birminghammail--2020-07-31--Villa concept kits rated by Luke Roper ahead of the big release

Aston Villa are on the brink of unveiling their new kit .
Villa have teased fans by announcing that the latest Kappa design featuring new sponsor UK online car retailer Cazoo will be revealed at 10am on Saturday ( August 1 ) .
Via their official social media accounts , Villa put out a black and white graphic with the words 'Home 20/21 kit - Revealed 01.08 10am BST ' .
The post was accompanied by the caption 'The wait is almost over ' and a wink emoji .
Fans have been speculating about what the new strip will look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday evening .
With Premier League safety assured , the claret and blue faithful have already started looking forward to the 2020-21 campaign .
Because of the delayed conclusion to the previous season , the big kick off is scheduled for mid-September , so there 's no time to waste in releasing the new kit .
For all our latest Claret & Blue video and podcast content , sign up to our newsletter here Here 's at Birmingham Live we 've tapped into the excitement surrounding the big reveal by commissioning our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyway , we 've stopped short of having them made .
Thanks to the creative thinking of our Claret & Blue podcast hosts Mat Kendrick , Dan Rolinson and James Rushton and the design brilliance of young artist Dan Jones , we 've mocked up some very different home and away shirts .
But we have n't stopped there - oh no !
We 've asked fashion guru Luke Roper , the genius behind the 2018-19 promotion-winning kit , Villa fan and all round top bloke to rate which of ours he thinks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see the designs and to read Luke 's verdicts : You can follow designer Dan on Twitter here @ 1874dan and can check out his portfolio here .
You can follow Luke Roper on Twitter here @ LukeRoper77 and see the latest from his Luke1977 fashion brand here .
Have you tried Claret & Blue , our podcast and YouTube channel ?
What are you waiting for ?
!
Claret & Blue : An Aston Villa Podcast is available via the following platforms , subscribe and download here : iTunes , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James and Ashley Preece provide a fun-filled mixture of analysis , interviews , debate and , yes , a fair amount of nonsense !
BirminghamLive has also launched its new YouTube channel to run alongside Claret & Blue .
You can view our page - make sure you subscribe - by clicking here .
Check out our kit episode - which includes us explaining our inspiration for the designs - in the video at the top of this story .
Oh , and by the way , the 'Mulller Copier ' logo on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gag , a combination of Mita Copiers and Muller yoghurt .
Safety advice - never put yoghurt in a photocopier .
It makes your copier sloppier !

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Aston Villa are on the brink of unveiling their new kit.
Villa have teased fans by announcing that the latest Kappa design featuring new sponsor UK online car retailer Cazoo will be revealed at 10am on Saturday (August 1).
Via their official social media accounts, Villa put out a black and white graphic with the words 'Home 20/21 kit - Revealed 01.08 10am BST'.
The post was accompanied by the caption 'The wait is almost over' and a wink emoji.
Fans have been speculating about what the new strip will look like after the club tweeted about it on Friday evening.
With Premier League safety assured, the claret and blue faithful have already started looking forward to the 2020-21 campaign.
Because of the delayed conclusion to the previous season, the big kick off is scheduled for mid-September, so there's no time to waste in releasing the new kit.
For all our latest Claret & Blue video and podcast content, sign up to our newsletter here
Here's at Birmingham Live we've tapped into the excitement surrounding the big reveal by commissioning our own concept kits - well, pictures anyway, we've stopped short of having them made.
Thanks to the creative thinking of our Claret & Blue podcast hosts Mat Kendrick, Dan Rolinson and James Rushton and the design brilliance of young artist Dan Jones, we've mocked up some very different home and away shirts.
But we haven't stopped there - oh no!
We've asked fashion guru Luke Roper, the genius behind the 2018-19 promotion-winning kit, Villa fan and all round top bloke to rate which of ours he thinks are best.
Click on the gallery to see the designs and to read Luke's verdicts:
You can follow designer Dan on Twitter here @1874dan and can check out his portfolio here. You can follow Luke Roper on Twitter here @LukeRoper77 and see the latest from his Luke1977 fashion brand here.
Have you tried Claret & Blue, our podcast and YouTube channel?
What are you waiting for?!
Claret & Blue: An Aston Villa Podcast is available via the following platforms, subscribe and download here: iTunes, Spotify and Acast.
Mat, Dan, James and Ashley Preece provide a fun-filled mixture of analysis, interviews, debate and, yes, a fair amount of nonsense!
BirminghamLive has also launched its new YouTube channel to run alongside Claret & Blue.
You can view our page - make sure you subscribe - by clicking here.
Check out our kit episode - which includes us explaining our inspiration for the designs - in the video at the top of this story.
Oh, and by the way, the 'Mulller Copier' logo on Mat's shirts was just a lame gag, a combination of Mita Copiers and Muller yoghurt. Safety advice - never put yoghurt in a photocopier. It makes your copier sloppier!


birminghammail--2020-07-31--We designed six Villa kits - but which ones do you like best?

Artist Dan Jones made our visions a reality - and fashion guru Luke Roper chose his favouirites .
Do you @ @ @ @ @ guru and Aston Villa fanatic Luke Roper , of Luke 1977 fame , casts his @ @ @ @ @ up by our Claret & Blue podcast and YouTube channel .
Dan Rolinson , James @ @ @ @ @ talented artist Dan Jones to turn their visions into designs - and he 's done @ @ @ @ @ 's what Luke made of them .
Firstly the home shirts and then the away @ @ @ @ @ winners in reverse order .

Artist Dan Jones made our visions a reality - and fashion guru Luke Roper chose his favouirites. Do you agree with him?
Fashion guru and Aston Villa fanatic Luke Roper, of Luke 1977 fame, casts his eye over concept kits dreamt up by our Claret & Blue podcast and YouTube channel.
Dan Rolinson, James Rushton and Mat Kendrick commissioned talented artist Dan Jones to turn their visions into designs - and he's done a cracking job.
Here's what Luke made of them. Firstly the home shirts and then the away ones as we reveal the winners in reverse order.


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Original Patty Men burger restaurant to open inside Stirchley pub

Award-winning burger restaurant Original Patty Men is opening a new eatery inside The British Oak in Stirchley .
The eatery also known simply as OPM , announced the news on its Facebook page .
OPM posted : `` We are annexing the @ britishoakstirchley and bringing you all the usual filth but in a traditional pub setting minus our lovely van .
We will be opening soon , DATE TBC , with some banging offers . ''
The original Digbeth restaurant is currently closed but a separate post , said the owners were working on `` amazing new stuff '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 .
⠀ Originally popular street food vendors at Digbeth Dining Club , OPM founders Tom Maher and Scott O'Byrne set up a 33 seater eatery underneath a railway arch in Digbeth in 2015 .
Following the coronavirus lockdown , OPM returned to its roots operating from a truck outside its Digbeth venue for takeaway orders .
It is also available on delivery on Uber Eats .
The news that their burgers would be available in a Stirchley restaurant setting was met with much excitement from the area 's foodies .
Leigh Draper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Lynda Mason said : `` Stirchvegas is where it ’ s at . ''
Lucy Wynch posted : `` Another reason to buy a house in Stirchley . ''
Responding to one query on whether the new place would be separated from British Oak or part of the pub , the restaurant said they were working details out .
The south west Birmingham suburb of Stirchley has become a recent hotspot for independent openings .
In May Conde Nast Traveller named it in its coolest neighbourhoods in the UK list .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - voted one of the best 20 bars in the world by The Telegraph - as reasons for the area 's current cool kudos .
Original Patty Men is not the only Brum restaurant to utilise another business venue space to continue trading during the Covid pandemic .
Acclaimed fried chicken restaurant Bonehead on John Bright Street is now delivering orders to customers at Tilt Bar inside City Arcade .
Bonehead spokesman told BirminghamLive : `` All you have to do is order from the app at Tilt and the food will take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you .
At the moment we are not in the position to open at John Bright Street .
`` It will be probably be October at the earliest before we are ready to open our doors.
``

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Award-winning burger restaurant Original Patty Men is opening a new eatery inside The British Oak in Stirchley.
The eatery also known simply as OPM, announced the news on its Facebook page.
OPM posted: "We are annexing the @britishoakstirchley and bringing you all the usual filth but in a traditional pub setting minus our lovely van. We will be opening soon, DATE TBC, with some banging offers."
The original Digbeth restaurant is currently closed but a separate post, said the owners were working on "amazing new stuff" and will reopen on Wednesday, August 5.
Originally popular street food vendors at Digbeth Dining Club, OPM founders Tom Maher and Scott O'Byrne set up a 33 seater eatery underneath a railway arch in Digbeth in 2015.
Following the coronavirus lockdown, OPM returned to its roots operating from a truck outside its Digbeth venue for takeaway orders. It is also available on delivery on Uber Eats.
The news that their burgers would be available in a Stirchley restaurant setting was met with much excitement from the area's foodies.
Leigh Draper posted: " Best news ever." Lynda Mason said: "Stirchvegas is where it’s at."
Lucy Wynch posted: "Another reason to buy a house in Stirchley." Responding to one query on whether the new place would be separated from British Oak or part of the pub, the restaurant said they were working details out.
The south west Birmingham suburb of Stirchley has become a recent hotspot for independent openings.
In May Conde Nast Traveller named it in its coolest neighbourhoods in the UK list.
The magazine named businesses including Couch cocktail bar - voted one of the best 20 bars in the world by The Telegraph - as reasons for the area's current cool kudos.
Original Patty Men is not the only Brum restaurant to utilise another business venue space to continue trading during the Covid pandemic.
Acclaimed fried chicken restaurant Bonehead on John Bright Street is now delivering orders to customers at Tilt Bar inside City Arcade.
Bonehead spokesman told BirminghamLive: "All you have to do is order from the app at Tilt and the food will take less than five minutes to get to you. At the moment we are not in the position to open at John Bright Street.
"It will be probably be October at the earliest before we are ready to open our doors. "


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Ten sensational strikers Aston Villa could sign this summer

Aston Villa are a team in need - of serious firepower .
While head coach Dean Smith worked over the lockdown on balancing Villa 's play-style to opt for a more secure defensive approach after a number of gung-ho months , it pretty much sidelined January signing Mbwana Samatta who seemed to fit into 'Deanoball V.1 ' before Villa reigned themselves in ahead of Project Restart .
What followed was a more reassured Villa , but one somewhat lacking in the total attacking intent via a single central-forward .
Goals were found from set-pieces , and from the wing - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To progress , Villa will need to sign a striker to lead the line - aided by Samatta , Keinan Davis and Wesley .
Depending on the status of Davis and Samatta , they need at least one striker .
Considering Wesley 's injury , possibly two .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here If Villa are to sign two strikers , they will need to spend big and make a play for at least one of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the transfer philosophy of Johan Lange , Villa 's new technical director .
They 'll likely need to overspend on the main man - but for Villa fans , that 's all good .
Just as long as there 's a forward with reputation and a venomous striker in place by the time the new Premier League season kicks off .
With that in mind , here 's 10 players who could fill one of those two potential roles as either the new main man up-front at Villa Park , or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the part at AC Milan , but the dysfunctional Rossoneri could never commit to a constant starting role for the one-time wunderkind .
The same followed for Carlos Bacca , Krzysztof Piątek and Patrick Cutrone who moved on in-lieu of that man spot up front for the San Siro side .
An all-round forward , Silva fits the bill for Villa as a younger striker , with clear and demonstrable experience of success at the highest tiers of European football .
Spells at Frankfurt , Sevilla and Milan show a striker who can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total backing of the football team paying his wages .
Twelve Bundesliga goals for an impressive Frankfurt side from 11.54 expected goals ( xG ) shows a striker who has performed as expected in Germany 's top-tier .
Like many on this list , Silva ( represented by Jorge Mendes ' Gestifute agency ) would require Villa to break their transfer budget record again - but that 's expected .
However , even a record-breaking fee in the range of £30-£40m would still be a bit of a bargain for Silva , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he found his feet in Italy .
With experience , talent and the right amount of risk/reward , Silva would be a dynamic and marquee signing for Villa that would headline their transfer window .
The big question remains though , after a good showing in Germany , are Villa 'big ' enough right now to land Silva ?
Only time will tell .
When Villa were linked to Taremi the easy retort from the fanbase would be 'who ? '
Eighteen goals for an impressive Rio Ave side have put paid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivering in a top European League after years of administrative nightmares destroyed his chances of a Turkish move years ago .
Jumping from Iran to Portugal 's top-tier did n't clip Taremi 's wings , either , and the powerful and dynamic centre-forward has earned his way onto the transfer rumour mill .
His age ( 28 ) and history might dent his value in a crowded transfer market , but whomever makes the effort to land Taremi will find a striker looking to make up for lost-time in a big way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself succeeding as the focal point of a team , but his reputation may land him in the same ground as Samatta , but being lauded as the best number 9 in Portugal is a big claim , and Taremi seems to have all the tools to make a big step up in the near future .
After bit-part roles at Newcastle and Bolton , Adam Armstrong has found the room to deliver on with a coming-of-age Championship season with Blackburn Rovers scoring sixteen goals as Rovers took an outside look at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fitting Lange 's Copenhagen template as a 'lower-league ' talent that would be somewhat costly ( enough to be a significant signing without majorly denting the budget ) , can perform well from day-one and is coachable .
There is value to be found in a solid second-tier forward who is young enough to make the step up and reach his peak with his next move .
If Villa are priced out of the domestic striker market and ca n't find it in them to action a deal for someone like Tammy Abraham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a player locked into the second-tier for another season , he might not demand the same pricetag as someone performing for a play-off team with an eye on next season 's title .
There is a significant chance that Armstrong could be heavily undervalued next season .
That in itself could leave Villa with room to make a splash elsewhere , meaning that there 's value in Armstrong in terms of opportunity cost .
Taking the 'risk ' on Armstrong would n't deplete Villa 's funds to the extent where another striker signing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With some of the others on this list , that 'd be the case .
Chelsea have a massive decision to make this summer over the future of Tammy Abraham .
This writer is a dreamer , and thus would argue that Chelsea should endeavour to place Abraham in a starting role , regardless of the presence of Timo Werner .
At 22 , with a stunning goal record and plenty of experience , Abraham does n't sit in the realm of the 'potential talent ' anymore - he 's a Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Villa will probably need to double , if not triple , the transfer record fee paid for Wesley last summer .
That also comes with risk , the same types of risk that always come with a £40m-plus player .
You 'll find plenty of clips of Abraham missing sitters , but 15 league goals from 15 expected goals shows a striker that can find balance and deliver as expected through both goalscoring and barren runs .
He 's good enough for Chelsea , and that should mean that he 's more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opportunity is there , Villa should pull the trigger .
Even at £40 million plus , Abraham fits the bill on all accounts .
With Mitrovic , Villa could acquire a great fusion in a complete package .
He 's young enough to improve well , old enough to be striding towards his peak , undervalued enough as a Championship player for Villa to both spend 'big ' and save then spending on a more reputable striker playing at a higher level .
Mitrovic carries tons of experience with him and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and one who can play on the floor and strike as an aerial threat .
Signing Mitrovic would be another costly purchase , but what striker signing is n't going to stretch Villa 's budget ?
With Mitrovic , there 's probably less scope to 'double-dip ' , but his fee wo n't likely come close to Abraham 's if Fulham are not promoted .
At 26 , after a tough season and injury - Poulsen may not demand the same type of fee that he would 've done just a few years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him into Villa 's path as a player determined to succeed , who may have taken a hit to their value , who could be resold and profited upon while starting from day one .
Poulsen exemplified RB Leipzig 's philosophy and has played in three separate divisions with Leipzig after joining from Lyngby .
It might seem that the time has come for Poulsen to chase success elsewhere , with Leipzig aiming high themselves , do they want to stick with Poulsen - or move on ?
I 'd argue the latter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in profit for Leipzig and further ammunition for thier own plans .
The player would arguably benefit from refreshed horizons as well .
A move to Villa works out for everyone , if the price is right - of course .
If Villa want experience in the window , they should n't look past Dzyuba .
Dzyuba may be very comfortable in his current surroundings at Zenit St Petersburg , but if Villa want an experience striker to lead the line that is outside the norm , Artem is their man .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ character , and would prefer a more definitive chance on goal from closer than a punt from afar .
If Villa can service the central areas , Dzyuba will score plenty - and for the most part has overperformed xG since 2015 for Zenit and Arsenal Tula .
However , he may be pricier than others .
Only a short-term contract may work , with big wages .
Coming from Russia may mean a smaller transfer fee than an equivalent playing in Spain , England or Italy - but it 's not risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be unpalatable for some Villa fans , but it 's time to get real - that 's him at his peak , and not an ancient burden upon the team .
Deep-fried rumours led a few Villa fans to believe that Belotti would be joining the club last summer .
Of course , that was far from the truth .
However , with renewed spending power - that could become a possibility , but Villa would need to put all their chips on red and make one of the boldest moves of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else in the list , would be Villa 's biggest signing in their history .
It is not often that players with the 'world class ' moniker take the stage , but Belotti is that man - even if it 's been a few seasons since he owned that prefix .
His goalscoring record puts him in an eternal summer , and that big move will come one day .
Linked to mega deals to plenty of elite teams , now is probably the right time for Belotti to move - and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Inter Milan .
Il Gallo would enter Villa already as one of the more reputable forwards in the league , but are the club big enough for his ambitions ?
Who knows , but if Villa can put Belotti back on the bigtime radar after a stunning season or two - everyone wins and not least the Villans .
It 's an unrealistic signing , but this space exists for us to dream a little - and for Villa to prove us wrong .
It could n't happen , could it ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow Villa to purchase Rhian Brewster , but there 's every-chance he 'll be allowed to make a loan move to Villa Park .
Brewster exists in a middle ground relative with Villa 's current strikers .
He 's probably good enough to start for the side when compared to Samatta or Keinan Davis , but is his ability enough for the club 's ambitions ?
As with all signings - especially hypothetical ones like these - nobody knows if it will 'work ' until games are played , thus we could n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main man , or one of a few bench options .
However , he 's got talent and now has a good deal of experience thanks to a loan spell at Swansea .
Is he ready for the step up ?
Yes .
If it comes to deadline day and Villa are n't totally sure about their striking options , a loan move for Brewster should be made .
The downside ?
Loans usually end in heartbreak and the path for success for Brewster at Villa means he 'll be scoring against them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Surely .
Weissman is a Villa signing , in that he 'll go somewhere this summer , be a massive success and join Villa for a higher fee in a few seasons .
So why not skip the middle man and the extra cash ?
Villa should go in for Weissman as he ticks all the boxes for Lange and Villa .
He 'd be a cheaper option than some on this list , he 's got talent , he 's got a great goalscoring record and his value can only go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a doozy .
Weissman scored 30 goals in 30 games in the Austrian Bundesliga for Wolfsberger , and while the quality of that league can not compare well at all to the Premier League he can only get better .
He also scored twice from xG of 1.7 in the Europa League , so he 's got big game experience and knows were the net is .
Celtic have been linked , but Villa could save a lot of future pain by making the move ahead of time .

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Aston Villa are a team in need - of serious firepower. While head coach Dean Smith worked over the lockdown on balancing Villa's play-style to opt for a more secure defensive approach after a number of gung-ho months, it pretty much sidelined January signing Mbwana Samatta who seemed to fit into 'Deanoball V.1' before Villa reigned themselves in ahead of Project Restart.
What followed was a more reassured Villa, but one somewhat lacking in the total attacking intent via a single central-forward. Goals were found from set-pieces, and from the wing - not from the man up top.
To progress, Villa will need to sign a striker to lead the line - aided by Samatta, Keinan Davis and Wesley. Depending on the status of Davis and Samatta, they need at least one striker. Considering Wesley's injury, possibly two.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
If Villa are to sign two strikers, they will need to spend big and make a play for at least one of those forwards, who might fall slightly outside of the transfer philosophy of Johan Lange, Villa's new technical director.
They'll likely need to overspend on the main man - but for Villa fans, that's all good. Just as long as there's a forward with reputation and a venomous striker in place by the time the new Premier League season kicks off.
With that in mind, here's 10 players who could fill one of those two potential roles as either the new main man up-front at Villa Park, or the next best thing.
Andre Silva
Andre Silva looked the part at AC Milan, but the dysfunctional Rossoneri could never commit to a constant starting role for the one-time wunderkind.
The same followed for Carlos Bacca, Krzysztof Piątek and Patrick Cutrone who moved on in-lieu of that man spot up front for the San Siro side.
An all-round forward, Silva fits the bill for Villa as a younger striker, with clear and demonstrable experience of success at the highest tiers of European football.
(Image: Bongarts/Getty Images)
Spells at Frankfurt, Sevilla and Milan show a striker who can deliver - and one that needs the total backing of the football team paying his wages.
Twelve Bundesliga goals for an impressive Frankfurt side from 11.54 expected goals (xG) shows a striker who has performed as expected in Germany's top-tier.
Like many on this list, Silva (represented by Jorge Mendes' Gestifute agency) would require Villa to break their transfer budget record again - but that's expected.
However, even a record-breaking fee in the range of £30-£40m would still be a bit of a bargain for Silva, who would've moved for twice that if he found his feet in Italy.
With experience, talent and the right amount of risk/reward, Silva would be a dynamic and marquee signing for Villa that would headline their transfer window.
The big question remains though, after a good showing in Germany, are Villa 'big' enough right now to land Silva? Only time will tell.
Mehdi Taremi
When Villa were linked to Taremi the easy retort from the fanbase would be 'who?'
Eighteen goals for an impressive Rio Ave side have put paid to that question though, with Taremi finally delivering in a top European League after years of administrative nightmares destroyed his chances of a Turkish move years ago.
Jumping from Iran to Portugal's top-tier didn't clip Taremi's wings, either, and the powerful and dynamic centre-forward has earned his way onto the transfer rumour mill.
His age (28) and history might dent his value in a crowded transfer market, but whomever makes the effort to land Taremi will find a striker looking to make up for lost-time in a big way.
Making just two assists, Taremi finds himself succeeding as the focal point of a team, but his reputation may land him in the same ground as Samatta, but being lauded as the best number 9 in Portugal is a big claim, and Taremi seems to have all the tools to make a big step up in the near future.
Adam Armstrong
After bit-part roles at Newcastle and Bolton, Adam Armstrong has found the room to deliver on with a coming-of-age Championship season with Blackburn Rovers scoring sixteen goals as Rovers took an outside look at the play-offs.
Armstrong would come close to fitting Lange's Copenhagen template as a 'lower-league' talent that would be somewhat costly (enough to be a significant signing without majorly denting the budget), can perform well from day-one and is coachable. There is value to be found in a solid second-tier forward who is young enough to make the step up and reach his peak with his next move.
If Villa are priced out of the domestic striker market and can't find it in them to action a deal for someone like Tammy Abraham, then why not Armstrong? As a player locked into the second-tier for another season, he might not demand the same pricetag as someone performing for a play-off team with an eye on next season's title. There is a significant chance that Armstrong could be heavily undervalued next season.
That in itself could leave Villa with room to make a splash elsewhere, meaning that there's value in Armstrong in terms of opportunity cost. Taking the 'risk' on Armstrong wouldn't deplete Villa's funds to the extent where another striker signing would be out of the question. With some of the others on this list, that'd be the case.
Tammy Abraham
Chelsea have a massive decision to make this summer over the future of Tammy Abraham.
This writer is a dreamer, and thus would argue that Chelsea should endeavour to place Abraham in a starting role, regardless of the presence of Timo Werner. At 22, with a stunning goal record and plenty of experience, Abraham doesn't sit in the realm of the 'potential talent' anymore - he's a Premier League starter.
(Image: Getty Images)
That comes at a cost. Villa will probably need to double, if not triple, the transfer record fee paid for Wesley last summer. That also comes with risk, the same types of risk that always come with a £40m-plus player.
You'll find plenty of clips of Abraham missing sitters, but 15 league goals from 15 expected goals shows a striker that can find balance and deliver as expected through both goalscoring and barren runs.
He's good enough for Chelsea, and that should mean that he's more than good enough for Villa. If the opportunity is there, Villa should pull the trigger. Even at £40 million plus, Abraham fits the bill on all accounts.
Aleksander Mitrovic
With Mitrovic, Villa could acquire a great fusion in a complete package. He's young enough to improve well, old enough to be striding towards his peak, undervalued enough as a Championship player for Villa to both spend 'big' and save then spending on a more reputable striker playing at a higher level.
Mitrovic carries tons of experience with him and is the definition of an explosive striker - and one who can play on the floor and strike as an aerial threat.
Signing Mitrovic would be another costly purchase, but what striker signing isn't going to stretch Villa's budget? With Mitrovic, there's probably less scope to 'double-dip', but his fee won't likely come close to Abraham's if Fulham are not promoted.
(Image: Getty Images)
Yussef Poulsen
At 26, after a tough season and injury - Poulsen may not demand the same type of fee that he would've done just a few years ago.
However, that probably pushes him into Villa's path as a player determined to succeed, who may have taken a hit to their value, who could be resold and profited upon while starting from day one. Poulsen exemplified RB Leipzig's philosophy and has played in three separate divisions with Leipzig after joining from Lyngby.
It might seem that the time has come for Poulsen to chase success elsewhere, with Leipzig aiming high themselves, do they want to stick with Poulsen - or move on? I'd argue the latter. Any move for him would result in profit for Leipzig and further ammunition for thier own plans.
The player would arguably benefit from refreshed horizons as well. A move to Villa works out for everyone, if the price is right - of course.
Artem Dzyuba
If Villa want experience in the window, they shouldn't look past Dzyuba.
Dzyuba may be very comfortable in his current surroundings at Zenit St Petersburg, but if Villa want an experience striker to lead the line that is outside the norm, Artem is their man.
The penalty area striker is not a wasteful character, and would prefer a more definitive chance on goal from closer than a punt from afar. If Villa can service the central areas, Dzyuba will score plenty - and for the most part has overperformed xG since 2015 for Zenit and Arsenal Tula.
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
However, he may be pricier than others. Only a short-term contract may work, with big wages. Coming from Russia may mean a smaller transfer fee than an equivalent playing in Spain, England or Italy - but it's not risk free for Villa.
Signing a 31-year-old may be unpalatable for some Villa fans, but it's time to get real - that's him at his peak, and not an ancient burden upon the team.
Andrea Belotti
Deep-fried rumours led a few Villa fans to believe that Belotti would be joining the club last summer. Of course, that was far from the truth.
However, with renewed spending power - that could become a possibility, but Villa would need to put all their chips on red and make one of the boldest moves of the summer.
Belotti, above all else in the list, would be Villa's biggest signing in their history. It is not often that players with the 'world class' moniker take the stage, but Belotti is that man - even if it's been a few seasons since he owned that prefix.
(Image: Getty Images)
His goalscoring record puts him in an eternal summer, and that big move will come one day. Linked to mega deals to plenty of elite teams, now is probably the right time for Belotti to move - and there are already links to both Manchester United and Inter Milan.
Il Gallo would enter Villa already as one of the more reputable forwards in the league, but are the club big enough for his ambitions? Who knows, but if Villa can put Belotti back on the bigtime radar after a stunning season or two - everyone wins and not least the Villans.
It's an unrealistic signing, but this space exists for us to dream a little - and for Villa to prove us wrong.
It couldn't happen, could it?
Rhian Brewster (loan)
There is almost no chance that Liverpool allow Villa to purchase Rhian Brewster, but there's every-chance he'll be allowed to make a loan move to Villa Park.
Brewster exists in a middle ground relative with Villa's current strikers. He's probably good enough to start for the side when compared to Samatta or Keinan Davis, but is his ability enough for the club's ambitions?
As with all signings - especially hypothetical ones like these - nobody knows if it will 'work' until games are played, thus we couldn't truly say whether Brewster would be the main man, or one of a few bench options.
(Image: John Walton/PA Wire)
However, he's got talent and now has a good deal of experience thanks to a loan spell at Swansea.
Is he ready for the step up? Yes. If it comes to deadline day and Villa aren't totally sure about their striking options, a loan move for Brewster should be made.
The downside? Loans usually end in heartbreak and the path for success for Brewster at Villa means he'll be scoring against them in a red shirt the next season. Surely.
Shon Weissman
Weissman is a Villa signing, in that he'll go somewhere this summer, be a massive success and join Villa for a higher fee in a few seasons.
So why not skip the middle man and the extra cash? Villa should go in for Weissman as he ticks all the boxes for Lange and Villa. He'd be a cheaper option than some on this list, he's got talent, he's got a great goalscoring record and his value can only go up.
That record? It's a doozy. Weissman scored 30 goals in 30 games in the Austrian Bundesliga for Wolfsberger, and while the quality of that league cannot compare well at all to the Premier League he can only get better.
He also scored twice from xG of 1.7 in the Europa League, so he's got big game experience and knows were the net is. Celtic have been linked, but Villa could save a lot of future pain by making the move ahead of time.


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Bakery till worker sacked for breaking no cash Covid policy

A bakery worker has been sacked for allowing customers to pay her with cash -breaking new company rules because she `` did n't want to let people down '' .
Megan Metcalfe who took money from customers who had no cards and instead paid for their goods with her bank card at the Birds Bakery in Radcliffe-on-Trent , was found guilty of gross misconduct .
Ms Metcalfe , 60 , told our sister site NottinghamshireLive that she had been trying to help out elderly customers who did not carry cards .
Popular Birds Bakery brought in the card only policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid 19 risk to staff and customers .
Speaking after her dismissal , Ms Metcalfe who lives in Ruddington and had worked for Birds for 44 years said : `` I realise what I was doing was against company policy .
But they had picked up the items and already gotten to the till ready to buy them .
`` There 's no way I could let an elderly man or woman walk away telling them they could not buy it because they did n't have a card .
They had also already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be binned or cleaned . ''
She added : `` I should not have done it but I do n't like to let people down and a lot of these customers depend on us , coming to us every day . ''
We have previously reported how 94-year old Edna Dalchin said she was left shocked when Birds Bakery in the Nottinghamshire town of Bulwell , refused to take her cash - which meant she could not buy any bread .
Ms Metcalfe said that she had many customers in the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't use cards .
In a misguided attempt to help them , she would ask them to put the money straight into her purse instead - while she put her card through the till .
Ms Metcalfe would then show them the receipt .
The former Birds employee had used this tactic to purchase items that totalled £180 .
On June 19 she was suspended from work for a week with full pay and ordered to appear before a disciplinary hearing the week after before being dismissed from the company .
Ms Metcalfe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do the right thing .
I am really upset by it of course .
I worked at Birds for 44 years and 25 of them as a manager .
I was told I was endangering staff members ' lives by doing what I did .
`` At no point did money transfer hands .
It was straight into my purse and then I put the payment through on card and showed them the receipt . ''
Lesley Bird , chief operating officer at Birds Bakery , said : “ At Birds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and customers very seriously – and have very tight procedures in place during this pandemic .
A lot of our customer base are the elderly – many of them vulnerable – and it is our responsibility to keep them , and our staff , safe .
“ Like many other food outlets , during this pandemic we have asked customers to only use debit cards because notes and coins are not clean – and this poses a risk to our staff who are handling that money .
“ In the case of Megan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then making payments with her own card .
`` This contravenes our current health and safety policy relating to Covid-19 and is also against company regulations .
`` It was with regret that we had to ask Megan to leave the business because of those two issues .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ben Reid, Sanjeeta Bains)

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A bakery worker has been sacked for allowing customers to pay her with cash -breaking new company rules because she "didn't want to let people down".
Megan Metcalfe who took money from customers who had no cards and instead paid for their goods with her bank card at the Birds Bakery in Radcliffe-on-Trent, was found guilty of gross misconduct.
Ms Metcalfe, 60, told our sister site NottinghamshireLive that she had been trying to help out elderly customers who did not carry cards.
Popular Birds Bakery brought in the card only policy following the lockdown - to minimise the Covid 19 risk to staff and customers.
Speaking after her dismissal, Ms Metcalfe who lives in Ruddington and had worked for Birds for 44 years said: "I realise what I was doing was against company policy. But they had picked up the items and already gotten to the till ready to buy them.
"There's no way I could let an elderly man or woman walk away telling them they could not buy it because they didn't have a card. They had also already handled the stock so that would have to be binned or cleaned."
She added: "I should not have done it but I don't like to let people down and a lot of these customers depend on us, coming to us every day."
We have previously reported how 94-year old Edna Dalchin said she was left shocked when Birds Bakery in the Nottinghamshire town of Bulwell, refused to take her cash - which meant she could not buy any bread.
Ms Metcalfe said that she had many customers in the same position as Ms Dalchin - who didn't use cards.
In a misguided attempt to help them, she would ask them to put the money straight into her purse instead - while she put her card through the till.
Ms Metcalfe would then show them the receipt. The former Birds employee had used this tactic to purchase items that totalled £180.
On June 19 she was suspended from work for a week with full pay and ordered to appear before a disciplinary hearing the week after before being dismissed from the company.
Ms Metcalfe added: "I was just trying to do the right thing. I am really upset by it of course. I worked at Birds for 44 years and 25 of them as a manager. I was told I was endangering staff members' lives by doing what I did.
"At no point did money transfer hands. It was straight into my purse and then I put the payment through on card and showed them the receipt."
Lesley Bird, chief operating officer at Birds Bakery, said: “At Birds, we take the safety of our staff and customers very seriously – and have very tight procedures in place during this pandemic. A lot of our customer base are the elderly – many of them vulnerable – and it is our responsibility to keep them, and our staff, safe.
“Like many other food outlets, during this pandemic we have asked customers to only use debit cards because notes and coins are not clean – and this poses a risk to our staff who are handling that money.
“In the case of Megan Metcalfe she was taking cash from customers and then making payments with her own card.
"This contravenes our current health and safety policy relating to Covid-19 and is also against company regulations.
"It was with regret that we had to ask Megan to leave the business because of those two issues.”


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Residents react after emergency incident declared in Sandwell

Residents in Sandwell are begging others to adhere to social distancing measures as the area edges closer towards going into lockdown .
Sandwell Council is asking all residents to STOP allowing visitors to their homes other than 'essential ' visits , for shielded people to continue to stay home and for anyone with symptoms to get a test .
However , residents are calling for more to be done in order to halt the rise in infections .
It comes after an emergency incident management team was set up today ( July 31 ) between the council , public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Sandwell , took to social media to voice their concerns .
Geraldine Patel said : `` People are still in shops without masks and I know some people are exempt from wearing them because of health conditions .
`` Lockdown was a joke as my neighbours just came and went with friends and family .
People are not sensible enough to stay at home and keep safe .
Linda Devison added : `` Sandwell Council need to stop pussy footing around and lock Smethwick and West Bromwich down before they start spreading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Country . ''
Simon Stewart tweeted : `` Going to West Bromwich today on the bus , still a lot of naive people on buses .
They wear a mask to get on the bus , then take it of when they are upstairs , then put it back on when getting off !
A total waste of of time ! ''
Another Twitter user named Frank agreed : `` Fed up of asking people to keep their distance in shops , also caught a bus last week and four people got on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no challenge by the bus driver so what 's the point of some of us sticking to the rules and others not . ''
Dorian Finkelstein commented : `` Went to West Bromwich today and the number of people not wearing masks in shops was staggering , we need a full Italian style lockdown with some kind of Marshall law , maybe then people will think more . ''
However , Emily Thacker disagreed , as she said : `` I live in Bearwood in Smethwick on the border with Birmingham .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules very well .
`` I think it would be a shame for our local businesses to suffer again when they are keeping to the rules .
We have only been let down by parents allowing their children on play equipment but that 's a separate issue . ''
Chief executive David Stevens said : `` Sandwell has seen an alarming increase in the number of people contracting Covid-19 .
`` The latest data shows 85 confirmed cases in week up to July 28 - that represents a 500 % increase for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nationally Sandwell now has the eighth highest rate of cases in the country .
`` The overall number of cases continues to rise rapidly , especially in Smethwick and West Bromwich .
`` It 's vital we do all we can to reduce transmission rates and prevent the spread of the disease . ''

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Residents in Sandwell are begging others to adhere to social distancing measures as the area edges closer towards going into lockdown.
Sandwell Council is asking all residents to STOP allowing visitors to their homes other than 'essential' visits, for shielded people to continue to stay home and for anyone with symptoms to get a test.
However, residents are calling for more to be done in order to halt the rise in infections. It comes after an emergency incident management team was set up today (July 31) between the council, public health and the police.
Residents who live in Sandwell, took to social media to voice their concerns. Geraldine Patel said: "People are still in shops without masks and I know some people are exempt from wearing them because of health conditions.
"Lockdown was a joke as my neighbours just came and went with friends and family. People are not sensible enough to stay at home and keep safe.
Linda Devison added: "Sandwell Council need to stop pussy footing around and lock Smethwick and West Bromwich down before they start spreading it over the rest of the Black Country."
Simon Stewart tweeted: "Going to West Bromwich today on the bus, still a lot of naive people on buses. They wear a mask to get on the bus, then take it of when they are upstairs, then put it back on when getting off! A total waste of of time!"
Another Twitter user named Frank agreed: "Fed up of asking people to keep their distance in shops, also caught a bus last week and four people got on at different stops all without a mask, no challenge by the bus driver so what's the point of some of us sticking to the rules and others not."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Dorian Finkelstein commented: "Went to West Bromwich today and the number of people not wearing masks in shops was staggering, we need a full Italian style lockdown with some kind of Marshall law, maybe then people will think more."
However, Emily Thacker disagreed, as she said: "I live in Bearwood in Smethwick on the border with Birmingham. Shops and shoppers have generally been observing the rules very well.
"I think it would be a shame for our local businesses to suffer again when they are keeping to the rules. We have only been let down by parents allowing their children on play equipment but that's a separate issue."
Chief executive David Stevens said: "Sandwell has seen an alarming increase in the number of people contracting Covid-19.
"The latest data shows 85 confirmed cases in week up to July 28 - that represents a 500% increase for the same period in June.
"Nationally Sandwell now has the eighth highest rate of cases in the country.
"The overall number of cases continues to rise rapidly, especially in Smethwick and West Bromwich.
"It's vital we do all we can to reduce transmission rates and prevent the spread of the disease."


birminghammail--2020-07-31--The Aston Villa 20/21 concept kits supporters will go crazy for

Aston Villa news | These 20/21 concept Kappa kits are ace as the big Villa Premier League kit unveiling looms The video will start in 8 Cancel Kit releases are amongst the most highlighted events on a footballing calendar - and Aston Villa are no exception .
Fans relish releases and , while there have been a few disappointments in recent years , fans were left blown away by Luke Roper 's designs back in 2018 .
Kappa 's last batch of Villa shirts enjoyed a mixed reception - but Luke Sport 's kits were always going to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this upcoming 20/21 season , Aston Villa have today announced the club will officially unveil the home shirt from 10am tomorrow ( August 1 ) .
Villa are in their second year with Kappa and have another 12 months on their contract which runs until the summer of 2022 .
The club will also have online car retailer Cazoo emblazoned on the front of their shirts , with the UK firm replacing W88 .
So , what about Villa 's new shirts which are yet to be released .
One thing is for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blue , Kappa and new principal partner Cazoo .
Premier League sleeve patches are also confirmed .
In the meantime , enjoy looking over these brilliant kit concepts from Villa fan @ dan.graphix - check out his work on Instagram .

Aston Villa news | These 20/21 concept Kappa kits are ace as the big Villa Premier League kit unveiling looms
The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
Kit releases are amongst the most highlighted events on a footballing calendar - and Aston Villa are no exception.
Fans relish releases and, while there have been a few disappointments in recent years, fans were left blown away by Luke Roper's designs back in 2018.
Kappa's last batch of Villa shirts enjoyed a mixed reception - but Luke Sport's kits were always going to be a tough act to follow.
As for this upcoming 20/21 season, Aston Villa have today announced the club will officially unveil the home shirt from 10am tomorrow (August 1).
Villa are in their second year with Kappa and have another 12 months on their contract which runs until the summer of 2022.
The club will also have online car retailer Cazoo emblazoned on the front of their shirts, with the UK firm replacing W88.
So, what about Villa's new shirts which are yet to be released.
One thing is for sure - it'll feature claret, blue, Kappa and new principal partner Cazoo. Premier League sleeve patches are also confirmed.
In the meantime, enjoy looking over these brilliant kit concepts from Villa fan @dan.graphix - check out his work on Instagram.


birminghammail--2020-07-31--The inside track on new Birmingham City boss Aitor Karanka

The search for a replacement for Pep Clotet has finally ended with CEO Xuandong Ren finalising negotiations with Karanka in Spain .
The 46-year-old , who worked under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid , has won promotion from the Championship before during his successful stint at Middlesbrough .
The Spaniard also spent a spell in charge at Nottingham Forest in 2018/19 but could n't repeat the trick .
Keen to gain an insight into what Blues would be getting if they were to appoint Karanka , BirminghamLive spoke to Dominic Shaw of The Teesside Gazette .
What were the secrets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First things first , he made Boro very hard to beat .
`` From the moment he came in , his priority was tightening up at the back and making Boro hard to break down .
That worked as he steadied the ship in his first season and it remained the foundation for the success in the seasons that followed .
`` He was also extremely meticulous in his planning and preparation .
`` In his first couple of years in charge - before things started to unravel - he was often praised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensuring the squad knew exactly what to expect of the opposition when they went out onto the pitch . ''
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Where did it go wrong ?
`` Well the cracks were there in the March of the promotion season and the infamous walk-out before the game at Charlton .
`` Very few managers would have survived that but Karanka returned at the start of the following week - despite not being in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend - and the team went on to win promotion .
`` What helped Boro over the line that season was a real team spirit and sense of togetherness .
`` In the Premier League , though , that eroded and by the end of the 2017/18 season it was clear significant divides had emerged in the dressing room .
`` While Boro were organised and defensively impressive in the Premier League , the simple fact was they did n't score - or look like scoring - anywhere near enough goals .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was tactically quite stubborn .
His approach to the Premier League was to stay in games but too often the players in the front third of the pitch appeared to be playing with the shackles on . ''
What style of play could Blues fans expect ?
`` If Karanka gets the gig then do n't hold your breath for a bucket load of free-flowing football - but the style of play he does adopt is very effective .
`` At Boro , until he made an alteration in the Premier League season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 4-2-3-1 system with two holding midfielders and full-backs who are given the license to get forward when possible .
`` The No.10 is key .
At Boro , Karanka had Lee Tomlin , Stewart Downing and Gaston Ramirez during the Championship years .
`` Solidity rather than style is key for Karanka , but that 's not to say the football served up will be dour .
In the Premier League that was the case , but in the year in which Boro lost in the play-off final , they played some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Karanka were very hard to beat when they went ahead but struggled to get back into games when they fell behind .
`` A criticism was that the striker - often a lone frontman - was left far too isolated .
That was regularly the case for Alvaro Negredo in Karanka 's final season . ''
What 's he like as a character ?
`` He demands very high standards and that his players buy into his philosophy .
If they do n't , they 're quickly moved on .
`` As I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but his stubbornness at times worked against him at Boro .
`` In terms of his press conferences and his approach with the press , he keeps his guard up and is very straight faced .
I often found that he came across best when he came out fighting at times when pressure appeared to be mounting . ''
Would he bring his own backroom staff ?
`` I would think so .
That was certainly the case at Boro , bringing with him fitness staff , a goalkeeping coach and a first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he brought more than just front line backroom staff , helping to recruit his own analysts and bringing in Victor Orta - now at Leeds - to join the recruitment team .
In your opinion , would it be a good appointment ?
`` I 'd say so , yes .
You only have to look at his record at Boro in the Championship .
`` Yes , he was backed by Steve Gibson but he went extremely close to promotion in his first full season in charge and then finished second the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League . ''

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Birmingham City have appointed Aitor Karanka on a three-year contract.
The search for a replacement for Pep Clotet has finally ended with CEO Xuandong Ren finalising negotiations with Karanka in Spain.
The 46-year-old, who worked under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, has won promotion from the Championship before during his successful stint at Middlesbrough.
The Spaniard also spent a spell in charge at Nottingham Forest in 2018/19 but couldn't repeat the trick.
Keen to gain an insight into what Blues would be getting if they were to appoint Karanka, BirminghamLive spoke to Dominic Shaw of The Teesside Gazette.
What were the secrets to his success at Boro?
"First things first, he made Boro very hard to beat.
"From the moment he came in, his priority was tightening up at the back and making Boro hard to break down. That worked as he steadied the ship in his first season and it remained the foundation for the success in the seasons that followed.
"He was also extremely meticulous in his planning and preparation.
"In his first couple of years in charge - before things started to unravel - he was often praised by players for his training methods and ensuring the squad knew exactly what to expect of the opposition when they went out onto the pitch."
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Where did it go wrong?
"Well the cracks were there in the March of the promotion season and the infamous walk-out before the game at Charlton.
"Very few managers would have survived that but Karanka returned at the start of the following week - despite not being in the dugout for the game at the weekend - and the team went on to win promotion.
"What helped Boro over the line that season was a real team spirit and sense of togetherness.
"In the Premier League, though, that eroded and by the end of the 2017/18 season it was clear significant divides had emerged in the dressing room.
"While Boro were organised and defensively impressive in the Premier League, the simple fact was they didn't score - or look like scoring - anywhere near enough goals.
"One criticism of Karanka was that he was tactically quite stubborn. His approach to the Premier League was to stay in games but too often the players in the front third of the pitch appeared to be playing with the shackles on."
What style of play could Blues fans expect?
"If Karanka gets the gig then don't hold your breath for a bucket load of free-flowing football - but the style of play he does adopt is very effective.
"At Boro, until he made an alteration in the Premier League season, the Spaniard almost always went for a 4-2-3-1 system with two holding midfielders and full-backs who are given the license to get forward when possible.
"The No.10 is key. At Boro, Karanka had Lee Tomlin, Stewart Downing and Gaston Ramirez during the Championship years.
(Image: Evening Gazette)
"Solidity rather than style is key for Karanka, but that's not to say the football served up will be dour. In the Premier League that was the case, but in the year in which Boro lost in the play-off final, they played some really impressive stuff.
"Boro under Karanka were very hard to beat when they went ahead but struggled to get back into games when they fell behind.
"A criticism was that the striker - often a lone frontman - was left far too isolated. That was regularly the case for Alvaro Negredo in Karanka's final season."
What's he like as a character?
"He demands very high standards and that his players buy into his philosophy. If they don't, they're quickly moved on.
"As I touched on, he's very meticulous but his stubbornness at times worked against him at Boro.
"In terms of his press conferences and his approach with the press, he keeps his guard up and is very straight faced. I often found that he came across best when he came out fighting at times when pressure appeared to be mounting."
Would he bring his own backroom staff?
"I would think so. That was certainly the case at Boro, bringing with him fitness staff, a goalkeeping coach and a first team coach.
"In fact, he brought more than just front line backroom staff, helping to recruit his own analysts and bringing in Victor Orta - now at Leeds - to join the recruitment team.
In your opinion, would it be a good appointment?
"I'd say so, yes. You only have to look at his record at Boro in the Championship.
"Yes, he was backed by Steve Gibson but he went extremely close to promotion in his first full season in charge and then finished second the following year to take Boro to the Premier League."


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Fire which gutted three homes caused by magnifying lens

A devastating blaze which gutted three houses was caused by a magnifying lens attached to a craft lamp - the fire service has revealed .
The fire , which happened today ( Friday , July 31 ) on Temple way , in Tividale , left two people requiring medical treatment as one suffered minor injuries and the other was treated for smoke inhilation .
Both were discharged at the scene .
The blaze , which also affected a conservatory , broke out just after 11am and at its height , there were around 40 firefighters tackling the flames .
West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause was down to the sun 's rays passing though a magnifying lens which was attached to a craft lamp .
It comes as temperatures rocketed above 30c today across the region .
The fire service has now issued a stark warning urging people to keep glassware - such as mirrors - out of direct sunlight .
In a post on social media , the fire service said : `` Please keep objects such as mirrors and glassware out of direct sunlight and away from windows .
`` Our investigators say today 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sun 's rays passing though a magnifying lens which was attached to a craft lamp . ''
In a previous statement , Station commander , Wayne Little , said : `` This morning we received a number of calls to reports of a house fire in Temple Way , Tividale .
`` Crews were mobilised and on scene in under five-and-a-half minutes and were met with a severe fire involving a terraced block of four houses .
`` The fire had broken through the roof and spread , affecting three houses within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard using assertive firefighting tactics and were able to prevent the fire spreading to the remaining . ''
He continued : `` The fire was quickly brought under control and one occupant and a neighbor suffered minor injuries and were given initial on-scene treatment by firefighters , before being transferred to the care of on scene paramedics . ''

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A devastating blaze which gutted three houses was caused by a magnifying lens attached to a craft lamp - the fire service has revealed.
The fire, which happened today (Friday, July 31) on Temple way, in Tividale, left two people requiring medical treatment as one suffered minor injuries and the other was treated for smoke inhilation.
Both were discharged at the scene. The blaze, which also affected a conservatory, broke out just after 11am and at its height, there were around 40 firefighters tackling the flames.
West Midlands Fire Service has since revealed the cause was down to the sun's rays passing though a magnifying lens which was attached to a craft lamp.
It comes as temperatures rocketed above 30c today across the region. The fire service has now issued a stark warning urging people to keep glassware - such as mirrors - out of direct sunlight.
In a post on social media, the fire service said: "Please keep objects such as mirrors and glassware out of direct sunlight and away from windows.
"Our investigators say today's devastating fire in Tividale was started by the sun's rays passing though a magnifying lens which was attached to a craft lamp."
(Image: Black Country Live)
In a previous statement, Station commander, Wayne Little, said: "This morning we received a number of calls to reports of a house fire in Temple Way, Tividale.
"Crews were mobilised and on scene in under five-and-a-half minutes and were met with a severe fire involving a terraced block of four houses.
"The fire had broken through the roof and spread, affecting three houses within the block.
"Our crews worked hard using assertive firefighting tactics and were able to prevent the fire spreading to the remaining."
He continued: "The fire was quickly brought under control and one occupant and a neighbor suffered minor injuries and were given initial on-scene treatment by firefighters, before being transferred to the care of on scene paramedics."


birminghammail--2020-07-31--'This project' - Aitor Karanka breaks silence after Birmingham City appointment

Aitor Karanka has spoken out following Birmingham City 's decision to appoint the Spanish manager as their new head coach following Pep Clotet 's departure towards the end of last season .
Karanka - a promotion winning manager with Middlesbrough will now get to work at Wast Hills planning a successful Championship season for Blues after a disappointing campaign towards the end of Clotet 's reign that saw Blues slip close to the relegation zone .
Before the new head coach gets down to business though , he has introduced himself to Blues fans - and highlighted his excitement at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here '' I ’ m delighted to be joining a club with the history and fan base that Birmingham City has , '' said Karanka in his first words after joining Blues in a club statement .
`` I share the excitement and determination of everyone here to start working together on all the challenges that lie ahead . ''
`` I want to thank the board for their willingness and the strong interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach of this project . ''
Karanka 's first task will be to overhaul sections of the squad - with Scott Hogan and Jake Clarke-Salter returning to their parent clubs after a season on loan , while Jude Bellingham completed a move away from the club in the last week to Borussia Dortmund .

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Aitor Karanka has spoken out following Birmingham City's decision to appoint the Spanish manager as their new head coach following Pep Clotet's departure towards the end of last season.
Karanka - a promotion winning manager with Middlesbrough will now get to work at Wast Hills planning a successful Championship season for Blues after a disappointing campaign towards the end of Clotet's reign that saw Blues slip close to the relegation zone.
Before the new head coach gets down to business though, he has introduced himself to Blues fans - and highlighted his excitement at embarking on the journey ahead.
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
"I’m delighted to be joining a club with the history and fan base that Birmingham City has," said Karanka in his first words after joining Blues in a club statement.
"I share the excitement and determination of everyone here to start working together on all the challenges that lie ahead."
"I want to thank the board for their willingness and the strong interest they showed in making me the head coach of this project."
Karanka's first task will be to overhaul sections of the squad - with Scott Hogan and Jake Clarke-Salter returning to their parent clubs after a season on loan, while Jude Bellingham completed a move away from the club in the last week to Borussia Dortmund.


birminghammail--2020-07-31--What Dong Ren said after Birmingham City land Aitor Karanka

Birmingham City have tonight announced Aitor Karanka as the club 's new head coach , with the decorated Spaniard penning a three-year deal .
The 46-year-old was the key candidate to replace Pep Clotet and , this evening , shared his `` excitement and determination '' after joining Blues .
Karanka 's lost managerial role was , of course , heading up Nottingham Forest where he won 16 , drew 19 and lost 17 of his 52 Championship matches over 12 months from January 2018 and January 2019 .
`` I want to thank the board for their willingness and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me the head coach of this project , '' Karanka said in his opening City statement .
The club 's chief executive Dong Ren , meanwhile , issued statement following Blues ' ambitious announcement after landing Karanka as head coach .
Ren , who runs Blues day-to-day , hinted how Karanka was always the club 's top target and detailed how the three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid was `` always of prime consideration '' .
The CEO told the Blues website : `` I would like to give Aitor a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We have followed his career for a number of years and throughout that time he has always been of prime consideration for the Head Coach position .
`` So we are delighted that Aitor has now joined us and we look forward to working with him for the coming season ahead and future . ''
Karanka , of course , guided Middlesbrough to the Premier League in 2016 while , the following season in the top-flight , led Boro to an FA Cup quarter-final before being sacked in March with the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 2019 , he left Forest after a year after requesting to be released from his contract .
Karanka previously worked with Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid and headed up Spain 's under-16s .
Blues ' new head coach will make an announcement on his back-room staff in due course .

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Birmingham City have tonight announced Aitor Karanka as the club's new head coach, with the decorated Spaniard penning a three-year deal.
The 46-year-old was the key candidate to replace Pep Clotet and, this evening, shared his "excitement and determination" after joining Blues.
Karanka's lost managerial role was, of course, heading up Nottingham Forest where he won 16, drew 19 and lost 17 of his 52 Championship matches over 12 months from January 2018 and January 2019.
"I want to thank the board for their willingness and the strong interest they showed in making me the head coach of this project," Karanka said in his opening City statement.
The club's chief executive Dong Ren, meanwhile, issued statement following Blues' ambitious announcement after landing Karanka as head coach.
Ren, who runs Blues day-to-day, hinted how Karanka was always the club's top target and detailed how the three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid was "always of prime consideration".
The CEO told the Blues website: "I would like to give Aitor a very warm welcome to Birmingham City Football Club. We have followed his career for a number of years and throughout that time he has always been of prime consideration for the Head Coach position.
"So we are delighted that Aitor has now joined us and we look forward to working with him for the coming season ahead and future."
Karanka, of course, guided Middlesbrough to the Premier League in 2016 while, the following season in the top-flight, led Boro to an FA Cup quarter-final before being sacked in March with the club 10 points adrift of safety.
In January 2019, he left Forest after a year after requesting to be released from his contract.
Karanka previously worked with Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid and headed up Spain's under-16s. Blues' new head coach will make an announcement on his back-room staff in due course.
Follow our live reaction HERE.


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Aitor Karanka and the backroom team he could build at Birmingham City

Birmingham City 's search for a new manager is over after the club confirmed Aitor Karanka as new head coach on Friday night .
Blues had been on the lookout for a new chief in the dugout after Pep Clotet left towards the end of the season .
Chief Executive Dong Ren , who flew to Spain to finalise the negotiations , said : `` I would like to give Aitor a very warm welcome to Birmingham City Football Club .
`` We have followed his career for a number of years and throughout that time he has always been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position .
`` So we are delighted that Aitor has now joined us and we look forward to working with him for the coming season ahead and future . ''
Karanka , who guided Middlesbrough to promotion from the Championship in 2016 , is known to be meticulous in his preparation and will bring in his own backroom staff .
Indeed , the 46-year-old Spaniard recruited his own fitness staff , a goalkeeping coach and a first team coach when appointed as Middlesbrough manager in November 2013 .
He even drafted in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Leeds United - to join the recruitment team .
Blues said details around Karaka 's backroom team `` will be announced in due course '' .
Here we assess how that team could look and the trusted accomplices he has worked with in the past .
Karanka appointed Agnew as assistant head coach at Boro in December 2014 .
The pair developed a very close bond and a successful working relationship hence Karanka was quick to express his desire to keep Agnew when talk of an approach from Aston Villa surfaced in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his hands to form a new partnership with Agnew currently working as a first team coach at Newcastle United .
The experienced Spaniard linked up with Karanka at Boro arrived in the summer of 2016 as senior analyst and assistant coach .
Vila impressed Karanka in a meeting prior to his appointment .
He replaced his compatriot Ivan Perez Munoz , who was moved on in what was an indicator of how Karanka 's ruthlessness is n't limited to those with a squad number .
Vila , who can call upon a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of years working with clubs including Deportivo and Valencia , brought with him another analyst , Guillermo Alonso Salinas .
Vila was seen as a vital cog in the matchday and weekday machine , not just at Boro , but also at Nottingham Forest after Karanka was appointed head coach following the departure of Mark Warburton in January 2018 .
Percovich was a more visible figure than most goalkeeper coaches , perhaps owing to him being a close friend of Karanka as well as a colleague at Boro .
He would trot out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cue for Mark Page to play Pretender by the Foo Fighters , the keeper coach 's favourite track , as he set about putting the goalies through their drills .
Once the game got underway , though , Percovich was a trusted lieutenant of Karanka 's as well as a pitchside bouncer , and could be seen clutching one of the tactics dossiers .
Percovich would , however , have a little making up to do with Blues fans .
The fiery Uruguayan was sent from the dugout , alongside Blues ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a flashpoint towards the end of a stormy Championship encounter at the Riverside in January .
Percovich and Rush were later charged with improper conduct .
Percovich admitted his charge resulting in a two-game touchline ban and a £3,000 fine .
Fitness assistant Cachada was recruited at the very start of Karanka 's reign at the Riverside .
He was an integral member of Boro 's medical and fitness department named in 2015 as the Football Medical Association Championship Medical and Science team of the year .
Cachada and Karanka were reunited at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of first team fitness coach .
Simon Ireland left his role as head of coaching and Under-18s boss at QPR , positions he 'd held for nearly three years , to join Karanka as first team coach at Forest .
Ireland had a spell at Brighton , where he was Under-21s manager , and was also assistant academy manager at Blackburn Rovers .

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Birmingham City's search for a new manager is over after the club confirmed Aitor Karanka as new head coach on Friday night.
Blues had been on the lookout for a new chief in the dugout after Pep Clotet left towards the end of the season.
Chief Executive Dong Ren, who flew to Spain to finalise the negotiations, said: "I would like to give Aitor a very warm welcome to Birmingham City Football Club.
"We have followed his career for a number of years and throughout that time he has always been of prime consideration for the Head Coach position.
"So we are delighted that Aitor has now joined us and we look forward to working with him for the coming season ahead and future."
Karanka, who guided Middlesbrough to promotion from the Championship in 2016, is known to be meticulous in his preparation and will bring in his own backroom staff.
Indeed, the 46-year-old Spaniard recruited his own fitness staff, a goalkeeping coach and a first team coach when appointed as Middlesbrough manager in November 2013.
He even drafted in his own analysts and Victor Orta - now at Leeds United - to join the recruitment team.
Blues said details around Karaka's backroom team "will be announced in due course".
Here we assess how that team could look and the trusted accomplices he has worked with in the past.
Steve Agnew
Karanka appointed Agnew as assistant head coach at Boro in December 2014.
The pair developed a very close bond and a successful working relationship hence Karanka was quick to express his desire to keep Agnew when talk of an approach from Aston Villa surfaced in 2016.
Karanka would have a job on his hands to form a new partnership with Agnew currently working as a first team coach at Newcastle United.
Juanjo Vila
The experienced Spaniard linked up with Karanka at Boro arrived in the summer of 2016 as senior analyst and assistant coach.
Vila impressed Karanka in a meeting prior to his appointment. He replaced his compatriot Ivan Perez Munoz, who was moved on in what was an indicator of how Karanka's ruthlessness isn't limited to those with a squad number.
Vila, who can call upon a breadth of knowledge acquired over a number of years working with clubs including Deportivo and Valencia, brought with him another analyst, Guillermo Alonso Salinas.
Vila was seen as a vital cog in the matchday and weekday machine, not just at Boro, but also at Nottingham Forest after Karanka was appointed head coach following the departure of Mark Warburton in January 2018.
Leo Percovich
Percovich was a more visible figure than most goalkeeper coaches, perhaps owing to him being a close friend of Karanka as well as a colleague at Boro.
He would trot out just before 2pm on a matchday, the cue for Mark Page to play Pretender by the Foo Fighters, the keeper coach's favourite track, as he set about putting the goalies through their drills.
Once the game got underway, though, Percovich was a trusted lieutenant of Karanka's as well as a pitchside bouncer, and could be seen clutching one of the tactics dossiers.
(Image: Ian Cooper / Teesside Live)
Percovich would, however, have a little making up to do with Blues fans. The fiery Uruguayan was sent from the dugout, alongside Blues' head of performance Sean Rush, following a flashpoint towards the end of a stormy Championship encounter at the Riverside in January.
Percovich and Rush were later charged with improper conduct. Percovich admitted his charge resulting in a two-game touchline ban and a £3,000 fine.
Carlos Cachada
Fitness assistant Cachada was recruited at the very start of Karanka's reign at the Riverside.
Cachada played a big part in Boro's impeccable fitness record under Karanka.
He was an integral member of Boro's medical and fitness department named in 2015 as the Football Medical Association Championship Medical and Science team of the year.
Cachada and Karanka were reunited at Forest. Cacheda took up the role of first team fitness coach.
Simon Ireland
Simon Ireland left his role as head of coaching and Under-18s boss at QPR, positions he'd held for nearly three years, to join Karanka as first team coach at Forest.
Ireland had a spell at Brighton, where he was Under-21s manager, and was also assistant academy manager at Blackburn Rovers.


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Two men pulled from lake at Chasewater as temperatures soar

A stark warning has been issued urging people not to swim in Chasewater reservoir after two people had to be rescued by members of the public .
The rescue happened today ( Friday , July 31 ) after a man got in to difficulty in the water , sparking his friend to attempt to rescue him at the Burntwood beauty spot .
However , he also go into difficulty so members of the public stepped in to rescue the pair .
It comes after the region basked in the glorious sunshine today as temperatures soared above 30c .
Police have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permitted at Chasewater .
Last year on June 30 , Carl Storer died after entering the water at the beauty spot to save a nine-year-old-girl .
The girl had got into difficulty while in the water and 21-year-old Carl drowned after he went in to rescue her .
In a message on the West Midlands Police online alert system , PCSO Leon Worden said : `` Police are aware of concerns at Chasewater today where two adult males have had to be pulled from the water by members of the public .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend went in the water to pull him to safety and got into difficulty himself .
`` There is no public swimming permitted in the water at Chasewater Park .
The water is very deep and there are no lifeguards on duty .
`` Please speak with members of your family and friends to remind them of the no swimming restriction at Chasewater .
`` Please look after each other and stay safe around open water and call 999 in an emergency . ''

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A stark warning has been issued urging people not to swim in Chasewater reservoir after two people had to be rescued by members of the public.
The rescue happened today (Friday, July 31) after a man got in to difficulty in the water, sparking his friend to attempt to rescue him at the Burntwood beauty spot.
However, he also go into difficulty so members of the public stepped in to rescue the pair.
It comes after the region basked in the glorious sunshine today as temperatures soared above 30c.
Police have stressed that there is no public swimming permitted at Chasewater. Last year on June 30, Carl Storer died after entering the water at the beauty spot to save a nine-year-old-girl.
The girl had got into difficulty while in the water and 21-year-old Carl drowned after he went in to rescue her.
In a message on the West Midlands Police online alert system, PCSO Leon Worden said: "Police are aware of concerns at Chasewater today where two adult males have had to be pulled from the water by members of the public.
"One male got into difficulty after his friend went in the water to pull him to safety and got into difficulty himself.
"There is no public swimming permitted in the water at Chasewater Park. The water is very deep and there are no lifeguards on duty.
"Please speak with members of your family and friends to remind them of the no swimming restriction at Chasewater.
"Please look after each other and stay safe around open water and call 999 in an emergency."


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Birmingham City fans go nuts after Blues' Aitor Karanka announcement

After parting ways with Pep Clotet prior to the conclusion of last season , Birmingham City have chosen Aitor Karanka as head coach ahead of the coming Championship season .
Blues fans are happy with this latest news , owing to Karanka 's Championship pedigree - and his reputation .
Amongst the typical buzzwords such as 'pedigree ' and 'experience ' , Blues fans are welcoming the fact that a 'proper coach ' has arrived at St Andrew 's .
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest - guiding the former to promotion .
However , he has been out of work since leaving Forest after agreeing his release with the City Ground side .
He will now get a fresh start in the Second City with a fanbase opening their arms to welcome their new boss .
The hope is that he can galvanise Blues , make them hard to beat and push the side up the table - ideally competing at the higher end of the table .
Here 's what the Blues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Yes !
Proven he can succeed in the Championship .
Dickie : Love it !
!
!
Finally got our man !
Nathan : This is huge , not only because Karanka comes with a proven pedigree in this league , but also because it seems the board must have made certain concessions for him to be interested re transfers and control of first team affairs .
Better times ahead .
Grace : I still don ’ t know how we ’ ve managed to pull that off .
Simon : Gwaan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now can we move forward as one once again ?
Mark : A proven manager at last , if he gets backed and left to do his job we might be competing at the right end of the table for a change .
Damian : Quality .
Welcome to the true club of Birmingham Aitor .
It ’ s a mad place , full of ups and downs , you ’ re gon na love it .
You ’ ll have the fans support .
David : Well done for getting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowing him to sign some player as the squad is wafer thin and seriously lacking quality .
Bluenose97 : Get in there .
Welcome to Blues .
Jessica : Thank god for that .
My anxieties couldn ’ t cope anymore .
Welcome !
Let him manage though yeah ?
Crouch59 : Got yourselves a top gaffer here , just trust him that he knows what hes doing .
I would be worried if I was Jutkiewicz though he binned him at Boro .
Jack : Very !
If he gets the backing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HE wants with his team , we should look good .

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After parting ways with Pep Clotet prior to the conclusion of last season, Birmingham City have chosen Aitor Karanka as head coach ahead of the coming Championship season.
Blues fans are happy with this latest news, owing to Karanka's Championship pedigree - and his reputation. Amongst the typical buzzwords such as 'pedigree' and 'experience', Blues fans are welcoming the fact that a 'proper coach' has arrived at St Andrew's.
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Karanka spent around five years at both Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest - guiding the former to promotion. However, he has been out of work since leaving Forest after agreeing his release with the City Ground side. He will now get a fresh start in the Second City with a fanbase opening their arms to welcome their new boss.
The hope is that he can galvanise Blues, make them hard to beat and push the side up the table - ideally competing at the higher end of the table.
Here's what the Blues faithful made of the appointment...
John: Yes! Proven he can succeed in the Championship.
Dickie: Love it!!! Finally got our man!
Nathan: This is huge, not only because Karanka comes with a proven pedigree in this league, but also because it seems the board must have made certain concessions for him to be interested re transfers and control of first team affairs. Better times ahead.
Grace: I still don’t know how we’ve managed to pull that off.
Simon: Gwaan Blues. Proper coach, given time. Now can we move forward as one once again?
Mark: A proven manager at last, if he gets backed and left to do his job we might be competing at the right end of the table for a change.
Dan: Announce promotion and records points.
Damian: Quality. Welcome to the true club of Birmingham Aitor. It’s a mad place, full of ups and downs, you’re gonna love it. You’ll have the fans support.
David: Well done for getting a proven coach, now back him by allowing him to sign some player as the squad is wafer thin and seriously lacking quality.
Bluenose97: Get in there. Welcome to Blues.
Jessica: Thank god for that. My anxieties couldn’t cope anymore. Welcome! Let him manage though yeah?
Crouch59: Got yourselves a top gaffer here, just trust him that he knows what hes doing. I would be worried if I was Jutkiewicz though he binned him at Boro.
Jack: Very! If he gets the backing, and is able to do what HE wants with his team, we should look good.


birminghammail--2020-07-31--Health chief blasts MP's slur against Asian communities over coronavirus surge

Sandwell 's public health chief has praised the area 's diverse communities for supporting tough restrictions designed to avert a local lockdown .
Dr Lisa McNally was responding to claims by a Conservative MP , Craig Whittaker , that the `` vast majority '' of people breaching coronavirus lockdown rules were from black , Asian and ethnic minority communities , particularly of Muslim background and they were `` not taking it seriously '' .
Dr McNally said it was 'patently untrue ' that people from some communities were taking the infection risk less seriously than others .
She said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to a public health challenge than we are seeing from the Asian communities in Sandwell , of Muslim faith , other faiths , or none .
`` Community leaders and individuals are doing all they can to protect themselves and each other .
They are taking it deadly seriously .
The evidence is clear - people from those communities are more at risk , and they are very well aware of that risk .
`` What I do see is that many of the people from those communities are out there in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buses , providing social care , working in shops and factories , working in hospitals .
`` It 's also true many live in multi-generational households , still living together and caring for each other , and then there is the socio-economic deprivation issue , which makes distancing difficult for some .
`` I can assure the MP that the people I see are taking this very seriously . ''
Sandwell has seen a big rise in cases , particularly in the centres of Smethwick and West Bromwich , and is now on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a local lockdown could result , if a series of new measures are not successful .
Sandwell Council is asking all residents to stop allowing visitors to their homes other than 'essential ' visits , for shielded people to continue to stay home and for anyone with symptoms to get a test .
It has also asked care homes not to allow visiting , even in gardens , as part of its response to the surge .
An emergency incident management team has been set up today between council , public health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today : `` Sandwell has seen an alarming increase in the number of people contracting Covid-19 .
`` The latest data shows 85 confirmed cases in the week up to July 28 . ''
Cases are currently centred on a workplace - CBS Packaging , of Brandon Way , West Bromwich - which has closed for 14 days to support infection control measures after seeing 79 positive cases among its workforce .
An earlier outbreak at another workplace , Tulip food processing factory in Tipton , has since been contained .
There have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the communities .
Mazhar Mohammed , chairman of Smethwick 's largest mosque , Smethwick Jamia Mosque , which would normally support around 2,500 worshippers , said people were generally very scared about the potential impact and very reluctant to go out .
`` This MP is talking nonsense .
We are trying to do everything we can and to support each other .
This is Eid and people are not celebrating together , they are worried .
`` The health impact of lockdown has been horrendous , people are in grief , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are afraid .
`` The messages are confused though - we are told to go out and shop , go to work , to reopen faith places , people are in pubs ; a spike is bound to happen , then when it does it is our fault . ''
Liam Byrne , MP for Hodge Hill , condemned the MP 's comments , saying : `` Many Black , Asian and ethnic minority key workers in the NHS have made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives in fighting this awful virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to minority communities .
Let ’ s be clear - responsibility for the handling of this crisis lies squarely with the Government . ''
Marsha de Cordova , the shadow equalities secretary , said the comments were “ disgraceful and overt racism '' .
Mr Whittaker , the MP for Calder Valley , West Yorkshire since 2010 , told LBC radio there were “ sections of our community that are just not taking the pandemic seriously ” .
Asked if by this he meant the Muslim community , Whittaker said : “ Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas where we have seen rises , and cases , the vast majority – not by any stretch of the imagination all areas – it is the Black , Asian and Minority Ethnic communities that are not taking this seriously enough .
”

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Sandwell's public health chief has praised the area's diverse communities for supporting tough restrictions designed to avert a local lockdown.
Dr Lisa McNally was responding to claims by a Conservative MP, Craig Whittaker, that the "vast majority" of people breaching coronavirus lockdown rules were from black, Asian and ethnic minority communities, particularly of Muslim background and they were "not taking it seriously".
Dr McNally said it was 'patently untrue' that people from some communities were taking the infection risk less seriously than others.
She said: "We have never had a better response to a public health challenge than we are seeing from the Asian communities in Sandwell, of Muslim faith, other faiths, or none.
"Community leaders and individuals are doing all they can to protect themselves and each other. They are taking it deadly seriously. The evidence is clear - people from those communities are more at risk, and they are very well aware of that risk.
"What I do see is that many of the people from those communities are out there in our communities serving others - driving the buses, providing social care, working in shops and factories, working in hospitals.
"It's also true many live in multi-generational households, still living together and caring for each other, and then there is the socio-economic deprivation issue, which makes distancing difficult for some.
"I can assure the MP that the people I see are taking this very seriously."
Sandwell has seen a big rise in cases, particularly in the centres of Smethwick and West Bromwich, and is now on a national 'watch list' amid fears a local lockdown could result, if a series of new measures are not successful.
Sandwell Council is asking all residents to stop allowing visitors to their homes other than 'essential' visits, for shielded people to continue to stay home and for anyone with symptoms to get a test. It has also asked care homes not to allow visiting, even in gardens, as part of its response to the surge.
An emergency incident management team has been set up today between council, public health and police.
Chief executive David Stevens said today: "Sandwell has seen an alarming increase in the number of people contracting Covid-19.
"The latest data shows 85 confirmed cases in the week up to July 28."
Cases are currently centred on a workplace - CBS Packaging, of Brandon Way, West Bromwich - which has closed for 14 days to support infection control measures after seeing 79 positive cases among its workforce. An earlier outbreak at another workplace, Tulip food processing factory in Tipton, has since been contained.
There have also been outbreaks centred on family homes in the communities.
Mazhar Mohammed, chairman of Smethwick's largest mosque, Smethwick Jamia Mosque, which would normally support around 2,500 worshippers, said people were generally very scared about the potential impact and very reluctant to go out.
"This MP is talking nonsense. We are trying to do everything we can and to support each other. This is Eid and people are not celebrating together, they are worried.
"The health impact of lockdown has been horrendous, people are in grief, they have lost jobs and work, they are afraid.
"The messages are confused though - we are told to go out and shop, go to work, to reopen faith places, people are in pubs; a spike is bound to happen, then when it does it is our fault."
Liam Byrne, MP for Hodge Hill, condemned the MP's comments, saying: "Many Black, Asian and ethnic minority key workers in the NHS have made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives in fighting this awful virus. These comments are a huge insult to minority communities. Let’s be clear - responsibility for the handling of this crisis lies squarely with the Government."
Marsha de Cordova, the shadow equalities secretary, said the comments were “disgraceful and overt racism".
Mr Whittaker, the MP for Calder Valley, West Yorkshire since 2010, told LBC radio there were “sections of our community that are just not taking the pandemic seriously”.
Asked if by this he meant the Muslim community, Whittaker said: “Of course. If you look at the areas where we have seen rises, and cases, the vast majority – not by any stretch of the imagination all areas – it is the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities that are not taking this seriously enough.”