** me, surely not?’ But this was serious.
“They wanted to send me for a scan straight away but I said, ‘Nah, I’m signing for someone on Monday, just give me the weekend and see if it sorts itself out.’
“But I couldn’t even walk. It was stupid. So I went in on the Monday and said, ‘Nah, it’s f***ed’ and I had the scan and was in surgery on the Tuesday.
“I spent deadline day in a hospital bed. It was an absolute mess.
“I was supposed to be back within 16 weeks, thinking I would catch the back end of the season.
“Ten weeks into it, my knee was just huge, it didn’t look right.
“I fell ill, had a blood test and I had septicaemia, it was just eating my knee away.
“So I went in for a lifesaving procedure. My bloods were like 58, when they should be between nought and five.
“The doctor called it. I was sitting in the treatment room and I put my arms through my T-shirt and he asked me what was wrong. I said, ‘It’s freezing in here.’
“He said, ‘Nah, it’s not. Let’s do a blood test.’
“That night, I was watching the darts, I’ll never forget it, and he comes in and says, ‘Look, we need to get you to the Cromwell Hospital now to have surgery as soon as you get there. You can die from this so you need to get over there now.’”
Charlton stood by Johnson during his rehabilitation and in November 2017, needing games he agreed to play for their Under 23s.
“I signed a non-contract form to play for the Under-23s so clubs could see me play,” he continued.
“Phil Brown (then Southend United boss) was at the game when we played Ipswich and said he wanted to sign me.
“I said it wasn’t a problem, I’d signed non-contract forms and I’d spoken to the secretary about it and I was only playing these games so I can go.
“So I rang and said about Phil Brown’s phone call but he was worried about the contract I’d signed.
“The secretary phoned the FA and then phoned me back and said, ‘Roger, I’m so sorry, I’ve f***ed up, the rule changed at the start of the season and I was unaware of it.
“You are now a registered Charlton player and the window’s closed so you can’t go anywhere.’
“I said, ‘You are f***ing kidding me? I asked you this! The only reason I’m playing the games is so that I can f***ing go somewhere!’
“So I couldn’t go to a league club and that’s how I ended up at Bromley in the National League.”
During his time at Bromley he started doing his coaching badges and is this month scheduled to compete his UEFA A qualification ahead of what he hopes is a career in coaching.