birminghammail--2020-01-28--Jack Grealish round-up: All you need to know about the Aston Villa star Manchester United have set t

Jack Grealish round-up: All you need to know about the Aston Villa star Manchester United have set their sights on

The Aston Villa transfer rumour that simply wo n't die is the one that takes Jack Grealish out of Villa Park for a move to Manchester United - or elsewhere .
Despite the news that the move seems to have ended , United and others will lurk in the summer shadows at the end of the season .
No matter what , Grealish will always be linked with a move away from Villa Park .
Here we bring you the latest news , and a full lowdown on why he is in such demand .
Because he could be one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's playing role is similar to a large number of players , but not one of them is like him .
There is not a top league in this world where Grealish would n't fit in .
He 's happy to play at any pace , and he 's danced around some of the best defenders in the world .
Constant reports in the press have claimed that Manchester United - amongst others - are ready to spend the cash in January , and if not this month , certainly in the summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have denied interest , and Manchester United are the most public with their admiration , but Grealish has also been linked with a move to Manchester City , Chelsea and Arsenal .
Who is the front-runner ?
Right now - it 's Manchester United and even then they will have plenty of difficulty prising him away this month .
A report in the Independent states that the Red Devils actually believe the move is impossible this month - and Villa fans could 've told them that anyway .
Other clubs lurk in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a near constant cycle of speculation .
“ I think he ’ s a big target for many teams and you can see why , ” said Villa boss Dean Smith at the start of the month .
“ He ’ s having his record goal-scoring season .
He ’ s a top player and I ’ ve waxed lyrical about him very often .
“ But as I ’ ve said before our owners are very ambitious in establishing us as a top Premier League football club and to do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ So we ’ ll be keeping hold of Jack Grealish .
People can keep looking but they can ’ t touch .
“ We want to keep our best players and he 's obviously proving he ’ s one of the best players in the Premier League.
” “ He can grow and still get better .
He knows that and he wants to get better .
That ’ s what I like about him , he ’ s always pushing me and my coaching staff.
” Grealish has been at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 2018 , he was the subject of a bid from Tottenham Hotspur and almost left the club to join Spurs .
The transfer collapsed when Villa 's new owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens injected funds into the club after the previous threat of administration .
It was a move that affected the player - who fell to injury not long afterwards .
Speaking to The Telegraph about that move , Grealish revealed just how much it had affected him .
`` Of course there 's going to be disappointment there .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Old Trafford , they 're playing Barcelona in the Champions League next week .
`` I felt that if I 'd gone there I could have maybe been in the England squad by the end of the year .
`` At the start of the season my head was swivelled , it was all over the place .
Even after the transfer window closed , until the end of August , I was n't right . ''
Grealish was made captain after his return from injury and ended up dragging Villa to promotion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was as good as gone .
This season , Grealish has put transfer talks to the back of his mind as his side aim to avoid relegation .
What else has been said ?
The Red Devils tested Villa with an enquiry regarding the sale of Grealish , but were quickly shot back .
That has n't stopped him being flogged to the club by pundits , though .
One of them , former Cardiff boss Neil Warnock spoke to Talksport about the player .
Warnock discussed Jack Grealish with Alan Brazil on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dig towards Jack 's ability to win a foul , but was full of praise after the initial jab .
`` I do love him !
I do think he 's a horrible little so-and-so , because you just know if someone breathes on him , he 's going down .
But his ability is fantastic and he has got better . ''
Warnock continued with a verdict that Grealish is good enough to stay in the Premier League and play for a top club .
`` If Villa go down , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United player .
`` James Maddison is the more complete player regarding box to box , but Jack has the special magic in the final third .
`` He 's that kind of player , like how Cantona played , he 'll strut his business .
He goes past you .
He 's got all the tricks of the trade and he sees a pass !
`` I think he 's matured , and he 's so much better now . ''
Not this month , and it 'd take a stellar offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa stay up .
Even then , if Villa go down - it 'd take over £50 million to prise Grealish away from his boyhood club .
Aston Villa club writer Ash Preece had the following to say about the constant speculation that surrounds Jack Grealish .
`` Going back to pundits flaunting Grealish like meat-sellers at the indoor market in town , life 's more than good for Grealish at Aston Villa .
He 's strutting his stuff - and then some by the way - as if he 's still playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four-year-old kid .
`` He 's making a mockery out of the Premier League - and Gareth Southgate for that matter - while Smith 's given him a license to thrill and kill .
`` The dressing room assembled around Villa 's captain is , according to Smith , buzzing at present .
There 's just no reason to leave .
The 24-year-old is truly loving life ripping it up in claret and blue with his nearest and dearest around him .
`` What 's more is Villa have stuck by Grealish through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he 'll continue to be the fantastic flag-bearer for this great and hugely-successful football club going into 2020 and beyond .
He 's living a dream and the dream just keeps on getting better and better - and there 's no sign of it ever ending .
Villa are in too good a place now , and Grealish knows it . ''
Birmingham-born and Solihull raised , Grealish grew up playing football - and gaelic football .
Eventually he was forced to quit GAA to focus on his Aston Villa career , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up his studies and academy training at Bodymoor Heath .
`` He was just football , football , football .
He 'd go at it hell for leather and really worked hard . ''
said Jack 's dad , Kevin .
What are his strengths and weaknesses ?
Jack Grealish can do a little bit of everything .
He 's got a fine shot , an eye for a pass , is able to cross the length of the pitch quickly with the ball at his feet .
He is able to hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deceive defenders .
He is quick to release the ball when the chance is there .
Grealish can cut quickly to angles with the ball that most average defenders can not even perceive , and is often chopped down when on the move .
His ability to 'win fouls ' via changing direction is second-to-none and has brought accusations of 'diving ' .
He 's also been a massive influence for Villa over the past season .
To demonstrate this - almost a quarter of Villa 's chances this season have come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the highest proportions in the league .
Grealish 's weaknesses ?
They are few .
He can lose his temper quite often and while this can boost his abilities , it 's sometimes an issue .
He is quick to frustration and is never far away from a booking .
What 's more , at Villa he is a magnet for the ball for better or worse , and Villa will often try to force the game through him when things are n't going well .
Naturally , he steps up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always totally beneficial .
What do you think Grealish ’ s career path should be ?
Simple .
Stay at Villa .
Save the Villa .
Win cups for the Villa .
Retire as the greatest footballer the club has ever seen .
The latter is likely , no matter what happens .
The problem is other clubs .
Manchester United - and their betters - can offer Grealish access to European football right away .
They often float into the cup finals and win medals with ease as well .
It might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they stay up this season , and nobody can take a move away from Grealish if he does decide to leave the club .
From then - it 's hopefully a Champions League , maybe a World Cup , a European Championship and a fair few titles .
Then , he 'll have a drink at the end of the season and wait for it to all blow over .
Before he does it all over again .
In today ’ s market , how much is he worth ?
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £60 million plus , if he does leave the club .
That will only increase , and every extra pound is a bonus .
What we now know is that Grealish is adept across the front three , behind the striker and across the midfield .
He has been a striker , a winger , an inside-forward , a defensive midfielder , a central midfielder and a 'number ten ' for Villa when they need him .
Whatever the team requires , that 's what Grealish becomes .
At the moment , Grealish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa 's game towards the wide areas .
He 'd prefer to be in the middle - on the left side of the midfield - but Grealish 's best skills flourish when he is involved in the attack .
“ He can play as part of a two in midfield , play as a 10 , play as an eight when we play a one and two ( an attacking midfielder behind two strikers ) , he can play left , he can play right . ''
said Dean Smith .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the balance of the team , it ( left wing ) is a really good position for him .
That ’ s the thing a mature Jack knows now , that he is doing a job for the team by being there . ''
Tell us one thing we didn ’ t know about him .
Grealish 's charity work is often overlooked , but he 's genuinely the first in line to be involved with the club 's off the pitch endeavours .
The Villa captain has been heavily influenced by personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brother Keelan due to cot death .
The Grealish family raised £6,500 for a sudden infant death charity through a sponsored abseil and a raffle - and that charitable influence in his early years is clear in the player to this day .
He made a personal donation to Moin Younis , a young Villa fan suffering from Epidermolysis Bullosis , and he has also fronted a campaign to raise awareness about the disease HIV .
He can usually been seen offering messages of support to younger Villa fans struggling with illnesses .

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The Aston Villa transfer rumour that simply won't die is the one that takes Jack Grealish out of Villa Park for a move to Manchester United - or elsewhere.
Despite the news that the move seems to have ended, United and others will lurk in the summer shadows at the end of the season.
No matter what, Grealish will always be linked with a move away from Villa Park.
Here we bring you the latest news, and a full lowdown on why he is in such demand.
Why the rumours?
Because he could be one of England's finest players. Grealish's playing role is similar to a large number of players, but not one of them is like him.
There is not a top league in this world where Grealish wouldn't fit in. He's happy to play at any pace, and he's danced around some of the best defenders in the world.
Constant reports in the press have claimed that Manchester United - amongst others - are ready to spend the cash in January, and if not this month, certainly in the summer.
Who is actually interested?
Liverpool have denied interest, and Manchester United are the most public with their admiration, but Grealish has also been linked with a move to Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal.
Who is the front-runner?
Right now - it's Manchester United and even then they will have plenty of difficulty prising him away this month.
A report in the Independent states that the Red Devils actually believe the move is impossible this month - and Villa fans could've told them that anyway.
Other clubs lurk in the background, but Grealish to Man United is a near constant cycle of speculation.
Dean Smith says:
“I think he’s a big target for many teams and you can see why,” said Villa boss Dean Smith at the start of the month.
“He’s having his record goal-scoring season. He’s a top player and I’ve waxed lyrical about him very often.
“But as I’ve said before our owners are very ambitious in establishing us as a top Premier League football club and to do that you have to keep your best players.
(Image: PA)
“So we’ll be keeping hold of Jack Grealish. People can keep looking but they can’t touch.
“We want to keep our best players and he's obviously proving he’s one of the best players in the Premier League.”
“He can grow and still get better. He knows that and he wants to get better. That’s what I like about him, he’s always pushing me and my coaching staff.”
Previous bids
Grealish has been at the frenzy of speculation before. In August 2018, he was the subject of a bid from Tottenham Hotspur and almost left the club to join Spurs.
The transfer collapsed when Villa's new owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens injected funds into the club after the previous threat of administration.
It was a move that affected the player - who fell to injury not long afterwards.
Speaking to The Telegraph about that move, Grealish revealed just how much it had affected him.
"Of course there's going to be disappointment there. They've beaten Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford, they're playing Barcelona in the Champions League next week.
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
"I felt that if I'd gone there I could have maybe been in the England squad by the end of the year.
"At the start of the season my head was swivelled, it was all over the place. Even after the transfer window closed, until the end of August, I wasn't right."
Grealish was made captain after his return from injury and ended up dragging Villa to promotion.
For a moment though, he was as good as gone.
This season, Grealish has put transfer talks to the back of his mind as his side aim to avoid relegation.
What else has been said?
The Red Devils tested Villa with an enquiry regarding the sale of Grealish, but were quickly shot back.
That hasn't stopped him being flogged to the club by pundits, though.
One of them, former Cardiff boss Neil Warnock spoke to Talksport about the player.
Warnock discussed Jack Grealish with Alan Brazil on Talksport and was quick to give a dig towards Jack's ability to win a foul, but was full of praise after the initial jab.
"I do love him! I do think he's a horrible little so-and-so, because you just know if someone breathes on him, he's going down. But his ability is fantastic and he has got better."
Warnock continued with a verdict that Grealish is good enough to stay in the Premier League and play for a top club.
"If Villa go down, he's good enough to be a Manchester United player.
"James Maddison is the more complete player regarding box to box, but Jack has the special magic in the final third.
"He's that kind of player, like how Cantona played, he'll strut his business. He goes past you. He's got all the tricks of the trade and he sees a pass!
"I think he's matured, and he's so much better now."
Would Villa sell?
Not this month, and it'd take a stellar offer at the end of the season if Villa stay up.
Even then, if Villa go down - it'd take over £50 million to prise Grealish away from his boyhood club.
The expert view
Aston Villa club writer Ash Preece had the following to say about the constant speculation that surrounds Jack Grealish.
"Going back to pundits flaunting Grealish like meat-sellers at the indoor market in town, life's more than good for Grealish at Aston Villa. He's strutting his stuff - and then some by the way - as if he's still playing in his Solihull back garden as a four-year-old kid.
"He's making a mockery out of the Premier League - and Gareth Southgate for that matter - while Smith's given him a license to thrill and kill.
"The dressing room assembled around Villa's captain is, according to Smith, buzzing at present. There's just no reason to leave. The 24-year-old is truly loving life ripping it up in claret and blue with his nearest and dearest around him.
"What's more is Villa have stuck by Grealish through thick and thin, made him captain and he'll continue to be the fantastic flag-bearer for this great and hugely-successful football club going into 2020 and beyond. He's living a dream and the dream just keeps on getting better and better - and there's no sign of it ever ending. Villa are in too good a place now, and Grealish knows it."
What’s his background?
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Birmingham-born and Solihull raised, Grealish grew up playing football - and gaelic football.
Eventually he was forced to quit GAA to focus on his Aston Villa career, and left school at 15 to take up his studies and academy training at Bodymoor Heath.
"He was just football, football, football. He'd go at it hell for leather and really worked hard." said Jack's dad, Kevin.
What are his strengths and weaknesses?
Jack Grealish can do a little bit of everything. He's got a fine shot, an eye for a pass, is able to cross the length of the pitch quickly with the ball at his feet.
He is able to hold off challenges, but also knows how to deceive defenders. He is quick to release the ball when the chance is there.
(Image: Getty Images)
Grealish can cut quickly to angles with the ball that most average defenders cannot even perceive, and is often chopped down when on the move. His ability to 'win fouls' via changing direction is second-to-none and has brought accusations of 'diving'.
He's also been a massive influence for Villa over the past season.
To demonstrate this - almost a quarter of Villa's chances this season have come through Grealish alone. This is one of the highest proportions in the league.
Grealish's weaknesses? They are few. He can lose his temper quite often and while this can boost his abilities, it's sometimes an issue. He is quick to frustration and is never far away from a booking. What's more, at Villa he is a magnet for the ball for better or worse, and Villa will often try to force the game through him when things aren't going well.
Naturally, he steps up to do this - but it's not always totally beneficial.
What do you think Grealish’s career path should be?
Simple. Stay at Villa. Save the Villa. Win cups for the Villa. Retire as the greatest footballer the club has ever seen.
The latter is likely, no matter what happens.
The problem is other clubs. Manchester United - and their betters - can offer Grealish access to European football right away. They often float into the cup finals and win medals with ease as well.
(Image: PA)
It might take Villa a while to get there if they stay up this season, and nobody can take a move away from Grealish if he does decide to leave the club.
From then - it's hopefully a Champions League, maybe a World Cup, a European Championship and a fair few titles. Then, he'll have a drink at the end of the season and wait for it to all blow over.
Before he does it all over again.
In today’s market, how much is he worth?
He’s priceless to Villa fans. It's true.
However, Jack Grealish is going to sell for £60 million plus, if he does leave the club.
That will only increase, and every extra pound is a bonus.
What’s his best position
What we now know is that Grealish is adept across the front three, behind the striker and across the midfield. He has been a striker, a winger, an inside-forward, a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder and a 'number ten' for Villa when they need him.
Whatever the team requires, that's what Grealish becomes.
At the moment, Grealish has excelled on the wing and drags Villa's game towards the wide areas. He'd prefer to be in the middle - on the left side of the midfield - but Grealish's best skills flourish when he is involved in the attack.
“He can play as part of a two in midfield, play as a 10, play as an eight when we play a one and two (an attacking midfielder behind two strikers), he can play left, he can play right." said Dean Smith.
(Image: Getty Images)
“I just feel at the moment, for the balance of the team, it (left wing) is a really good position for him. That’s the thing a mature Jack knows now, that he is doing a job for the team by being there."
Tell us one thing we didn’t know about him.
Grealish's charity work is often overlooked, but he's genuinely the first in line to be involved with the club's off the pitch endeavours.
The Villa captain has been heavily influenced by personal tragedy, with the passing of his brother Keelan due to cot death.
The Grealish family raised £6,500 for a sudden infant death charity through a sponsored abseil and a raffle - and that charitable influence in his early years is clear in the player to this day.
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
He made a personal donation to Moin Younis, a young Villa fan suffering from Epidermolysis Bullosis, and he has also fronted a campaign to raise awareness about the disease HIV. He can usually been seen offering messages of support to younger Villa fans struggling with illnesses.


birminghammail--2020-01-28--'A KRO tattoo' - The Aston Villa and Stoke view of this Birmingham City transfer target

Birmingham City are hoping to secure the loan signing of Scott Hogan before Friday ’ s transfer deadline day .
The 27-year-old is currently out on loan with Championship rivals Stoke - but could be recalled by his parent club and reallocated to Blues .
The parent club you ask ?
Oh , yes .
Aston Villa .
Dean Smith admitted today that Hogan needs to go and get some game-time if he is to kick-start a career that has stalled since his big money move to Villa Park .
Unfortunately for all parties - expect perhaps Blues , last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 365 Stadium has also failed to ignite a career that one made him a £12million striker and one of the most deadly marksmen in the Championship .
We spoke to BirminghamLive ’ s football editor Mat Kendrick , for his view of the deal .
And we ’ ve also had a chat with Stoke-on-Trent-Live ’ s Stoke City reporter Martin Spinks for his interpretation .
Here ’ s what they ’ ve said about Hogan and Blues .
Why hasn ’ t it worked out for Hogan at Villa ?
To be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only January 2017 Villa signing not to live up to his hype .
Only the last man on that list can be regarded as a consistent success , while the other decent acquisition , Sam Johnstone , was only on loan .
Hogan has been the most spectacular disappointment of the lot , though .
There was the sense that Steve Bruce threw that group together without really having a plan for them , especially Hogan , as Villa never played to his strengths .
By the time his old Brentford mentor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was already tearing up the Championship and Hogan didn ’ t get a look in .
Mat Kendrick : In the interests of Second City harmony , why not ?
And there ’ s some debate over would be helping who out here anyway .
Hogan has 18 months left on his contract and needs game .
If a loan spell down the road enables Villa to get an asset fit , firing and saleable then they would get as much benefit as Blues from re-igniting the 27-year-old striker .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a similar journey , initially on loan , not so long ago .
Expect Hogan to reveal a KRO tattoo and talk about cheering on Paul Furlong from the Tilton as a boy , any moment now .
And now the view from the Potteries .
What is Hogan ’ s situation at Stoke ?
Martin Spinks : His bags are packed and he ’ s ready to move , if someone will have him , and Stoke certainly won ’ t stand in his way .
Would Stoke willing to let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them in the table ?
Martin Spinks : Had it been a Barnsley , Wigan or Luton , and been a couple of weeks ago , they might have had a decision to make , but given their recent mini revival and the fact that Stoke and Blues should only be squabbling over mid-table placings , if anything , then him moving to St Andrews shouldn ’ t trouble them too much .
Financially , they are desperate to get him out , while the manager doesn ’ t want any long faces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been his best/worst moments ?
Martin Spinks : He actually started pretty well , but couldn ’ t build on that .
He hit the woodwork in the 34th minute of his debut at Charlton back in August and was applauded off by travelling fans when subbed .
Next game he scored both in a 2-2 draw at home to Derby , his first start , and teamed up well alongside fellow newcomer Lee Gregory .
But then at Preston four days later he was one of the scapegoats for a terrible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jones before the hour .
That was on August 21st , since when he has started just one more league game , the last under Jones on October 26 , had just three sub appearances to his name under Michael O ’ Neill and not been seen at all since December 20 .
So he ’ s going to be a bit rusty .
Could you see him succeeding at Birmingham City ?
Martin Spinks : Yes , he should have every incentive - to prove Villa and Stoke wrong , to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to earn a long-term move out of Villa Park .
You can already see him scoring a Blues winner at Stoke on April 13 .
Mat Kendrick : It won ’ t be for the want of trying if he doesn ’ t .
The guy deserves a break .
He has always struck me as a hard-working , humble player who just wants to make the best of his talents .
It hasn ’ t worked out at Villa and , let ’ s face it , it never will .
Maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catalyst to kickstart his career , as his frustrating spell at Stoke has only added to his misery .

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Birmingham City are closing in on the loan signing of Scott Hogan before Friday’s transfer deadline.
The 27-year-old is currently out on loan with Championship rivals Stoke - but spent Tuesday at Blues' Wast Hills training ground.
Dean Smith admitted yesterday that Hogan needs to go and get some game-time if he is to kick-start a career that has stalled since his big money move to Villa Park.
Unfortunately for all parties - expect perhaps Blues, last summer’s loan to the Bet 365 Stadium has also failed to ignite a career that one made him a £12million striker and one of the most deadly marksmen in the Championship.
We spoke to BirminghamLive’s football editor Mat Kendrick, for his view of the deal. And we’ve also had a chat with Stoke-on-Trent-Live’s Stoke City reporter Martin Spinks for his interpretation.
Here’s what they’ve said about Hogan and Blues.
Why hasn’t it worked out for Hogan at Villa?
Mat Kendrick: That’s the 12 million pound question.
To be fair to Hogan he wasn’t the only January 2017 Villa signing not to live up to his hype.
Check out this list - Henri Lansbury, James Bree, Birkir Bjarnason, Neil Taylor, Conor Hourihane .
Only the last man on that list can be regarded as a consistent success, while the other decent acquisition, Sam Johnstone, was only on loan.
Hogan has been the most spectacular disappointment of the lot, though.
There was the sense that Steve Bruce threw that group together without really having a plan for them, especially Hogan, as Villa never played to his strengths.
By the time his old Brentford mentor Dean Smith came in, Tammy Abraham was already tearing up the Championship and Hogan didn’t get a look in.
Would Villa countenance ‘helping out’ their rivals?
Mat Kendrick: In the interests of Second City harmony, why not?
And there’s some debate over would be helping who out here anyway.
Hogan has 18 months left on his contract and needs game. If a loan spell down the road enables Villa to get an asset fit, firing and saleable then they would get as much benefit as Blues from re-igniting the 27-year-old striker.
It’s hardly breaking new ground - Gary Gardner made a similar journey, initially on loan, not so long ago.
Expect Hogan to reveal a KRO tattoo and talk about cheering on Paul Furlong from the Tilton as a boy, any moment now.
And now the view from the Potteries.
What is Hogan’s situation at Stoke?
Martin Spinks: His bags are packed and he’s ready to move, if someone will have him, and Stoke certainly won’t stand in his way.
(Image: Leanne Bagnall)
Would Stoke willing to let a player join a club so near them in the table?
Martin Spinks: Had it been a Barnsley, Wigan or Luton, and been a couple of weeks ago, they might have had a decision to make, but given their recent mini revival and the fact that Stoke and Blues should only be squabbling over mid-table placings, if anything, then him moving to St Andrews shouldn’t trouble them too much.
Financially, they are desperate to get him out, while the manager doesn’t want any long faces hanging around the place either.
What have been his best/worst moments?
Martin Spinks: He actually started pretty well, but couldn’t build on that.
He hit the woodwork in the 34th minute of his debut at Charlton back in August and was applauded off by travelling fans when subbed.
Next game he scored both in a 2-2 draw at home to Derby, his first start, and teamed up well alongside fellow newcomer Lee Gregory.
But then at Preston four days later he was one of the scapegoats for a terrible first half and was subbed by Nathan Jones before the hour.
That was on August 21st, since when he has started just one more league game, the last under Jones on October 26, had just three sub appearances to his name under Michael O’Neill and not been seen at all since December 20.
So he’s going to be a bit rusty.
Could you see him succeeding at Birmingham City?
Martin Spinks: Yes, he should have every incentive - to prove Villa and Stoke wrong, to get himself ship-shape for Ireland and to try to earn a long-term move out of Villa Park.
You can already see him scoring a Blues winner at Stoke on April 13.
Mat Kendrick: It won’t be for the want of trying if he doesn’t.
The guy deserves a break. He has always struck me as a hard-working, humble player who just wants to make the best of his talents.
It hasn’t worked out at Villa and, let’s face it, it never will.
Maybe a spell at Blues can be the catalyst to kickstart his career, as his frustrating spell at Stoke has only added to his misery.


birminghammail--2020-01-28--ADVERTORIAL: More West Midlands new build rental homes to meet 'high demand'

More newly built rental homes are being made available in Wolverhampton after proving popular with house hunters .
The next phase of two to four-bedroom houses at Simple Life Homes ' James Mill Way development will be ready to move into from February , as the developer aims to continue raising the standard of living for renters in the area .
Located close to Wolverhampton city centre , James Mill Way was officially launched in August 2019 and has been transforming a former metal forming and rolling mill site with new houses .
Once completed , the new neighbourhood will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stability and benefits usually afforded to homeowners such as the security and peace of mind of a long-term home .
The development is one of eight across the West Midlands and Shropshire which Simple Life Homes currently have under way , including Silkin Green in Telford and Stonefield Edge in Bilston Urban Village .
At Stonefield Edge , which is around two and a half miles from Wolverhampton city centre , brand new rental homes are being built alongside Countryside Properties ' homes to buy as well as a new leisure and retail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , marketing manager at Simple Life Homes , said : “ We are very pleased to continue our expansion in the West Midlands , following the success of our developments so far including those in Wolverhampton and Darlaston in particular .
`` The demand for high quality rental homes at an attainable price point is proving high in the region , and being able to meet that need , as well as exceed people ’ s expectations of what a rental home can be , is at the heart of Simple Life ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excited by the growth in the area and look forward to bringing more properties to the market for people to enjoy and call their homes . ''
Buying a home is n't possible for everyone , as saving up a deposit and securing a mortgage can be difficult .
That does n't meant that the benefits that home ownership brings ca n't be enjoyed though , from the luxury of a choice of property types to the security of a home you can stay in on a long-term basis .
Simple Life Homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same high quality properties , complete with modern fittings and fixtures and fully integrated kitchens .
Homes at sites around the West Midlands come complete with fridge/freezers , washing machines and dishwashers .
Residents can also feel at home in a property that 's steeped in personal style , as houses come unfurnished and ready to be kitted out in each room .
Maintenance is looked after by dedicated teams , and there 's access to a 24/7 customer service team with Simple Life Homes as your trusted landlord .
Plus the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each of their sites by hosting events such as Easter egg hunts and festive visits from Father Christmas .
Four-legged friends can also be part of the family while living in a Simple Life property , as pets are accepted on an application basis with additional rent applying .
For more information about Simple Life Homes ' houses to rent around the West Midlands , and to apply for a new home in the area , click here .

More newly built rental homes are being made available in Wolverhampton after proving popular with house hunters.
The next phase of two to four-bedroom houses at Simple Life Homes' James Mill Way development will be ready to move into from February, as the developer aims to continue raising the standard of living for renters in the area.
Located close to Wolverhampton city centre, James Mill Way was officially launched in August 2019 and has been transforming a former metal forming and rolling mill site with new houses.
Once completed, the new neighbourhood will feature 164 homes which offer householders the stability and benefits usually afforded to homeowners such as the security and peace of mind of a long-term home.
The development is one of eight across the West Midlands and Shropshire which Simple Life Homes currently have under way, including Silkin Green in Telford and Stonefield Edge in Bilston Urban Village.
At Stonefield Edge, which is around two and a half miles from Wolverhampton city centre, brand new rental homes are being built alongside Countryside Properties' homes to buy as well as a new leisure and retail offering for the neighbourhood.
Tiffany Chevis, marketing manager at Simple Life Homes, said: “We are very pleased to continue our expansion in the West Midlands, following the success of our developments so far including those in Wolverhampton and Darlaston in particular.
"The demand for high quality rental homes at an attainable price point is proving high in the region, and being able to meet that need, as well as exceed people’s expectations of what a rental home can be, is at the heart of Simple Life’s mission.
"We’re excited by the growth in the area and look forward to bringing more properties to the market for people to enjoy and call their homes."
Benefits for renters
Buying a home isn't possible for everyone, as saving up a deposit and securing a mortgage can be difficult. That doesn't mean that the benefits that home ownership brings can't be enjoyed though, from the luxury of a choice of property types to the security of a home you can stay in on a long-term basis.
Simple Life Homes' new build rental developments can provide the same high quality properties, complete with modern fittings and fixtures and fully integrated kitchens. Homes at sites around the West Midlands come complete with fridge/freezers, washing machines and dishwashers.
Residents can also feel at home in a property that's steeped in personal style, as houses come unfurnished and ready to be kitted out in each room.
Maintenance is looked after by dedicated teams, and there's access to a 24/7 customer service team with Simple Life Homes as your trusted landlord. Plus the company work to foster thriving communities at each of their sites by hosting events such as Easter egg hunts and festive visits from Father Christmas.
Four-legged friends can also be part of the family while living in a Simple Life property, as pets are accepted on an application basis with additional rent applying.
For more information about Simple Life Homes' houses to rent around the West Midlands, and to apply for a new home in the area, click here.


birminghammail--2020-01-28--Emergency services at the scene in Kidderminster.

Emergency services at the scene in Kidderminster .
Medics and police are currently on standby in Park Street , Kidderminster @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday , January 28 .

News gallery
Emergency services at the scene in Kidderminster.
A large police cordon has been erected in a residential street after concerns for a man's safety was raised to emergency crews. Medics and police are currently on standby in Park Street, Kidderminster, following the 999 call on Tuesday, January 28. Residents and motorists have been urged to avoid the area, which could affect rush-hour traffic in nearby streets..


birminghammail--2020-01-28--The must-read scouting report on Wolves transfer target Daniel Podence

Wolves are experiencing a productive campaign at the moment .
Nuno Espirito Santo 's team are currently placed seventh in the Premier League table despite playing more fixtures across all competitions than any other club , and a Europa League tie with Espanyol awaits .
Despite that , though , the club have a desire to add to the squad this month .
The most prominent link at present is with Daniel Podence , who 's currently contracted to the Greek giants , Olympiakos .
There are rumours surrounding the Portuguese talent ahead of the upcoming transfer deadline on January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether Podence will actually sign at this stage , but why are Wolves interested in securing his services ?
Podence is an interesting player who appears to have plenty of potential while also being mature enough to contribute immediately .
He 's 24 years-old , right-footed and versatile having demonstrated an ability to assume various attacking roles since moving from Sporting in 2018 .
This season , he 's played on the left but mostly on the right flank .
From that area of the pitch , it 's reasonable to suggest that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his true scoring potential because his favoured foot tends to drive him in the direction of the corner flag rather than towards goal .
Podence has scored five goals and registered five assists in 27 appearances this season .
He 's posting a scoring contribution every 212 minutes and last season , that figure was every 196 minutes .
For perspective , Diogo Jota , who 's a similar type of attacker , contributed a goal or an assist every 154 minutes last season .
Podence is quick and difficult to handle from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mostly because of his dribbling tendecies .
Some 140 players have amassed over 1,000 minutes in the Greek top-flight this season , and Podence is fourth for dribbles attempted per 90 .
His tricky nature stems from his agility , close control and acceleration but also his size .
Podence is just 5-foot-5 which could easily be deemed as a weakness , especially considering the physical traits of English football .
However , Podence is strong with good upper body strength meaning that he 's able to avoid being knocked off balance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleanly , although he should certainly attempt to find the net more frequently .
Podence averages only 1.6 shots per 90 which places him 25th from the group of 140 players in the Greek Super League .
25th may not seem too bad , but considering he 's an offensive player for one of the most dominant sides in the country , he should have a greater end product .
His shot map for the current campaign is pictured below and it captures his current problem .
His lack of shooting may derive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as his shot locations are drastically different compared to last season , when he was mainly deployed on the left .
Regardless of his lack of shooting , Podence is typically very involved at the business end of the pitch .
This season , he 's averaging 4.3 separate penalty box involvements per 90 which places him top from the sample of 140 players .
He 's also third on the list for passes into the penalty box with an average of 5.5 per 90 , and only 14 others attempt through passes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Podence appears to have the necessary qualities to thrive as a good attacker at Molineux , particularly under the guidance of Nuno .
He 's quick , durable and technically proficient , and although his output needs improving , the Wolves boss may be the man to oversee that development considering the recent progression of Adama Traore .
If negotiations can be agreed , then Podence could prove to be a bargain .

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Wolves are experiencing a productive campaign at the moment.
Nuno Espirito Santo's team are currently placed seventh in the Premier League table despite playing more fixtures across all competitions than any other club, and a Europa League tie with Espanyol awaits.
Despite that, though, the club have a desire to add to the squad this month.
The most prominent link at present is with Daniel Podence, who's currently contracted to the Greek giants, Olympiakos.
There are rumours surrounding the Portuguese talent ahead of the upcoming transfer deadline on January 31st. It remains to be seen whether Podence will actually sign at this stage, but why are Wolves interested in securing his services?
Podence is an interesting player who appears to have plenty of potential while also being mature enough to contribute immediately. He's 24 years-old, right-footed and versatile having demonstrated an ability to assume various attacking roles since moving from Sporting in 2018.
This season, he's played on the left but mostly on the right flank. From that area of the pitch, it's reasonable to suggest that he's not been able to showcase his true scoring potential because his favoured foot tends to drive him in the direction of the corner flag rather than towards goal.
Podence has scored five goals and registered five assists in 27 appearances this season. He's posting a scoring contribution every 212 minutes and last season, that figure was every 196 minutes.
For perspective, Diogo Jota, who's a similar type of attacker, contributed a goal or an assist every 154 minutes last season.
Podence is quick and difficult to handle from an opposition perspective in tight spaces, mostly because of his dribbling tendecies. Some 140 players have amassed over 1,000 minutes in the Greek top-flight this season, and Podence is fourth for dribbles attempted per 90.
His tricky nature stems from his agility, close control and acceleration but also his size. Podence is just 5-foot-5 which could easily be deemed as a weakness, especially considering the physical traits of English football.
However, Podence is strong with good upper body strength meaning that he's able to avoid being knocked off balance.
The Portuguese attacker strikes the ball very cleanly, although he should certainly attempt to find the net more frequently.
Podence averages only 1.6 shots per 90 which places him 25th from the group of 140 players in the Greek Super League. 25th may not seem too bad, but considering he's an offensive player for one of the most dominant sides in the country, he should have a greater end product.
His shot map for the current campaign is pictured below and it captures his current problem.
(Image: Wyscout)
His lack of shooting may derive from his positional change, though, as his shot locations are drastically different compared to last season, when he was mainly deployed on the left.
(Image: Wyscout)
Regardless of his lack of shooting, Podence is typically very involved at the business end of the pitch. This season, he's averaging 4.3 separate penalty box involvements per 90 which places him top from the sample of 140 players.
He's also third on the list for passes into the penalty box with an average of 5.5 per 90, and only 14 others attempt through passes more frequently than he does.
Ultimately, Podence appears to have the necessary qualities to thrive as a good attacker at Molineux, particularly under the guidance of Nuno.
He's quick, durable and technically proficient, and although his output needs improving, the Wolves boss may be the man to oversee that development considering the recent progression of Adama Traore.
If negotiations can be agreed, then Podence could prove to be a bargain.


birminghammail--2020-01-28--Man charged £606 by Uber for 10-mile journey after driver dropped him off and drove around for five

Man charged £606 by Uber for 10-mile journey after driver dropped him off and drove around for five hours

A man was horrified after Uber charged him £606 for a ten mile journey after the driver dropped him off -- and then drove around for nearly five hours .
Rich Phillips , 27 , ordered a cab from a festival to nearby bar - a ten mile journey across town - which usually takes 28 minutes .
But Rich was staggered when he woke the next day to see his account claimed he had gone from Coventry to London and then on to Nuneaton in Warwickshire - a four hour 42 minute trip , covering 243 miles .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fare and explained he was not in the car , but enjoying a night out with friends in a local pub .
But despite providing timestamped CCTV of him in a bar in Coventry while his taxi was in London , Uber refused to refund him .
Uber claimed a passenger was still in the car and `` all riders must be responsible for their own account activity '' .
The company later relented when approached for comment .
Corporate partnerships manager Rich , from Coventry , West Mids.
, said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw the charge to my bank account from Uber , especially since I was only in the car for about ten minutes .
`` We were in The Ivy House bar all night and had a great time but to wake up to a charge for £606 for a trip from Coventry to London to Nuneaton was just horrendous .
`` I thought when the bar gave me the CCTV footage showing us in the bar at the time of the trip that Uber would listen to me but they 're did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are just refusing to help .
`` £606 is a lot of money and I ca n't believe they 've been so unreasonable .
I 'll never use Uber again after this . ''
Rich had enjoyed a day out at Coombe Weekender festival with his fiance , brother and a friend when he ordered an Uber on August 3 last year .
Rich 's app shows he ordered an Uber at 10.04pm from Coombe Abbey , Coventry to Gregory Hood Road , Coventry - but it was cancelled by the Uber driver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a few minutes before ordering another Uber at 10.14pm from Gates , Coventry to The Ivy House , Coventry .
The 10.4 mile journey usually takes 28 minutes , according to Google Maps .
The vehicle made one scheduled stop en route to drop off his brother in Coventry , before continuing to The Ivy House where everyone else got out .
CCTV footage shows Rich dressed in a white t-shirt and pale green chinos enjoying drinks in The Ivy House bar with friends between 10.58pm and 3.28am .
But during that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed there was a passenger still in the car - which continued the journey to Frimley in Surrey .
The trip was then updated to include a final destination of St Davids Way , Nuneaton - a retail park containing a Holiday Inn hotel , where the journey ended at 3.09am .
The journey ended up spanning 243.75 miles and lasting four hours and 42 minutes .
Due to Rich booking the trip at a busy time , a surcharge of 1.8 was added to the cost of the journey , leaving Rich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Uber told Rich they would not be refunding him as they believe it was a legitimate trip taken by him .
In messages from Uber to Rich on the app , Uber said : `` The trip was requested from the device associated with your account , and we see no illegitimate logins from any other device prior to the trip taking place .
`` To further understand what may have happened , we reached out to the partner driver who advised there was more than one passenger in the vehicle and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
`` We are sorry to hear that it appears someone else may have taken your trip request .
`` Unfortunately Rich , all riders must be responsible for their own account activity . ''
'We hope you can understand that we will be unable to make any adjustments to the fare in this instance , as your journey was completed from pick-up to drop-off .
`` This leads us to believe this is a legitimate trip taken by you .
Your partner-driver needs to be fairly compensated for their time on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reimbursed in full when Uber was approached for comment .
An Uber spokeswoman said : “ We are always happy to review a trip if there are concerns about the route taken , and provide a fare adjustment where appropriate .
`` In this case , we apologise that we did not meet our usual high standards of customer care , and the customer has been fully refunded for the trip . ''

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

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A man was horrified after Uber charged him £606 for a ten mile journey after the driver dropped him off -- and then drove around for nearly five hours.
Rich Phillips, 27, ordered a cab from a festival to nearby bar - a ten mile journey across town - which usually takes 28 minutes.
But Rich was staggered when he woke the next day to see his account claimed he had gone from Coventry to London and then on to Nuneaton in Warwickshire - a four hour 42 minute trip, covering 243 miles.
He instantly complained to Uber about the £606 fare and explained he was not in the car, but enjoying a night out with friends in a local pub.
But despite providing timestamped CCTV of him in a bar in Coventry while his taxi was in London, Uber refused to refund him.
Uber claimed a passenger was still in the car and "all riders must be responsible for their own account activity". The company later relented when approached for comment.
Corporate partnerships manager Rich, from Coventry, West Mids., said: "I was in complete shock when I saw the charge to my bank account from Uber, especially since I was only in the car for about ten minutes.
"We were in The Ivy House bar all night and had a great time but to wake up to a charge for £606 for a trip from Coventry to London to Nuneaton was just horrendous.
(Image: Rich Phillips / SWNS)
"I thought when the bar gave me the CCTV footage showing us in the bar at the time of the trip that Uber would listen to me but they're didn't want to see the footage and now are just refusing to help.
"£606 is a lot of money and I can't believe they've been so unreasonable. I'll never use Uber again after this."
Rich had enjoyed a day out at Coombe Weekender festival with his fiance, brother and a friend when he ordered an Uber on August 3 last year.
Rich's app shows he ordered an Uber at 10.04pm from Coombe Abbey, Coventry to Gregory Hood Road, Coventry - but it was cancelled by the Uber driver due to crowds.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The group walked for a few minutes before ordering another Uber at 10.14pm from Gates, Coventry to The Ivy House, Coventry.
The 10.4 mile journey usually takes 28 minutes, according to Google Maps.
The vehicle made one scheduled stop en route to drop off his brother in Coventry, before continuing to The Ivy House where everyone else got out.
(Image: Rich Phillips / SWNS)
CCTV footage shows Rich dressed in a white t-shirt and pale green chinos enjoying drinks in The Ivy House bar with friends between 10.58pm and 3.28am.
But during that time period, Uber said the driver claimed there was a passenger still in the car - which continued the journey to Frimley in Surrey.
(Image: Rich Phillips / SWNS)
The trip was then updated to include a final destination of St Davids Way, Nuneaton - a retail park containing a Holiday Inn hotel, where the journey ended at 3.09am.
The journey ended up spanning 243.75 miles and lasting four hours and 42 minutes.
Due to Rich booking the trip at a busy time, a surcharge of 1.8 was added to the cost of the journey, leaving Rich to be charged £606.22 for the ride.
Uber told Rich they would not be refunding him as they believe it was a legitimate trip taken by him.
In messages from Uber to Rich on the app, Uber said: "The trip was requested from the device associated with your account, and we see no illegitimate logins from any other device prior to the trip taking place.
"To further understand what may have happened, we reached out to the partner driver who advised there was more than one passenger in the vehicle and the passengers requested multiple stops along the way.
"We are sorry to hear that it appears someone else may have taken your trip request.
"Unfortunately Rich, all riders must be responsible for their own account activity."
'We hope you can understand that we will be unable to make any adjustments to the fare in this instance, as your journey was completed from pick-up to drop-off.
"This leads us to believe this is a legitimate trip taken by you. Your partner-driver needs to be fairly compensated for their time on the road."
His account was reimbursed in full when Uber was approached for comment.
An Uber spokeswoman said: “We are always happy to review a trip if there are concerns about the route taken, and provide a fare adjustment where appropriate.
"In this case, we apologise that we did not meet our usual high standards of customer care, and the customer has been fully refunded for the trip."


birminghammail--2020-01-28--Yousef Makki death: Teen cleared of lying loses court anonymity bid

A teenager cleared of allegations that he lied to police about the fatal stabbing of a grammar school pupil has lost a High Court bid to keep his identity secret until he finishes his education .
He went on trial last year , identified only as `` Boy B '' , alongside Joshua Molnar after the death of their friend Yousef Makki in Hale Barns , Cheshire , on March 2 2019 .
Yousef , a 17-year-old who had won a scholarship to the prestigious £12,000-a-year Manchester Grammar School , was knifed in the heart by Molnar , now 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleared of murder and manslaughter following a four-week trial at Manchester Crown Court in July , telling the jury he acted in self-defence after Yousef pulled a knife on him .
He admitted possession of a knife and perverting the course of justice by initially lying to police about what had happened , and was given 16 months in custody .
Boy B , then 17 , was acquitted of perverting the course of justice .
He was given a four-month detention order after admitting possession of a flick knife .
Both he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commit robbery in the lead-up to Yousef 's death .
Boy B 's anonymity was due to automatically expire when he turned 18 last Friday , but he asked the High Court to protect his identity until he finishes his education in November 2021 .
Giving judgment in London on Tuesday , Mrs Justice Steyn ruled that `` the curtailment of the claimant 's and his family 's right to respect for their private and family life is , in my judgment , clearly justified by the compelling public interest in open justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not yet be named as his lawyers are pursuing an appeal against her decision .
Mrs Justice Steyn said Boy B should not be named until any appeal is determined , as it would `` effectively destroy his right to appeal '' .

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A teenager cleared of allegations that he lied to police about the fatal stabbing of a grammar school pupil has lost a High Court bid to keep his identity secret until he finishes his education.
He went on trial last year, identified only as "Boy B", alongside Joshua Molnar after the death of their friend Yousef Makki in Hale Barns, Cheshire, on March 2 2019.
Yousef, a 17-year-old who had won a scholarship to the prestigious £12,000-a-year Manchester Grammar School, was knifed in the heart by Molnar, now 18, during a fight.
Molnar was cleared of murder and manslaughter following a four-week trial at Manchester Crown Court in July, telling the jury he acted in self-defence after Yousef pulled a knife on him.
He admitted possession of a knife and perverting the course of justice by initially lying to police about what had happened, and was given 16 months in custody.
(Image: PA)
Boy B, then 17, was acquitted of perverting the course of justice. He was given a four-month detention order after admitting possession of a flick knife.
Both he and Molnar were acquitted of conspiracy to commit robbery in the lead-up to Yousef's death.
Boy B's anonymity was due to automatically expire when he turned 18 last Friday, but he asked the High Court to protect his identity until he finishes his education in November 2021.
Giving judgment in London on Tuesday, Mrs Justice Steyn ruled that "the curtailment of the claimant's and his family's right to respect for their private and family life is, in my judgment, clearly justified by the compelling public interest in open justice".
However, Boy B cannot yet be named as his lawyers are pursuing an appeal against her decision.
Mrs Justice Steyn said Boy B should not be named until any appeal is determined, as it would "effectively destroy his right to appeal".


birminghammail--2020-01-28--'Very likely' - The latest on Wolves' pursuit of this Portuguese star

A ‘ dispute ’ between Olympiakos and Wolverhampton Wanderers is holding up Daniel Podence ’ s move to the Premier League .
Nuno Espirito Santo has identified the diminutive Portuguese as the ideal man to bolster his forward line and he wants to get the deal done early this week .
Negotiations stalled over the weekend though , and Olympiakos ’ director of communications Nikos Gavalas has explained why .
Speaking to Sport24 radio station , Gavalas said : ” The dispute was between the two groups regarding the terms of his contract and negotiations on the sale of Podence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind was already in England before developments on his transfer rolled around , and that may be a source of dissatisfaction , but Olympiakos knows that the matter will clear up immediately ( if he remains an Olympiakos player ) .
“ You know that Olympiakos is famous for tough negotiations on football players that are going to be sold.
” However , that doesn ’ t seem to be the end of it and another outlet in Greece , website Sdna , via Sport Witness , expects the Premier League club to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indeed they describe that possibility as ‘ very likely ’ as Nuno Espirito Santo continues efforts to bolster his squad .
Whether that possibility comes to pass will be seen over the next few days but what is clear is that Wolves are desperate to reinforce a squad fighting on two fronts and with thousands of miles already on the clock this season .

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A ‘dispute’ between Olympiakos and Wolverhampton Wanderers is holding up Daniel Podence’s move to the Premier League.
Nuno Espirito Santo has identified the diminutive Portuguese as the ideal man to bolster his forward line and he wants to get the deal done early this week.
Negotiations stalled over the weekend though, and Olympiakos’ director of communications Nikos Gavalas has explained why.
Speaking to Sport24 radio station, Gavalas said:”The dispute was between the two groups regarding the terms of his contract and negotiations on the sale of Podence were halted.
“Many say his mind was already in England before developments on his transfer rolled around, and that may be a source of dissatisfaction, but Olympiakos knows that the matter will clear up immediately (if he remains an Olympiakos player).
“You know that Olympiakos is famous for tough negotiations on football players that are going to be sold.”
However, that doesn’t seem to be the end of it and another outlet in Greece, website Sdna, via Sport Witness, expects the Premier League club to come back for the Portuguese star.
Indeed they describe that possibility as ‘very likely’ as Nuno Espirito Santo continues efforts to bolster his squad.
Whether that possibility comes to pass will be seen over the next few days but what is clear is that Wolves are desperate to reinforce a squad fighting on two fronts and with thousands of miles already on the clock this season.


birminghammail--2020-01-28--Mum shocked after cracking open seven eggs - all with double yolks

A mum was left shell-shocked after she beat ONE IN 25 BILLION odds and cracked open - seven eggs double yolkers .
Mother-of-two Michelle Franklin , 33 , paid £1.55 for a dozen eggs during her weekly Lidl shop last weekend .
But while rustling up breakfast for the kids Sienna , 11 , and Albert , nine , Michelle was stunned to find three eggs she cracked had double yolks .
Michelle , an equine dentist , went on to crack another three eggs , which all had the rare double yolks .
Partner John Matthew , 34 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the find and cracked a seventh egg from the box later in the day - another double-yolker .
It is said to be a rare 25 billion to one event .
Michelle , from Hersham , Surrey , said : `` What can I say - we were quite impressed .
I got up to make me and the kids some fried eggs for breakfast '' Lidl eggs are yummy so to get two yolks in our breakfast just gave it that little bit extra .
`` I used to have hens back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they are really looked after by the colour of the yolk .
These ones were a dark orange so that 's a really good sign .
`` After we made the breakfast John cracked a few more and they were double yolks too .
So seven out of the 12 had double yolks !
`` Albert joked and said he was going to be like a rocket today due to the extra protein .
We only took a photo of the first three as we did n't think anything would come of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ double yolks in the same packet was pretty something .
We just found it pretty random . ''
A spokesman for the British Egg Information Service said : `` Double yolkers ( eggs containing two yolks ) tend to come from younger hens whose hormone systems are still naturally developing .
`` It is very rare for an egg to be ‘ double yolked ’ and , although we can not be specific , the instance of double yolkers is 0.1 % .
`` However , because all the hens in a flock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not unusual to find more than one double yolker in a box . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Olive Loveridge-Greene, James Rodger)

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A mum was left shell-shocked after she beat ONE IN 25 BILLION odds and cracked open - seven eggs double yolkers.
Mother-of-two Michelle Franklin, 33, paid £1.55 for a dozen eggs during her weekly Lidl shop last weekend.
But while rustling up breakfast for the kids Sienna, 11, and Albert, nine, Michelle was stunned to find three eggs she cracked had double yolks.
Michelle, an equine dentist, went on to crack another three eggs, which all had the rare double yolks.
Partner John Matthew, 34, rushed to get his phone to capture the find and cracked a seventh egg from the box later in the day - another double-yolker.
It is said to be a rare 25 billion to one event.
(Image: Michelle Franklin / SWNS)
Michelle, from Hersham, Surrey, said: "What can I say - we were quite impressed. I got up to make me and the kids some fried eggs for breakfast
"Lidl eggs are yummy so to get two yolks in our breakfast just gave it that little bit extra.
"I used to have hens back in the day and you can tell when they are really looked after by the colour of the yolk. These ones were a dark orange so that's a really good sign.
"After we made the breakfast John cracked a few more and they were double yolks too. So seven out of the 12 had double yolks!
"Albert joked and said he was going to be like a rocket today due to the extra protein. We only took a photo of the first three as we didn't think anything would come of it.
"But to have seven double yolks in the same packet was pretty something. We just found it pretty random."
(Image: Michelle Franklin / SWNS)
A spokesman for the British Egg Information Service said: "Double yolkers (eggs containing two yolks) tend to come from younger hens whose hormone systems are still naturally developing.
"It is very rare for an egg to be ‘double yolked’ and, although we cannot be specific, the instance of double yolkers is 0.1%.
"However, because all the hens in a flock are the same age, it is not unusual to find more than one double yolker in a box."


birminghammail--2020-01-28--The real reason Aston Villa are being linked with ex Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge

Aston Villa were linked yesterday to former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge .
The ex-England forward is currently playing for Super Lig side Tabzonspor after the expiration of his Liverpool contract last year .
The striker has scored four goals and made four assists in 6 starts for the Turkish side .
Villa have stated that they need another striker - and Sturridge was heavily linked with a free transfer to the club in the summer .
Here 's our round-up of the Sturridge speculation .
Newspaper Fanatik ( via Sport Witness ) stated yesterday that a bid of 5m euros @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa and Trabzonspor will issue their response in the coming days .
This bid comes after Trabzonspor president Ahmet Agaoglu said earlier in the month : “ We have received an offer for Daniel Sturridge but we want to keep him at the club over the second half of the season .
“ We think he has a lot more to give and that we are going to witness a much better Sturridge in the second half of the season.
” However , Fanatik later published an article that made no mention of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focused on 'Russian interest ' in the player .
According to the report , Villa had 'mentioned ' the player , but that CSKA Moscow and Lokomotiv Moscow had entered the 'chase ' for the striker .
There could be a translation issue though .
The Russian article that links the Moscow duo to Sturridge mentions Villa 's 'previous interest ' in the player , and this may have been picked up in the incorrect tense upon translation - and could actually refer to Villa 's interest in the past summer .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ links - there 's a potential for wires to get crossed when multiple separate reports are translated back and forth .
Still , a bid was reported and since Sturridge was available on a free transfer - this is recent news .
To secure Sturridge , a club would have to pay a transfer fee unlike in the summer when the player was freely available .
What the fans think @ Studav19 : Can ’ t see the Sturridge rumours being true .
Can see it getting busy once tomorrow ’ s game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ busy end to the window for us .
@ HeatonSamuel : Yes !
Get him in Deano , Sturridge is quality .
@ BazlaP : Imagine if # avfc can push through a Sturridge/Wanyama deal before Thursday .
Be a great window for us .
Expect some late business folks .
@ Edeolus : Sturridge would be a very strange one .
Well past his best , beset by injury problems , and does n't strike me as a positive influence in the dressing room .
We need another striking option but this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me .
@ DraperGeneral : Sturridge .
Not for me .
Lescott & Richards days are well and truly behind us .
@ LordMillman29 : One of the biggest issues with Sturridge is keeping him fit , no questioning his talent .
Works well in an attacking front 3 typically on the right , which is a position we need filling as no one ’ s currently holding it down .
@ PrideOfMids : 7 Goals and 7 assists in 11 games shows he on form but as everybody says on here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worry , not so bad now we have Samatta I suppose but no questioning his talent , can we get 10 games out of him if we could we stay up .
@ GV18271 : Unless he ’ s used as a super sub , that is guaranteed waste of money .
Man gets injured giving an interview .
@ SteJim12 : We could have had him for free in the summer and now pay 4 million .

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Aston Villa were linked yesterday to former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge.
The ex-England forward is currently playing for Super Lig side Tabzonspor after the expiration of his Liverpool contract last year.
The striker has scored four goals and made four assists in 6 starts for the Turkish side.
Villa have stated that they need another striker - and Sturridge was heavily linked with a free transfer to the club in the summer.
Here's our round-up of the Sturridge speculation.
Bid made?
Newspaper Fanatik (via Sport Witness) stated yesterday that a bid of 5m euros (£4.2m) has been submitted by Villa and Trabzonspor will issue their response in the coming days.
This bid comes after Trabzonspor president Ahmet Agaoglu said earlier in the month: “We have received an offer for Daniel Sturridge but we want to keep him at the club over the second half of the season.
“We think he has a lot more to give and that we are going to witness a much better Sturridge in the second half of the season.”
Russian interest
However, Fanatik later published an article that made no mention of the bid.
Instead, the newspaper focused on 'Russian interest' in the player.
According to the report, Villa had 'mentioned' the player, but that CSKA Moscow and Lokomotiv Moscow had entered the 'chase' for the striker.
There could be a translation issue though. The Russian article that links the Moscow duo to Sturridge mentions Villa's 'previous interest' in the player, and this may have been picked up in the incorrect tense upon translation - and could actually refer to Villa's interest in the past summer.
This could be the real reason behind the links - there's a potential for wires to get crossed when multiple separate reports are translated back and forth.
Still, a bid was reported and since Sturridge was available on a free transfer - this is recent news. To secure Sturridge, a club would have to pay a transfer fee unlike in the summer when the player was freely available.
What the fans think
@Studav19: Can’t see the Sturridge rumours being true. Can see it getting busy once tomorrow’s game is out the way. Hopefully nice busy end to the window for us.
@HeatonSamuel: Yes! Get him in Deano, Sturridge is quality.
@BazlaP: Imagine if #avfc can push through a Sturridge/Wanyama deal before Thursday. Be a great window for us. Expect some late business folks.
@Edeolus: Sturridge would be a very strange one. Well past his best, beset by injury problems, and doesn't strike me as a positive influence in the dressing room. We need another striking option but this (if true) stinks of desperation for me.
@DraperGeneral: Sturridge. Not for me. Lescott & Richards days are well and truly behind us.
(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
@LordMillman29: One of the biggest issues with Sturridge is keeping him fit, no questioning his talent. Works well in an attacking front 3 typically on the right, which is a position we need filling as no one’s currently holding it down.
@PrideOfMids: 7 Goals and 7 assists in 11 games shows he on form but as everybody says on here it's his injury problems that are the worry, not so bad now we have Samatta I suppose but no questioning his talent, can we get 10 games out of him if we could we stay up.
@GV18271: Unless he’s used as a super sub, that is guaranteed waste of money. Man gets injured giving an interview.
@SteJim12: We could have had him for free in the summer and now pay 4 million.


birminghammail--2020-01-28--Holly Willoughby's This Morning outfit ridiculed by viewers who brand it a 'dressing gown'

Holly Willoughby has once again taken to social media to flaunt her latest fashion - but not everybody is impressed .
The mum-of-three routinely showcases her choice of style each and every day on social media .
Instagram regularly sees Holly post before going on air on ITV1 each weekday , where she presents This Morning .
And today her social media followers - and This Morning viewers - were left baffled over her choice of attire .
Holly , 38 , presents This Morning alongside Phillip Schofield , her silver haired co-host who helps spearhead proceedings on ITV1 each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear a blue tiered denim dress from Whistles costing £179 today , with navy stilettos .
But some viewers were left criticising the dress , which was showcased on Instagram before This Morning took to the airwaves .
The Liverpool Echo reports many of those who follow Holly on Insta thought it was a fashion fail for the star , with several comparing it to a dressing gown .
One Instagram user flocked to the platform and said : `` Not a good choice looks like a dressing gown . ''
While a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was wearing a house coat for a second then . ''
And a third chipped in with : `` Sorry to say but dress is awful . ''
`` No no no , '' added a fourth .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Sophie McCoid, James Rodger)

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Holly Willoughby has once again taken to social media to flaunt her latest fashion - but not everybody is impressed.
The mum-of-three routinely showcases her choice of style each and every day on social media.
Instagram regularly sees Holly post before going on air on ITV1 each weekday, where she presents This Morning.
And today her social media followers - and This Morning viewers - were left baffled over her choice of attire.
Holly, 38, presents This Morning alongside Phillip Schofield, her silver haired co-host who helps spearhead proceedings on ITV1 each Monday to Thursday.
Holly opted to wear a blue tiered denim dress from Whistles costing £179 today, with navy stilettos.
But some viewers were left criticising the dress, which was showcased on Instagram before This Morning took to the airwaves.
The Liverpool Echo reports many of those who follow Holly on Insta thought it was a fashion fail for the star, with several comparing it to a dressing gown.
One Instagram user flocked to the platform and said: "Not a good choice looks like a dressing gown."
While a second said: "I thought you was wearing a house coat for a second then."
And a third chipped in with: "Sorry to say but dress is awful."
"No no no," added a fourth.


birminghammail--2020-01-28--Art gallery cafe to be relocated in Wolverhampton

Part of Wolverhampton 's historic art gallery is to undergo renovation work that will see its cafe redesigned and relocated to the ground floor , along with alterations to the 1884 building 's St Peter 's Close entrance .
Work on the Grade ll* listed building will involve demolishing the existing steps and stonework balustrade to the entrance , along with the existing floor in the lobby and the internal ramps and partition .
Council bosses say the work is being undertaken with a view to creating a more inclusive side entrance to the gallery focused around the gardens next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighbouring St Peter 's Church .
A spokesman for Wolverhampton Council said : `` The Listed Building consent will allow the relocation of the cafe from the top floor to a larger ground floor location alongside a new kitchen area , and improvements to the St Peter 's Gardens entrance .
`` Phase one works are already complete and saw the 'Sensing Sculpture ' room on the first floor transformed into an exhibition space that has enabled the gallery to host larger touring exhibitions such as the Natural History Museum 's World Wildlife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spectacular Georgian Room was also fully refurbished , and the PA system and wi-fi connectivity improved . ''
The renovations will also include new ramps being installed externally and internally to allow visitors to enter through a single door .
The work will also mean the original external symmetrical appearance of the gallery will be restored .
A planning report to the council said : `` Once inside , visitors will arrive in a light , welcoming space with visual and material connections to the atrium , civic gallery and the newly relocated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and modern restaurant will be able to operate in a number of ways - cafe/restaurant/bar/venue - which in combination with the new toilets and flexible access to the gallery beyond creates a truly versatile functional space .
`` This will not only enhance the experience of the day to day gallery visitor , but also provides the gallery with a powerful and flexible solution to secure its long-term future . ''
`` Part of the existing floor and all of the existing ramp arrangement , believed to date from approximately 1980 , needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constructions at a lower level to enable all of the work . ''
The renovations will also allow the cafe to have connection to the new toilets without entering into the atrium space .

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Part of Wolverhampton's historic art gallery is to undergo renovation work that will see its cafe redesigned and relocated to the ground floor, along with alterations to the 1884 building's St Peter's Close entrance.
Work on the Grade ll* listed building will involve demolishing the existing steps and stonework balustrade to the entrance, along with the existing floor in the lobby and the internal ramps and partition.
Council bosses say the work is being undertaken with a view to creating a more inclusive side entrance to the gallery focused around the gardens next to St Peter's Close and the neighbouring St Peter's Church.
A spokesman for Wolverhampton Council said: "The Listed Building consent will allow the relocation of the cafe from the top floor to a larger ground floor location alongside a new kitchen area, and improvements to the St Peter's Gardens entrance.
"Phase one works are already complete and saw the 'Sensing Sculpture' room on the first floor transformed into an exhibition space that has enabled the gallery to host larger touring exhibitions such as the Natural History Museum's World Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
"The spectacular Georgian Room was also fully refurbished, and the PA system and wi-fi connectivity improved."
The renovations will also include new ramps being installed externally and internally to allow visitors to enter through a single door. The work will also mean the original external symmetrical appearance of the gallery will be restored.
A planning report to the council said: "Once inside, visitors will arrive in a light, welcoming space with visual and material connections to the atrium, civic gallery and the newly relocated cafe/restaurant.
"The clean, light and modern restaurant will be able to operate in a number of ways - cafe/restaurant/bar/venue - which in combination with the new toilets and flexible access to the gallery beyond creates a truly versatile functional space.
"This will not only enhance the experience of the day to day gallery
visitor, but also provides the gallery with a powerful and flexible solution to secure its long-term future."
"Part of the existing floor and all of the existing ramp arrangement, believed to date from approximately 1980, needs to be removed and replaced with new
constructions at a lower level to enable all of the work."
The renovations will also allow the cafe to have connection to the new toilets without entering into the atrium space.


birminghammail--2020-01-28--Flooding problems on key Solihull road to be looked at as part of HS2

Flooding problems on one of Solihull 's busiest roads - where drivers are sometimes left stranded - are to be looked as part of the HS2 rail project .
The A452 Kenilworth Road can end up impassable when the nearby River Blythe is overwhelmed and the route is set to undergo a number of major alterations when the transport scheme begins in earnest .
Just weeks after floodwater once again left a section of dual carriageway submerged , the council has confirmed that drainage at the location would be reviewed by the HS2 workforce .
In the most recent incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , several vehicles are understood to have run into difficulties .
And these problems came only a few weeks after an earlier torrent shut the road to traffic .
Balsall Common resident Richard Lloyd , also a member of the Heart of England High Speed Railway Action Group , said that there had been issues along the road dating back years - whenever the Blythe took `` a hammering '' .
`` People just do n't realise [ how deep it is ] , '' he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the road is much worse ... they suddenly realise there 's a foot of water there .
`` In poor visibility you just do n't realise there 's a lot of water until it splashes up and you are the mug who looks a complete idiot . ''
Mr Lloyd noted there had been talk of a balancing pond `` to hold storm water run-off '' in the vicinity of Diddington Lane , but he was unconvinced this would be enough to solve issues .
A Birmingham woman , who passed through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Balsall Common , said : `` I was really worried that the engine was going to cut out and I 'd be stuck there '' You could see cars in trouble on the other side of the road .
It was a big concern . ''
A Solihull Council spokesman said : “ The A452 near Diddington Lane and Stonebridge Island can experience surface water flooding and this was the case on Friday , December 20 .
“ The water level in the adjacent River Blythe was high , which meant that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underwater and unable to function as effectively as it would do under normal conditions .
`` Our highways team attended the scene to alleviate the issue and ensure the safety of motorists .
“ When HS2 works start in the area , they will be looking at how flooding on this section of the highway can be minimised . ''
The council 's own flood strategy , to be discussed in further detail next week , has highlighted the importance of the drainage work linked to major construction projects .
HS2 Ltd said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this time , but the company has previously said that drainage works would form a key plank of road changes scheduled for the borough .
Alterations outlined at this location include widening the A45/A452 Stonebridge roundabout and realigning the road to the north and south of the junction .

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Flooding problems on one of Solihull's busiest roads - where drivers are sometimes left stranded - are to be looked as part of the HS2 rail project.
The A452 Kenilworth Road can end up impassable when the nearby River Blythe is overwhelmed and the route is set to undergo a number of major alterations when the transport scheme begins in earnest.
Just weeks after floodwater once again left a section of dual carriageway submerged, the council has confirmed that drainage at the location would be reviewed by the HS2 workforce.
In the most recent incident, during a deluge days before Christmas, several vehicles are understood to have run into difficulties. And these problems came only a few weeks after an earlier torrent shut the road to traffic.
(Image: Google Street View)
Balsall Common resident Richard Lloyd, also a member of the Heart of England High Speed Railway Action Group, said that there had been issues along the road dating back years - whenever the Blythe took "a hammering".
"People just don't realise [how deep it is]," he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
"The one side of the road is much worse ... they suddenly realise there's a foot of water there.
"In poor visibility you just don't realise there's a lot of water until it splashes up and you are the mug who looks a complete idiot."
Mr Lloyd noted there had been talk of a balancing pond "to hold storm water run-off" in the vicinity of Diddington Lane, but he was unconvinced this would be enough to solve issues.
A Birmingham woman, who passed through the flooding during a recent trip to Balsall Common, said: "I was really worried that the engine was going to cut out and I'd be stuck there
"You could see cars in trouble on the other side of the road. It was a big concern."
A Solihull Council spokesman said: “The A452 near Diddington Lane and Stonebridge Island can experience surface water flooding and this was the case on Friday, December 20.
“The water level in the adjacent River Blythe was high, which meant that the outfall from the highway drainage system was underwater and unable to function as effectively as it would do under normal conditions.
"Our highways team attended the scene to alleviate the issue and ensure the safety of motorists.
“When HS2 works start in the area, they will be looking at how flooding on this section of the highway can be minimised."
(Image: David Irwin)
The council's own flood strategy, to be discussed in further detail next week, has highlighted the importance of the drainage work linked to major construction projects.
HS2 Ltd said it had no formal statement to make at this time, but the company has previously said that drainage works would form a key plank of road changes scheduled for the borough.
Alterations outlined at this location include widening the A45/A452 Stonebridge roundabout and realigning the road to the north and south of the junction.


birminghammail--2020-01-28--Zero fines issued for Solihull drivers leaving their engines running

No fines have been issued to `` anti-social '' drivers who leave their engines idling in Solihull in the past year , despite growing concern about the impact of exhaust on air pollution .
The council wants to hammer home just how harmful the fumes from parked vehicles are to public health .
Changing attitudes is seen as a key part of the local strategy to reduce emissions , which increase the risk of many chronic illnesses .
But while authorities can issue £20 penalties to those who refuse to turn off their engine when challenged , there have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past 12 months .
Concerns about idling engines were raised at a debate this month about how best to tackle air pollution .
Cllr Andy Mackiewicz , cabinet member for climate change , planning and housing , said it was important to make the public aware of the impact .
`` No-one would smoke in a child 's bedroom would they ?
You just would n't do it .
It 's the same I think with cars .
`` It 's about education ... use every single communications channel we can to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to idle our engines ' . ''
While Cllr Ian Courts , leader of the council , hoped that one day leaving an engine running would become a similar taboo to using a plastic bag .
Cllr Max McLoughlin ( Green , Shirley South ) said that as well as increasing pollution , idling engines could fuel tensions between residents and drivers and it was `` a shame '' that no enforcement penalties had been issued in the past year .
Although he accepted that tackling the issue was n't just about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with a need to provide more information about air pollution .
As part of its strategy to improve air quality Solihull Council has a number of policy plans , including encouraging more residents to switch to electric cars , supporting cycling and planting trees .
Increasing the amount of greenery is seen as particularly important in terms of reducing pollution .
Nitrogen dioxide readings at several dozen locations in Solihull do not exceed DEFRA limits , the council has said .
Although at a recent scrutiny board some councillors had concerns about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In particular there were questions about the fact that the figures for 2019 were `` an average '' for each location .
Members of the Green Party group warned this may mask the fact that NO2 levels were far higher at certain periods .
Although officers advised that providing the average reading was the most reliable picture , since the `` peaks and troughs '' could be the result of anomalies .
They pointed out , for instance , that the monitoring equipment could be affected by the likes of hot weather @

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No fines have been issued to "anti-social" drivers who leave their engines idling in Solihull in the past year, despite growing concern about the impact of exhaust on air pollution.
The council wants to hammer home just how harmful the fumes from parked vehicles are to public health.
Changing attitudes is seen as a key part of the local strategy to reduce emissions, which increase the risk of many chronic illnesses.
But while authorities can issue £20 penalties to those who refuse to turn off their engine when challenged, there have been no such fines in Solihull in the past 12 months.
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Concerns about idling engines were raised at a debate this month about how best to tackle air pollution.
Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet member for climate change, planning and housing, said it was important to make the public aware of the impact.
"No-one would smoke in a child's bedroom would they? You just wouldn't do it. It's the same I think with cars.
"It's about education ... use every single communications channel we can to get people to say 'actually we don't have to idle our engines'."
While Cllr Ian Courts, leader of the council, hoped that one day leaving an engine running would become a similar taboo to using a plastic bag.
Cllr Max McLoughlin (Green, Shirley South) said that as well as increasing pollution, idling engines could fuel tensions between residents and drivers and it was "a shame" that no enforcement penalties had been issued in the past year.
Although he accepted that tackling the issue wasn't just about "the arm of the law", with a need to provide more information about air pollution.
As part of its strategy to improve air quality Solihull Council has a number of policy plans, including encouraging more residents to switch to electric cars, supporting cycling and planting trees.
Increasing the amount of greenery is seen as particularly important in terms of reducing pollution.
Air quality monitoring
Nitrogen dioxide readings at several dozen locations in Solihull do not exceed DEFRA limits, the council has said.
Although at a recent scrutiny board some councillors had concerns about the data collected at 26 different sites.
In particular there were questions about the fact that the figures for 2019 were "an average" for each location.
Members of the Green Party group warned this may mask the fact that NO2 levels were far higher at certain periods.
Although officers advised that providing the average reading was the most reliable picture, since the "peaks and troughs" could be the result of anomalies. They pointed out, for instance, that the monitoring equipment could be affected by the likes of hot weather.


birminghammail--2020-01-28--See inside The Old Crown as stunning makeover revamps Birmingham's oldest pub

Birmingham 's oldest pub is ready to serve up many more decades of drinking , thanks to a stunning refit that has just been completed .
Bosses at The Old Crown in High Street , Digbeth , unveiled its new look ahead of an official Reopening Weekend on Friday January 31 and Saturday February 1 .
Built in the Middle Ages and then turned into a pub during Tudor times , the venue now blends tradition with all the modern touches needed to thrive in 21st century Birmingham .
It 's now becoming more food focused - and you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Old Crown ) double burger and OC pizza in our gallery .
The revamp , by Midlands company Project Renovations and Novo Design 's Abbie Smith , is the first refurbishment at the Grade II listed pub for 20 years .
The pub had closed on January 2 for the work to be carried out .
Co-owner Ciaran Healy said : `` We need to adjust the flow of the venue including adding more table covers to our restaurant as we become more food led .
`` We had planned to do it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and with it being Dry January , it 's the perfect time to redo the interior .
`` The work will create more space and modernise the pub but keep the charm and traditional features in what is Birmingham 's oldest pub .
`` It 's important to keep ahead of the times but we do want to celebrate its history as well .
`` English Heritage were extremely supportive and realise that with old buildings you have to adjust to make them viable and worth running with the increased costs . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan with new furniture , seating and art and an improved bar .
The food menu is also being revamped and the beer garden will be relaunched in May in time for the arrival of warmer summer weather for outdoor drinking .
The historic venue has been a local watering hole for centuries .
It was built back in 1368 and was at first a timber mansion house referred to as the Guildhall and School of St John .
It was in 1626 - the year King Charles I was crowned - that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inn , then known as The Crowne .
The pub also ended up in the midst of the Battle of Camp Hill - also called the Battle of Birmingham - in 1643 , during the English Civil War .
It was the last building left standing .
The pub 's traditional features - including the black and white timber frame , beams , a 1,000-year-old well , cellar , original wall and an original door - have all been preserved .
A glass panel has been put in front of the old door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 500-year-old fireplace has been restored .
A royal emblem in one of the bedrooms - where Queen Elizabeth 1 stayed in 1575 on her way home from Kenilworth Castle - has also been retained .

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Birmingham's oldest pub is ready to serve up many more decades of drinking, thanks to a stunning refit that has just been completed.
Bosses at The Old Crown in High Street, Digbeth, unveiled its new look ahead of an official Reopening Weekend on Friday January 31 and Saturday February 1.
Built in the Middle Ages and then turned into a pub during Tudor times, the venue now blends tradition with all the modern touches needed to thrive in 21st century Birmingham.
It's now becoming more food focused - and you can feast your eyes on the OC (Old Crown) double burger and OC pizza in our gallery.
The revamp, by Midlands company Project Renovations and Novo Design's Abbie Smith, is the first refurbishment at the Grade II listed pub for 20 years.
The pub had closed on January 2 for the work to be carried out.
Co-owner Ciaran Healy said: "We need to adjust the flow of the venue including adding more table covers to our restaurant as we become more food led.
"We had planned to do it last year but it got pushed back and with it being Dry January, it's the perfect time to redo the interior.
"The work will create more space and modernise the pub but keep the charm and traditional features in what is Birmingham's oldest pub.
"It's important to keep ahead of the times but we do want to celebrate its history as well.
"English Heritage were extremely supportive and realise that with old buildings you have to adjust to make them viable and worth running with the increased costs."
The new layout is much more open plan with new furniture, seating and art and an improved bar.
The food menu is also being revamped and the beer garden will be relaunched in May in time for the arrival of warmer summer weather for outdoor drinking.
The historic venue has been a local watering hole for centuries. It was built back in 1368 and was at first a timber mansion house referred to as the Guildhall and School of St John.
It was in 1626 - the year King Charles I was crowned - that it was first recorded as being an inn, then known as The Crowne.
The pub also ended up in the midst of the Battle of Camp Hill - also called the Battle of Birmingham - in 1643, during the English Civil War. It was the last building left standing.
The pub's traditional features - including the black and white timber frame, beams, a 1,000-year-old well, cellar, original wall and an original door - have all been preserved. A glass panel has been put in front of the old door to protect it.
In addition, a 500-year-old fireplace has been restored.
A royal emblem in one of the bedrooms - where Queen Elizabeth 1 stayed in 1575 on her way home from Kenilworth Castle - has also been retained.