birminghammail--2020-01-19--'**** sake go to the races' Love Islanders attempt Brummie accents

Love Island : Unseen Bits was back last night for the first time this series , giving viewers that extra insight into what we 've missed during the week .
One of the showstoppers was the lads attempting accents - you can watch the video above .
Callum , Connor , Nas and Ollie were sat around by the pool when Eve challenged them to do some accents and they quickly came around to the Brummie accent .
Ollie reckoned he was `` quite good '' at it and used the popular example : `` Birmingham '' .
Well from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't get much better as he attempted a sentence : `` F**k sake go to the races , put some bets on the races . ''
Callum 's was arguably the worse of the lot as he said : `` Birmingham 's more like this , '' we can confirm that is now how Birmingham accents sound .
Elsewhere in the show , viewers were very excited to see more of Leanne on screen .
People had been complaining that the customer service advisor was n't getting enough airtime , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clips for the Saturday night show .
One clip showed her and Shaughna having a pep talk in the dressing room and gearing themselves up for a fight to win their men back .
While another saw Leanne challenged to tell a joke , which was made all the funnier when she just could n't think of one .
For anyone who wants to see what TRUE Brummies and people from the Black Country say click here .
It 's a list of all the words which are in dictionaries - but which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some which will NEVER appear in dictionaries .

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Love Island: Unseen Bits was back last night for the first time this series, giving viewers that extra insight into what we've missed during the week.
One of the showstoppers was the lads attempting accents - you can watch the video above.
Callum, Connor, Nas and Ollie were sat around by the pool when Eve challenged them to do some accents and they quickly came around to the Brummie accent.
Ollie reckoned he was "quite good" at it and used the popular example: "Birmingham".
Well from there we're afraid to say it didn't get much better as he attempted a sentence: "F**k sake go to the races, put some bets on the races."
Callum's was arguably the worse of the lot as he said: "Birmingham's more like this," we can confirm that is now how Birmingham accents sound.
Elsewhere in the show, viewers were very excited to see more of Leanne on screen.
People had been complaining that the customer service advisor wasn't getting enough airtime, but the producers pulled out some of the best clips for the Saturday night show.
One clip showed her and Shaughna having a pep talk in the dressing room and gearing themselves up for a fight to win their men back.
While another saw Leanne challenged to tell a joke, which was made all the funnier when she just couldn't think of one.
For anyone who wants to see what TRUE Brummies and people from the Black Country say click here .
It's a list of all the words which are in dictionaries - but which mean something completely different here. And some which will NEVER appear in dictionaries.
Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2.


birminghammail--2020-01-19--Two Ivans and hopeless half-times - Birmingham City talking points after Cardiff City draw

Birmingham City were held to a 1-1 draw by Cardiff City at St Andrew ’ s .
Jude Bellingham reiterated his status as one of the rising stars of English football , before Blues lost their way .
Here ’ s what stood out on a nervy afternoon .
Marc Roberts did not play like a man who had not experienced the cut and thrust of the Championship for seven weeks .
He was a totemic figure of resistance at the heart of the Blues defence .
Danny Ward felt the 29-year-old ’ s sheer power early in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aerial challenge - a few minutes later the striker was taken off .
Indeed Roberts ’ command of the airways was one of the abiding features of the match , with his 16 won headers only one less than the entire Cardiff back four .
Pep Clotet had settled on Roberts and Jake Clarke-Salter as his preferred back four earlier this season - and got to see it for all of 20 minutes before the former hurt his ankle against Millwall .
The head coach will hope it lasts longer this time because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like his pre-injury form .
In the last three games the half time break has not been good for Blues .
In the FA Cup match with Blackburn , at Luton last weekend and here again on Saturday they have emerged from the interval looking sluggish .
The contrast was never more acute than in this match .
The first half of the opening period was as well as Blues have played for several months , arguably since the Cardiff away game .
Jude Bellingham , Kerim Mrabti , Dan Crowley and Jeremie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picked over the visitors like a predator with a carcass .
They should have been two or three goals up , instead of just one .
Yet just as Tony Mowbray and Graeme Jones did , Neil Harris made half time adjustments , told his team to be more direct - and in doing so wrestled dominance from Blues .
The equaliser felt like it was coming almost from the restart - and it was no surprise when it arrived .
They managed to overcome their slow second half starts against Blackburn and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it cost them the victory here .
No-one embodied Blues ’ Jekyll and Hyde , half-and-half display more than Ivan Sunjic .
Restored to the team after his one game ban the Croatian was a big Blue comfort blanket in the opening period .
If there was a second ball to be won , the £6m man was the one doing it .
He made an important tackle in the box on Junior Hoilett and was even winning headers - one of which set up Bela to hit the crossbar .
Sunjic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half-hour siege was built .
And then the game spun 180 degrees and totally discombobulated the 23-year-old .
Blues were pressed back , Sunjic ’ s passing became longer and less accurate and he dwelled on the ball in dangerous positions .
His head was scrambled .
He managed to regain some equilibrium eventually but for a period in the second half he resembled a continental technician in a Championship madhouse .
Which player tried more dribbles than any other ?
Was it the fleet-footed Jeremie Bela ?
The jinking trickery of Dan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Step forward , or perhaps that should be step-over , Kristian Pedersen , who has arguably been Blues ’ best player in the last couple of months .
We ’ ve known about the Dane ’ s defensive commitment , ball-winning and aerial power for the last season-and-a-half .
But his increasing composure on the ball - and desire to go past opponents , has become a feature of every game .
One day he ’ s going to slalom through an entire defence and score a worldy .
To be perfectly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that everyone in the stadium shares Pedersen ’ s composure - double-drag-backs can wear a tad thin when nerves are shredding - but the 25-year-old has developed his game so much and is making a run at Player of the Season .

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Birmingham City were held to a 1-1 draw by Cardiff City at St Andrew’s.
Jude Bellingham reiterated his status as one of the rising stars of English football, before Blues lost their way.
Here’s what stood out on a nervy afternoon.
Robbo reliant
Marc Roberts did not play like a man who had not experienced the cut and thrust of the Championship for seven weeks. He was a totemic figure of resistance at the heart of the Blues defence.
Danny Ward felt the 29-year-old’s sheer power early in the first half when Roberts obliterated him in an aerial challenge - a few minutes later the striker was taken off.
Indeed Roberts’ command of the airways was one of the abiding features of the match, with his 16 won headers only one less than the entire Cardiff back four.
Pep Clotet had settled on Roberts and Jake Clarke-Salter as his preferred back four earlier this season - and got to see it for all of 20 minutes before the former hurt his ankle against Millwall.
The head coach will hope it lasts longer this time because Roberts looks to have returned to something like his pre-injury form.
Give us a break
In the last three games the half time break has not been good for Blues.
In the FA Cup match with Blackburn, at Luton last weekend and here again on Saturday they have emerged from the interval looking sluggish.
The contrast was never more acute than in this match. The first half of the opening period was as well as Blues have played for several months, arguably since the Cardiff away game.
Jude Bellingham, Kerim Mrabti, Dan Crowley and Jeremie Bela were moving the ball cleverly and picked over the visitors like a predator with a carcass. They should have been two or three goals up, instead of just one.
Yet just as Tony Mowbray and Graeme Jones did, Neil Harris made half time adjustments, told his team to be more direct - and in doing so wrestled dominance from Blues.
The equaliser felt like it was coming almost from the restart - and it was no surprise when it arrived.
They managed to overcome their slow second half starts against Blackburn and Luton and find winning goals - but it cost them the victory here.
Ivan the Terror/Terrible
No-one embodied Blues’ Jekyll and Hyde, half-and-half display more than Ivan Sunjic.
Restored to the team after his one game ban the Croatian was a big Blue comfort blanket in the opening period.
If there was a second ball to be won, the £6m man was the one doing it. He made an important tackle in the box on Junior Hoilett and was even winning headers - one of which set up Bela to hit the crossbar.
Sunjic was the foundation stone on which the half-hour siege was built.
And then the game spun 180 degrees and totally discombobulated the 23-year-old.
Blues were pressed back, Sunjic’s passing became longer and less accurate and he dwelled on the ball in dangerous positions. His head was scrambled.
He managed to regain some equilibrium eventually but for a period in the second half he resembled a continental technician in a Championship madhouse.
Great Dane or Grate Dane?
Which player tried more dribbles than any other? Was it the fleet-footed Jeremie Bela? The jinking trickery of Dan Crowley? The weaving Hoilett? Nope.
Step forward, or perhaps that should be step-over, Kristian Pedersen, who has arguably been Blues’ best player in the last couple of months.
We’ve known about the Dane’s defensive commitment, ball-winning and aerial power for the last season-and-a-half.
But his increasing composure on the ball - and desire to go past opponents, has become a feature of every game. One day he’s going to slalom through an entire defence and score a worldy.
To be perfectly frank, it’s not obvious that everyone in the stadium shares Pedersen’s composure - double-drag-backs can wear a tad thin when nerves are shredding - but the 25-year-old has developed his game so much and is making a run at Player of the Season.


birminghammail--2020-01-19--Wolves find another ‘solution’ ahead of Liverpool as Nuno’s demeanour changes

Wolves lived up to their billing as comeback kings with another breathtaking fightback at St Mary 's on Saturday .
First half goals from Jan Bednarek and ex-West Bromwich Albion forward Shane Long put Southampton on course for victory before Nuno Espirito Santo 's words of wisdom at the break .
A spirited second-half showing saw Pedro Neto and Raul Jimenez ( 2 ) seal a remarkable turnaround on the south coast to clinch a first victory since December 27 .
Ironically , that success over Manchester City also saw Wolves recover from a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ change his formation , and while he 's Molineux chief it 's difficult to envisage anything other than three-at-the-back .
However , Nuno showed off another variation to his philosophy at St Mary 's and Southampton could n't live with it .
The decision to shift Adama Traore inside after an ineffective first half on the left proved to be a masterstroke .
Nuno has also spoken recently about his belief in Pedro Neto 's ability to unlock defences in central areas , and the 19-year-old Portuguese proved his manager 's point perfectly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developed a wonderful understanding this season , were tasked with stretching the Saints ' back-line and that allowed Neto acres of space in the middle to weave his magic .
Nuno often talks about 'solutions ' and he found a new one at St Mary 's to guide his team to a crucial three points .
Brilliance has become the norm for Traore and Jimenez but Neto 's performance has understandably gone down well with supporters .
It was his goal that dragged Wolves back into the match shortly after half-time and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down Jonny Otto for that all-important penalty .
Neto has now bounced back from VAR heartache at Anfield and Old Trafford with goals against Watford and Southampton .
If those two strikes had counted , Neto would have four goals in his last six games .
At such a young age Neto is n't always going to be the answer for Wolves , but he is unquestionably the best investment of an unsuccessful summer spending spree .
An example of Adama 's excellence We 've been raving about Traore all season and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If there was ever a moment which shows Traore at his supreme best it was his second assist at St Mary 's .
With his route to goal blocked by a recovering defender Traore composed himself , lifted his head and played the perfect pass to Jimenez inside a crowded penalty area .
It was the ultimate example of wing play and one Wolves fans have seen so many times this season .
Traore has always played the game at 100 miles per hour , he 's just now able to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure he picks the right option .
A brace of assists against Saints takes his tally to 11 across all competitions this season , a record which puts him among European football 's most creative forces .
For the seventh successive Premier League game Wolves conceded the first goal .
Remarkably , Wolves have managed to win three of those matches with Norwich , City and Southampton all caving in the second half .
What 's more worrying is that Wolves have conceded the first goal in 16 of their 23 Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be improved if they are to maintain their top four challenge .
Wolves are just five points outside the top four with 15 games to go .
The race is on .
Nuno has been saying it for weeks now - Wolves need new players .
His demeanour has shifted slightly in his last two press conferences , which suggests he 's growing increasingly confident of adding to his wafer thin squad .
The bench Nuno named at St Mary 's was perhaps the weakest he has ever named in a league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Wolves ' bench had an average age of just 22 .
Oskar Buur , Ryan Giles , Max Kilman , Bruno Jordao , Morgan Gibbs-White and Benny Ashley-Seal have played just 115 senior matches between them .
If Wolves can sign two high quality players before February 1 , who knows what the second half of the season holds .

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Wolves lived up to their billing as comeback kings with another breathtaking fightback at St Mary's on Saturday.
First half goals from Jan Bednarek and ex-West Bromwich Albion forward Shane Long put Southampton on course for victory before Nuno Espirito Santo's words of wisdom at the break.
A spirited second-half showing saw Pedro Neto and Raul Jimenez (2) seal a remarkable turnaround on the south coast to clinch a first victory since December 27.
Ironically, that success over Manchester City also saw Wolves recover from a two-goal deficit to win 3-2.
Nuno finds a new Plan B
The Portuguese has always been reluctant to change his formation, and while he's Molineux chief it's difficult to envisage anything other than three-at-the-back. However, Nuno showed off another variation to his philosophy at St Mary's and Southampton couldn't live with it.
The decision to shift Adama Traore inside after an ineffective first half on the left proved to be a masterstroke. Nuno has also spoken recently about his belief in Pedro Neto's ability to unlock defences in central areas, and the 19-year-old Portuguese proved his manager's point perfectly.
Traore and Jimenez, who have developed a wonderful understanding this season, were tasked with stretching the Saints' back-line and that allowed Neto acres of space in the middle to weave his magic.
Nuno often talks about 'solutions' and he found a new one at St Mary's to guide his team to a crucial three points.
Neto is coming of age
Brilliance has become the norm for Traore and Jimenez but Neto's performance has understandably gone down well with supporters.
It was his goal that dragged Wolves back into the match shortly after half-time and his invention which led to Jack Stephens chopping down Jonny Otto for that all-important penalty.
Neto has now bounced back from VAR heartache at Anfield and Old Trafford with goals against Watford and Southampton. If those two strikes had counted, Neto would have four goals in his last six games.
At such a young age Neto isn't always going to be the answer for Wolves, but he is unquestionably the best investment of an unsuccessful summer spending spree.
(Image: Getty Images)
An example of Adama's excellence
We've been raving about Traore all season and he simply has to get a mention here. If there was ever a moment which shows Traore at his supreme best it was his second assist at St Mary's.
With his route to goal blocked by a recovering defender Traore composed himself, lifted his head and played the perfect pass to Jimenez inside a crowded penalty area.
It was the ultimate example of wing play and one Wolves fans have seen so many times this season. Traore has always played the game at 100 miles per hour, he's just now able to do so with his head up to make sure he picks the right option.
A brace of assists against Saints takes his tally to 11 across all competitions this season, a record which puts him among European football's most creative forces.
Problems to solve
For the seventh successive Premier League game Wolves conceded the first goal. Remarkably, Wolves have managed to win three of those matches with Norwich, City and Southampton all caving in the second half.
What's more worrying is that Wolves have conceded the first goal in 16 of their 23 Premier League games this season - a record which must be improved if they are to maintain their top four challenge.
Wolves are just five points outside the top four with 15 games to go. The race is on.
A word on the bench
Nuno has been saying it for weeks now - Wolves need new players.
His demeanour has shifted slightly in his last two press conferences, which suggests he's growing increasingly confident of adding to his wafer thin squad.
The bench Nuno named at St Mary's was perhaps the weakest he has ever named in a league match. Even with 33-year-old John Ruddy, Wolves' bench had an average age of just 22.
Oskar Buur, Ryan Giles, Max Kilman, Bruno Jordao, Morgan Gibbs-White and Benny Ashley-Seal have played just 115 senior matches between them.
If Wolves can sign two high quality players before February 1, who knows what the second half of the season holds.


birminghammail--2020-01-19--New hopes & a class captain - what we learned from Aston Villa's draw with Brighton

Aston Villa fought back brilliantly in what was a relegation dogfight at Brighton - with captain fantastic Jack Grealish spanking home the all-important equaliser .
The 24-year-old fired in a beautiful half-volley with his left foot on 75 minutes to cancel out Leandro Trossard 's soft opener .
Dean Smith , meanwhile , who made five changes at The Amex following last week 's 6-1 hammering at Manchester City , handed experienced goalkeeper Pepe Reina his Aston Villa debut - and the Spaniard did n't disappoint .
Here , BirminghamLive 's Aston Villa Club Writer , Ashley Preece , picks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a relegation dogfight on the south-coast ... Running out of superlatives for super Jack He floated away Martin Montoya , took a clever touch and smacked the ball with his weaker foot as it was spinning - let 's talk about THAT strike and the player who continues to shine , super Jack Grealish .
The skipper produced a jaw-dropping moment in the first-half too , dribbling the ball from the half-way line all on his own with Brighton 's defence haplessly behind .
Grealish carried the ball into the box and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the net to ripple , missed .
That summed up the levels of expectation Grealish now has , with the lad from Solihull coming oh so good with 15 to go .
The equaliser was his fifth in 10 Premier League games , a ratio any top striker would love to boast .
He 's just bloody brilliant , is Jack , and that finish was up there with that wonder goal at Old Trafford .
Smith summed it up perfectly afterwards , saying : `` You do start to run out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out-of-this world .
Aston Villa will unveil Tanzanian striker Mbwana Samatta next week - and Smith can not wait .
The head coach breathed a sigh of relief when asked if he 's any closer to a striker , to which he said : `` We 're getting very close .
The paperwork is just getting ticked off with Samatta and , if we get that done , we 'll be really pleased . ''
The serial goal-getter is exactly what Villa are currently craving : an out-and-out forward with a real eye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this magnitude can be just what 's needed to give Villa a boost going into a crucial run of fixtures .
Villa are , of course , working on getting another forward in before deadline day and , again , it 'll come as a timely boost should a deal get done .
Villa have battled on admirably since losing Wesley and , at Brighton , El Ghazi , Grealish , Trezeguet and substitute Indiana Vassilev all grafted for the cause .
The mood will be lifted tenfold as soon as Samatta 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and blue of Villa .
Pepe Reina enjoyed a solid debut at The Amex after swapping AC Milan for a relegation battle with Villa .
Remarkably , the 37-year-old has n't played a game since October 5 , 2019 yet , at Brighton , was `` calmness personified '' during what was a tetchy battle between two struggling teams .
`` You would n't know he was making his debut for a new team , '' explained Smith .
`` I know he 's a World Cup winner and experienced goalkeeper but he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ball , certainly with his feet .
The players know they 've got a calm head behind the ball .
That character and charisma he 's got is exceptional , it 's rubbing off on our back three because they were excellent second half .
He gave a telling contribution . ''
As for fellow new recruit Danny Drinkwater , I found his 68-minute contribution compelling .
The Premier League winner has got a real gob on him , and gave Frederic Guilbert and others a rollicking for not getting closer to Brighton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , press , press '' and `` come on , keep the ball zipping '' as he attempted to crank up Villa 's tempo which was oh so slow in the first 45 .
It 's clear there 's a player there , but it 's his fitness which is letting him down right now - a sign which was evident in his claret shirt which turned a dark purple such was the sweat pumping out of the Chelsea man .
You can tell he 's a winner and he will be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beat the drop .
Fight , fight wherever you may be Finally , it was great to see Villa 's players sticking together at the final whistle as former team-mates Ezri Konsa and Neal Maupay clashed .
For me , Villa need to get nastier , which was evident having made just five attempted tackles against Manchester City a week previous .

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Aston Villa fought back brilliantly in what was a relegation dogfight at Brighton - with captain fantastic Jack Grealish spanking home the all-important equaliser.
The 24-year-old fired in a beautiful half-volley with his left foot on 75 minutes to cancel out Leandro Trossard's soft opener.
Dean Smith, meanwhile, who made five changes at The Amex following last week's 6-1 hammering at Manchester City, handed experienced goalkeeper Pepe Reina his Aston Villa debut - and the Spaniard didn't disappoint.
Here, BirminghamLive's Aston Villa Club Writer, Ashley Preece, picks out vital things learned from what was a relegation dogfight on the south-coast...
Running out of superlatives for super Jack
He floated away Martin Montoya, took a clever touch and smacked the ball with his weaker foot as it was spinning - let's talk about THAT strike and the player who continues to shine, super Jack Grealish.
The skipper produced a jaw-dropping moment in the first-half too, dribbling the ball from the half-way line all on his own with Brighton's defence haplessly behind. Grealish carried the ball into the box and, with the whole of The Amex expecting the net to ripple, missed. That summed up the levels of expectation Grealish now has, with the lad from Solihull coming oh so good with 15 to go.
(Image: PA)
The equaliser was his fifth in 10 Premier League games, a ratio any top striker would love to boast. He's just bloody brilliant, is Jack, and that finish was up there with that wonder goal at Old Trafford.
Smith summed it up perfectly afterwards, saying: "You do start to run out of superlatives for Jack." He's out-of-this world.
Samatta incoming
Aston Villa will unveil Tanzanian striker Mbwana Samatta next week - and Smith cannot wait.
The head coach breathed a sigh of relief when asked if he's any closer to a striker, to which he said: "We're getting very close. The paperwork is just getting ticked off with Samatta and, if we get that done, we'll be really pleased."
The serial goal-getter is exactly what Villa are currently craving: an out-and-out forward with a real eye for a goal. A signing of this magnitude can be just what's needed to give Villa a boost going into a crucial run of fixtures.
Villa are, of course, working on getting another forward in before deadline day and, again, it'll come as a timely boost should a deal get done.
Villa have battled on admirably since losing Wesley and, at Brighton, El Ghazi, Grealish, Trezeguet and substitute Indiana Vassilev all grafted for the cause. The mood will be lifted tenfold as soon as Samatta's beaming smile is pictured in the claret and blue of Villa.
New boys provide hope
(Image: Getty Images)
Pepe Reina enjoyed a solid debut at The Amex after swapping AC Milan for a relegation battle with Villa.
Remarkably, the 37-year-old hasn't played a game since October 5, 2019 yet, at Brighton, was "calmness personified" during what was a tetchy battle between two struggling teams.
"You wouldn't know he was making his debut for a new team," explained Smith. "I know he's a World Cup winner and experienced goalkeeper but he showed a lot of calmness on the ball, certainly with his feet. The players know they've got a calm head behind the ball. That character and charisma he's got is exceptional, it's rubbing off on our back three because they were excellent second half. He gave a telling contribution."
As for fellow new recruit Danny Drinkwater, I found his 68-minute contribution compelling. The Premier League winner has got a real gob on him, and gave Frederic Guilbert and others a rollicking for not getting closer to Brighton's players.
He screamed "press, press, press" and "come on, keep the ball zipping" as he attempted to crank up Villa's tempo which was oh so slow in the first 45. It's clear there's a player there, but it's his fitness which is letting him down right now - a sign which was evident in his claret shirt which turned a dark purple such was the sweat pumping out of the Chelsea man.
You can tell he's a winner and he will be an important character in Villa's battle to beat the drop.
Fight, fight wherever you may be
Finally, it was great to see Villa's players sticking together at the final whistle as former team-mates Ezri Konsa and Neal Maupay clashed.
For me, Villa need to get nastier, which was evident having made just five attempted tackles against Manchester City a week previous.


birminghammail--2020-01-19--'Got his own back' - the national media verdict on Aston Villa's draw with Brighton

Jack Grealish rescued a point for Aston Villa with a quite brilliant second-half strike .
The Villa skipper rifled an excellent left-foot strike past Mat Ryan to secure a 1-1 draw away to Brighton & Hove Albion .
Here ’ s how the national media reported it ... Villa boss Smith wanted a reaction from his players after their humbling 6-1 defeat by Manchester City last weekend , their worst result since 2016 .
He made five changes to his side , including a debut in goal Reina , who could do little to stop Trossard 's fine opener .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ striker Mbwana Samatta yet to be completed , Villa started the match without a recognised centre-forward for the third game in a row .
Anwar El Ghazi was pushed furthest forward , but struggled to get much from Adam Webster and Lewis Dunk .
That placed most of the creative burden on Grealish , who once again looked the player most likely to change the game for the visitors .
The 24-year-old had a great chance to open the scoring in the first half but he drove the ball wide from the edge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the halfway line .
But with the game drifting away from Villa in the second half , he showed a moment of genuine quality to control Douglas Luiz 's pass , shimmy away from the defender before firing beyond Mat Ryan for his ninth goal of the season .
After the deluge , a draw that gives Aston Villa hope that the tide is turning in their season .
Dean Smith ’ s side came into this game on the back of a 6-1 defeat by Manchester City and could have gone under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lead .
Instead they rallied and earned an equaliser thanks to a wonderful goal by Jack Grealish .
A typically excellent strike from their talisman was only one of the aspects of this game from which Villa could take encouragement , with others being their combativeness , a terrific late save from their new goalkeeper , Pepe Reina , and the fact that the draw was achieved without a recognised striker .
That vacancy will soon be filled , as the Tanzanian forward Mbwana Samatta has passed a medical as the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transfer from Genk .
“ The paperwork is being ticked off , ” said Smith .
Brighton , meanwhile , were left to reflect on another match in which they were superior in spells but failed to profit .
They remain just three points ahead of Villa and at risk of replacing them in the relegation zone if they do not find a way of translating periods of promising play into regular rewards .
“ You can ’ t just win by playing well , you have to be able to suffer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the advantage of being able to field a balanced lineup here .
Villa , by contrast , had to start without a specialist striker for the third match in a row , with Anwar El Ghazi again asked to do his best impersonation of a natural striker .
He is game but plainly no predator .
Neal Maupay 's greatest mistake here was mocking Jack Grealish 's slicked-back hairstyle as he turned to the Aston Villa captain and mimicked him midway through the second half .
Because as he so often does , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is known locally , got his own back .
With a swing of his left boot , Villa avoided a seventh defeat in nine games against a relegation rival .
'We 're running out of superlatives for him , ' said his manager .
True , but let 's say it again anyway .
Grealish is a wonderful player to watch , the conductor of his club at age 24 and anything short of an English call-up come March would be a travesty .
He might have been tempted to rub Maupay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward moved on to another skirmish after full time , this time with Villa defender Ezri Konsa .
Staff and team-mates had to separate the pair , who played together at Brentford last season .
They are apparently good pals , but the red mist descended here .
Such high stakes can do that to friends , and what a welcome back this was for Pepe Reina .
You 'd forgive any supporters who missed Villa 's loan signing of Reina this week for reading yesterday 's team news before kick off and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is it ? '
Indeed Reina 's last Premier League start was in 2013 , for Liverpool .
Now 37 years old , here he was , between the sticks once more , no Zimmer frame in sight .
But he will not want to watch back the goal he conceded to Leandro Trossard .
Pepe in his prime might have saved it but Reina the returner did not .
He later made up for that , denying Maupay with an acrobatic save .
'Calmness personified , ' Villa boss Dean Smith said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rubs off on people . '
PEPE REINA proved he can still the save the day .
The 37-year-old , loaned this week by Aston Villa after Tom Heaton ’ s season-ending knee injury , was making his first Premier League appearance in almost seven years .
And the ex-Liverpool stopper showed he remains up to Prem standard with a flying stop to deny Neal Maupay in the dying moments .
It preserved a well-earned point for Villa after Jack Grealish ’ s stunning strike had chalked off Leandro Trossard ’ s opener @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league goal of the campaign will have given Gareth Southgate more food for thought as he ponders his next England squad .
It was a fiery game that ended with former Brentford team-mates Ezri Konsa and Maupay in a shoving match after the final whistle .
Brighton threw away two points in a vital relegation battle by committing the cardinal footballing sin of leaving the opposition ’ s best player unmarked in front of goal .
Leading through Leandro Trossard ’ s first-half goal , they allowed Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cross field pass 15 minutes from time and smack home the equaliser .
In truth , neither team deserved to win a poor game , but Brighton will be kicking themselves after failing such an elementary test of defending .
“ We made a positional error and Jack Grealish punished us , ” Brighton head coach Graham Potter said .
“ With some players you can get away with it but not Grealish .
We will dust ourselves down , take the point and prepare to play against Bournemouth.
” That is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below Brighton in the table but they will have to show more resilience than they did here , allowing a Villa side beaten 6-1 at home by Manchester City a week ago to regroup and edge the second half .
“ I thought it was a good point and a deserved point , ” Villa head coach Dean Smith said .
“ It was a game of two halves .
We weren ’ t aggressive enough in the first half .
In the second half we made the pressure tell .
We showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

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Jack Grealish rescued a point for Aston Villa with a quite brilliant second-half strike.
The Villa skipper rifled an excellent left-foot strike past Mat Ryan to secure a 1-1 draw away to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Here’s how the national media reported it...
BBC
Villa boss Smith wanted a reaction from his players after their humbling 6-1 defeat by Manchester City last weekend, their worst result since 2016.
He made five changes to his side, including a debut in goal Reina, who could do little to stop Trossard's fine opener.
But with a £10m deal for Genk striker Mbwana Samatta yet to be completed, Villa started the match without a recognised centre-forward for the third game in a row.
Anwar El Ghazi was pushed furthest forward, but struggled to get much from Adam Webster and Lewis Dunk.
That placed most of the creative burden on Grealish, who once again looked the player most likely to change the game for the visitors.
The 24-year-old had a great chance to open the scoring in the first half but he drove the ball wide from the edge of the area after a breakaway from the halfway line.
But with the game drifting away from Villa in the second half, he showed a moment of genuine quality to control Douglas Luiz's pass, shimmy away from the defender before firing beyond Mat Ryan for his ninth goal of the season.
Full report
THE GUARDIAN
After the deluge, a draw that gives Aston Villa hope that the tide is turning in their season. Dean Smith’s side came into this game on the back of a 6-1 defeat by Manchester City and could have gone under again after Leandro Trossard fired Brighton into the lead. Instead they rallied and earned an equaliser thanks to a wonderful goal by Jack Grealish.
A typically excellent strike from their talisman was only one of the aspects of this game from which Villa could take encouragement, with others being their combativeness, a terrific late save from their new goalkeeper, Pepe Reina, and the fact that the draw was achieved without a recognised striker. That vacancy will soon be filled, as the Tanzanian forward Mbwana Samatta has passed a medical as the club puts the finishing touches to his £8.5m transfer from Genk. “The paperwork is being ticked off,” said Smith.
Brighton, meanwhile, were left to reflect on another match in which they were superior in spells but failed to profit. They remain just three points ahead of Villa and at risk of replacing them in the relegation zone if they do not find a way of translating periods of promising play into regular rewards. “You can’t just win by playing well, you have to be able to suffer,” said Graham Potter.
Brighton had the advantage of being able to field a balanced lineup here. Villa, by contrast, had to start without a specialist striker for the third match in a row, with Anwar El Ghazi again asked to do his best impersonation of a natural striker. He is game but plainly no predator.
Full report
DAILY MAIL
Neal Maupay's greatest mistake here was mocking Jack Grealish's slicked-back hairstyle as he turned to the Aston Villa captain and mimicked him midway through the second half.
Because as he so often does, Grealish, or 'Super Jack' as he is known locally, got his own back. With a swing of his left boot, Villa avoided a seventh defeat in nine games against a relegation rival. 'We're running out of superlatives for him,' said his manager.
True, but let's say it again anyway.
Grealish is a wonderful player to watch, the conductor of his club at age 24 and anything short of an English call-up come March would be a travesty.
He might have been tempted to rub Maupay's nose in it but the Brighton forward moved on to another skirmish after full time, this time with Villa defender Ezri Konsa.
Staff and team-mates had to separate the pair, who played together at Brentford last season. They are apparently good pals, but the red mist descended here.
Such high stakes can do that to friends, and what a welcome back this was for Pepe Reina.
You'd forgive any supporters who missed Villa's loan signing of Reina this week for reading yesterday's team news before kick off and wondering: 'Hold on, what year is it?'
Indeed Reina's last Premier League start was in 2013, for Liverpool. Now 37 years old, here he was, between the sticks once more, no Zimmer frame in sight.
But he will not want to watch back the goal he conceded to Leandro Trossard. Pepe in his prime might have saved it but Reina the returner did not.
He later made up for that, denying Maupay with an acrobatic save. 'Calmness personified,' Villa boss Dean Smith said of Reina. 'His character and charisma rubs off on people.'
Full report
THE SUN
PEPE REINA proved he can still the save the day.
The 37-year-old, loaned this week by Aston Villa after Tom Heaton’s season-ending knee injury, was making his first Premier League appearance in almost seven years.
And the ex-Liverpool stopper showed he remains up to Prem standard with a flying stop to deny Neal Maupay in the dying moments.
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It preserved a well-earned point for Villa after Jack Grealish’s stunning strike had chalked off Leandro Trossard’s opener.
The Villa captain’s seventh league goal of the campaign will have given Gareth Southgate more food for thought as he ponders his next England squad.
It was a fiery game that ended with former Brentford team-mates Ezri Konsa and Maupay in a shoving match after the final whistle.
Full report
TELEGRAPH
Brighton threw away two points in a vital relegation battle by committing the cardinal footballing sin of leaving the opposition’s best player unmarked in front of goal.
Leading through Leandro Trossard’s first-half goal, they allowed Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish the freedom of the Amex Stadium to take a cross field pass 15 minutes from time and smack home the equaliser.
In truth, neither team deserved to win a poor game, but Brighton will be kicking themselves after failing such an elementary test of defending.
“We made a positional error and Jack Grealish punished us,” Brighton head coach Graham Potter said. “With some players you can get away with it but not Grealish. We will dust ourselves down, take the point and prepare to play against Bournemouth.”
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That is the second of four matches against teams below Brighton in the table but they will have to show more resilience than they did here, allowing a Villa side beaten 6-1 at home by Manchester City a week ago to regroup and edge the second half.
“I thought it was a good point and a deserved point,” Villa head coach Dean Smith said. “It was a game of two halves. We weren’t aggressive enough in the first half. In the second half we made the pressure tell. We showed a lot more composure on the ball.”
Full report


birminghammail--2020-01-19--'So lethal' - Match of the Day pundits' brilliant Raul Jimenez verdict

Match of the Day 's Ian Wright and Alan Shearer were full of praise for Wolverhampton Wanderers after their comeback win at Southampton yesterday .
And the former Arsenal and Newcastle United strikers were pleased with the performances of forwards Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez in particular .
Wolves fought back from 2-0 down at half-time to win 3-2 and keep up their charge for a top-four spot come the end of the season .
A resurgent Southampton eased fears of relegation with a run of four wins from their previous five games before the visit of Nuno Espirito Santo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for another three points when Jan Bednarek and Shane Long put them in control at half-time .
But Wolves rallied and Pedro Neto pulled a goal back eight minutes after half-time , with Jimenez netting an 11th-minute double to secure the win .
Wright said : `` He was ( excellent ) . ''
Traore has to get a mention too today , his improvement and his final ball in and the composure he is showing now .
`` With these two up front they are lethal , so lethal .
`` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first half , Southampton were very good . ''
On Jimenez 's second goal , Wright said : `` This is good play , he made sure the defender could n't head it away , he ’ s got on to it , he ’ s composed , he ’ s calm , takes his time , looks up and that is brilliant from Jimenez .
`` Nineteen goals this season , he ’ s just such a good finisher , he ’ s so good and the way Traore is improving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Sheared said : “ 19 goals and nine assists .
It ’ s fantastic .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Elliott Jackson, Richard Cusack)

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Match of the Day's Ian Wright and Alan Shearer were full of praise for Wolverhampton Wanderers after their comeback win at Southampton yesterday.
And the former Arsenal and Newcastle United strikers were pleased with the performances of forwards Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez in particular.
Wolves fought back from 2-0 down at half-time to win 3-2 and keep up their charge for a top-four spot come the end of the season.
A resurgent Southampton eased fears of relegation with a run of four wins from their previous five games before the visit of Nuno Espirito Santo 's side.
And they looked set for another three points when Jan Bednarek and Shane Long put them in control at half-time.
But Wolves rallied and Pedro Neto pulled a goal back eight minutes after half-time, with Jimenez netting an 11th-minute double to secure the win.
Wright said: "He was (excellent).
" Traore has to get a mention too today, his improvement and his final ball in and the composure he is showing now.
"With these two up front they are lethal, so lethal.
"They didn’t play very well in the first half, Southampton were very good."
On Jimenez's second goal, Wright said: "This is good play, he made sure the defender couldn't head it away, he’s got on to it, he’s composed, he’s calm, takes his time, looks up and that is brilliant from Jimenez.
"Nineteen goals this season, he’s just such a good finisher, he’s so good and the way Traore is improving too you can only see good things."
Sheared said: “19 goals and nine assists. It’s fantastic.”


birminghammail--2020-01-19--'Brilliant, superb, fantastic' - the Match of the Day verdict Aston Villa fans will love

Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright waxed lyrical about Aston Villa ’ s Jack Grealish after his superb strike salvaged a point against Brighton & Hove Albion .
Grealish latched on to Douglas Luiz ’ s through ball , took a touch away and rifled a left-footed strike quite brilliantly past Mat Ryan .
That secured a 1-1 draw for Dean Smith ’ s side which wasn ’ t enough to get them out of the Premier League ’ s bottom three .
Grealish ’ s performances since Villa ’ s return to the top flight have won praise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls for a call-up to the England squad .
Former Arsenal striker Wright was full of praise for the midfielder .
“ He came back to the Premier League and there was a lot of expectation on him from Villa and people looking at him , ” he said on Match of the Day .
“ He has proven he is the quality player that everyone knows he can be .
“ This is the goal , it ’ s a beautiful ball from Douglas Luiz and it ’ s a beautiful goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ superb , fantastic goal .
“ You look at James Maddison and the calls he is getting , I think Jack Grealish will start to get that attention .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Elliott Jackson, Jonny Bonell)

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Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright waxed lyrical about Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish after his superb strike salvaged a point against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Grealish latched on to Douglas Luiz’s through ball, took a touch away and rifled a left-footed strike quite brilliantly past Mat Ryan.
That secured a 1-1 draw for Dean Smith’s side which wasn’t enough to get them out of the Premier League’s bottom three.
Grealish’s performances since Villa’s return to the top flight have won praise from pundits and managers alike, and calls for a call-up to the England squad.
Former Arsenal striker Wright was full of praise for the midfielder.
“He came back to the Premier League and there was a lot of expectation on him from Villa and people looking at him,” he said on Match of the Day.
“He has proven he is the quality player that everyone knows he can be.
“This is the goal, it’s a beautiful ball from Douglas Luiz and it’s a beautiful goal on his left foot. Brilliant, superb, fantastic goal.
“You look at James Maddison and the calls he is getting, I think Jack Grealish will start to get that attention.”


birminghammail--2020-01-19--Wolves have made this transfer decision on Birmingham City starlet - report

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly dropped out of the race to sign Birmingham City youngster Jude Bellingham .
According to The Sun , Nuno Espirito Santo 's side are no longer interested in the 16-year-old .
He was linked with a switch to Molineux last week , with Manchester United also keen .
Indeed , it has been reported that Ole Gunnar Solskajer 's side could fork out £25 million for the youngster while Chelsea could make a late move .
Clubs abroad are still keen , with only 18 months left on Bellingham 's current deal at St Andrew 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the season in yesterday 's 1-1 draw with Cardiff City in the Championship .
He has made 25 appearances in all competitions for Blues , an impressive feat in his first full campaign at senior level .
The Stourbridge-born youth made his debut in the Championship against Swansea City in late August and burst onto the scene with back-to-back winners in victories at Stoke City and Charlton Athletic earlier this season .
He 's also scored against Leeds United and has contributed one assist this campaign .
His younger brother , Jobe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level .

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Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly dropped out of the race to sign Birmingham City youngster Jude Bellingham.
According to The Sun , Nuno Espirito Santo's side are no longer interested in the 16-year-old.
He was linked with a switch to Molineux last week, with Manchester United also keen.
Indeed, it has been reported that Ole Gunnar Solskajer's side could fork out £25 million for the youngster while Chelsea could make a late move.
Clubs abroad are still keen, with only 18 months left on Bellingham's current deal at St Andrew's.
Bellingham scored his fourth goal of the season in yesterday's 1-1 draw with Cardiff City in the Championship.
He has made 25 appearances in all competitions for Blues , an impressive feat in his first full campaign at senior level.
The Stourbridge-born youth made his debut in the Championship against Swansea City in late August and burst onto the scene with back-to-back winners in victories at Stoke City and Charlton Athletic earlier this season.
He's also scored against Leeds United and has contributed one assist this campaign.
His younger brother, Jobe, is also with the club at Under-14 level .


birminghammail--2020-01-19--Birmingham City transfer update in pursuit of League One star - report

Birmingham City are trying to do a player-swap deal for Peterborough United playmaker Marcus Maddison , according to reports .
The Sun say Posh are willing to accept £1.5 million for the 26-year-old , who is out of contract in the summer .
Maddison has scored nine times in 21 League One games this season , setting up six goals for Darren Ferguson 's side .
According to the report , Blues are trying to persuade the London Road side to swap a player , or even two of them , for Maddison .
If you want to follow all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest Blues news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Brian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address is Brian.Dick @ reachplc.com David Stockdale , who has n't played since a Carabao Cup clash in early August , has been mentioned .
Posh had accepted a bid from Blues ' Championship rivals Charlton Athletic earlier this week for Maddison .
Two other Championship clubs were also said to be interested .
Maddison was reportedly the subject of a £350,000 approach from Middlesbrough at the start of the year , with Derby County rumoured to hold an interest in the former Newcastle United man .
He has scored 62 goals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signing from Gateshead in August 2014 .

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Birmingham City are trying to do a player-swap deal for Peterborough United playmaker Marcus Maddison, according to reports.
The Sun say Posh are willing to accept £1.5 million for the 26-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer.
Maddison has scored nine times in 21 League One games this season, setting up six goals for Darren Ferguson's side.
According to the report, Blues are trying to persuade the London Road side to swap a player, or even two of them, for Maddison.
David Stockdale , who hasn't played since a Carabao Cup clash in early August, has been mentioned.
Posh had accepted a bid from Blues' Championship rivals Charlton Athletic earlier this week for Maddison.
Two other Championship clubs were also said to be interested .
Maddison was reportedly the subject of a £350,000 approach from Middlesbrough at the start of the year, with Derby County rumoured to hold an interest in the former Newcastle United man.
He has scored 62 goals and registered 92 assists in 248 games since signing from Gateshead in August 2014.


birminghammail--2020-01-19--'Discussed' - sporting director makes this Aston Villa transfer claim

Aston Villa goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic is being targeted by Genk , according to their sporting director .
The Villa stopper is down the pecking order now in Dean Smith ’ s side following the January arrival of former Liverpool man Pepe Reina .
Having signed for Villa in January last year , Kalinic has made just eight appearances in all competitions , playing second fiddle to Orjan Nyland , Jed Steer and Tom Heaton in that time .
With Heaton suffering a serious knee injury on New Year ’ s Day against Burnley , it was Nyland who deputised in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reina then arrived through the doors – pushing Kalinic again further away from a spot in Smith ’ s starting 11 .
Genk sporting director , Dimitri De Conde , has now confirmed they are interested in a goalkeeper .
He ’ s quoted by HLN Sport as saying Villa ’ s Croatia international is “ a name that we have discussed ” .
Kalinic joined in January and initially started his Villa career as number one , following an injury to Nyland .
But after picking up an injury himself in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he lost his place to the recalled Steer and couldn ’ t get it back .

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Aston Villa goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic is being targeted by Genk, according to their sporting director.
The Villa stopper is down the pecking order now in Dean Smith’s side following the January arrival of former Liverpool man Pepe Reina.
Having signed for Villa in January last year, Kalinic has made just eight appearances in all competitions, playing second fiddle to Orjan Nyland, Jed Steer and Tom Heaton in that time.
With Heaton suffering a serious knee injury on New Year’s Day against Burnley, it was Nyland who deputised in the Premier League in his absence.
Reina then arrived through the doors – pushing Kalinic again further away from a spot in Smith’s starting 11.
Genk sporting director, Dimitri De Conde, has now confirmed they are interested in a goalkeeper.
He’s quoted by HLN Sport as saying Villa’s Croatia international is “a name that we have discussed”.
Kalinic joined in January and initially started his Villa career as number one, following an injury to Nyland.
But after picking up an injury himself in the home defeat to West Bromwich Albion, he lost his place to the recalled Steer and couldn’t get it back.


birminghammail--2020-01-19--"Not aggressive enough!" - Every word from Dean Smith on Reina, Samatta & Villa's Brighton point

Dean Smith admits he 's `` running out of superlatives '' for Aston Villa 's captain fantastic , Jack Grealish .
The 24-year-old whacked in his fifth goal in 10 Premier League games to earn Villa a much-needed point against relegation rivals Brighton .
Grealish 's sweet strike 15 minutes from time cancelled out Leandro Trossard 's soft opener during what was a fiery contest on the south-coast .
Afterwards , Smith provided a key transfer update in Villa 's pursuit of Racing Genk striker Mbwana Samatta while , at The Amex , reserved special praise for debutant Pepe Reina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gaffer said after the 1-1 draw .
How did you see that one , Dean ?
`` It was a good point and a well-deserved point .
I thought it was a bit of a tale of two halves .
They were the better team in the first half , they passed it very well but did n't trouble Pepe very much .
A couple of scrambles in and around the penalty box and they scored on the breakaway after Jack 's chance where he felt he should have scored .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first half .
We allowed them to play too much .
Second half out outside centre-backs were aggressive and we won a lot of balls in their half .
We made that pressure tell . ''
Why were n't you aggressive enough ?
`` I do n't know .
It 's something I 'll be asking them !
For their goal , Kortney takes a step back .
I want them to be on the front foot .
They get a bit of fortune from it .
`` They like to get players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back three .
Second half , we won headers , tackles and showed a lot more composure . ''
Pepe Reina showed what he can do , a great save at the end ... '' He was untroubled to be honest but he 's calmness personified .
You would n't know he was making his debut for a new team .
I know he 's a World Cup winner and experienced goalkeeper but he showed a lot of calmness on the ball , certainly with his feet .
The players know they 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That character and charisma he 's got is exceptional , it 's rubbing off on our back three because they were excellent second half .
`` It was a great save , though .
He gave a telling contribution . ''
It was a fiery game , Neal Maupay and former team-mate Ezri Konsa having a bust up ... '' They were mates , but I 'm not so sure they are now .
Listen , I like Neal .
I had him at Brentford .
He has got that red mist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was handbags at the end . ''
There 's no history between them ?
`` No , they 're good mates .
Although , you would n't think so !
It just shows you they 've got that fire in their belly to do well for their teams . ''
It 's five in 10 for Grealish now , you do n't need a striker , do you ?
`` Ha !
We certainly do .
That 's the third game we 've played without a recognised striker and the onus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ghazi and Jack .
They 're all putting a shift in for the team , working hard without the ball .
Some of Ghazi 's tracking back was excellent .
`` We had an impact from the bench , that 's what you want .
I had no qualms putting Indiana on , a young under-23 player who 's been scoring goals .
He 's got bundles of energy and he makes a good run down the side , dragging some of their defenders and Douglas sees a ball that I had n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a great finish .
You do start to run out of superlatives for Jack . ''
`` We 're getting very close .
The paperwork 's just getting ticked off with Samatta and , if we get that done , we 'll be really pleased .
He 's a good player and , on top of that , he 's a good character as well . ''

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Dean Smith admits he's "running out of superlatives" for Aston Villa's captain fantastic, Jack Grealish.
The 24-year-old whacked in his fifth goal in 10 Premier League games to earn Villa a much-needed point against relegation rivals Brighton.
Grealish's sweet strike 15 minutes from time cancelled out Leandro Trossard's soft opener during what was a fiery contest on the south-coast.
Afterwards, Smith provided a key transfer update in Villa's pursuit of Racing Genk striker Mbwana Samatta while, at The Amex, reserved special praise for debutant Pepe Reina in goal. Here's every word the gaffer said after the 1-1 draw.
How did you see that one, Dean?
"It was a good point and a well-deserved point. I thought it was a bit of a tale of two halves. They were the better team in the first half, they passed it very well but didn't trouble Pepe very much. A couple of scrambles in and around the penalty box and they scored on the breakaway after Jack's chance where he felt he should have scored.
"We weren't aggressive enough in the first half. We allowed them to play too much. Second half out outside centre-backs were aggressive and we won a lot of balls in their half. We made that pressure tell."
Why weren't you aggressive enough?
"I don't know. It's something I'll be asking them! For their goal, Kortney takes a step back. I want them to be on the front foot. They get a bit of fortune from it.
"They like to get players in the pockets and turn at our back three. Second half, we won headers, tackles and showed a lot more composure."
Pepe Reina showed what he can do, a great save at the end...
"He was untroubled to be honest but he's calmness personified. You wouldn't know he was making his debut for a new team. I know he's a World Cup winner and experienced goalkeeper but he showed a lot of calmness on the ball, certainly with his feet. The players know they've got a calm head behind the ball. That character and charisma he's got is exceptional, it's rubbing off on our back three because they were excellent second half.
"It was a great save, though. He gave a telling contribution."
It was a fiery game, Neal Maupay and former team-mate Ezri Konsa having a bust up...
"They were mates, but I'm not so sure they are now. Listen, I like Neal. I had him at Brentford. He has got that red mist which can descend every now and again. It was handbags at the end."
There's no history between them?
"No, they're good mates. Although, you wouldn't think so! It just shows you they've got that fire in their belly to do well for their teams."
It's five in 10 for Grealish now, you don't need a striker, do you?
"Ha! We certainly do. That's the third game we've played without a recognised striker and the onus drops to the likes of Trez, Ghazi and Jack. They're all putting a shift in for the team, working hard without the ball. Some of Ghazi's tracking back was excellent.
"We had an impact from the bench, that's what you want. I had no qualms putting Indiana on, a young under-23 player who's been scoring goals. He's got bundles of energy and he makes a good run down the side, dragging some of their defenders and Douglas sees a ball that I hadn't seen to find Jack and it was a great finish. You do start to run out of superlatives for Jack."
Any closer to a striker?
"We're getting very close. The paperwork's just getting ticked off with Samatta and, if we get that done, we'll be really pleased. He's a good player and, on top of that, he's a good character as well."


birminghammail--2020-01-19--Birmingham City boss Pep Clotet gives update on Jude Bellingham future and Marcus Maddison pursuit

Pep Clotet spoke with the media after Birmingham City ’ s 1-1 draw with Cardiff City .
Jude Bellingham put Blues ahead in the fourth minute and the hosts had several other chances to seize control of the game .
However , Cardiff reshuffled at the break and forced Blues on to the back foot , eventually equalising through Lee Tomlin .
Here ’ s what was discussed after the game .
I think the first 35 minutes , for me because of the bad run we had at Christmas , it was important today to start with the football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think we didn ’ t win the game because we didn ’ t manage to put it to bed in the first 35 minutes .
With a 1-0 lead at half time we know that Cardiff is going to be very difficult for us because they are going to go very direct .
Our pressing will be ineffective because it is very difficult to press someone as soon as they get the ball they will be launching it .
It was very difficult for us to have control in the second half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have killed the game .
Tomlin is a very smart player and he will use all of his resources to try to benefit himself in every situation .
He complained for the penalty when he had no other options in that play and I think it would have been a little bit soft .
I agree with the referee not to give it .
I haven ’ t seen it back , for me it is very difficult to comment on the referees because I always back them .
I back them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I back them now .
Disappointed couldn ’ t sustain it in second half ?
It was very difficult because Cardiff is a very physical side with a lot of talent as well .
I think their physicality dominated our midfield in the second half and made it very difficult for us to establish our flow and our play like in the first half .
Some areas of the pitch didn ’ t help as well and we were missing some of the touches we normally don ’ t miss .
We got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lacked control in the second half - as did Cardiff , no-one was in control in that second half and anything could have happened .
We managed to produce the clearest chance on that header from Jukey in the second half .
Our offensive production was good , what we lacked was a second goal .
We are in a shell of all us , we try to work and win a game .
Jude is focused on that and he is performing on a good level .
I think he is happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to build something and is helping us to build a dream to improve our football style as we saw in the first half .
We are doing it with youth , giving them that opportunity .
Jude is helping us on this .
Jude is very focused on his job and I have never seen him distracted .
Aware he is being watched ?
Oh yes .
From the beginning he has been watched since he was 13 or 14 .
For the Middlesbrough game half of Europe was here .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to it .
I have always said it is very good that clubs show interest in our players because this means that we have good players .
Would Birmingham be able to resist a big bid because of their financial position ?
In my position as head coach because I am not the manager it is difficult to evaluate .
I think Jude is very happy with what he ’ s doing , we are very happy with him , he ’ s growing and I see him very focused on us .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yes I think it is a good thing .
Its difficult for me to say because that ’ s very private and personal for them but I do like the fact that his mum and his dad is helping him in the build up of his career .
It ’ s his club , his people he is living a dream that comes from the work that he and a lot of people in the academy put together to reach this level .
He understands that .
Can you say Jude will definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t know .
At the end of the day I do have the feeling that Jude will stay he is very happy here he knows it ’ s one of the right steps for his progression .
He has played more than 20 games for us and that has a value .
I think it ’ s very important we finish this January window with a stronger team than we started - that ’ s very important .
We can not get weaker after the transfer window - that ’ s something we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know the club is working hard trying to bring the right player in .
Not much at the minute , I am not aware of any contacts the club is doing , until the situation comes to be a yes or a no , then obviously I get involved as a head coach .
At the minute we are of course working on a striker because you can clearly see we create a lot of chances and we need to help the team more .
Any other player the club think that can @ @ @ @ @ @

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Pep Clotet spoke with the media after Birmingham City’s 1-1 draw with Cardiff City.
Jude Bellingham put Blues ahead in the fourth minute and the hosts had several other chances to seize control of the game.
However, Cardiff reshuffled at the break and forced Blues on to the back foot,eventually equalising through Lee Tomlin.
Here’s what was discussed after the game.
Delighted with first half performance?
I think the first 35 minutes, for me because of the bad run we had at Christmas, it was important today to start with the football we want and to be bright.
I think we didn’t win the game because we didn’t manage to put it to bed in the first 35 minutes.
With a 1-0 lead at half time we know that Cardiff is going to be very difficult for us because they are going to go very direct.
Our pressing will be ineffective because it is very difficult to press someone as soon as they get the ball they will be launching it.
It was very difficult for us to have control in the second half.
I think the first half we should have killed the game.
Cardiff penalty claim
Tomlin is a very smart player and he will use all of his resources to try to benefit himself in every situation.
He complained for the penalty when he had no other options in that play and I think it would have been a little bit soft. I agree with the referee not to give it.
I haven’t seen it back, for me it is very difficult to comment on the referees because I always back them. I back them when we have a penalty against and I back them now.
Disappointed couldn’t sustain it in second half?
It was very difficult because Cardiff is a very physical side with a lot of talent as well. I think their physicality dominated our midfield in the second half and made it very difficult for us to establish our flow and our play like in the first half.
Some areas of the pitch didn’t help as well and we were missing some of the touches we normally don’t miss.
We got ourselves into a difficult situation, we lacked control in the second half - as did Cardiff, no-one was in control in that second half and anything could have happened.
We managed to produce the clearest chance on that header from Jukey in the second half.
Our offensive production was good, what we lacked was a second goal.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
On interest in Bellingham
We are in a shell of all us, we try to work and win a game. Jude is focused on that and he is performing on a good level. I think he is happy in this club and is helping us to build something and is helping us to build a dream to improve our football style as we saw in the first half.
We are doing it with youth, giving them that opportunity. Jude is helping us on this. Jude is very focused on his job and I have never seen him distracted.
Aware he is being watched?
Oh yes. From the beginning he has been watched since he was 13 or 14. For the Middlesbrough game half of Europe was here. He is used to it and I am used to it. I have always said it is very good that clubs show interest in our players because this means that we have good players.
Would Birmingham be able to resist a big bid because of their financial position?
In my position as head coach because I am not the manager it is difficult to evaluate. I think Jude is very happy with what he’s doing, we are very happy with him, he’s growing and I see him very focused on us.
Help that his family represent him?
Yes I think it is a good thing. Its difficult for me to say because that’s very private and personal for them but I do like the fact that his mum and his dad is helping him in the build up of his career.
Make sense to stay?
It’s his club, his people he is living a dream that comes from the work that he and a lot of people in the academy put together to reach this level. He understands that.
Can you say Jude will definitely stay this month?
I don’t know. At the end of the day I do have the feeling that Jude will stay he is very happy here he knows it’s one of the right steps for his progression. He has played more than 20 games for us and that has a value.
Transfer window
I think it’s very important we finish this January window with a stronger team than we started - that’s very important.
We cannot get weaker after the transfer window - that’s something we need to keep in mind and I know the club is working hard trying to bring the right player in.
Maddison latest
Not much at the minute, I am not aware of any contacts the club is doing, until the situation comes to be a yes or a no, then obviously I get involved as a head coach.
At the minute we are of course working on a striker because you can clearly see we create a lot of chances and we need to help the team more.
Any other player the club think that can help us is obviously welcome.


birminghammail--2020-01-19--'I expect something big' - Nuno on that tactical tweak, VAR, Neto and Wolves transfers

Pride was Nuno Espirito Santo ’ s overriding emotion after watching his depleted Wolves team produce a sensational comeback against Southampton .
Pedro Neto and Raul Jimenez ( 2 ) scored in the second half at St Mary ’ s to overturn a two-goal deficit and earn Wolves their first victory of 2020 .
The seven players on Nuno ’ s bench had an average age of just 22 - and that ’ s including veteran goalkeeper John Ruddy - but Nuno ’ s unchanged starting XI delivered on the south coast .
Here ’ s everything the boss said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said a lot of things .
We were aware of the situation in the first half , Southampton were much better than us in the first half .
Even though we started the game well - we had a chance , a couple of corners - but the first time we had to defend a set piece we conceded .
“ After Southampton go in front they become more aggressive so it 's important to have possession of the ball and that was not possible in the first half .
I think we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't abandon our tasks , which could happen , and the boys did amazing today.
” “ I 'm very proud of them .
We keep reacting .
We are trying to improve and manage the game a bit better , but like you say it 's been demanding and we are aware of how we are doing things and with who we are doing things .
“ Even in the first half , when we were losing , I was proud of the team .
The work-rate was there , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not happen .
We have known each other very well for two years now , so we know how to speak and react .
“ When you can abandon a game , we did n't do it .
The credit is for the boys , the fans who after we give them one goal they start pushing us and we won the game.
” “ It is ( incredible ) but it does n't change .
Many of us inside the room , if the result was a different one , we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware it 's been very demanding on the players .
We love to compete and that is n't going to change . ''
“ We just put Adama more in the middle .
When you adjust during the game , inside the stress of the game , and he immediately produces it 's a big step for you .
“ We do n't have time to be in the training ground so these solutions we have to give and we did it .
It was amazing , today was very important for us.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ images but we are speaking so much about VAR .
Every week VAR is on one side , today it was the other side .
It 's not clear .
When the message is sent by the fans who are in the stadium - I do n't want to repeat what they say - but it 's so clear that something has to be done .
“ I 'm very positive that something is going to be done because it 's not about the referees , it 's about making things clear and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be done ) but I have to focus on my work.
” “ He had a couple in the first half also !
This is the striker , you have chances and sometimes you do n't take it , but do n't ever give up .
“ Raul does n't give up and we are delighted with him.
” “ Finally he had one !
He has been sad , these two moments of individual glory have been taken away from him .
He 's a young boy , he did well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' We still need players , we still have to bring players who can help and improve us .
”

Pride was Nuno Espirito Santo’s overriding emotion after watching his depleted Wolves team produce a sensational comeback against Southampton.
Pedro Neto and Raul Jimenez (2) scored in the second half at St Mary’s to overturn a two-goal deficit and earn Wolves their first victory of 2020.
The seven players on Nuno’s bench had an average age of just 22 - and that’s including veteran goalkeeper John Ruddy - but Nuno’s unchanged starting XI delivered on the south coast.
Here’s everything the boss said after Wolves’ remarkable win
Half-time words
“We said a lot of things. We were aware of the situation in the first half, Southampton were much better than us in the first half. Even though we started the game well - we had a chance, a couple of corners - but the first time we had to defend a set piece we conceded.
“After Southampton go in front they become more aggressive so it's important to have possession of the ball and that was not possible in the first half. I think we adjusted in the second half. We didn't abandon our tasks, which could happen, and the boys did amazing today.”
‘We didn’t abandon it’
“I'm very proud of them. We keep reacting. We are trying to improve and manage the game a bit better, but like you say it's been demanding and we are aware of how we are doing things and with who we are doing things.
“Even in the first half, when we were losing, I was proud of the team. The work-rate was there, the standards were there, but things did not happen. We have known each other very well for two years now, so we know how to speak and react.
“When you can abandon a game, we didn't do it. The credit is for the boys, the fans who after we give them one goal they start pushing us and we won the game.”
Fitness levels
(Image: PA)
“It is (incredible) but it doesn't change. Many of us inside the room, if the result was a different one, we are speaking about other things. We are aware it's been very demanding on the players. We love to compete and that isn't going to change."
HT tactical tweak
“We just put Adama more in the middle. When you adjust during the game, inside the stress of the game, and he immediately produces it's a big step for you.
“We don't have time to be in the training ground so these solutions we have to give and we did it. It was amazing, today was very important for us.”
VAR on Wolves' side
“I haven't seen the images but we are speaking so much about VAR. Every week VAR is on one side, today it was the other side. It's not clear. When the message is sent by the fans who are in the stadium - I don't want to repeat what they say - but it's so clear that something has to be done.
(Image: Getty Images)
“I'm very positive that something is going to be done because it's not about the referees, it's about making things clear and better. I expect something big (to be done) but I have to focus on my work.”
Raul Jimenez
“He had a couple in the first half also! This is the striker, you have chances and sometimes you don't take it, but don't ever give up.
“Raul doesn't give up and we are delighted with him.”
Pedro Neto
(Image: PA)
“Finally he had one! He has been sad, these two moments of individual glory have been taken away from him. He's a young boy, he did well and he deserves a goal today.”
The obligatory transfer line
"We still need players, we still have to bring players who can help and improve us.”


birminghammail--2020-01-19--Peaky Blinders creator to open film and TV studios in Digbeth - complete with cobbled Victorian stre

Peaky Blinders creator to open film and TV studios in Digbeth - complete with cobbled Victorian street

Work is set to start this year on a multi million pound Birmingham media village - comprising of new film and TV studios .
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has revealed his Mercian studios will sit within a new `` residential , retail and food and drink neighbourhood '' in Digbeth .
In an exclusive interview with BirminghamLive , Steven revealed work is set to start in March 2020 - once contracts have been finalised and signed .
The 39 acres earmarked for the media village - which will be privately funded - will be `` a two minute walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HS2 station .
Steven told BirminghamLive : `` We 're hoping to make the announcement in March .
I 've been working with the city council , with Andy Street ... We are so close to making this happen .
`` It 's a very ambitious project that will begin as soon as the contracts are signed with the interested parties .
Then it 's all systems go . ''
Mercian Studios will be a hub of film and television studios and related industries - animation as well as virtual reality .
Steven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peaky Blinders , was made a CBE in the Queen 's New Year 's Honours for services to drama , entertainment and the community in Birmingham - the inspiration and setting for the show .
The proud Brummie writer and director has always seen Birmingham as playing a big part on the entertainment world stage - he first mooted his plans of a studio near the NEC back in 2016 but attention shifted to a city centre base 18 months ago .
He said : “ Studios are usually not slap bang in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create a community and neighbourhood - a place where people live and work , as well as hang out .
`` So there will be mixed used space available on the site for housing , restaurants , bars and restaurants . ''
`` I ca n't say the exact location in Digbeth but this is prime real estate .
The benefits will come to the city , not just in terms of the image of Birmingham .
The film and television industry is one of the most fastest growing industries in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we create jobs for people in the city - and not just technical media roles .
`` Although there will be apprenticeships for young people , the great thing about my industry - is that it employs people across a whole range of disciplines we need electricians , carpenters , set builders , the list goes on !
We want Brummies to get these jobs . ''
Steven will be working with British Film Institute and City of Birmingham University to help create apprenticeships .
He said : `` The London Film Academy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specifically to train people - young and not so young . ''
A number of TV and film executives , including from streaming site Netflix which has prioritised the UK for studio space , will be visiting the site in the next few weeks .
The 52-year-old said : `` Netflix is just one of the big media names interested in a site at the studios .
They are also looking at other places in the UK but obviously there are big benefits for having a Birmingham base . ''
Included in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which , when not used for filming purposes , will be open to Brummies as a new place to shop and go out .
If the plans are approved , it could become the perfect backdrop for one of Steven 's filming projects - a series of Charles Dickens novel adaptations for the BBC .
Most recently the broadcaster aired Steven 's adapted version of A Christmas Carol .
He said : `` All going well I would love to re create a cobbled Victorian street - but with businesses like a Turkish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brewery and gin distillery .
A different sort of High Street !
But one that can also be used for my BBC filming .
The BBC are among the most enthusiastic prospective tenants .
They are really keen to be part of Mercian Studios.
`` Steven dismisses the idea that the BBC as well as other broadcasters such as Channel 4 have so far chosen to ignore Birmingham 's potential as a filming site for their programming .
He said : `` It ’ s the city 's own fault we have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done anything about it .
We 've got to make it happen ourselves . ''
Now dividing his time between homes in London and Gloucestershire , Steven is pretty much born and bred in Brum - although born in Wiltshire , he returned to his family roots in Small Heath when he was a baby .
From humble beginnings , the Brummie blacksmith 's son is now an A list writer and director .
He 's worked with the creme de la creme of Hollywood - including a certain other Steven - Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - having filmed 2018 movie Ready Player One in Digbeth and Jewellery Quarter .
`` I worked with Steven on the film The Hundred Foot Journey which starred Helen Mirren .
He 's talked to me about what a great city Birmingham is for filming .
But to be honest he seemed most impressed by the Indian food here !
I think the curries are the main attraction for him . ''
Why has Steven picked Digbeth for his studios ?
`` We 're close to London- where we 're going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HS2 stop , so easy access to US talent and crew , '' he explains .
`` And more generally Birmingham itself - is a great urban environment for movies , the council are willing to close roads here , the people are not tired of film crews which can happen in places like New Orleans .
And there are other locations close by such as the Cotswolds and Stratford upon Avon . ''
So have you now scrapped ideas to open studios near the NEC ?
`` Potentially I am looking at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with more studio space being built near the NEC later- all going well with the Digbeth site .
`` There is a desperate shortage of studio space in the UK and so Birmingham needs to act quickly .
I heard about the Digbeth site in 2018 and we 've made good progress with plans . ''
`` And having the Peaky Blinders Festival here last year just confirmed to me what a fantastic area Digbeth is . ''
`` We are planning it - we can ’ t say its definitely happening this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coincide with the next series of Peaky Blinders and we won ’ t have a broadcast date for a while .
`` As soon as that ’ s sorted , we ’ ll announce the date . ''
Last year 's festival was an astounding success - with thousands descending on Digbeth from all over the globe including cities such as Paris and LA .
Past and present Peaky Blinders cast members who attended included Paul Anderson ( who plays Arthur Shelby ) , Sam Neil ( who played Major Campbell ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
The festival also included a stellar music line up headlined by Liam Gallagher .
Steven has promised an even `` bigger `` list of performers next time round .
He said : `` We have the enormous good will of people in the music industry who love Peaky Blinders - such as Liam .
The line up was great last time - for the next one it will be even bigger .
`` There are so many Peaky Blinders celebrity fans , naturally everyone wants to be involved.
`` And this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ queue of A Listers knocking on his door for a role in the next series. ''
Sadly , there is nothing I can say yet on who is taking part in the next series but when I can , you 'll be the first to know ! ''

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Work is set to start this year on a multi million pound Birmingham media village - comprising of new film and TV studios.
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has revealed his Mercian studios will sit within a new "residential, retail and food and drink neighbourhood" in Digbeth.
In an exclusive interview with BirminghamLive, Steven revealed work is set to start in March 2020 - once contracts have been finalised and signed.
The 39 acres earmarked for the media village - which will be privately funded - will be "a two minute walk" from the proposed Birmingham Curzon Street HS2 station.
Steven told BirminghamLive: "We're hoping to make the announcement in March. I've been working with the city council, with Andy Street... We are so close to making this happen.
"It's a very ambitious project that will begin as soon as the contracts are signed with the interested parties. Then it's all systems go."
(Image: Google maps)
Mercian Studios will be a hub of film and television studios and related industries - animation as well as virtual reality.
Steven, who shot to fame after creating Peaky Blinders, was made a CBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours for services to drama, entertainment and the community in Birmingham - the inspiration and setting for the show.
The proud Brummie writer and director has always seen Birmingham as playing a big part on the entertainment world stage - he first mooted his plans of a studio near the NEC back in 2016 but attention shifted to a city centre base 18 months ago.
He said: “Studios are usually not slap bang in a city but my plan is to create a community and neighbourhood - a place where people live and work, as well as hang out.
"So there will be mixed used space available on the site for housing, restaurants, bars and restaurants."
"I can't say the exact location in Digbeth but this is prime real estate. The benefits will come to the city, not just in terms of the image of Birmingham. The film and television industry is one of the most fastest growing industries in the country. The most important thing is that we create jobs for people in the city - and not just technical media roles.
"Although there will be apprenticeships for young people, the great thing about my industry - is that it employs people across a whole range of disciplines we need electricians, carpenters, set builders, the list goes on! We want Brummies to get these jobs."
Steven will be working with British Film Institute and Birmingham City University to help create apprenticeships.
He said: "The London Film Academy is opening a Birmingham Film Academy - specifically to train people - young and not so young."
A number of TV and film executives, including from streaming site Netflix which has prioritised the UK for studio space, will be visiting the site in the next few weeks.
The 52-year-old said: "Netflix is just one of the big media names interested in a site at the studios. They are also looking at other places in the UK but obviously there are big benefits for having a Birmingham base."
Included in the plans is a Victorian 'working' street which, when not used for filming purposes, will be open to Brummies as a new place to shop and go out.
If the plans are approved, it could become the perfect backdrop for one of Steven's filming projects - a series of Charles Dickens novel adaptations for the BBC. Most recently the broadcaster aired Steven's adapted version of A Christmas Carol.
He said: "All going well I would love to re create a cobbled Victorian street - but with businesses like a Turkish Baths, fish and chips shop, brewery and gin distillery. A different sort of High Street! But one that can also be used for my BBC filming. The BBC are among the most enthusiastic prospective tenants. They are really keen to be part of Mercian Studios. "
(Image: Kurt Iswarienko / FX Networks)
Steven dismisses the idea that the BBC as well as other broadcasters such as Channel 4 have so far chosen to ignore Birmingham's potential as a filming site for their programming.
He said: "It’s the city's own fault we have been neglected media wise. We've not done anything about it. We've got to make it happen ourselves."
Now dividing his time between homes in London and Gloucestershire, Steven is pretty much born and bred in Brum - although born in Wiltshire, he returned to his family roots in Small Heath when he was a baby.
From humble beginnings, the Brummie blacksmith's son is now an A list writer and director. He's worked with the creme de la creme of Hollywood - including a certain other Steven - Mr Spielberg, himself no stranger to Brum - having filmed 2018 movie Ready Player One in Digbeth and Jewellery Quarter.
"I worked with Steven on the film The Hundred Foot Journey which starred Helen Mirren. He's talked to me about what a great city Birmingham is for filming. But to be honest he seemed most impressed by the Indian food here! I think the curries are the main attraction for him."
Why has Steven picked Digbeth for his studios?
"We're close to London- where we're going to be is a two minute walk from the HS2 stop, so easy access to US talent and crew," he explains.
"And more generally Birmingham itself - is a great urban environment for movies, the council are willing to close roads here, the people are not tired of film crews which can happen in places like New Orleans. And there are other locations close by such as the Cotswolds and Stratford upon Avon."
So have you now scrapped ideas to open studios near the NEC?
"Potentially I am looking at Mercian as a 2 Phase deal - with more studio space being built near the NEC later- all going well with the Digbeth site.
"There is a desperate shortage of studio space in the UK and so Birmingham needs to act quickly. I heard about the Digbeth site in 2018 and we've made good progress with plans."
(Image: Sky Cinema / Sky Originals / Serenity)
"And having the Peaky Blinders Festival here last year just confirmed to me what a fantastic area Digbeth is."
What's happening with the Peaky Blinders Festival 2020?
"We are planning it - we can’t say its definitely happening this year though. I want it to coincide with the next series of Peaky Blinders and we won’t have a broadcast date for a while.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
"As soon as that’s sorted, we’ll announce the date."
Last year's festival was an astounding success - with thousands descending on Digbeth from all over the globe including cities such as Paris and LA.
Past and present Peaky Blinders cast members who attended included Paul Anderson (who plays Arthur Shelby), Sam Neil (who played Major Campbell), Sam Clafin (who plays Oswold Moseley).
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
The festival also included a stellar music line up headlined by Liam Gallagher. Steven has promised an even " bigger " list of performers next time round.
He said: "We have the enormous good will of people in the music industry who love Peaky Blinders - such as Liam. The line up was great last time - for the next one it will be even bigger.
"There are so many Peaky Blinders celebrity fans, naturally everyone wants to be involved. "
And this of course also means Steven has a queue of A Listers knocking on his door for a role in the next series.
" Sadly, there is nothing I can say yet on who is taking part in the next series but when I can, you'll be the first to know!"


birminghammail--2020-01-19--Aston Villa transfer news live: Club chief makes Samatta claim as new option emerges

Welcome to Sunday 's LIVE Aston Villa coverage , brought to you by BirminghamLive .
Villa were back in Premier @ @ @ @ @ as they returned from the south coast with a decent point in a 1-1 draw @ @ @ @ @ .
Jack Grealish was the man to dig Villa out yet again with a superb @ @ @ @ @ a draw .
We will have all the reaction to that one , and also @ @ @ @ @ rumours - with Villa having already completed two signings this window and a third is @ @ @ @ @ Danny Drinkwater and Pepe Reina have both joined until the end of the season but @ @ @ @ @ priority for Dean Smith , with the man himself given an update on Mbwana Ally @ @ @ @ @ .
With Samatta poised to join , we will also have all the latest news @ @ @ @ @ incomings and outgoings at Villa Park .
Follow all the action below ...

18:34
Explained: Borja Baston
The Spaniard, 27, will arrive on a short-term deal on a free transfer. Swansea are more than happy to let him go given his contract is set to expire this summer. Here, Swansea City reporter for Wales Online, Ian Mitchelmore, provides the following lowdown, with Villa just taking up the striker’s wages.
It’s worth noting that Baston has the same agent as Pepe Reina while the forward knows Villa’s sporting director Suso from his time in Spain.
(Image: Getty Images)
How has this deal suddenly come about, is Baston out-of-favour at Swans - why?
Borja started the season like a house on fire, scoring five goals in August. But his style has never suited Swansea, and once he struggled again, he lost his place to Sam Surridge, and more recently Rhian Brewster. His sky-high wages are also a huge problem for Swansea, so from a financial point of view, offloading him will be a huge help to the club.
What’s been Baston’s story at Swansea, a big-money signing in 2016... not happened?
He came into a Swansea side that had abandoned their famed style of play and managed just one goal in his debut season at the club, despite being the club-record signing. He had two season-long loans in Spain before returning to the club last summer, but it’s safe to say he’s - pound for pound - one of the worst signings in the club’s history.
What are his strengths/weaknesses?
He’s a pretty good finisher, as he showed in August. His clinical nature was vital as Swansea collected a significant number of points, despite not playing to their full potential. As for weaknesses, he’s not the quickest, so running in behind isn’t an option. He’s not the most mobile either, so he’s not someone you’ll see pressing from the front.
Just how surprised are Swansea given Premier League interest? Can he cut it?
It’s come as a huge surprise. The club have been willing to sell him for some time now in a bid to reduce the wage bill, but after such a woeful scoring record since joining the club, for a Premier League club to come knocking is quite simply astonishing. Can he cut it? He hasn’t at Swansea, but you don’t play for the likes of Atletico Madrid without having something about you.