birminghammail--2020-01-30--Nurse with terminal cancer told she had months to live is still alive 10 years later

A nurse who planned her own funeral after being told she had terminal cancer and just months to live has returned to work after still being alive - TEN years later .
Brave Gemma Wensley , 37 , was told she had a inoperable brain tumour a decade ago and even began planning her own send-off .
But against all the odds , she has survived her cancer and nearly five years of treatment , and is now back working part-time at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital .
Although she still has a tumour in her brain , annual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no change in the mass and Gemma , of Exeter , Devon , said she remains hopeful that will continue .
To mark the landmark 10th anniversary , Gemma – with the help of family and friends – is now resurrecting a popular fundraising festival which was previously held annually in her honour .
Gemfest , a unique indoor music and performance festival , is being staged Exeter Phoenix .
And ahead of the April event , Gemma has reflected on her miraculous survival story .
She said she had just turned 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to Exeter for the weekend and first began experiencing problems with her sight .
A initial scan showed a benign growth on her brain but she was continually monitored and just before Christmas 2009 something more concerning showed up on a further scan .
She said : `` At that point I was told it was quite bad and that I had an inoperable brain tumour .
I started treatment at the beginning of 2010 .
“ Four months later in the May , doctors were saying I was looking at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tumour had tripled in size.
” Gemma , who had moved in with her aunt in Exeter , began making preparations for her death such as giving back cards and gifts people had bought for her to remember her by , and was planning her funeral .
“ I was very practical about everything , '' recalled Gemma .
`` It was such a strange feeling as all I wanted was to do things so that people didn ’ t have to worry about anything when I was gone .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so I couldn ’ t achieve a bucket list .
As I have lived in different parts of the country , I have friends visit me and I suppose they came to say goodbye.
” However , Gemma gradually started to get better and the more time that passed , the more hopeful her prognosis became .
She added : “ I had radiotherapy and chemotherapy together for six weeks and then monthly doses of chemotherapy in tablet form .
In total I had just over 50 rounds in four and half years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my hair and the steroids I was on made me put on a few stone ; I was massive .
“ To this day they still don ’ t really know what happened to change my diagnosis .
Radiotherapy can cause a tumour to suddenly grow and gradually shrink again , but mine happened so much later .
“ The tumour is still there but it is not growing and it appears to be non-maligant . ''
For Gemma , it has been a long and difficult journey to go from accepting her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear of what her next scan could reveal .
She said : “ It ’ s been slow , single steps and after every scan I have got a little bit more confident .
For years , every time I had a scan and had previously had earache or a headache , I would get quite panicky and think it had come back .
“ It has been a very gradual process learning to live with still having a tumour , as well as realising it would not kill me .
“ Every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now 10 years on I still don ’ t feel I ’ m completely recovered , but I ’ m more confident that I will now probably make it to an oldish age.
” When it comes to birthdays , one Gemma will never forget is her 30th which was two years after her terminal diagnosis .
It was an age doctors never thought she would reach and to mark the occasion , family and friends , including her sister Yazmine Robinson , organised a surprise party dubbed Gemfest .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ music festivals and it sowed the seed of an idea to organise annual Gemfest ’ s to raise money for Hospiscare ’ s Exeter day hospice - where she received physical , physiological and emotional support during her darkest days - and for the Brain Tumour Charity .
The first one was held in 2014 and then five more consecutively raising more than £25,000 for the two charities .
It is now back again this year to mark Gemma ’ s 10 anniversary of being diagnosed .
She said : “ I took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went back to work part-time as a recovery nurse at the RD & E .
I really enjoy it so it ’ s good to be back .
“ I do suffer a bit from short term memory less , and I get very tired very easily as my brain has been through a lot .
“ I also have Type 2 diabetes as a result of the steroids I took and my body is covered in scars .
“ If I look back at pictures from 10 years ago it almost feels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t quite believe it ever happened .
It ’ s a funny feeling .
“ Now that it has been a whole decade I ’ ve just got to try my best to put it behind me .
I will never be able to as I have to have a scan every month , and the tumour is still there , but now I ’ m not that girl who has a brain tumour ; I ’ m just me and I need to adapt back to being that person .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because people ask if I have had the all clear .
I will never have it because the tumour will always be there , but I need to get to the point where I try and forget it ’ s there .
“ In the meantime I ’ m really looking forward to organising another Gemfest .
I did not expect to be doing one 10 years later as I didn ’ t expect to be alive .
“ This year will be emotional as it ’ s a big thing for me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is also being held in honour of my friend Gemma Shire .
We went on our cancer journey together and she passed away in August 2018 .
“ She was always known among my friends as ‘ the other Gemma ’ , but she lost her fight , so this year 's festival is bitter sweet , but it will be a tribute to her.
” Gemfest is being held on Easter Sunday , April 12 , with free , family-orientated events for children of all ages during the daytime from 11am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening , from 6pm until 12am , there will be an eclectic mix of live music over two stages , a silent disco and other entertainment .
Gemma ’ s friend and fellow Gemfest organiser , Susan Luscombe , said : “ We are so very proud of Gemma in all that she has achieved in the last few years .
Returning to work as a nurse has been a huge milestone for Gemma .
“ We all love her dearly and I personally feel very privileged to call her my best friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Gemma is a true inspiration ; she has maintained a positive attitude throughout .
Gemma was given the worst possible news 10 years ago but she has never given up hope of recovery and look where we are now .
After a break from organising the festival so she could return to work , we are now back and hoping for our best year yet !
” Evening entry into Gemfest costs £10 and tickets are available on the door or from the Exeter Phoenix Box Office .
More information can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instagram – Gemfest Exeter or Twitter @ gemfestexeter .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Tom Bevan and Anita Merritt, James Rodger)

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A nurse who planned her own funeral after being told she had terminal cancer and just months to live has returned to work after still being alive - TEN years later.
Brave Gemma Wensley, 37, was told she had a inoperable brain tumour a decade ago and even began planning her own send-off.
But against all the odds, she has survived her cancer and nearly five years of treatment, and is now back working part-time at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
Although she still has a tumour in her brain, annual scans have continued to show there is no change in the mass and Gemma, of Exeter, Devon, said she remains hopeful that will continue.
To mark the landmark 10th anniversary, Gemma – with the help of family and friends – is now resurrecting a popular fundraising festival which was previously held annually in her honour.
(Image: SWNS)
Gemfest, a unique indoor music and performance festival, is being staged Exeter Phoenix.
And ahead of the April event, Gemma has reflected on her miraculous survival story.
She said she had just turned 23 and living in London when she came back to Exeter for the weekend and first began experiencing problems with her sight.
A initial scan showed a benign growth on her brain but she was continually monitored and just before Christmas 2009 something more concerning showed up on a further scan.
(Image: SWNS)
She said: "At that point I was told it was quite bad and that I had an inoperable brain tumour. I started treatment at the beginning of 2010.
“Four months later in the May, doctors were saying I was looking at a matter of months left to live because the tumour had tripled in size.”
Gemma, who had moved in with her aunt in Exeter, began making preparations for her death such as giving back cards and gifts people had bought for her to remember her by, and was planning her funeral.
“I was very practical about everything," recalled Gemma. "It was such a strange feeling as all I wanted was to do things so that people didn’t have to worry about anything when I was gone.
“I was really poorly for quite a while so I couldn’t achieve a bucket list. As I have lived in different parts of the country, I have friends visit me and I suppose they came to say goodbye.”
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
However, Gemma gradually started to get better and the more time that passed, the more hopeful her prognosis became.
She added: “I had radiotherapy and chemotherapy together for six weeks and then monthly doses of chemotherapy in tablet form. In total I had just over 50 rounds in four and half years.
“I lost a lot of my hair and the steroids I was on made me put on a few stone; I was massive.
“To this day they still don’t really know what happened to change my diagnosis. Radiotherapy can cause a tumour to suddenly grow and gradually shrink again, but mine happened so much later.
“The tumour is still there but it is not growing and it appears to be non-maligant."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
For Gemma, it has been a long and difficult journey to go from accepting her fate to trying to not live in fear of what her next scan could reveal.
She said: “It’s been slow, single steps and after every scan I have got a little bit more confident. For years, every time I had a scan and had previously had earache or a headache, I would get quite panicky and think it had come back.
“It has been a very gradual process learning to live with still having a tumour, as well as realising it would not kill me.
“Every year I was a little bit better and now 10 years on I still don’t feel I’m completely recovered, but I’m more confident that I will now probably make it to an oldish age.”
When it comes to birthdays, one Gemma will never forget is her 30th which was two years after her terminal diagnosis.
It was an age doctors never thought she would reach and to mark the occasion, family and friends, including her sister Yazmine Robinson, organised a surprise party dubbed Gemfest.
It was based on Gemma’s love of music festivals and it sowed the seed of an idea to organise annual Gemfest’s to raise money for Hospiscare’s Exeter day hospice - where she received physical, physiological and emotional support during her darkest days - and for the Brain Tumour Charity.
The first one was held in 2014 and then five more consecutively raising more than £25,000 for the two charities.
It is now back again this year to mark Gemma’s 10 anniversary of being diagnosed.
She said: “I took a couple of years out as I went back to work part-time as a recovery nurse at the RD&E. I really enjoy it so it’s good to be back.
“I do suffer a bit from short term memory less, and I get very tired very easily as my brain has been through a lot.
“I also have Type 2 diabetes as a result of the steroids I took and my body is covered in scars.
“If I look back at pictures from 10 years ago it almost feels like a bad dream and I can’t quite believe it ever happened. It’s a funny feeling.
“Now that it has been a whole decade I’ve just got to try my best to put it behind me. I will never be able to as I have to have a scan every month, and the tumour is still there, but now I’m not that girl who has a brain tumour; I’m just me and I need to adapt back to being that person.
“It’s a very unique situation because people ask if I have had the all clear. I will never have it because the tumour will always be there, but I need to get to the point where I try and forget it’s there.
“In the meantime I’m really looking forward to organising another Gemfest. I did not expect to be doing one 10 years later as I didn’t expect to be alive.
“This year will be emotional as it’s a big thing for me. It will also be sad because it is also being held in honour of my friend Gemma Shire. We went on our cancer journey together and she passed away in August 2018.
“She was always known among my friends as ‘the other Gemma’, but she lost her fight, so this year's festival is bitter sweet, but it will be a tribute to her.”
Gemfest is being held on Easter Sunday, April 12, with free, family-orientated events for children of all ages during the daytime from 11am to 4pm, and then in the evening, from 6pm until 12am, there will be an eclectic mix of live music over two stages, a silent disco and other entertainment.
Gemma’s friend and fellow Gemfest organiser, Susan Luscombe, said: “We are so very proud of Gemma in all that she has achieved in the last few years. Returning to work as a nurse has been a huge milestone for Gemma.
“We all love her dearly and I personally feel very privileged to call her my best friend.
“To her friends and family, Gemma is a true inspiration; she has maintained a positive attitude throughout. Gemma was given the worst possible news 10 years ago but she has never given up hope of recovery and look where we are now. After a break from organising the festival so she could return to work, we are now back and hoping for our best year yet!”
Evening entry into Gemfest costs £10 and tickets are available on the door or from the Exeter Phoenix Box Office. More information can be found on Facebook – Gemfest Exeter, Instagram – Gemfest Exeter or Twitter @gemfestexeter.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Family reunited with missing pet cat - 12 years after she disappeared

A family have been reunited with their beloved pet cat after she was found by an animal charity -- 12 YEARS after she went missing .
The Nash family assumed the worst after their cat Kitty went missing in 2008 .
In an incredible turn of events , Kitty was found alive by a member of the public who brought her to animal charity Blue Cross earlier this month .
Thanks to Kitty 's microchip , the charity were able to find her family and rang mum Julia Nash , 56 , to tell her the good news .
Julia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a friend when I got the call and I was in complete shock , repeating 'Kitty ?
You found Kitty ?
My Kitty ? '
like a broken record .
`` It just did n't seem real , it had been 12 years , I was sure that she 'd sadly died after going missing but here was someone on the phone telling me they had her .
`` I drove to Blue Cross that very same day to go get her with my son Phillip , and I was convinced that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been too long .
`` Kitty looked so skinny and small , and she had her back to us , cowering in the corner which broke my heart .
`` I gently called her name and she turned around immediately , recognised me and ran over , putting her paws on my shoulder , kissing me and rubbing her head into my cheek .
`` I burst out crying , then Phillip cried , and even the nurses started crying - it was very emotional and so beautiful that my lovely little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Julia from Sutton had originally bought Kitty from a local pet shop in 2003 after her children Sam , then 7 , Hannah , then 3 , and Phillip , then 1 , fell in love with her .
Kitty was Julia 's children 's first pet and soon became a beloved member of the family , moving house with the kids and Julia when she split from her partner in January 2007 .
Julia 's kids would return to their father 's house on the weekends and Kitty would follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one mile distance by foot before the children brought her back at the end of the weekend .
The family grew used to Kitty disappearing for the weekend , but when she did n't turn up at the old house in late 2008 , they began to worry .
As the months passed by with no sign of Kitty , the family feared the worst and mourned their beloved cat .
Julia 's children grew up and over the years , Julia welcomed more cats into their family and has now brought Kitty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daisy , 9 , and Cookie , 3 .
Julia said : `` Kitty was nervous when she first came home after living on the streets for so long and she stayed in the bathroom , sleeping under the radiator to keep warm as she was so skinny .
`` She 's on medication for an overactive thyroid and a high heart and she 's now doing really well .
`` Kitty has taken over my daughter 's bedroom and is eating so much food - she wolfs down about six pouches of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really making up for lost time !
`` She is 16 years old now and has already shown my other cats whos boss - if they try to come up the stairs when she 's sat at the top , she 'll hiss at them until they run away !
`` I feel very thankful she 's back - I 'm so grateful to Blue Cross for looking after her and checking her microchip so that she could be reunited with us .
`` Lots of private vets do n't scan for microchips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that whoever found Kitty took her to Blue Cross who do and now we have our girl back finally . ''
Blue Cross is an animal charity that helps sick , injured and homeless pets , re homing animals and educating people on animal welfare .
Louise Newman , Practice Manager at Blue Cross animal hospital in Merton , said : “ We ’ re delighted Miss Kitty has been reunited with her owner and is getting on so well back in her home .
“ We couldn ’ t believe the length @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been missing .
`` It really shows how important it is to ensure your pet is microchipped and your details kept updated .
`` Luckily , the owner had kept the same phone number and we were able to get in touch with her to reunite her with Miss Kitty .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Charlotte Penketh-King, James Rodger)

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A family have been reunited with their beloved pet cat after she was found by an animal charity -- 12 YEARS after she went missing.
The Nash family assumed the worst after their cat Kitty went missing in 2008.
In an incredible turn of events, Kitty was found alive by a member of the public who brought her to animal charity Blue Cross earlier this month.
Thanks to Kitty's microchip, the charity were able to find her family and rang mum Julia Nash, 56, to tell her the good news.
Julia said: "I was having coffee with a friend when I got the call and I was in complete shock, repeating 'Kitty? You found Kitty? My Kitty?' like a broken record.
"It just didn't seem real, it had been 12 years, I was sure that she'd sadly died after going missing but here was someone on the phone telling me they had her.
(Image: Julia Nash /SWNS.COM)
"I drove to Blue Cross that very same day to go get her with my son Phillip, and I was convinced that she wouldn't remember me, it had been too long.
"Kitty looked so skinny and small, and she had her back to us, cowering in the corner which broke my heart.
"I gently called her name and she turned around immediately, recognised me and ran over, putting her paws on my shoulder, kissing me and rubbing her head into my cheek.
"I burst out crying, then Phillip cried, and even the nurses started crying - it was very emotional and so beautiful that my lovely little girl remembered me after so long apart."
(Image: Julia Nash /SWNS.COM)
Julia from Sutton had originally bought Kitty from a local pet shop in 2003 after her children Sam, then 7, Hannah, then 3, and Phillip, then 1, fell in love with her.
Kitty was Julia's children's first pet and soon became a beloved member of the family, moving house with the kids and Julia when she split from her partner in January 2007.
Julia's kids would return to their father's house on the weekends and Kitty would follow to her old home, walking the one mile distance by foot before the children brought her back at the end of the weekend.
(Image: Julia Nash /SWNS.COM)
The family grew used to Kitty disappearing for the weekend, but when she didn't turn up at the old house in late 2008, they began to worry.
As the months passed by with no sign of Kitty, the family feared the worst and mourned their beloved cat.
Julia's children grew up and over the years, Julia welcomed more cats into their family and has now brought Kitty home to meet Milly, 10, Daisy, 9, and Cookie, 3.
Julia said: "Kitty was nervous when she first came home after living on the streets for so long and she stayed in the bathroom, sleeping under the radiator to keep warm as she was so skinny.
"She's on medication for an overactive thyroid and a high heart and she's now doing really well.
(Image: Julia Nash /SWNS.COM)
"Kitty has taken over my daughter's bedroom and is eating so much food - she wolfs down about six pouches of cat food a day, so is really making up for lost time!
"She is 16 years old now and has already shown my other cats whos boss - if they try to come up the stairs when she's sat at the top, she'll hiss at them until they run away!
"I feel very thankful she's back - I'm so grateful to Blue Cross for looking after her and checking her microchip so that she could be reunited with us.
"Lots of private vets don't scan for microchips, so I'm just really pleased that whoever found Kitty took her to Blue Cross who do and now we have our girl back finally."
Blue Cross is an animal charity that helps sick, injured and homeless pets, re homing animals and educating people on animal welfare.
Louise Newman, Practice Manager at Blue Cross animal hospital in Merton, said: “We’re delighted Miss Kitty has been reunited with her owner and is getting on so well back in her home.
“We couldn’t believe the length of time that had passed since she had been missing.
"It really shows how important it is to ensure your pet is microchipped and your details kept updated.
"Luckily, the owner had kept the same phone number and we were able to get in touch with her to reunite her with Miss Kitty.”


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Harvey Weinstein accusers tell trial he excused depraved acts as 'film industry norm'

A woman has told jurors that Harvey Weinstein led her to a New York hotel bed and put his hand up her skirt during a 2004 meeting about her acting career .
Another woman , Tarale Wulff , said Weinstein grabbed her arm as she served cocktails at one of his usual Manhattan haunts in 2005 , led her towards a darkened area and started masturbating .
She alleges Weinstein later raped her .
Ms Wulff and the woman in the alleged hotel encounter , Dawn Dunning , took to the witness stand at Weinstein 's rape trial , describing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their vulnerabilities while pushing the notion that sex could lead to film roles .
Their allegations are not part of the underlying criminal charges , because of the statute of limitations and other legal reasons , but they could be a big factor in whether he goes to prison at the end of the landmark £MeToo-era trial .
`` I stood up .
I was in shock , '' Ms Dunning said , fighting back tears as she described a hotel room encounter she said happened when she was 24 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said , 'Do n't make a big deal about this .
It will never happen again . ''
' Asked by prosecutor Meghan Hast whether she was gaining anything by giving evidence at the trial , Ms Dunning responded : `` No , if anything I 'm losing .
This is the worst and hardest thing I 've ever done . ''
Weinstein , 67 , is charged with forcing oral sex on Mimi Haleyi , at the time a Project Runway production assistant , in 2006 and raping another aspiring actress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence later this week .
Weinstein has insisted any sexual encounters were consensual .
His lawyers raised doubts about Ms Wulff 's recollection , after she disclosed that she had worked with a therapist for a year to fill gaps in her memory .
For instance , Ms Wulff said , she had no clear memory of how she and Weinstein 's clothing came off .
Weinstein 's lawyers also questioned why Ms Dunning waited until last summer to tell prosecutors that Weinstein had fondled her after she had gone public with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in The New York Times in October 2017 .
Manhattan prosecutors are having Ms Dunning , Ms Wulff and a third woman give evidence under a state law that allows evidence about so-called `` prior bad acts '' , enabling them to explore things like motive , opportunity , intent and a common scheme or plan .
Jurors have already heard from actress Annabella Sciorra , who said Weinstein overpowered and raped her after barging into her apartment in the mid-1990s .
A tearful Ms Haleyi described how she tried to fight off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Tuesday , Ms Haleyi 's former roommate , Elizabeth Entin , took to the stand to corroborate her evidence .
Ms Dunning said she met Weinstein while waiting tables at a Manhattan nightclub where bottle service was a trend for the rich and famous .
Weinstein immediately appeared to take an interest in her fledgling acting career , she said , and invited her to a lunch meeting where , noting his infamous temper , she said he was `` on the phone a lot yelling at people '' .
Several meetings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one at a boutique hotel in Manhattan 's Soho neighbourhood where Weinstein was using a suite as a temporary office .
At one point she said Weinstein led her into a bedroom and they sat down on the bed .
She said : `` I was wearing a skirt that day and he put his hand up my skirt .
There was no red flags or alerts that would make me expect it to happen . ''
Ms Dunning said she `` just kind of gave him the benefit of the doubt '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again .
She said she did not scream or yell and did not tell anyone because she was embarrassed and did not want to be a victim .
Ms Dunning said that she later agreed to meet Weinstein at a cigar bar , but that an assistant took her to a suite where the Pulp Fiction producer was standing in a bathrobe .
There , she said Weinstein showed her a contract for three movie roles she would get on the condition she had `` a threesome with his assistant '' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of laughed , I thought he was kidding , and he had kind of a crass sense of humour , '' Ms Dunning said .
`` But when I started laughing , he got really angry and started screaming at me .
He said , 'you 'll never make it in this business , this is how this industry works . ''
' She said Weinstein went on to mention actresses Salma Hayek and Charlize Theron , implying they had done similar things to achieve success .
Ms Hayek has said that Weinstein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Theron voiced anger with Weinstein when some of his accusers previously alleged he had suggested they had slept together .
Ms Dunning said she did not know what Weinstein would do next , so she ran for the door and down the hall to the lift .
`` He was a big guy ; he was towering over me .
I was really scared , '' she said .
Ms Dunning first told the The New York Times about the alleged jobs-for-sex proposals in October 2017 , but said she did not disclose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last summer .
Ms Wulff said met Weinstein while working as a cocktail waitress at a members-only club on Broadway .
She said she told Weinstein she was an aspiring actress , though she had never performed before .
After Weinstein led her to a terrace area , Ms Wulff said she noticed his shirt moving .
`` I realised he was masturbating , '' she said , adding that she froze and scooted around Weinstein to go back to the bar .

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A woman has told jurors that Harvey Weinstein led her to a New York hotel bed and put his hand up her skirt during a 2004 meeting about her acting career.
Another woman, Tarale Wulff, said Weinstein grabbed her arm as she served cocktails at one of his usual Manhattan haunts in 2005, led her towards a darkened area and started masturbating. She alleges Weinstein later raped her.
Ms Wulff and the woman in the alleged hotel encounter, Dawn Dunning, took to the witness stand at Weinstein's rape trial, describing a powerful Hollywood figure they say preyed on their vulnerabilities while pushing the notion that sex could lead to film roles.
Their allegations are not part of the underlying criminal charges, because of the statute of limitations and other legal reasons, but they could be a big factor in whether he goes to prison at the end of the landmark £MeToo-era trial.
"I stood up. I was in shock," Ms Dunning said, fighting back tears as she described a hotel room encounter she said happened when she was 24. "He just started talking really fast. He said, 'Don't make a big deal about this. It will never happen again."'
(Image: Getty Images)
Asked by prosecutor Meghan Hast whether she was gaining anything by giving evidence at the trial, Ms Dunning responded: "No, if anything I'm losing. This is the worst and hardest thing I've ever done."
Weinstein, 67, is charged with forcing oral sex on Mimi Haleyi, at the time a Project Runway production assistant, in 2006 and raping another aspiring actress in 2013. That woman could give evidence later this week.
Weinstein has insisted any sexual encounters were consensual.
His lawyers raised doubts about Ms Wulff's recollection, after she disclosed that she had worked with a therapist for a year to fill gaps in her memory. For instance, Ms Wulff said, she had no clear memory of how she and Weinstein's clothing came off.
Weinstein's lawyers also questioned why Ms Dunning waited until last summer to tell prosecutors that Weinstein had fondled her after she had gone public with the jobs-for-sex allegation, first in an article in The New York Times in October 2017.
Manhattan prosecutors are having Ms Dunning, Ms Wulff and a third woman give evidence under a state law that allows evidence about so-called "prior bad acts", enabling them to explore things like motive, opportunity, intent and a common scheme or plan.
(Image: Getty Images)
Jurors have already heard from actress Annabella Sciorra, who said Weinstein overpowered and raped her after barging into her apartment in the mid-1990s.
A tearful Ms Haleyi described how she tried to fight off Weinstein before he sexually assaulted her. On Tuesday, Ms Haleyi's former roommate, Elizabeth Entin, took to the stand to corroborate her evidence.
Ms Dunning said she met Weinstein while waiting tables at a Manhattan nightclub where bottle service was a trend for the rich and famous.
Weinstein immediately appeared to take an interest in her fledgling acting career, she said, and invited her to a lunch meeting where, noting his infamous temper, she said he was "on the phone a lot yelling at people".
Several meetings followed, Ms Dunning said, including one at a boutique hotel in Manhattan's Soho neighbourhood where Weinstein was using a suite as a temporary office. At one point she said Weinstein led her into a bedroom and they sat down on the bed.
She said: "I was wearing a skirt that day and he put his hand up my skirt. There was no red flags or alerts that would make me expect it to happen."
Ms Dunning said she "just kind of gave him the benefit of the doubt" when Weinstein said it would not happen again. She said she did not scream or yell and did not tell anyone because she was embarrassed and did not want to be a victim.
Ms Dunning said that she later agreed to meet Weinstein at a cigar bar, but that an assistant took her to a suite where the Pulp Fiction producer was standing in a bathrobe.
There, she said Weinstein showed her a contract for three movie roles she would get on the condition she had "a threesome with his assistant".
(Image: AP)
"When he said that, I kind of laughed, I thought he was kidding, and he had kind of a crass sense of humour," Ms Dunning said. "But when I started laughing, he got really angry and started screaming at me. He said, 'you'll never make it in this business, this is how this industry works."'
She said Weinstein went on to mention actresses Salma Hayek and Charlize Theron, implying they had done similar things to achieve success. Ms Hayek has said that Weinstein repeatedly harassed and bullied her. Ms Theron voiced anger with Weinstein when some of his accusers previously alleged he had suggested they had slept together.
Ms Dunning said she did not know what Weinstein would do next, so she ran for the door and down the hall to the lift. "He was a big guy; he was towering over me. I was really scared," she said.
Ms Dunning first told the The New York Times about the alleged jobs-for-sex proposals in October 2017, but said she did not disclose the alleged fondling incident to prosecutors until last summer.
Ms Wulff said met Weinstein while working as a cocktail waitress at a members-only club on Broadway. She said she told Weinstein she was an aspiring actress, though she had never performed before.
After Weinstein led her to a terrace area, Ms Wulff said she noticed his shirt moving.
"I realised he was masturbating," she said, adding that she froze and scooted around Weinstein to go back to the bar.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Beyonce pays heartbreaking Kobe Bryant tribute after helicopter crash

Beyonce has paid tribute to Kobe Bryant after the retired basketball star was killed in a helicopter crash alongside his teenage daughter and seven others .
Bryant , one of the sport 's biggest names , died on Sunday when the aircraft he was flying in crashed in foggy weather in Calabasas , near Los Angeles .
His 13-year-old daughter Gianna , also known as Gigi , was among the dead .
Beyonce has now paid tribute , sharing a series of pictures to Instagram and promising to pray for the athlete 's wife and three daughters .
Alongside an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the head , she wrote : `` I will continue to diligently pray for your Queens .
You are deeply missed beloved Kobe . ''
Beyonce also posted a childhood picture of Bryant , 41 , and a photograph of Gigi .
Her tribute came after the retired NBA star 's devastated wife spoke publicly for the first time since losing her husband and daughter .
Vanessa Bryant , who would have celebrated her 19th wedding anniversary in April , had four daughters with Bryant .
She thanked fans for the global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a fund to help support the other families affected by the crash .
`` Thank you for all the prayers .
We definitely need them , '' Mrs Bryant , 37 , said .
`` We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband , Kobe - the amazing father of our children ; and my beautiful , sweet Gianna - a loving , thoughtful , and wonderful daughter , and amazing sister to Natalia , Bianka , and Capri .
`` We are also devastated for the families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we share in their grief intimately . ''
Funeral or memorial plans for Kobe and Gianna are yet to be announced .
Mrs Bryant asked for a continued respect of her family 's privacy as they begin to `` navigate this new reality '' .
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner has identified all nine victims of Sunday 's crash .
As well as the Bryants , John Altobelli , 56 , Keri Altobelli , 46 , and 13-year-old Alyssa Altobelli were killed .
Christina Mauser , 38 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pilot Ara Zobayan .
Mother and daughter Sarah Chester , 45 , and Payton Chester , 13 , were also killed .

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Beyonce has paid tribute to Kobe Bryant after the retired basketball star was killed in a helicopter crash alongside his teenage daughter and seven others.
Bryant, one of the sport's biggest names, died on Sunday when the aircraft he was flying in crashed in foggy weather in Calabasas, near Los Angeles.
His 13-year-old daughter Gianna, also known as Gigi, was among the dead.
Beyonce has now paid tribute, sharing a series of pictures to Instagram and promising to pray for the athlete's wife and three daughters.
Alongside an image of Bryant kissing a smiling Gigi on the head, she wrote: "I will continue to diligently pray for your Queens. You are deeply missed beloved Kobe."
Beyonce also posted a childhood picture of Bryant, 41, and a photograph of Gigi.
Her tribute came after the retired NBA star's devastated wife spoke publicly for the first time since losing her husband and daughter.
Vanessa Bryant, who would have celebrated her 19th wedding anniversary in April, had four daughters with Bryant.
She thanked fans for the global outpouring of support and announced the creation of a fund to help support the other families affected by the crash.
"Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them," Mrs Bryant, 37, said.
"We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe - the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna - a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.
"We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately."
Funeral or memorial plans for Kobe and Gianna are yet to be announced.
Mrs Bryant asked for a continued respect of her family's privacy as they begin to "navigate this new reality".
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The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner has identified all nine victims of Sunday's crash.
As well as the Bryants, John Altobelli, 56, Keri Altobelli, 46, and 13-year-old Alyssa Altobelli were killed.
Christina Mauser, 38, was on board as was the 50-year-old pilot Ara Zobayan.
Mother and daughter Sarah Chester, 45, and Payton Chester, 13, were also killed.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Kobe Bryant's widow Vanessa breaks silence over helicopter tragedy

Kobe Bryant 's widow Vanessa has spoken publicly for the first time since the helicopter crash that killed her husband , one of their daughters and seven others , taking to Instagram to thank people worldwide for their support .
She also announced the formation of a fund to help support the other families affected by the crash .
`` Thank you for all the prayers .
We definitely need them , '' Vanessa Bryant wrote .
`` We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband , Kobe - the amazing father of our children ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a loving , thoughtful , and wonderful daughter , and amazing sister to Natalia , Bianka , and Capri .
`` We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday , and we share in their grief intimately . ''
The Bryants would have celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary this April .
They had four daughters including Gianna , the 13-year-old who died in the crash .
`` There are n't enough words to describe our pain right now , '' Mrs Bryant wrote .
`` I take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both knew that they were so deeply loved .
We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives .
I wish they were here with us forever .
They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon . ''
It was the first statement from the Bryant family since the crash .
The Los Angeles Lakers - the team Bryant spent 20 years with , winning five championships - held a media session on Wednesday as well , the team 's first since learning of Bryant 's death .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles Clippers on Tuesday , a game the NBA postponed out of respect to Bryant , the other victims and the grieving process .
The Lakers will next play on Friday , at home against Portland .
`` I 'm not sure what our lives hold beyond today , and it 's impossible to imagine life without them , '' Mrs Bryant wrote .
`` But we wake up each day , trying to keep pushing because Kobe , and our baby girl , Gigi , are shining on us to light the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endless - and that 's to say , immeasurable .
I just wish I could hug them , kiss them and bless them .
Have them here with us , forever . ''
Funeral or memorial plans for Kobe and Gianna are yet to be announced .
Mrs Bryant asked for a continued respect of her family 's privacy as they begin to `` navigate this new reality '' .

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Kobe Bryant's widow Vanessa has spoken publicly for the first time since the helicopter crash that killed her husband, one of their daughters and seven others, taking to Instagram to thank people worldwide for their support.
She also announced the formation of a fund to help support the other families affected by the crash.
"Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them," Vanessa Bryant wrote.
"We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe - the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna - a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.
"We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately."
The Bryants would have celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary this April. They had four daughters including Gianna, the 13-year-old who died in the crash.
"There aren't enough words to describe our pain right now," Mrs Bryant wrote.
"I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved. We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives. I wish they were here with us forever. They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon."
It was the first statement from the Bryant family since the crash.
(Image: Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers - the team Bryant spent 20 years with, winning five championships - held a media session on Wednesday as well, the team's first since learning of Bryant's death.
The Lakers were to play against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, a game the NBA postponed out of respect to Bryant, the other victims and the grieving process. The Lakers will next play on Friday, at home against Portland.
"I'm not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it's impossible to imagine life without them," Mrs Bryant wrote.
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"But we wake up each day, trying to keep pushing because Kobe, and our baby girl, Gigi, are shining on us to light the way. Our love for them is endless - and that's to say, immeasurable. I just wish I could hug them, kiss them and bless them. Have them here with us, forever."
Funeral or memorial plans for Kobe and Gianna are yet to be announced.
Mrs Bryant asked for a continued respect of her family's privacy as they begin to "navigate this new reality".


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Outcry as man told to rip up 'dangerous' central reservation garden in Solihull

Residents have voiced their support for a Solihull man whose efforts to create a community garden on a central reservation recently fell foul of council health and safety regulations .
Earlier this month , the Local Democracy Reporting Service ( LDRS ) reported that David Kirkby had been asked to remove most of the plants from a plot in the middle of Chelmsley Road , Fordbridge .
Council officers had said that the patch posed a problem for their mowing teams , who would n't have space to get by , although they indicated that the `` guerilla gardener '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place in his neighbourhood .
Following our original story , there was an outcry from many locals took to social media to applaud Mr Kirkby 's efforts .
Heather Savill said : `` Well done that man for caring for our community . ''
While Terry Booth added : `` It ’ s a shame , I really hope they provide a more adequate area and even some funding/help for Mr Kirkby !
Keep up the good work fella !
!
Fair play to ya !
! ''
Some residents had suggested the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from some of the wildflower areas created as part of the council 's own Wildlife Ways initiative , which got underway last year .
Mark Mussett said : `` So the council rips up loads of verges overnight and throws wildflower seed all over without any consultation and then has the gall to complain . ''
Although Tim Castle suggested he had some sympathy for the local authority , which had indicated that the location made it difficult for workers to trim the verge .
`` They do n't make health and safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gets run over while working on this land , '' he said .
Mr Kirkby has said he is still in talks about securing an alternative plot , with land near to the Bosworth Medical Centre thought to be a possibility .
`` [ It 's ] been suggested that place is a more suitable place and we should n't have any health and safety concerns , '' he said .
It 's the 44-year-old 's hope that the spot could be used `` for the community to plan and work together on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elsewhere locally , plans to transform a piece of land in the Smith 's Wood area have received £950 from the National Lottery Fund and Mr Kirkby said he was also keen to create a `` no dig bed '' at the Kingshurst Allotments .
Meanwhile a dedicated team of volunteers from the Chelmsley Wood-based B37 Project have continued their horticultural projects , with Mr Kirkby joining the team for a recent tree planting exercise in the vicinity of the Citizens Advice Bureau building .

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Residents have voiced their support for a Solihull man whose efforts to create a community garden on a central reservation recently fell foul of council health and safety regulations.
Earlier this month, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) reported that David Kirkby had been asked to remove most of the plants from a plot in the middle of Chelmsley Road, Fordbridge.
Council officers had said that the patch posed a problem for their mowing teams, who wouldn't have space to get by, although they indicated that the "guerilla gardener" would be able to cultivate a safer place in his neighbourhood.
(Image: David Irwin)
Following our original story, there was an outcry from many locals took to social media to applaud Mr Kirkby's efforts.
Heather Savill said: "Well done that man for caring for our community."
While Terry Booth added: "It’s a shame, I really hope they provide a more adequate area and even some funding/help for Mr Kirkby! Keep up the good work fella!! Fair play to ya!!"
Some residents had suggested the project didn't seem all that different from some of the wildflower areas created as part of the council's own Wildlife Ways initiative, which got underway last year.
Mark Mussett said: "So the council rips up loads of verges overnight and throws wildflower seed all over without any consultation and then has the gall to complain."
(Image: David Kirkby)
Although Tim Castle suggested he had some sympathy for the local authority, which had indicated that the location made it difficult for workers to trim the verge.
"They don't make health and safety laws but are liable if a worker gets run over while working on this land," he said.
Mr Kirkby has said he is still in talks about securing an alternative plot, with land near to the Bosworth Medical Centre thought to be a possibility.
(Image: David Irwin)
"[It's] been suggested that place is a more suitable place and we shouldn't have any health and safety concerns," he said.
It's the 44-year-old's hope that the spot could be used "for the community to plan and work together on wildlife gardens or ecological gardens."
Elsewhere locally, plans to transform a piece of land in the Smith's Wood area have received £950 from the National Lottery Fund and Mr Kirkby said he was also keen to create a "no dig bed" at the Kingshurst Allotments.
Meanwhile a dedicated team of volunteers from the Chelmsley Wood-based B37 Project have continued their horticultural projects, with Mr Kirkby joining the team for a recent tree planting exercise in the vicinity of the Citizens Advice Bureau building.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--'Almost everybody' - The exciting verdict on Wolves new boy Daniel Podence

Podence touched down at Compton on Wednesday to finalise a switch from Olympiakos and has now committed to a four-and-a-half year contract .
To gain a better understanding of Podence , BirminghamLive contacted Sport24 reporter Dimitris Samolis .
Here 's the Q & A in full ... What are Daniel Podence ’ s strengths and weaknesses ?
`` Daniel is a speedy winger .
He is not tall and the low centre of gravity can be a problem for full-backs .
No matter who the opponent was , Podence proved during his presence in Olympiakos that he could pass almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or in Champions League/Europa League .
`` He is very skillful when it comes to 'one vs one ' and for this reason the other teams tried to have one more footballer next to the back who would mark Podence .
`` Of course , since he is a winger , everybody would expect more goals from him .
Last year he played in 41 matches and he scored eight goals .
This year in 27 games he has scored five times .
`` He can create chances from nowhere , but in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In fact , because he knows he should score more , there were games he acted a little bit selfishly and did n't give the ball to his teammates , although he could pass to players who were in better positions .
Also , I believe he must strengthen more because in the Premier League he will need it . ''
We ’ re told he can play in a few attacking positions - what is his best position ?
`` He can play both left and right .
This year he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giorgos ) Masouras was on the left .
I feel he can play better as a right winger , not No.10 .
There were games , however , that coach Pedro Martins changed Masouras and Podence .
The one was going left and the other right . ''
What have his coach and teammates at Olympiakos said about him ?
`` Podence is indispensable for Olympiakos .
Pedro Martins would really want him to stay .
He feels that Daniel is one of the best players of the squad and that he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greece and in Europe .
`` As long as he is healthy , he is a definite starter .
Moreover , when it became known that Wolves wanted him , his teammates were saying to him humorously : `` Stay here , do n't go anywhere .
What are you going to do in England ?
Stay here to win the league . ''
Is he worth the money ?
`` Olympiakos spent €7million to buy him from Sporting to put an end in the legal battle between the two clubs .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course he raised his price .
`` Olympiakos is a team which does n't want to sell cheap .
Even for players who do n't play they ask for a lot of money .
This is the philosophy of the administration .
`` Apart from this , my feeling is that his agents have the ability to bring such offers .
And if Podence plays for Wolves , I would n't be surprised if he would be sold in the future for even more money . ''

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Wolverhampton Wanderers have finally completed a deal to sign Portuguese attacker Daniel Podence.
Podence touched down at Compton on Wednesday to finalise a switch from Olympiakos and has now committed to a four-and-a-half year contract.
To gain a better understanding of Podence, BirminghamLive contacted Sport24 reporter Dimitris Samolis. Here's the Q&A in full...
What are Daniel Podence’s strengths and weaknesses?
"Daniel is a speedy winger. He is not tall and the low centre of gravity can be a problem for full-backs. No matter who the opponent was, Podence proved during his presence in Olympiakos that he could pass almost everybody. Either in Greek Super League or in Champions League/Europa League.
"He is very skillful when it comes to 'one vs one' and for this reason the other teams tried to have one more footballer next to the back who would mark Podence.
"Of course, since he is a winger, everybody would expect more goals from him. Last year he played in 41 matches and he scored eight goals. This year in 27 games he has scored five times.
"He can create chances from nowhere, but in the final effort, he failed. In fact, because he knows he should score more, there were games he acted a little bit selfishly and didn't give the ball to his teammates, although he could pass to players who were in better positions. Also, I believe he must strengthen more because in the Premier League he will need it."
We’re told he can play in a few attacking positions - what is his best position?
"He can play both left and right. This year he was selected in the right flank since (Giorgos) Masouras was on the left. I feel he can play better as a right winger, not No.10. There were games, however, that coach Pedro Martins changed Masouras and Podence. The one was going left and the other right."
What have his coach and teammates at Olympiakos said about him?
"Podence is indispensable for Olympiakos. Pedro Martins would really want him to stay. He feels that Daniel is one of the best players of the squad and that he would help in next season's games in Greece and in Europe.
"As long as he is healthy, he is a definite starter. Moreover, when it became known that Wolves wanted him, his teammates were saying to him humorously: "Stay here, don't go anywhere. What are you going to do in England? Stay here to win the league."
Is he worth the money?
"Olympiakos spent €7million to buy him from Sporting to put an end in the legal battle between the two clubs. With his presence in Champions League games, of course he raised his price.
"Olympiakos is a team which doesn't want to sell cheap. Even for players who don't play they ask for a lot of money. This is the philosophy of the administration.
"Apart from this, my feeling is that his agents have the ability to bring such offers. And if Podence plays for Wolves, I wouldn't be surprised if he would be sold in the future for even more money."


birminghammail--2020-01-30--M&S car park closed in Solihull after 'elderly' driver hits wall - buses diverted

Drivers were urged to avoid a busy town centre car park after a driver struck a wall .
Two 'elderly ' people were assessed by medics after the crash at the entrance of the M & S car park in Solihull shortly before 11am on Thursday morning , January 30 .
Fire crews attended the Poplar Road parking spot but neither of the patients were trapped in the vehicle .
They were checked over by West Midlands Ambulance Service , but their injuries are not believed to be serious .
A statement from West Midlands Ambulance Service read : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 10:45am to a car that had hit a wall in a carpark on Poplar Road in Solihull .
`` We currently have an ambulance and paramedic officer at the scene assessing two patients.
” Shoppers were being told to find an alternative car park as congestion built around Warwick Road .
Buses were also blocked by emergency services , with routes X2 , 4 , 31 , 58 , 6 , 49 and 76 diverted away from the area .
It was cleared around 12.15pm .
Solihull Council said : `` Due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car park entrance Poplar Rd .
Emergency services are in attendance .
West Midlands Fire Service added that there was no damage to the car park at M & S .
A spokeswoman said : `` We were called to the multi storey car park at M & S .
No persons trapped .
Two elderly people assessed , currently being checked .
No damage to car park wall . ''

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Drivers were urged to avoid a busy town centre car park after a driver struck a wall.
Two 'elderly' people were assessed by medics after the crash at the entrance of the M&S car park in Solihull shortly before 11am on Thursday morning, January 30.
Fire crews attended the Poplar Road parking spot but neither of the patients were trapped in the vehicle.
They were checked over by West Midlands Ambulance Service, but their injuries are not believed to be serious.
A statement from West Midlands Ambulance Service read: “We were called by the fire service at 10:45am to a car that had hit a wall in a carpark on Poplar Road in Solihull.
"We currently have an ambulance and paramedic officer at the scene assessing two patients.”
Shoppers were being told to find an alternative car park as congestion built around Warwick Road.
Buses were also blocked by emergency services, with routes X2, 4, 31, 58, 6, 49 and 76 diverted away from the area.
It was cleared around 12.15pm.
Solihull Council said: "Due to an incident at M&S car park entrance Poplar Rd. Emergency services are in attendance.
"M & S Car Park closed please use alternative town centre car parks."
West Midlands Fire Service added that there was no damage to the car park at M&S.
A spokeswoman said: "We were called to the multi storey car park at M&S. No persons trapped. Two elderly people assessed, currently being checked. No damage to car park wall."


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Manchester United drop transfer hint - and it will interest Aston Villa

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hinted Manchester United could use the loan market to bolster their attacking ranks amid speculation linking them with Aston Villa target Islam Slimani .
Slimani , who is currently on loan at French side Monaco from Leicester City , is on Villa ’ s shortlist ahead of Friday ’ s 11pm transfer deadline .
He has asked for his spell with the Ligue 1 club to be cut short in order to move elsewhere and Manchester United are also reportedly monitoring his situation .
Speaking after the Carabao Cup semi-final exit to Manchester City on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goalscorer in a hint that a temporary deal could be struck .
`` I 'm not sure , '' said the United boss when asked by the Manchester Evening News about the prospect of a loan arrival to replace the injured Marcus Rashford .
`` We need more goals .
I know if we get Bruno over the line we 've got a boy there who 'll score and create .
So let 's talk on Friday .
`` We need more goalscorers , we need more goals ; that 's a definite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their nose to score a goal or their toe , does n't have to be the nice ones , we know that .
“ I am challenging them and I need to challenge them more , because we ca n't just score nice goals .
Even today we pegged them back at times and played them deep and they stayed outside their box and defended , but we could n't create those chances , those moments .
`` We 're going to get there , no doubt , these players want to learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Slimani has scored seven goals and provided as many assists in 14 league outings for Monaco this season .
Having lost Wesley Moraes for the rest of the season to a knee ligament injury and sold Jonathan Kodjia , Villa want another option to provide competition for Mbwana Samatta upfront as well as Keinan Davis , who has just returned from injury .

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hinted Manchester United could use the loan market to bolster their attacking ranks amid speculation linking them with Aston Villa target Islam Slimani.
Slimani, who is currently on loan at French side Monaco from Leicester City, is on Villa’s shortlist ahead of Friday’s 11pm transfer deadline.
He has asked for his spell with the Ligue 1 club to be cut short in order to move elsewhere and Manchester United are also reportedly monitoring his situation.
Speaking after the Carabao Cup semi-final exit to Manchester City on Wednesday, Solskjaer admitted his side need a goalscorer in a hint that a temporary deal could be struck.
"I'm not sure," said the United boss when asked by the Manchester Evening News about the prospect of a loan arrival to replace the injured Marcus Rashford.
"We need more goals. I know if we get Bruno over the line we've got a boy there who'll score and create. So let's talk on Friday.
"We need more goalscorers, we need more goals; that's a definite. Need someone who wants to break their nose to score a goal or their toe, doesn't have to be the nice ones, we know that.
“I am challenging them and I need to challenge them more, because we can't just score nice goals. Even today we pegged them back at times and played them deep and they stayed outside their box and defended, but we couldn't create those chances, those moments.
"We're going to get there, no doubt, these players want to learn, they've improved so much."
Slimani has scored seven goals and provided as many assists in 14 league outings for Monaco this season.
Having lost Wesley Moraes for the rest of the season to a knee ligament injury and sold Jonathan Kodjia, Villa want another option to provide competition for Mbwana Samatta upfront as well as Keinan Davis, who has just returned from injury.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Shocking moment car mounts curb and mows down man trying to run away

This is the shocking moment a car mounted the curb and mowed down a man trying to run away - sending him flying through the air .
The worrying dash cam video footage shows two young men running down a pavement - closely tailed by a white car which appears to mount the kerb .
The car strikes the man - flipping him up in the air - before he skids along the road while the vehicle speeds off .
Miraculously , the stuck man scrambles to his feet , pulls up his tracksuit bottoms , and runs off out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richard Smith captured the “ shocking ” moment on a dash cam while driving along Swanswell Street , in Coventry , at around 1.45pm on Tuesday ( 28 ) .
The 46-year-old said the car involved vanished into the distance and the man who was hit ran into a nearby building .
He said : “ He seemed like he was running away from the car .
“ It looked like the car was chasing after him down the street .
“ The car went onto the pavement and hit him .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have never seen anything like it in my life .
“ We heard the bang from inside my car .
I thought he would be seriously hurt and it wasn ’ t nice to see .
“ I have no idea how he managed to get back up and carry on running.
” Richard captured the dash cam footage after picking up his niece from college .
West Midlands Police has been contacted for comment .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jack Longstaff, James Rodger)

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This is the shocking moment a car mounted the curb and mowed down a man trying to run away - sending him flying through the air.
The worrying dash cam video footage shows two young men running down a pavement - closely tailed by a white car which appears to mount the kerb.
The car strikes the man - flipping him up in the air - before he skids along the road while the vehicle speeds off.
Miraculously, the stuck man scrambles to his feet, pulls up his tracksuit bottoms, and runs off out of shot, apparently uninjured.
Eye-witness Richard Smith captured the “shocking” moment on a dash cam while driving along Swanswell Street, in Coventry, at around 1.45pm on Tuesday (28).
The 46-year-old said the car involved vanished into the distance and the man who was hit ran into a nearby building.
He said: “He seemed like he was running away from the car.
(Image: SWNS)
“It looked like the car was chasing after him down the street.
“The car went onto the pavement and hit him. He went flying into the air.
“We were shocked - very shocked.
(Image: SWNS)
“I have never seen anything like it in my life.
“We heard the bang from inside my car. I thought he would be seriously hurt and it wasn’t nice to see.
“I have no idea how he managed to get back up and carry on running.”
Richard captured the dash cam footage after picking up his niece from college.
West Midlands Police has been contacted for comment.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Four Solihull men arrested after cop 'dragged for 70 yards by reversing car'

Four men from Solihull have been arrested after a police officer was dragged down the road for 70 yards by a reversing car .
The officer was said to be leaning through the car window to quiz a suspect when the driver drove off - pulling him along with it .
The driver allegedly then picked up a second passenger , turned around in the road and drove straight at the officer on Three Oaks Road , Wythall .
He had to jump clear to escape the car 's path in the incident on Tuesday , January 28 .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in connection with the alleged attack .
All four men , who remained in custody on Thursday ( Jan 30 ) , are from Solihull .
The arrests are as follows : • An 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault • A 20-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault and failing to stop when directed • A 22-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault , failing to stop , dangerous driving and attempted theft of a vehicle • A 28-year-old on suspicion of assault , aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw a silver Volvo or silver Corsa being driven 'eratically ' on Wednesday , January 29 to come forward .
They are specifically looking for people who saw the vehicles between Lea Green Lane and Majors Green in Shirley between 6pm and 1pm .
Detective Inspector Jim Hopkins , who is leading the investigation , said : “ As part of this investigation we have been following up a number of lines of enquiry .
As a result we have some additional information we would like the public ’ s help with .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone that may have seen a silver Volvo or a silver Corsa being driven erratically on routes between Lea Green Lane in Wythall and Majors Green in Shirley between 6pm yesterday and 1pm on Wednesday 29 January .
“ We ’ d also like to hear from you if you saw four men , aged between 16 and 30 , that may have been with either of these vehicles.
” Information can be given by calling 101 and quoting incident number 612s of 28 January .
You can also give details without giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org

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Four men from Solihull have been arrested after a police officer was dragged down the road for 70 yards by a reversing car.
The officer was said to be leaning through the car window to quiz a suspect when the driver drove off - pulling him along with it.
The driver allegedly then picked up a second passenger, turned around in the road and drove straight at the officer on Three Oaks Road, Wythall.
He had to jump clear to escape the car's path in the incident on Tuesday, January 28.
Now West Mercia Police has arrested four men in connection with the alleged attack.
All four men, who remained in custody on Thursday (Jan 30), are from Solihull. The arrests are as follows:
An 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault
A 20-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault and failing to stop when directed
A 22-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault, failing to stop, dangerous driving and attempted theft of a vehicle
A 28-year-old on suspicion of assault, aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving.
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The force is appealing for anyone who saw a silver Volvo or silver Corsa being driven 'eratically' on Wednesday, January 29 to come forward.
They are specifically looking for people who saw the vehicles between Lea Green Lane and Majors Green in Shirley between 6pm and 1pm.
Detective Inspector Jim Hopkins, who is leading the investigation, said: “As part of this investigation we have been following up a number of lines of enquiry. As a result we have some additional information we would like the public’s help with.
“We are keen to speak to anyone that may have seen a silver Volvo or a silver Corsa being driven erratically on routes between Lea Green Lane in Wythall and Majors Green in Shirley between 6pm yesterday and 1pm on Wednesday 29 January.
“We’d also like to hear from you if you saw four men, aged between 16 and 30, that may have been with either of these vehicles.”
Information can be given by calling 101 and quoting incident number 612s of 28 January.
You can also give details without giving your name by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org


birminghammail--2020-01-30--'Apologised 100 times' - The lowdown on Rangers' Birmingham City-linked attacker

Birmingham City are claimed to be keen to sign Rangers winger Jordan Jones .
The Daily Record say the club is eager to land 25-year-old Jones before Friday ’ s deadline , as are Championship rivals Hull City , Stoke City , Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers .
League One promotion contenders Sunderland are also said to be interested in the Northern Ireland international .
Here ’ s what you need to know about him .
Who is he ?
A 25-year-old winger , born in Redcar in October 1994 , who joined his local club Middlesbrough as a youngster .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his father and has made nine appearances for them .
He has had loan spells in League Two before making his name with Kilmarnock .
In June 2016 Jones was one of 11 players brought in on the same day by then Kilmarnock manager Lee Clark .
“ I knew what I wanted and I ’ ve been working since the day I came through the door , ” Clark said .
“ These boys have been on my radar for a long time and I got them into the club to look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at them as well .
“ They ’ ve had interest from other clubs , but because we ’ ve had them in and around the club , they ’ ve wanted to be apart of it.
” Jones did well at Rugby Park - so well that new boss Steve Clarke was able to turn down a £350,000 bid from Rangers in January 2018 .
“ There ’ s been a bid , nowhere near acceptable .
I would be a little bit sad if I was the player , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so low .
It was an easy one for the club to turn down.
” Jones would make 118 appearances and score 11 goals during his three seasons with Killie and became more of a regular in the Northern Ireland squad .
Rangers retained their interest and in January 2019 he signed a pre-contract agreement with the Ibrox giants .
After signing his Rangers contract Jones took to social media to announce he was ‘ unbelievably proud ’ and that it was ‘ a dream come true ’ .
Kilmarnock supporters were not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four months to play for them .
He apologised : “ A bit of inexperience at the time .
I can ’ t take it back .
The only way I can win the fans back is by performances on the pitch .
“ The only thing I can do is show how committed I am , like I have over the last two-and-a-half years.
” Clarke stood by his man : “ If fans boo Jordan , then they ’ re booing me as well because , if I select Jordan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the ex-West Brom boss said .
Kilmarnock faced Rangers soon after - and Jones scored the winner .
At the end of the season he made his dream move .
“ I ’ ve come here to prove a point as to what I can bring to the team and bring the club success , ” Jones said in June 2019 .
“ I am really determined to make my mark .
I am not coming here just to wear the badge and say I am a Rangers player .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up for .
I am determined to get myself in that starting XI and keep my place.
” Since then he has been in and out of the league team but has played in the Europa League .
However , his progress was halted in the Old Firm match with Celtic when he injured himself making a bad challenge on Moritz Bauer .
He was sent off and out for four months .
International boss O ’ Neill said : “ If Jordan has apologised to me once , he has apologised 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Players do that .
Players have moments of madness .
I think his actions post that game were good .
“ He was very open about his apology to the Celtic player in question and he knows he was in the wrong .
“ That was his first experience of an Old Firm game .
He was maybe a little bit disappointed that he didn ’ t get a chance to start.
” Jones came through the age groups with Northern Ireland but rejected the chance to play for their Under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England call-up .
That never came and he return to the Northern Ireland fold .
“ I played for the Northern Ireland Under 19s when I was 17 and I didn ’ t really enjoy it to be honest , ” Jones explained .
“ When I was doing really well at Middlesbrough I was asked to play for the under-21s and felt it would be a good experience .
“ But I ended up pulling out of the squad which is something I later regretted .
I was young and immature .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I shut the door at that time because I was hoping to get into the young England squads but that didn ’ t happen .
“ When I think about it , it ’ s embarrassing , but I ’ m more nature now.
” Several reports in Scotland have claimed that he will be off-loaded to give Steven Gerrard scope to further improve his squad .
It ’ s been claimed a loan deal would be considered , with an agreement to buy in the summer .
Earlier this week assistant Gary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Recently [ Brandon ] Barker and Jones have both been injured so they need to now show more to get back into the team .
If they show enough in training they will get an opportunity.
” That came off the bench on Wednesday when he played the final quarter hour of the 2-0 win over Ross County .
Of all the suitors Michael O ’ Neill ’ s presence at Stoke seems an obvious link - and there would be something symmetrical to a Middlesbrough homecoming .

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Birmingham City are claimed to be keen to sign Rangers winger Jordan Jones.
The Daily Record say the club is eager to land 25-year-old Jones before Friday’s deadline, as are Championship rivals Hull City, Stoke City, Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers.
League One promotion contenders Sunderland are also said to be interested in the Northern Ireland international.
Here’s what you need to know about him.
Who is he?
A 25-year-old winger, born in Redcar in October 1994, who joined his local club Middlesbrough as a youngster. He is qualified for Northern Ireland through his father and has made nine appearances for them. He has had loan spells in League Two before making his name with Kilmarnock.
(Image: Getty Images)
The Clark connection
In June 2016 Jones was one of 11 players brought in on the same day by then Kilmarnock manager Lee Clark.
“I knew what I wanted and I’ve been working since the day I came through the door,” Clark said.
“These boys have been on my radar for a long time and I got them into the club to look at them and let the other staff look at them as well.
“They’ve had interest from other clubs, but because we’ve had them in and around the club, they’ve wanted to be apart of it.”
Breakthrough
Jones did well at Rugby Park - so well that new boss Steve Clarke was able to turn down a £350,000 bid from Rangers in January 2018.
“There’s been a bid, nowhere near acceptable. I would be a little bit sad if I was the player, to be honest, that the bid was so low. It was an easy one for the club to turn down.”
Jones would make 118 appearances and score 11 goals during his three seasons with Killie and became more of a regular in the Northern Ireland squad.
Rangers retained their interest and in January 2019 he signed a pre-contract agreement with the Ibrox giants.
Hot water
After signing his Rangers contract Jones took to social media to announce he was ‘unbelievably proud’ and that it was ‘a dream come true’.
Kilmarnock supporters were not impressed given the fact he still had four months to play for them.
He apologised: “A bit of inexperience at the time. I can’t take it back. The only way I can win the fans back is by performances on the pitch.
“The only thing I can do is show how committed I am, like I have over the last two-and-a-half years.”
Clarke stood by his man: “If fans boo Jordan, then they’re booing me as well because, if I select Jordan, then they’re criticising my selection,” the ex-West Brom boss said.
Kilmarnock faced Rangers soon after - and Jones scored the winner.
At the end of the season he made his dream move.
(Image: Getty Images)
More controversy
“I’ve come here to prove a point as to what I can bring to the team and bring the club success,” Jones said in June 2019.
“I am really determined to make my mark. I am not coming here just to wear the badge and say I am a Rangers player.
“It is a challenge I am really up for. I am determined to get myself in that starting XI and keep my place.”
Since then he has been in and out of the league team but has played in the Europa League.
However, his progress was halted in the Old Firm match with Celtic when he injured himself making a bad challenge on Moritz Bauer.
He was sent off and out for four months.
International boss O’Neill said: “If Jordan has apologised to me once, he has apologised 100 times. It was a rash moment.
“Players do that. Players have moments of madness. I think his actions post that game were good.
“He was very open about his apology to the Celtic player in question and he knows he was in the wrong.
“That was his first experience of an Old Firm game. He was maybe a little bit disappointed that he didn’t get a chance to start.”
Duel nationality
Jones came through the age groups with Northern Ireland but rejected the chance to play for their Under 21s because he harboured hopes of an England call-up.
That never came and he return to the Northern Ireland fold.
“I played for the Northern Ireland Under 19s when I was 17 and I didn’t really enjoy it to be honest,” Jones explained.
“When I was doing really well at Middlesbrough I was asked to play for the under-21s and felt it would be a good experience.
“But I ended up pulling out of the squad which is something I later regretted. I was young and immature. It was a stupid decision.
"I shut the door at that time because I was hoping to get into the young England squads but that didn’t happen.
“When I think about it, it’s embarrassing, but I’m more nature now.”
Rangers prospects
Several reports in Scotland have claimed that he will be off-loaded to give Steven Gerrard scope to further improve his squad. It’s been claimed a loan deal would be considered, with an agreement to buy in the summer.
Earlier this week assistant Gary McAllister referred to his injury-enforced absence.
“Recently [Brandon] Barker and Jones have both been injured so they need to now show more to get back into the team. If they show enough in training they will get an opportunity.”
That came off the bench on Wednesday when he played the final quarter hour of the 2-0 win over Ross County.
Of all the suitors Michael O’Neill’s presence at Stoke seems an obvious link - and there would be something symmetrical to a Middlesbrough homecoming.


birminghammail--2020-02-04--'Our biggest asset' - Birmingham City boss Pep Clotet on Lee Camp's penalty heroics

Pep Clotet insisted he never had any doubt Lee Camp would produce more penalty heroics once Birmingham City 's FA Cup tie went to a shoot-out .
Blues could consider themselves slightly fortunate to have got that far , requiring equalisers at the end of normal – from Harlee Dean – and extra time from Jeremie Bela as the game ended 2-2 .
Skipper Dean then won the toss for Blues to take the penalties at the Tilton Road End – where their supporters were allowed to congregate after the stand was closed for most of the match .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clotet had no fears that the veteran would produce the goods .
Having saved spot-kicks from Lewis Grabban and Paddy McNair in recent weeks the goalkeeper denied Liam Walsh and Jamie Allen to help Blues to a 4-1 win .
“ He has a lot of confidence , ” Clotet said .
“ He works very hard , he is very focused on keeping developing , he is very mature in the locker room and a very good example of a professional to everyone .
“ When he has those performances I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it went to penalties I felt we had an advantage I said to our bench ‘ Our biggest asset is we have Lee Camp ’ .
“ I think his confidence is very good on penalties , to be fair Daryl Flahavan and our analysts work very hard on that .
“ We analysed Coventry penalties for the whole season and we knew where their players normally shoot and that information was given to Lee .
“ But Lee still had to make sure he saved the penalty and he did it twice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This season we are used to facing penalties against us so he has a little bit of training .
“ It was a fantastic night , after eight years of not getting to the next round our team managed it tonight .
“ All the fans will be very excited about it .
FA Cup levels don ’ t matter , everyone is in it for a game .
“ Coventry made it difficult for us but one thing we had – and have had all season - was the ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are very happy .
”

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Pep Clotet insisted he never had any doubt Lee Camp would produce more penalty heroics once Birmingham City's FA Cup tie went to a shoot-out.
Blues could consider themselves slightly fortunate to have got that far, requiring equalisers at the end of normal – from Harlee Dean – and extra time from Jeremie Bela as the game ended 2-2.
Skipper Dean then won the toss for Blues to take the penalties at the Tilton Road End – where their supporters were allowed to congregate after the stand was closed for most of the match.
And when Camp’s moment arrived, Clotet had no fears that the veteran would produce the goods.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
Having saved spot-kicks from Lewis Grabban and Paddy McNair in recent weeks the goalkeeper denied Liam Walsh and Jamie Allen to help Blues to a 4-1 win.
“He has a lot of confidence,” Clotet said. “He works very hard, he is very focused on keeping developing, he is very mature in the locker room and a very good example of a professional to everyone.
“When he has those performances I am very happy for him.
“When it went to penalties I felt we had an advantage I said to our bench ‘Our biggest asset is we have Lee Camp’.
“I think his confidence is very good on penalties, to be fair Daryl Flahavan and our analysts work very hard on that.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
“We analysed Coventry penalties for the whole season and we knew where their players normally shoot and that information was given to Lee.
“But Lee still had to make sure he saved the penalty and he did it twice – plus he did it on Saturday.
“This season we are used to facing penalties against us so he has a little bit of training.
“It was a fantastic night, after eight years of not getting to the next round our team managed it tonight.
“All the fans will be very excited about it. FA Cup levels don’t matter, everyone is in it for a game.
“Coventry made it difficult for us but one thing we had – and have had all season - was the ability to work hard to the end and we are very happy.”


birminghammail--2020-02-04--'Dangerous' - player ratings as Birmingham City beat Coventry City to progress in the FA Cup

Birmingham City are through to the FA Cup fifth round after a nail-biting penalty shoot out win against Coventry City .
They twice came from behind to reach the dramatic conclusion – with goals from Harlee Dean and Jeremie Bela .
Lee Camp saved two spot kicks – as Dean battered home the winner to send his team to Leicester City in the next round .
Coventry aimed a few shots at his goal in the first half but didn ’ t really test him .
He dealt with some awkward kicking situations , though .
Looked to have blocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it looped up and in .
Two big , big penalty saves though .
Showed good pace to snuff out a Biamou break through the middle and mounted on surging run down the right which saw Bakayoko booked .
Some slightly edgy moments but was the one player who showed real urgency to get something out of the tie .
Deployed in Jutkiewicz ’ s near post position at corners and won all of them in the first half .
Spent plenty of time upfield trying to create an equaliser in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injury time .
It was a neat finish too , to be fair .
Back in the side on the right of the central defensive partnership , one first-half moment of over-elaboration on the edge of his own box and found Max Biamou a difficult opponent throughout .
Prominent sweeping up in the opening exchanges before ending the opening period by skimming a back post header wide of the Sky Blues goal .
Vacated his post at times in the second period as the Sky Blues found joy down his side – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tracked his runners well when Coventry were on top early on .
Battled away in the middle and produced Blues ’ one moment of real quality , a laser through ball which put Bela away .
Ran himself ragged as the game went on .
His time on the pitch was cruelly cut short by what looked a worrying injury .
Prior to that he had sprayed on cross-field , right to left pass which had picked out Pedersen from near his own area .
Battled away in an unfamiliar position in midfield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also played the best pass of the period when he set Montero away down the left .
Applied himself diligently in an unfamiliar position .
Made his debut on the right of an attacking three and struggled to make an impact , although he did take up some good positions and linked up play on occasions .
Taken off after 57 minutes .
Operating as the false No .
9 Bellingham had the freedom to roam and try to link up play – which he worked hard to do .
But when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was never going to get much joy out of McFadzean , Hyam and Pask .
Had the beating of Dabo on the left and often found himself able to run at Pask – who left one on him early on .
Had Blues ’ best openings of the first period .
Drifted out of the game for most of the second half before creating – then skying an extra time opening .
Would not have expected to have come on so early , nor to play so much but he acquitted himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in good positions but certainly plenty of endeavour .
Blues didn ’ t really have any attacking threat until the Frenchman came on .
Should have equalised in the 74th minute but looked dangerous throughout .
What a dramatic equaliser .
Immediately gave Blues an attacking presence .
Hit the bar in added time .

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Birmingham City are through to the FA Cup fifth round after a nail-biting penalty shoot out win against Coventry City.
They twice came from behind to reach the dramatic conclusion – with goals from Harlee Dean and Jeremie Bela.
Lee Camp saved two spot kicks – as Dean battered home the winner to send his team to Leicester City in the next round.
STARTING FORMATION
4-3-3
CAMP 7.5
Coventry aimed a few shots at his goal in the first half but didn’t really test him. He dealt with some awkward kicking situations, though. Looked to have blocked Bakayoko’s shot for the goal but it looped up and in. Two big, big penalty saves though.
HARDING 8
Showed good pace to snuff out a Biamou break through the middle and mounted on surging run down the right which saw Bakayoko booked. Some slightly edgy moments but was the one player who showed real urgency to get something out of the tie.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
DEAN 7.5
Deployed in Jutkiewicz’s near post position at corners and won all of them in the first half. Spent plenty of time upfield trying to create an equaliser in the second – and did just that in injury time. It was a neat finish too, to be fair.
ROBERTS 7
Back in the side on the right of the central defensive partnership, one first-half moment of over-elaboration on the edge of his own box and found Max Biamou a difficult opponent throughout.
PEDERSEN 6
Prominent sweeping up in the opening exchanges before ending the opening period by skimming a back post header wide of the Sky Blues goal. Vacated his post at times in the second period as the Sky Blues found joy down his side – and his late error preceded the winner.
SUNJIC 7.5
Tracked his runners well when Coventry were on top early on. Battled away in the middle and produced Blues’ one moment of real quality, a laser through ball which put Bela away. Ran himself ragged as the game went on.
(Image: Getty Images)
McEACHRAN 6
His time on the pitch was cruelly cut short by what looked a worrying injury. Prior to that he had sprayed on cross-field, right to left pass which had picked out Pedersen from near his own area.
MAGHOMA 7
Battled away in an unfamiliar position in midfield, lost possession a couple of times but also played the best pass of the period when he set Montero away down the left. Applied himself diligently in an unfamiliar position.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
CONCANNON 5.5
Made his debut on the right of an attacking three and struggled to make an impact, although he did take up some good positions and linked up play on occasions. Taken off after 57 minutes.
BELLINGHAM 6
Operating as the false No. 9 Bellingham had the freedom to roam and try to link up play – which he worked hard to do. But when the ball came in from wide positions he was never going to get much joy out of McFadzean, Hyam and Pask.
MONTERO 6
Had the beating of Dabo on the left and often found himself able to run at Pask – who left one on him early on. Had Blues’ best openings of the first period. Drifted out of the game for most of the second half before creating – then skying an extra time opening.
SUBSTITUTES
BOYD-MUNCE 7.5 (for McEachran, 19)
Would not have expected to have come on so early, nor to play so much but he acquitted himself very well. Maybe not the quality in good positions but certainly plenty of endeavour.
BELA 7.5 (for Montero, 57)
Blues didn’t really have any attacking threat until the Frenchman came on. Should have equalised in the 74th minute but looked dangerous throughout. What a dramatic equaliser.
JUTKIEWICZ 6.5 (for Bellingham, 68)
Immediately gave Blues an attacking presence. Hit the bar in added time.
GARDNER (for Maghoma, 103), Bela (120)
Not used: Trueman, Keita, Clarke-Salter
OPPOSITION
COVENTRY (3-5-2): Marosi; Pask, McFadzean, Hyam; Dabo, Mason; Westbrooke (O’Hare 71), Kelly (Walsh 105), Shipley (Allen 72); Biamou, Bakayoko (Godden 82). Not used: Wilson, Jones, Williams
THE REF: Darren Bond
NEXT UP: Bristol City (a), Friday, February 7, kick-off 7.45pm