birminghammail--2020-06-17--Sheffield United dealt major injury blow ahead of Aston Villa visit

Sheffield United will be forced to restart their Premier League campaign without defensive lynchpin Jack O ’ Connell , according to reports .
The Blades head to the Midlands to face Aston Villa tonight , in the first game of competitive football in the UK since March .
It is a game with massive ramifications for both teams , with Villa having the chance to move out of the bottom three with a win – while United could leapfrog Wolves and Manchester United to move into the top-five .
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It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store However , the Telegraph report that Chris Wilder ’ s side will be without O ’ Connell who has featured in every Premier League game so far this season .
The central defender is struggling with a knee injury and while it shouldn ’ t rule him out for the remainder of the season , tonight ’ s restart has come too soon .
Influential midfielder John Fleck is also a major doubt for the Blades , with top-flight clubs now needing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time in English football , the two managers will also be able to make as many as five substitutes , with IFAB introducing the law in order to alleviate the risk of injuries after the long break .
Villa meanwhile , are expected to name John McGinn in the squad for the first time in 2020 , while Jed Steer has also used the 100-day break to return to full-fitness .

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Sheffield United will be forced to restart their Premier League campaign without defensive lynchpin Jack O’Connell, according to reports.
The Blades head to the Midlands to face Aston Villa tonight, in the first game of competitive football in the UK since March.
It is a game with massive ramifications for both teams, with Villa having the chance to move out of the bottom three with a win – while United could leapfrog Wolves and Manchester United to move into the top-five.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
However, the Telegraph report that Chris Wilder’s side will be without O’Connell who has featured in every Premier League game so far this season. The central defender is struggling with a knee injury and while it shouldn’t rule him out for the remainder of the season, tonight’s restart has come too soon.
Influential midfielder John Fleck is also a major doubt for the Blades, with top-flight clubs now needing to name a 19-man matchday squad.
For the first time in English football, the two managers will also be able to make as many as five substitutes, with IFAB introducing the law in order to alleviate the risk of injuries after the long break.
Villa meanwhile, are expected to name John McGinn in the squad for the first time in 2020, while Jed Steer has also used the 100-day break to return to full-fitness.


birminghammail--2020-06-17--Aldi is selling a 28oz steak for just £7.99 this Father's Day

Aldi is bringing back its iconic Big Daddy steaks for Father 's Day so you can treat your old man in style .
The German retailer is selling the huge steak cuts at stores across Birmingham and throughout the West Midlands .
The budget supermarket chain , which is a go-to for Brummies having opened its first store in the UK right here in Birmingham back in the 1990s , confirmed the news on social media .
Weighing in at an impressive 794g , and costing just £7.99 , there 's really no excuse not to treat Dad to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let 's be honest , there will probably be left-overs for the whole family to feast on !
Matured for 21 days to lock in all the flavour , this show-stopping steak will be on sale from 18 June alongside Aldi 's premium selection of Wagyu wonders .
Julie Ashfield , Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK , said : “ The popularity of Wagyu Beef has increased drastically as more people discover its mouthwatering taste and texture .
We ’ re pleased to be able to exclusively offer our British Wagyu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whilst supporting British suppliers like Warrendale Farm at the same time.
” So , give Dad a night to remember and pick up Aldi 's awesome Father 's Day Fresh Meat range .
With all products available to buy from 18 June , you can be sure it wo n't be a missed-steak !

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Aldi is bringing back its iconic Big Daddy steaks for Father's Day so you can treat your old man in style.
The German retailer is selling the huge steak cuts at stores across Birmingham and throughout the West Midlands.
The budget supermarket chain, which is a go-to for Brummies having opened its first store in the UK right here in Birmingham back in the 1990s, confirmed the news on social media.
Weighing in at an impressive 794g, and costing just £7.99, there's really no excuse not to treat Dad to a home-cooked meal this Father's Day – let's be honest, there will probably be left-overs for the whole family to feast on!
Matured for 21 days to lock in all the flavour, this show-stopping steak will be on sale from 18 June alongside Aldi's premium selection of Wagyu wonders.
Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, said: “The popularity of Wagyu Beef has increased drastically as more people discover its mouthwatering taste and texture. We’re pleased to be able to exclusively offer our British Wagyu Burger range for customers to enjoy, whilst supporting British suppliers like Warrendale Farm at the same time.”
So, give Dad a night to remember and pick up Aldi's awesome Father's Day Fresh Meat range. With all products available to buy from 18 June, you can be sure it won't be a missed-steak!


birminghammail--2020-06-17--Manchester United learn huge Jack Grealish fee - report

Aston Villa have not given up hope of keeping Jack Grealish – if they remain in the Premier League .
That ’ s according to the Daily Mail who claim Villa hope to persuade the 24-year-old to stay at the club .
To do that , though , they will need to retain their top flight status , a campaign which starts this evening against Sheffield United and which consists nine more games as well .
If they are unsuccessful the Mail says Villa will demand £80million for their talismanic captain and that the financial clout of owners Nassef Sawiris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be forced into a compromise .
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Google Play Store and App Store That comes against the backdrop of intense speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United – and the Red Devils ’ executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward insisting football ’ s economics will have to be realigned following the coronavirus pandemic .
The story stay United have been quoted £200m for Harry Kane away and £100m for Borussia Dortmund starlet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope to stand strong in a similar way Leicester were able to extract a world record transfer deal for Harry Maguire .
It seems United ’ s interest was not reduced by Grealish ’ s lockdown gaffe in March about which Villa boss Dean Smith said : “ I was disappointed .
He made a mistake , he has been reprimanded and he will have learned from the mistake as well .
“ I spoke to him at the time .
I was disappointed with him but I was also disappointed for him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to learn from this mistake and he will be a better player and a better person for it .
”

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Aston Villa have not given up hope of keeping Jack Grealish – if they remain in the Premier League.
That’s according to the Daily Mail who claim Villa hope to persuade the 24-year-old to stay at the club.
To do that, though, they will need to retain their top flight status, a campaign which starts this evening against Sheffield United and which consists nine more games as well.
If they are unsuccessful the Mail says Villa will demand £80million for their talismanic captain and that the financial clout of owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens means they will not be forced into a compromise.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
That comes against the backdrop of intense speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United – and the Red Devils’ executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward insisting football’s economics will have to be realigned following the coronavirus pandemic.
The story stay United have been quoted £200m for Harry Kane away and £100m for Borussia Dortmund starlet Jadon Sancho.
They reckon Villa will hope to stand strong in a similar way Leicester were able to extract a world record transfer deal for Harry Maguire.
It seems United’s interest was not reduced by Grealish’s lockdown gaffe in March about which Villa boss Dean Smith said: “I was disappointed. He made a mistake, he has been reprimanded and he will have learned from the mistake as well.
“I spoke to him at the time. I was disappointed with him but I was also disappointed for him.
"But the character of Jack is to learn from this mistake and he will be a better player and a better person for it.”


birminghammail--2020-06-17--Dad captures incredible composite image of storms - from his toilet

A dad snapped this amazing composite image of all the lightning bolts which struck during a massive two-hour electrical storm - from his TOILET .
Mark Humpage , 55 , took the striking shots from his ensuite bedroom window in Cotesbach , Leics.
, when storms battered the UK on Tuesday ( 16/6 ) .
The dad-of-two , who has chased storms in America , said : “ We were really lucky there was a band of electrical storms in the country and the focus was on us in the East Midlands last night .
It was amazing .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radar screen on an app .
I have chased storms in the past and knew what to look for .
`` I grabbed my camera and took it up to our bedroom which has an ensuite bathroom and a balcony to get the best shots .
“ My Olympus EM1 has a lightning trigger that fits into the back of the camera .
`` It allows you to capture daytime lightning while it is n't dark yet .
It is quite rare to get that many shots in the daytime .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tripod and let it shoot for two hours .
“ I was sitting there watching the storm going on as it passed straight over us .
It was quite scary .
“ The camera has a special gizmo and only takes a picture when it detects lightning .
“ I put the composite picture together with shots over that two-hour period .
“ I downloaded the exposures - there were over 1,000 - and kept the images with lightning bolts and forks in .
“ There were about 40 of these and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the composite .
“ The colours are created by different particles in the atmosphere .
The oxygen and nitrogen are most prevalent in the atmosphere .
`` The combination of them with pollution and dust gives you the purples and the pinks .
“ You get the white stripes when the bolts are closer and the air is clearer .
“ The storm passed right over head and some of the bolts were white .
“ It was probably only a mile away , but we were at the back edge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There was very little rain .
“ The thunder was rumbling really loudly and there were a couple of cracks which shook me off my seat .
My cat and dog were hiding under the beds .
“ It was quite rewarding .
I have a bit of passion for storm chasing and have flown over to the States to follow tsunamis and hurricanes .
“ The whole of the UK was littered with lightning storms .
From the coast of Wales to Norfolk the radar was covered with lightning crosses .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in the UK for some time .
I think there are more storms forecast this week and I ’ ll be ready and waiting .
”

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

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A dad snapped this amazing composite image of all the lightning bolts which struck during a massive two-hour electrical storm - from his TOILET.
Mark Humpage, 55, took the striking shots from his ensuite bedroom window in Cotesbach, Leics., when storms battered the UK on Tuesday (16/6).
The dad-of-two, who has chased storms in America, said: “We were really lucky there was a band of electrical storms in the country and the focus was on us in the East Midlands last night. It was amazing.
“I could see it coming on a radar screen on an app. I have chased storms in the past and knew what to look for.
"I grabbed my camera and took it up to our bedroom which has an ensuite bathroom and a balcony to get the best shots.
(Image: Mark Humpage / SWNS)
“My Olympus EM1 has a lightning trigger that fits into the back of the camera.
"It allows you to capture daytime lightning while it isn't dark yet. It is quite rare to get that many shots in the daytime.
“I put it on a stand on the tripod and let it shoot for two hours.
“I was sitting there watching the storm going on as it passed straight over us. It was quite scary.
“The camera has a special gizmo and only takes a picture when it detects lightning.
(Image: Mark Humpage / SWNS)
“I put the composite picture together with shots over that two-hour period.
“I downloaded the exposures - there were over 1,000 - and kept the images with lightning bolts and forks in.
“There were about 40 of these and I put them together on the Mac to make the composite.
“The colours are created by different particles in the atmosphere. The oxygen and nitrogen are most prevalent in the atmosphere.
"The combination of them with pollution and dust gives you the purples and the pinks.
“You get the white stripes when the bolts are closer and the air is clearer.
“The storm passed right over head and some of the bolts were white.
“It was probably only a mile away, but we were at the back edge of it because the deluge missed us. There was very little rain.
“The thunder was rumbling really loudly and there were a couple of cracks which shook me off my seat. My cat and dog were hiding under the beds.
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“It was quite rewarding. I have a bit of passion for storm chasing and have flown over to the States to follow tsunamis and hurricanes.
“The whole of the UK was littered with lightning storms. From the coast of Wales to Norfolk the radar was covered with lightning crosses.
“I haven’t seen anything like that in the UK for some time. I think there are more storms forecast this week and I’ll be ready and waiting.”


birminghammail--2020-06-17--Smith will be watching Villa v Sheff Utd from a different place

Dean Smith has revealed that he will be on the move for tonight 's restart showdown with Sheffield United - and all the other matches at Villa Park .
Instead of watching from his usual vantage point in the dugout or the technical area , Smith intends to take advantage of the empty stadium by taking a step back .
He has watched the friendly matches against West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City standing behind the dugout in the Trinity Road and will continue to do so for the Premier League fixtures .
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Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Villa news , views , gossip and opinion .
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You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store But the Aston Villa boss has warned his players that they will still be in earshot when he bawls instructions at them against the Blades tonight .
Asked where he will be positioned tonight , Smith replied : `` Behind the dugout .
`` You can ’ t stretch technical areas too far but there ’ s a gangway at the back of the dugout and I ’ ve been standing there during the home games we had against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve got to take advantage of these situations .
There ’ s no supporters in front of me to put me off or stop the players from hearing me .
`` There ’ s certainly no excuse for the players to cock a deaf one now ! ''
Smith , a Holte Ender as a boy , admits the team will miss the claret and blue faithful during their remaining Villa Park fixtures .
`` We 'll miss them certainly , '' he said .
`` It 's an iconic stadium , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is claret and blue and you 'll feel them with you .
`` Ultimately we have six home games which would have been an advantage with our supporters behind us .
`` But it 's the same for everybody and we have to make the most of what we have got by being at Villa Park and making that as advantageous to us as we can . ''

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Dean Smith has revealed that he will be on the move for tonight's restart showdown with Sheffield United - and all the other matches at Villa Park.
Instead of watching from his usual vantage point in the dugout or the technical area, Smith intends to take advantage of the empty stadium by taking a step back.
He has watched the friendly matches against West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City standing behind the dugout in the Trinity Road and will continue to do so for the Premier League fixtures.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
But the Aston Villa boss has warned his players that they will still be in earshot when he bawls instructions at them against the Blades tonight.
Asked where he will be positioned tonight, Smith replied: "Behind the dugout.
"You can’t stretch technical areas too far but there’s a gangway at the back of the dugout and I’ve been standing there during the home games we had against Leicester and West Brom.
"You’ve got to take advantage of these situations. There’s no supporters in front of me to put me off or stop the players from hearing me.
"There’s certainly no excuse for the players to cock a deaf one now!"
Smith, a Holte Ender as a boy, admits the team will miss the claret and blue faithful during their remaining Villa Park fixtures.
"We'll miss them certainly," he said.
"It's an iconic stadium, you walk out of that tunnel and it is claret and blue and you'll feel them with you.
"Ultimately we have six home games which would have been an advantage with our supporters behind us.
"But it's the same for everybody and we have to make the most of what we have got by being at Villa Park and making that as advantageous to us as we can."


birminghammail--2020-06-17--Bradley steps in after learning what The Chase contestant will spend prize on

This is the moment Bradley Walsh stepped in on The Chase to tell a contestant how NOT to spend her winnings .
Bradley presents the ITV1 daytime quiz favourite each weekday , from 5pm , with episodes across Monday evening to Friday evening .
Yesterday , Bradley welcomed a nurse from Leeds , in Yorkshire , as four contestants attempted to beat the Chaser and land a life-changing sum .
Bradley welcomed Susanne , a nurse from the North , who said she needed to win £5,000 for a gastric band .
But Bradley was not impressed .
The former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sidekick said : `` If you were to win somebody today what would you do with it ? ''
The nurse replied : `` I would definitely have a gastric band .
I am sick of being fat .
And since being retired I have put on loads of weight . ''
Bradley countered : `` I do n't think you need a gastric band . ''
Susanne said : `` That 's what my husband says . ''
`` What is his name ?
`` , enquired Bradley , before the nurse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bill , '' said Bradley , before adding : `` Long suffering Bill .
How much is a gastric band ? ''
`` Five grand , '' Susanne admitted , causing Bradley to respond with : `` Five grand for a gastric band . ''
`` Right , if that is what you want , that is what you will get . ''
`` That is what I want , '' she reaffirmed , causing Bradley to say : `` I wish you the best of luck .
We can do it .
@

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This is the moment Bradley Walsh stepped in on The Chase to tell a contestant how NOT to spend her winnings.
Bradley presents the ITV1 daytime quiz favourite each weekday, from 5pm, with episodes across Monday evening to Friday evening.
Yesterday, Bradley welcomed a nurse from Leeds, in Yorkshire, as four contestants attempted to beat the Chaser and land a life-changing sum.
Bradley welcomed Susanne, a nurse from the North, who said she needed to win £5,000 for a gastric band.
But Bradley was not impressed.
The former Coronation Street star and current Doctor Who sidekick said: "If you were to win somebody today what would you do with it?"
The nurse replied: "I would definitely have a gastric band. I am sick of being fat. And since being retired I have put on loads of weight."
Bradley countered: "I don't think you need a gastric band."
Susanne said: "That's what my husband says."
"What is his name?", enquired Bradley, before the nurse told him it was Bill.
"Bill," said Bradley, before adding: "Long suffering Bill. How much is a gastric band?"
"Five grand," Susanne admitted, causing Bradley to respond with: "Five grand for a gastric band."
"Right, if that is what you want, that is what you will get."
"That is what I want," she reaffirmed, causing Bradley to say: "I wish you the best of luck. We can do it."


birminghammail--2020-06-17--Watch lightning bolts illuminate sky as fierce storm hits Birmingham

This is the incredible moment lightning illuminated the skies as a fierce storm lashed Birmingham and the West Midlands .
The ferocious storm raged for hours on Tuesday night - June 16 - bringing torrential rain , hailstones , thunder and flash flooding .
But while our region was being battered by the dismal weather , some residents grabbed their cameras to capture the amazing scenes .
Watch our compilation video above of lightning bolts above Tamworth , Walmley , Birmingham and Cannock .
Roads across the West Midlands were left submerged in floodwater as the region was battered by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last night 's storm .
Major routes and residential streets alike were flooded in Birmingham and the Black Country after a yellow weather warning was issued for Tuesday , June 16 .
The adverse weather sparked the closure of the M6 northbound slip road at junction 10 as Walsall became one of the worst hit areas in the region .
Streets near the town 's Manor Hospital also became flooded .
And a house in Sutton Coldfield was set on fire after being struck by a lightning bolt as a storm battered the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it had been bombarded with a high volume of calls due to the floods .
However , residents concerned by the heavy rain were told to instead direct calls to the National floodline .
The weather does not look like it will get any better today , with a fresh yellow weather warning issued for June 17 .
Wednesday sees the yellow alert in place from midnight until 9pm , with forecasters warning you to be vigilant as West Midlands Ambulance Service sounds caution .
WMAS is urging motorists to `` drive safely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office agency predicting yet more torrential weather .
The Met Office predicts : `` A cloudy but bright start with clearer skies developing through the morning .
Showers , sometimes heavy or thundery , will push across the region during the afternoon and into the evening .
Sunny spells in-between the showers .
Winds remaining light and feeling warm .
Maximum temperature 21 °C .
It adds : `` A dry and clear night across most far northern areas .
However , in the south there will be showery rain , sometimes heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night .
Minimum temperature 13 °C . ''
Thursday will be `` a wet start across most areas , with showery rain sometimes turning heavy or thundery . ''
The rain will begin to clear southern areas into the afternoon , bringing some sunny spells .

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This is the incredible moment lightning illuminated the skies as a fierce storm lashed Birmingham and the West Midlands.
The ferocious storm raged for hours on Tuesday night - June 16 - bringing torrential rain, hailstones, thunder and flash flooding.
But while our region was being battered by the dismal weather, some residents grabbed their cameras to capture the amazing scenes.
Watch our compilation video above of lightning bolts above Tamworth, Walmley, Birmingham and Cannock.
Roads across the West Midlands were left submerged in floodwater as the region was battered by a heavy downpour in the midst of last night's storm.
Major routes and residential streets alike were flooded in Birmingham and the Black Country after a yellow weather warning was issued for Tuesday, June 16.
The adverse weather sparked the closure of the M6 northbound slip road at junction 10 as Walsall became one of the worst hit areas in the region.
Streets near the town's Manor Hospital also became flooded.
And a house in Sutton Coldfield was set on fire after being struck by a lightning bolt as a storm battered the Midlands.
West Midlands Fire Service said it had been bombarded with a high volume of calls due to the floods. However, residents concerned by the heavy rain were told to instead direct calls to the National floodline.
The weather does not look like it will get any better today, with a fresh yellow weather warning issued for June 17.
Wednesday sees the yellow alert in place from midnight until 9pm, with forecasters warning you to be vigilant as West Midlands Ambulance Service sounds caution.
WMAS is urging motorists to "drive safely", with meteorologists at the Met Office agency predicting yet more torrential weather.
The Met Office predicts: "A cloudy but bright start with clearer skies developing through the morning. Showers, sometimes heavy or thundery, will push across the region during the afternoon and into the evening. Sunny spells in-between the showers. Winds remaining light and feeling warm. Maximum temperature 21 °C.
It adds: "A dry and clear night across most far northern areas. However, in the south there will be showery rain, sometimes heavy or thundery, pushing northwards through the night. Minimum temperature 13 °C."
Thursday will be "a wet start across most areas, with showery rain sometimes turning heavy or thundery."
The rain will begin to clear southern areas into the afternoon, bringing some sunny spells.


birminghammail--2020-06-17--Blues reach contract agreement with cult hero Lee Camp

Lee Camp will play at least another nine games for Birmingham City .
Blues have today agreed the deal that will extend the goalkeeper ’ s expiring contract until the end of this season .
Camp was in the same position as several other Blues players – with his deal due to end on June 30 .
That situation has seen the likes of Jacques Maghoma and Kerim Mrabti leave the club without kicking another ball following lockdown – though the latter was expected to stay on for another month .
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Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Blues news , views , gossip and opinion .
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@ @ @ @ @ @ @ news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store In Camp ’ s case , though , he has agreed to remain at St Andrew ’ s until the final fixture is played on July 22 - assuming Blues do not reach the play-offs .
He is expected to be Blues ’ first choice goalkeeper , backed-up by Connal Trueman and No .
3 Moha Ramos .
Rookie Zach Jeacock has also been training with the senior squad .
Blues play the first of their remaining matches at West Brom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3-2 defeat at St Andrew 's in December .
Camp has made 77 appearances since signing on a free transfer from Cardiff in the cash-strapped summer of 2018 .
He played all of last season before losing his place this November following a series of errors .
However , after a couple of months out of the team he was recalled for the FA Cup tie with Coventry , starred in a penalty shoot out win and has played every game since having shown better form .
What happens beyond the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not yet clear – Blues could try to negotiate a fresh deal with the 35-year-old or decide to move on .
Jonathan Grounds and Cheick Keita have also left the club – as has David Stockdale who is back on loan with Wycombe for the League Two play-offs .

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Lee Camp will play at least another nine games for Birmingham City.
Blues have today agreed the deal that will extend the goalkeeper’s expiring contract until the end of this season.
Camp was in the same position as several other Blues players – with his deal due to end on June 30.
That situation has seen the likes of Jacques Maghoma and Kerim Mrabti leave the club without kicking another ball following lockdown – though the latter was expected to stay on for another month.
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In Camp’s case, though, he has agreed to remain at St Andrew’s until the final fixture is played on July 22 - assuming Blues do not reach the play-offs.
He is expected to be Blues’ first choice goalkeeper, backed-up by Connal Trueman and No. 3 Moha Ramos. Rookie Zach Jeacock has also been training with the senior squad.
Blues play the first of their remaining matches at West Brom on Saturday, looking to avenge the 3-2 defeat at St Andrew's in December.
Camp has made 77 appearances since signing on a free transfer from Cardiff in the cash-strapped summer of 2018.
He played all of last season before losing his place this November following a series of errors.
However, after a couple of months out of the team he was recalled for the FA Cup tie with Coventry, starred in a penalty shoot out win and has played every game since having shown better form.
What happens beyond the end of the current season, though, is not yet clear – Blues could try to negotiate a fresh deal with the 35-year-old or decide to move on.
Jonathan Grounds and Cheick Keita have also left the club – as has David Stockdale who is back on loan with Wycombe for the League Two play-offs.


birminghammail--2020-06-17--HSBC announces 35,000 job cuts in internal memo to staff

HSBC has said it will resume plans to cut around 35,000 jobs worldwide over the next few years .
The confirmation from the banking giant comes after putting the redundancy programme on hold .
Amid the coronavirus crisis , the high street has been battered by a lack of footfall - and high street banks are seemingly no different .
HSBC has confirmed plans to plough ahead with the job cuts on Wednesday , June 17 .
In an internal memo to its 235,000 staff , chief executive Noel Quinn said the cuts first announced in February are `` even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the banking giant would will also freeze the `` vast majority '' of external recruitment in the wake of the cuts .
Mr Quinn said : `` We could not pause the job losses indefinitely - it was always a question of 'not if , but when ' . ''
Other companies to announce huge rafts of job cuts include the likes of British Airways .
Sectors from travel and tourism to advertising , leisure , retail and hospitality have taken a battering during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis .
A nationwide shutdown in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as the furlough support scheme established by the government costs the Treasury as much as £20 billion .

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HSBC has said it will resume plans to cut around 35,000 jobs worldwide over the next few years.
The confirmation from the banking giant comes after putting the redundancy programme on hold.
Amid the coronavirus crisis, the high street has been battered by a lack of footfall - and high street banks are seemingly no different.
HSBC has confirmed plans to plough ahead with the job cuts on Wednesday, June 17.
In an internal memo to its 235,000 staff, chief executive Noel Quinn said the cuts first announced in February are "even more necessary today".
He said the banking giant would will also freeze the "vast majority" of external recruitment in the wake of the cuts.
Mr Quinn said: "We could not pause the job losses indefinitely - it was always a question of 'not if, but when'."
Other companies to announce huge rafts of job cuts include the likes of British Airways.
Sectors from travel and tourism to advertising, leisure, retail and hospitality have taken a battering during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.
A nationwide shutdown in mid-March left millions of British workers furloughed, as the furlough support scheme established by the government costs the Treasury as much as £20 billion.


birminghammail--2020-06-17--Cops slam drivers ploughing through closed flooded roads

Police have criticised motorists who are being left stranded after tackling badly-flooded roads - for putting fire crews in 'danger ' .
Drivers have been ploughing on through floodwater despite road closure signs in Bromsgrove after Worcestershire was battered by Tuesday 's storm ( June 16 ) .
Firefighters have had to attend to rescue the trapped vehicles stuck in flooding on the closed A38 by Morrisons in the wake of the downpour on Wednesday .
Despite road workers dealing with floods and clear diversion signs on the busy route , some motorists were still taking their chances in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perry took to Twitter to slam the motorists and said : `` Sadly people have chanced it and become stranded , meaning HWFireBGrove have had to attend and put their crews in danger . ''
Meanwhile several other roads were closed off in Bromsgrove including Worcester Road , Charford Road , Kidderminster Road A448 , Stourbridge Road , Perryfields Road and Berry Lane .
Bromsgrove Police warned drivers to be aware of the closures and urged them not to 'ignore road closed signs ' .
Sharing a shocking image of a car trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they warned : `` Please respect road workers .
Please do not ignore road closed signs - numerous vehicles have gone through road closures a clear diversion is in place !
`` Due to heavy rain many areas are suffering with flash flooding .
Please consider alternate routes and do not enter moving or deep standing water ! ''

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Police have criticised motorists who are being left stranded after tackling badly-flooded roads - for putting fire crews in 'danger'.
Drivers have been ploughing on through floodwater despite road closure signs in Bromsgrove after Worcestershire was battered by Tuesday's storm (June 16).
Firefighters have had to attend to rescue the trapped vehicles stuck in flooding on the closed A38 by Morrisons in the wake of the downpour on Wednesday.
Despite road workers dealing with floods and clear diversion signs on the busy route, some motorists were still taking their chances in the morning rush hour.
Special Constable Ben Perry took to Twitter to slam the motorists and said: "Sadly people have chanced it and become stranded, meaning HWFireBGrove have had to attend and put their crews in danger."
Meanwhile several other roads were closed off in Bromsgrove including Worcester Road, Charford Road, Kidderminster Road A448, Stourbridge Road, Perryfields Road and Berry Lane.
Bromsgrove Police warned drivers to be aware of the closures and urged them not to 'ignore road closed signs'.
Sharing a shocking image of a car trying to squeeze past a road closure, they warned: "Please respect road workers. Please do not ignore road closed signs - numerous vehicles have gone through road closures a clear diversion is in place!
"Due to heavy rain many areas are suffering with flash flooding. Please consider alternate routes and do not enter moving or deep standing water!"


birminghammail--2020-06-17--Aston Villa boss Dean Smith responds to Sheffield United fury

Dean Smith says the thought of allowing Sheffield United to walk a goal in against Aston Villa never crossed his mind .
The Blades were denied a first-half opener in the goalless draw at Villa Park when the goal-line technology failed to inform referee Michael Oliver that Orjan Nyland had fumbled the ball across his own line .
Hawk-Eye , who supply the technology to the Premier League , released a statement after the match apologising to Chris Wilder 's side .
Villa have been on the receiving end of a number of contentious calls themselves this season and Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be the case in football .
There 's always going to be some error , we have human error from officials and we have to accept that .
`` There 's going to be error in technology as we 've seen with VAR this season and now for the first time ever with Hawk-Eye .
We just have to accept it and move on , there 's nothing else we can do . ''
But asked if he considered allowing the visitors to score unopposed , the head coach added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think Sheffield United would have done the same for us either . ''
The Premier League released their own statement in an attempt to clear up the controversy and explain why the video assistant referee ( VAR ) did n't intervene .
It said : `` Under the IFAB protocol , the VAR is able to check goal situations , however due to the fact that the on-field match officials did not receive a signal & the unique nature of that , the VAR did not intervene . ''

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Dean Smith says the thought of allowing Sheffield United to walk a goal in against Aston Villa never crossed his mind.
The Blades were denied a first-half opener in the goalless draw at Villa Park when the goal-line technology failed to inform referee Michael Oliver that Orjan Nyland had fumbled the ball across his own line.
Hawk-Eye, who supply the technology to the Premier League, released a statement after the match apologising to Chris Wilder's side.
Villa have been on the receiving end of a number of contentious calls themselves this season and Smith said: "That's always going to be the case in football. There's always going to be some error, we have human error from officials and we have to accept that.
"There's going to be error in technology as we've seen with VAR this season and now for the first time ever with Hawk-Eye. We just have to accept it and move on, there's nothing else we can do."
But asked if he considered allowing the visitors to score unopposed, the head coach added: "Not at all and I don't think Sheffield United would have done the same for us either."
The Premier League released their own statement in an attempt to clear up the controversy and explain why the video assistant referee (VAR) didn't intervene.
It said: "Under the IFAB protocol, the VAR is able to check goal situations, however due to the fact that the on-field match officials did not receive a signal & the unique nature of that, the VAR did not intervene."


birminghammail--2020-06-17--Lotto results: Winning National Lottery numbers for Wednesday

No-one scooped the jackpot in Wednesday 's National Lottery draw but one player has won £1 million .
It means @ @ @ @ @ now be an estimated £11 million .
Wednesday 's Lotto numbers were 02 , 09 @ @ @ @ @ 48 , 54 and the bonus ball was 43 .
The draw machine was Merlin @ @ @ @ @ 10 was used .
One ticket-holder scooped £1 million after matching five numbers and the @ @ @ @ @ people won £1,750 after matching five out of six main balls , while 2,845 scooped @ @ @ @ @ .
No-one won either the £350,000 jackpot for Lotto HotPicks , which uses the same @ @ @ @ @ , after matching five numbers , or the £500,00 Thunderball top prize .
Wednesday 's @ @ @ @ @ , 19 , 20 , 30 , 36 and the Thunderball number was 08 .

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No-one scooped the jackpot in Wednesday's National Lottery draw but one player has won £1 million.
It means Saturday's top prize will now be an estimated £11 million.
Wednesday's Lotto numbers were 02, 09, 33, 39, 48, 54 and the bonus ball was 43.
The draw machine was Merlin and set of balls number 10 was used.
One ticket-holder scooped £1 million after matching five numbers and the bonus ball.
Some 30 people won £1,750 after matching five out of six main balls, while 2,845 scooped £140 for matching four numbers.
No-one won either the £350,000 jackpot for Lotto HotPicks, which uses the same numbers as Lotto's draw, after matching five numbers, or the £500,00 Thunderball top prize.
Wednesday's winning Thunderball numbers were 12, 19, 20, 30, 36 and the Thunderball number was 08.


birminghammail--2020-06-17--Premier League breaks silence on Aston Villa vs Sheffield United VAR howler

One of the biggest questions hanging over Aston Villa 's 0-0 Sheffield United relates to the direct aftermath of the goal-line tech failure that failed to award Chris Wilder 's side the lead .
Orjan Nyland stumbled over the line after claiming the ball - and Michael Oliver , the referee , did not award a goal following the tech error .
Hawk-Eye , the goal-line technology providers to the Premier League , said in a statement : `` During the first half of Aston Villa v Sheffield United match at Villa Park , there was a goal line incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line by Aston Villa goalkeeper , No .
25 Nyland .
`` The match officials did not receive a signal to the watch nor earpiece as per the Goal Decision System ( GDS ) protocol .
`` The seven cameras located in the stands around the goal area were significantly occluded by the goalkeeper , defender , and goalpost .
This level of occlusion has never been seen before in over 9,000 matches that the Hawk-Eye Goal Line Technology system has been in operation .
`` The system was tested and proved functional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in accordance with the IFAB Laws of The Game and confirmed as working by the match officials .
`` The system has remained functional throughout .
Hawk-Eye unreservedly apologises to the Premier League , Sheffield United , and everyone affected by this incident . ''
However - a question still remains over the intervention of VAR - which did not step in after the clear and obvious error .
The Premier League have attempted to clear up that part of the aftermath in their latest statement Holte Enders at Home - Get involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kendrick and Dan Rolinson '' Under the IFAB protocol , the VAR is able to check goal situations , however due to the fact that the on-field match officials did not receive a signal & the unique nature of that , the VAR did not intervene , '' said a statement from the top-tier PGMOL ( Professional Game Match Officials Limited ) after the 0-0 draw .
While the statement will provide little comfort to Blades fans - and the team - it is at least a little more than silence .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mistake in the short-term , with the Blades chasing Champions League football .

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One of the biggest questions hanging over Aston Villa's 0-0 Sheffield United relates to the direct aftermath of the goal-line tech failure that failed to award Chris Wilder's side the lead.
Orjan Nyland stumbled over the line after claiming the ball - and Michael Oliver, the referee, did not award a goal following the tech error.
Hawk-Eye, the goal-line technology providers to the Premier League, said in a statement: "During the first half of Aston Villa v Sheffield United match at Villa Park, there was a goal line incident where the ball was carried over the line by Aston Villa goalkeeper, No. 25 Nyland.
"The match officials did not receive a signal to the watch nor earpiece as per the Goal Decision System (GDS) protocol.
"The seven cameras located in the stands around the goal area were significantly occluded by the goalkeeper, defender, and goalpost. This level of occlusion has never been seen before in over 9,000 matches that the Hawk-Eye Goal Line Technology system has been in operation.
"The system was tested and proved functional prior to the start of the match in accordance with the IFAB Laws of The Game and confirmed as working by the match officials.
"The system has remained functional throughout. Hawk-Eye unreservedly apologises to the Premier League, Sheffield United, and everyone affected by this incident."
However - a question still remains over the intervention of VAR - which did not step in after the clear and obvious error.
The Premier League have attempted to clear up that part of the aftermath in their latest statement
Holte Enders at Home - Get involved in our post match debate with Mat Kendrick and Dan Rolinson
"Under the IFAB protocol, the VAR is able to check goal situations, however due to the fact that the on-field match officials did not receive a signal & the unique nature of that, the VAR did not intervene," said a statement from the top-tier PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) after the 0-0 draw.
While the statement will provide little comfort to Blades fans - and the team - it is at least a little more than silence.
However, that will not make up for the mistake in the short-term, with the Blades chasing Champions League football.


birminghammail--2020-06-17--Watch - city street turned into river by massive storm

This is the shocking footage showing a main street in Birmingham turned into a river by a massive cloudburst .
Stoney Lane in Sparkbrook was left under water , leaving people to make their way through with cars and buses causing huge waves .
People were forced to wade through ankle deep murky waters after heavy rain lashed the city this afternoon .
At the height of the storm , Shafiq Khan was worried that the rising waters would reach the electrical box inside his store Bargain Clearance , close to the junction of Stratford Road in Sparkbrook .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waters finally receded leaving a trail of damaged stock and mess .
Mr Khan , 21 , said : “ It was around 4.30pm and it was raining really badly .
“ The water did not go down the drain , it started gathering .
It was rising up .
The rubbish bins outside were lying around , it was really bad .
“ We had to keep pushing the water out of the shop because we were scared of the electric metre inside the shop .
If the water rose by two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touching the electric metre .
“ It took around two and a half hours until it went down .
The water went from the shop but it has left a mess and a lot of the stock has been damaged .
“ I was terrified , it was so close to the metre .
Foremost the council needs to clean the drains properly and check it every six months.
” Meanwhile Birmingham ’ s main homeless shelter has made a desperate appeal for help after it was also flooded .
Water leaked through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Alcock Street in Digbeth , after parts of the region was lashed by torrential this afternoon .
Staff at the premises which had just reopened on Monday ( June 15 ) after it was forced to close for lockdown- are appealing for towels , dehumidifiers and cleaning products to aid with the clean up .
Sifa Fireside CEO Carly Jones said : “ We had some flooding yesterday because if the heavy rainfall .
Then this afternoon , we had the severe storm and our guttering could not cope with the volume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started coming through the roof .
We only reopened this week for face to face services .
We can only see 30 people at a time because of Covid-19 and social distancing but usually it ’ s about 140-160 .
“ The main space has been flooded with some of the appointment rooms and clinics .
“ We are going to have to close again because of the flood .
We have had a lot fo offers of help in the space of a few hours.
” The Bullring in the city centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three days after it opened .

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This is the shocking footage showing a main street in Birmingham turned into a river by a massive cloudburst.
Stoney Lane in Sparkbrook was left under water, leaving people to make their way through with cars and buses causing huge waves.
People were forced to wade through ankle deep murky waters after heavy rain lashed the city this afternoon.
At the height of the storm, Shafiq Khan was worried that the rising waters would reach the electrical box inside his store Bargain Clearance, close to the junction of Stratford Road in Sparkbrook.
After two and a half hours, the waters finally receded leaving a trail of damaged stock and mess.
Mr Khan, 21, said: “It was around 4.30pm and it was raining really badly.
“The water did not go down the drain, it started gathering. It was rising up. The rubbish bins outside were lying around, it was really bad.
“We had to keep pushing the water out of the shop because we were scared of the electric metre inside the shop. If the water rose by two more inches, it would have been touching the electric metre.
“It took around two and a half hours until it went down. The water went from the shop but it has left a mess and a lot of the stock has been damaged.
“I was terrified, it was so close to the metre. Foremost the council needs to clean the drains properly and check it every six months.”
Meanwhile Birmingham’s main homeless shelter has made a desperate appeal for help after it was also flooded.
Water leaked through the roof of Sifa Fireside, based on Alcock Street in Digbeth, after parts of the region was lashed by torrential this afternoon.
Staff at the premises which had just reopened on Monday (June 15) after it was forced to close for lockdown- are appealing for towels, dehumidifiers and cleaning products to aid with the clean up.
Sifa Fireside CEO Carly Jones said: “We had some flooding yesterday because if the heavy rainfall. Then this afternoon, we had the severe storm and our guttering could not cope with the volume of water coming through.
“Its started coming through the roof. We only reopened this week for face to face services. We can only see 30 people at a time because of Covid-19 and social distancing but usually it’s about 140-160.
“The main space has been flooded with some of the appointment rooms and clinics.
“We are going to have to close again because of the flood. We have had a lot fo offers of help in the space of a few hours.”
The Bullring in the city centre was hit by a flash flood just three days after it opened.


birminghammail--2020-06-17--Sheffield United fans fume at Aston Villa 'robbery'

Sheffield United were denied a chance for victory by a bizarre technology error .
Aston Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland seemed to stumble backwards into his own net after a bump with Keinan Davis - while holding the ball .
However , referee Michael Oliver did not award a goal - and VAR did not intervene due to a complete fluke .
Hawk-Eye , who provide the goal-line technology to the Premier League , said in a statement : `` During the first half of Aston Villa v Sheffield United match at Villa Park , there was a goal line incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line by Aston Villa goalkeeper , No .
25 Nyland .
`` The match officials did not receive a signal to the watch nor earpiece as per the Goal Decision System ( GDS ) protocol .
`` The seven cameras located in the stands around the goal area were significantly occluded by the goalkeeper , defender , and goalpost .
This level of occlusion has never been seen before in over 9,000 matches that the Hawk-Eye Goal Line Technology system has been in operation .
`` The system was tested and proved functional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in accordance with the IFAB Laws of The Game and confirmed as working by the match officials .
`` The system has remained functional throughout .
Hawk-Eye unreservedly apologises to the Premier League , Sheffield United , and everyone affected by this incident . ''
The result disappointed Blades supporters - especially after the decision that took away their lead .
Here 's how Blades fans reacted to the result .
`` And the point of VAR is ?
?
?
?
?
? ''
`` Not surprised we got robbed again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The linesman could see it was over .
Typical of Premier league screwing over the Blades . ''
`` Turns out VAR can determine whether a big toe is offside but not if a ball crosses the line .
Weird . ''
`` A statement released by Hawkeye states the goal area was `` significantly occluded by the keeper , defender & goalpost .
They claim this `` has never been seen before in over 9,000 matches .
Does n't seem too obstructed to me .
This simply does n't wash '' '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point !
?
Still baffled as to why VAR didn ’ t sort it .
A joke ! ''
`` Dominic Cummings was testing his eyesight in the first half as the Hawk Eye !
Only could happen to Dem Blades . ''
`` A robbery right in front of your very eyes . ''
`` The biggest issue with this is VAR is chalking off offside goals that no one can see in real time , but failing to give goals that literally everyone can see in real time .
How is @ @ @ @

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Sheffield United were denied a chance for victory by a bizarre technology error.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland seemed to stumble backwards into his own net after a bump with Keinan Davis - while holding the ball.
However, referee Michael Oliver did not award a goal - and VAR did not intervene due to a complete fluke.
Hawk-Eye, who provide the goal-line technology to the Premier League, said in a statement: "During the first half of Aston Villa v Sheffield United match at Villa Park, there was a goal line incident where the ball was carried over the line by Aston Villa goalkeeper, No. 25 Nyland.
"The match officials did not receive a signal to the watch nor earpiece as per the Goal Decision System (GDS) protocol.
"The seven cameras located in the stands around the goal area were significantly occluded by the goalkeeper, defender, and goalpost. This level of occlusion has never been seen before in over 9,000 matches that the Hawk-Eye Goal Line Technology system has been in operation.
"The system was tested and proved functional prior to the start of the match in accordance with the IFAB Laws of The Game and confirmed as working by the match officials.
"The system has remained functional throughout. Hawk-Eye unreservedly apologises to the Premier League, Sheffield United, and everyone affected by this incident."
The result disappointed Blades supporters - especially after the decision that took away their lead.
Here's how Blades fans reacted to the result.
"And the point of VAR is??????"
"Not surprised we got robbed again."
"Probably using sky WiFi. The linesman could see it was over. Typical of Premier league screwing over the Blades."
"Turns out VAR can determine whether a big toe is offside but not if a ball crosses the line. Weird."
"A statement released by Hawkeye states the goal area was "significantly occluded by the keeper, defender & goalpost. They claim this "has never been seen before in over 9,000 matches. Doesn't seem too obstructed to me. This simply doesn't wash"
"Money on Villa staying up by a point !? Still baffled as to why VAR didn’t sort it. A joke!"
"Dominic Cummings was testing his eyesight in the first half as the Hawk Eye! Only could happen to Dem Blades."
"A robbery right in front of your very eyes."
"The biggest issue with this is VAR is chalking off offside goals that no one can see in real time, but failing to give goals that literally everyone can see in real time. How is that right?"


birminghammail--2020-06-17--Aston Villa fans react to Sheffield United point after tech error

Aston Villa played out a 0-0 draw against Sheffield United to kick off their Premier League season - for the second time .
Bettering their opening day points tally by one , the Villa failed to find a serious chance to open their lead , despite dominating the match , making the best out of scrappy efforts .
However , they will also be looking back on their luck .
Goal-line tech failed to award Sheffield United a goal after Orjan Nyland fell backwards over the goalline .
The failure by the technology allowed Villa to gain their point , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an eventful - if not particularly exciting - outing for Villa , who will now be preparing for a clash against Chelsea on the weekend .
Here 's what the Villa faithful thought of the result ... '' Not bad at all for a whole load of reasons .
With fitness an issue , going long to Davis could be key for the rest of the season and he looked sharp and strong .
Good for us all to see the level football/footballers are at and kick on . ''
`` Best 1-0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well played lads . ''
`` As a Villa fan , there ’ s now no way I can hold Kevin Friend ’ s Crystal Palace debacle as reason for the club getting relegated , should a single point be the difference .
A solid point against Sheffield United , and a good performance .
But in reality it ’ s a robbery . ''
`` Forget the circumstances etc and their ghost goal , that was two points dropped when you consider how shit Sheff Utd were and the fixtures we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sloppy at times , lucky not to get punished by Hause error and ‘ that ’ goal .
One tempo .
Davis was their biggest problem . ''
`` Struggle to see where we get goals from .
We don ’ t scare teams at all , especially when Jack is missing .
Looked better at the back .
Konsa looked assured and added height but think we may need Elmo ’ s crossing to create something . ''
Holte Enders at Home - Get involved in our post match debate with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we try to win that game ? ''
`` Maybe these things do even out over a season . ''
`` Thought Hourihane , Luiz and Davis were all decent but nobody played above a 7/10 .
Pleased with much more solid defence as a whole .
Key players Grealish and McGinn didn ’ t look sharp .
Time will tell if this is a good point or 2 dropped that we desperately needed . ''

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Aston Villa played out a 0-0 draw against Sheffield United to kick off their Premier League season - for the second time.
Bettering their opening day points tally by one, the Villa failed to find a serious chance to open their lead, despite dominating the match, making the best out of scrappy efforts.
However, they will also be looking back on their luck.
Goal-line tech failed to award Sheffield United a goal after Orjan Nyland fell backwards over the goalline. The failure by the technology allowed Villa to gain their point, instead of losing outright.
It was an eventful - if not particularly exciting - outing for Villa, who will now be preparing for a clash against Chelsea on the weekend.
Here's what the Villa faithful thought of the result...
"Not bad at all for a whole load of reasons. With fitness an issue, going long to Davis could be key for the rest of the season and he looked sharp and strong. Good for us all to see the level football/footballers are at and kick on."
"Best 1-0 draw I’ve ever seen. well played lads."
"As a Villa fan, there’s now no way I can hold Kevin Friend’s Crystal Palace debacle as reason for the club getting relegated, should a single point be the difference. A solid point against Sheffield United, and a good performance. But in reality it’s a robbery."
"Forget the circumstances etc and their ghost goal, that was two points dropped when you consider how **** Sheff Utd were and the fixtures we've got left."
"Very average and sloppy at times, lucky not to get punished by Hause error and ‘that’ goal. One tempo. Davis was their biggest problem."
"Struggle to see where we get goals from. We don’t scare teams at all, especially when Jack is missing. Looked better at the back. Konsa looked assured and added height but think we may need Elmo’s crossing to create something."
"Did we try to win that game?"
"Maybe these things do even out over a season."
"Thought Hourihane, Luiz and Davis were all decent but nobody played above a 7/10. Pleased with much more solid defence as a whole. Key players Grealish and McGinn didn’t look sharp. Time will tell if this is a good point or 2 dropped that we desperately needed."


birminghammail--2020-06-17--Homeless shelter appeals for help after suffering devastating flood

Birmingham ’ s main homeless shelter has made a desperate appeal for help after it was flooded .
Water leaked through the roof of Sifa Fireside , based on Alcock Street in Digbeth , after parts of the region was lashed by torrential rain on Wednesday afternoon ( June 17 ) , forcing it to close .
The centre had just reopened on Monday ( June 15 ) and staff are appealing for towels , dehumidifiers and cleaning products to aid with the massive clean-up operation .
Sifa Fireside CEO Carly Jones said : “ We had some flooding yesterday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this afternoon , we had the severe storm and our guttering could not cope with the volume of water coming through .
“ Its started coming through the roof .
We only reopened this week for face-to-face services .
`` We can only see 30 people at a time because of Covid-19 and social distancing but usually it ’ s about 140-160 .
“ The main space has now been flooded together with some of the appointment rooms and clinics .
“ We are going to have to close again because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of offers of help in the space of a few hours.
” “ Today ’ s storms have flooded our drop-in ... can you help us ?
People can reach Sifa on 0121 766 1700 or email office @ sifafireside.co.uk A video posted by the charity shows workers placing buckets , containers and items of clothing and blankets on the floor to soak up the water which is relentlessly pouring through the ceiling .
They tweeted : “ We urgently need the following to help us dry out and get back up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Towels , Dehumidifiers , Cleaning products.
” The centre offers essential services to homeless and extremely vulnerable people .
Meanwhile , the Bullring was hit by a flash flood just three days after it opened .
Footage shows workers in visors sweeping water away from a number of shops on the ground level this afternoon .

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Birmingham’s main homeless shelter has made a desperate appeal for help after it was flooded.
Water leaked through the roof of Sifa Fireside, based on Alcock Street in Digbeth, after parts of the region was lashed by torrential rain on Wednesday afternoon (June 17), forcing it to close.
The centre had just reopened on Monday (June 15) and staff are appealing for towels, dehumidifiers and cleaning products to aid with the massive clean-up operation.
Sifa Fireside CEO Carly Jones said: “We had some flooding yesterday because if the heavy rainfall. Then this afternoon, we had the severe storm and our guttering could not cope with the volume of water coming through.
“Its started coming through the roof. We only reopened this week for face-to-face services.
"We can only see 30 people at a time because of Covid-19 and social distancing but usually it’s about 140-160.
“The main space has now been flooded together with some of the appointment rooms and clinics.
“We are going to have to close again because of the flood. We have had a lot of offers of help in the space of a few hours.”
“Today’s storms have flooded our drop-in...can you help us?
People can reach Sifa on 0121 766 1700 or email office@sifafireside.co.uk
A video posted by the charity shows workers placing buckets, containers and items of clothing and blankets on the floor to soak up the water which is relentlessly pouring through the ceiling.
They tweeted: “We urgently need the following to help us dry out and get back up and running as soon as we can:Towels, Dehumidifiers, Cleaning products.”
The centre offers essential services to homeless and extremely vulnerable people.
Meanwhile, the Bullring was hit by a flash flood just three days after it opened.
Footage shows workers in visors sweeping water away from a number of shops on the ground level this afternoon.


birminghammail--2020-06-17--Hawk-Eye issue statement over Villa vs Sheff Utd goal controversy

Hawk-Eye has issued an apology to Sheffield United in a statement issued after Aston Villa 's goalless draw against the Blades .
The visitors were denied a goal in the first-half of the Premier League clash at Villa Park when Orjan Nyland fumbled a free-kick from Oliver Norwood .
Villa goalkeeper Nyland carried Norwood 's cross over the line but play carried on without a goal being awarded .
Referee Michael Oliver received no indication on his watch or in his earpiece that that ball was over the line and waved play on , leaving Chris Wilder 's players furious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) did not get involved in the incident and the match ended 0-0 , a result which leaves Villa a point from safety with nine matches left to play .
Hawk-Eye , who provide the goal-line technology to the Premier League , said in a statement : `` During the first half of Aston Villa v Sheffield United match at Villa Park , there was a goal line incident where the ball was carried over the line by Aston Villa goalkeeper , No .
25 Nyland .
`` The match officials did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earpiece as per the Goal Decision System ( GDS ) protocol .
`` The seven cameras located in the stands around the goal area were significantly occluded by the goalkeeper , defender , and goalpost .
This level of occlusion has never been seen before in over 9,000 matches that the Hawk-Eye Goal Line Technology system has been in operation .
`` The system was tested and proved functional prior to the start of the match in accordance with the IFAB Laws of The Game and confirmed as working by the match officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout .
Hawk-Eye unreservedly apologises to the Premier League , Sheffield United , and everyone affected by this incident . ''

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Hawk-Eye has issued an apology to Sheffield United in a statement issued after Aston Villa's goalless draw against the Blades.
The visitors were denied a goal in the first-half of the Premier League clash at Villa Park when Orjan Nyland fumbled a free-kick from Oliver Norwood.
Villa goalkeeper Nyland carried Norwood's cross over the line but play carried on without a goal being awarded.
Referee Michael Oliver received no indication on his watch or in his earpiece that that ball was over the line and waved play on, leaving Chris Wilder's players furious.
The video assistant referee (VAR) did not get involved in the incident and the match ended 0-0, a result which leaves Villa a point from safety with nine matches left to play.
Hawk-Eye, who provide the goal-line technology to the Premier League, said in a statement: "During the first half of Aston Villa v Sheffield United match at Villa Park, there was a goal line incident where the ball was carried over the line by Aston Villa goalkeeper, No. 25 Nyland.
"The match officials did not receive a signal to the watch nor earpiece as per the Goal Decision System (GDS) protocol.
"The seven cameras located in the stands around the goal area were significantly occluded by the goalkeeper, defender, and goalpost. This level of occlusion has never been seen before in over 9,000 matches that the Hawk-Eye Goal Line Technology system has been in operation.
"The system was tested and proved functional prior to the start of the match in accordance with the IFAB Laws of The Game and confirmed as working by the match officials.
"The system has remained functional throughout. Hawk-Eye unreservedly apologises to the Premier League, Sheffield United, and everyone affected by this incident."


birminghammail--2020-06-17--'Hesitation' - player ratings as controversy dominates Sheffield United draw

Aston Villa 's Premier League season is underway again with a point gained against Sheffield United at a near-empty Villa Park .
There was a slice of fortune for Villa on the day , but some positives in a highly competitive encounter .
Here 's how we rated the Villa players .
The goal that was never given .
The Norwegian came in for his first Premier League start after ousting Pepe Reina to grab the No.1 shirt .
Nyland started well and appeared calm , but for claiming Ollie Norwood ‘ s free-kick at the back post .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , taking him over the goal line .
He kept a firm hand on the ball , though , balancing it on the post with Michael Oliver ’ s watch not signalling ball had gone in .
Slotted in at right-back .
Didn ’ t look out of place .
Has always been a cool cookie in possession .
The usual marauding wing-back Enda Stevens was kept quiet , largely down to Konsa ’ s concentration .
Could make that spot his own given Frederic Guilbert ’ s absence .
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Google Play Store and App Store Looked very assured playing on the right-hand side of Villa ’ s centre-back pairing .
Firm , solid in the tackle while , early on , teed up Keinan Davis from a corner , heading to his striker who misplaced his effort over the bar .
Wasn ’ t at all threatened by either McBurnie or Sharp .
Always Villa ’ s voice at the heart of the defence and worked well with Hause .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fat lot wrong but was kept pinned back .
Had Grealish in front of him and kept Sam Baldock at arm ’ s length .
Solid enough , from “ Tiggs ” .
Anchored Villa ’ s midfield from the get-go .
Made a vital block to deny Lundstram on 70 minutes , sniffing out what would have been a tap in .
Used the ball well but lacked that cutting edge pass needed to cut open Blades ’ back line .
Seventy-five minutes in the tank which is great guns given six-month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game , though , with play all to often moving side to side .
Tried to break lines with his all-out bursts but he couldn ’ t get a hold of the ball .
Showed nippy feet to dance past a United man in the second half .
Surprisingly vocal .
Kept ushering his teammates to work harder in his Cork tone .
Saw an early drive well saved by Henderson but , again , struggled to force the issue and didn ’ t see enough of the football to hurt United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lean , mean and ready for action .
Couldn ’ t find that spark , though , despite attempting to run his man down the touchline .
Replaced by Trezeguet in what is always Smith ’ s go-to sub .
Fine form in training was rewarded with his first Premier League start .
Began brightly , bossing John Egan on a number of occasions .
Missed what appeared to be a sitter of a header early doors .
Hesitated for another chance before seeing a well-struck effort thwarted again by Henderson .
Clumsily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never given .
Again , lacks a finishing edge to his game despite his build-up play being admirable .
The skipper was once again Villa ’ s main threat , causing Sheffield United problems early on .
Never gives the ball away while , in the second half , made jaws drop with a defence splitting pass to feed El Ghazi .
Crashed to the turf again at the final whistle , failing to drag his side over the line .
Lots of running but it didn ’ t bring any reward .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all , in truth .
Found it hard to get going in his 20-or-so minutes .
Has his confidence taken a hit after being nudged out by Davis ?
We ’ ll soon see .
Appeared to be treading on Mings ’ toes when picking the ball up , arguably too deep .
Almost allowed Lundstram in late on but he soon mopped up the mess he found himself in .
Villa lacked that goal threat when Nakamba came on for McGinn .
Again , didn ’ t do too much .
Tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his trademark whips from deep didn ’ t come off .

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Aston Villa's Premier League season is underway again with a point gained against Sheffield United at a near-empty Villa Park.
There was a slice of fortune for Villa on the day, but some positives in a highly competitive encounter.
Here's how we rated the Villa players.
Orjan Nyland - 5.5
The goal that was never given. The Norwegian came in for his first Premier League start after ousting Pepe Reina to grab the No.1 shirt. Nyland started well and appeared calm, but for claiming Ollie Norwood‘s free-kick at the back post. The stopper was bathed by Davis, though, taking him over the goal line. He kept a firm hand on the ball, though, balancing it on the post with Michael Oliver’s watch not signalling ball had gone in.
Ezri Konsa - 6
Slotted in at right-back. Didn’t look out of place. Has always been a cool cookie in possession. The usual marauding wing-back Enda Stevens was kept quiet, largely down to Konsa’s concentration. Could make that spot his own given Frederic Guilbert’s absence.
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Kortney Hause - 7.5
Looked very assured playing on the right-hand side of Villa’s centre-back pairing. Firm, solid in the tackle while, early on, teed up Keinan Davis from a corner, heading to his striker who misplaced his effort over the bar.
Tyrone Mings - 7
Wasn’t at all threatened by either McBurnie or Sharp. Always Villa’s voice at the heart of the defence and worked well with Hause.
Matt Targett - 6.5
Again, didn’t do a fat lot wrong but was kept pinned back. Had Grealish in front of him and kept Sam Baldock at arm’s length. Solid enough, from “Tiggs”.
Douglas Luiz - 6
Anchored Villa’s midfield from the get-go. Made a vital block to deny Lundstram on 70 minutes, sniffing out what would have been a tap in. Used the ball well but lacked that cutting edge pass needed to cut open Blades’ back line.
John McGinn - 6
Seventy-five minutes in the tank which is great guns given six-month lay-off. Couldn’t get in the game, though, with play all to often moving side to side. Tried to break lines with his all-out bursts but he couldn’t get a hold of the ball. Showed nippy feet to dance past a United man in the second half.
Conor Hourihane - 5.5
Surprisingly vocal. Kept ushering his teammates to work harder in his Cork tone. Saw an early drive well saved by Henderson but, again, struggled to force the issue and didn’t see enough of the football to hurt United.
Anwar El Ghazi - 5
Boasted prior to kick-off he was lean, mean and ready for action.
Couldn’t find that spark, though, despite attempting to run his man down the touchline. Replaced by Trezeguet in what is always Smith’s go-to sub.
Keinan Davis - 6
Fine form in training was rewarded with his first Premier League start. Began brightly, bossing John Egan on a number of occasions. Missed what appeared to be a sitter of a header early doors.
Hesitated for another chance before seeing a well-struck effort thwarted again by Henderson.
Clumsily barged Nyland for the goal that was never given. Again, lacks a finishing edge to his game despite his build-up play being admirable.
Jack Grealish - 6.5
Donned his new platted ponytail hairstyle.
The skipper was once again Villa’s main threat, causing Sheffield United problems early on. Never gives the ball away while, in the second half, made jaws drop with a defence splitting pass to feed El Ghazi.
Crashed to the turf again at the final whistle, failing to drag his side over the line.
Substitutes
Trezeguet (for El Ghazi, 69) - 4.5
Lots of running but it didn’t bring any reward. Didn’t affect the game at all, in truth.
Samatta (for Davis, 69) - 4.5
Found it hard to get going in his 20-or-so minutes. Has his confidence taken a hit after being nudged out by Davis? We’ll soon see.
Nakamba (for McGinn, 75) - 5
Appeared to be treading on Mings’ toes when picking the ball up, arguably too deep. Almost allowed Lundstram in late on but he soon mopped up the mess he found himself in. Villa lacked that goal threat when Nakamba came on for McGinn.
Elmohamady (for Konsa, 75)
Again, didn’t do too much. Tried to press high while a couple of his trademark whips from deep didn’t come off.


birminghammail--2020-06-17--June or January? Ground turns white as freak storm batters region

Can it really be June ?
A Midland road looked like it had been hit by a snow whiteout after storms hit the region .
Cavell Close , a stone throw away from Walsall Manor Hospital , was coated in a layer of hail this morning leaving many residents baffled .
Residents also faced heavy rain , lightning , thunder and hail storms resulting in localised incidents of surface water flooding The council says it was 16 degrees centigrade at the time these photographs were taken .
A further yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and heavy rain with a risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening .
When a weather warning is issued , the council is preparing for this via the following precautionary actions : • Council owned watercourses are checked and trash screens , which prevent large debris flowing into culverts or narrow sections of the watercourse , are cleared of excessive debris • Roadside drains at known hotspots are inspected and cleaned if required • The out of hours highways duty driver is equipped with additional road closure signs and sand bags to ensure a fast response to incidents of highway flooding .
For longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are placed on standby .
Sand bags are usually only deployed by Walsall Council to control the flow of water on the highway .
Residents who are at risk of flooding are expected to take reasonable steps to protect their properties .
Sandbags and sand can be purchased from most good builders ’ merchants and large DIY stores .
* The region has been battered by two thunderstorms within 24 hours .
In Birmingham the Bullring Shopping Centre has been hit by a flash flood just three days after it opened .
Footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a number of shops on the ground level this afternoon .
Yellow cones were also placed outside Foot Locker and Schuh with the shutters pulled half down .

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Can it really be June? A Midland road looked like it had been hit by a snow whiteout after storms hit the region.
Cavell Close, a stone throw away from Walsall Manor Hospital, was coated in a layer of hail this morning leaving many residents baffled.
Residents also faced heavy rain, lightning, thunder and hail storms resulting in localised incidents of surface water flooding
The council says it was 16 degrees centigrade at the time these photographs were taken.
(Image: Walsall Council)
A further yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and heavy rain with a risk of flooding is in place until this evening.
When a weather warning is issued, the council is preparing for this via the following precautionary actions:
Council owned watercourses are checked and trash screens, which prevent large debris flowing into culverts or narrow sections of the watercourse, are cleared of excessive debris
Roadside drains at known hotspots are inspected and cleaned if required
The out of hours highways duty driver is equipped with additional road closure signs and sand bags to ensure a fast response to incidents of highway flooding.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
For longer or more extreme events, additional drivers are placed on standby.
Sand bags are usually only deployed by Walsall Council to control the flow of water on the highway.
Residents who are at risk of flooding are expected to take reasonable steps to protect their properties. Sandbags and sand can be purchased from most good builders’ merchants and large DIY stores.
* The region has been battered by two thunderstorms within 24 hours.
In Birmingham the Bullring Shopping Centre has been hit by a flash flood just three days after it opened.
Footage shows workers in visors sweeping water away from a number of shops on the ground level this afternoon.
Yellow cones were also placed outside Foot Locker and Schuh with the shutters pulled half down.


birminghammail--2020-06-17--Leeds United weigh in on Villa vs Sheffield United goal controversy

Leeds United have waded in on the goal-line technology controversy during Aston Villa 's clash against Sheffield United .
Villa got the Premier League season back underway exactly 100 days after their last top-flight outing .
Dean Smith 's side were the beneficiaries of a technology mishap in the first half of the goalless draw when the Blades appeared to be denied an opener .
Orjan Nyland fumbled a cross from Oliver Norwood and replays showed the goalkeeper carried the ball over the line and into the inside netting in front of an empty Holte End .
But referee Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the ball had crossed the line and waved play on .
Sheffield United players were left open-mouthed and continued to speak to the referee for the remainder of the half and in the tunnel .
The Blades ' official Twitter account posted `` it wasn ’ t working '' along with a laughing emoji and Leeds joined in the debate on social media .
Referring back to the incident-filled Championship clash against Villa at Elland Road last season in which Leeds allowed Albert Adomah to walk in a goal , they replied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by tweeting : `` FAO : @ AVFCOfficial # FairPlay . ''
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa instructed his players to allow Adomah to score last April after Mateusz Klich put the hosts ahead while Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia was down injured and awaiting treatment .
Covering tonight 's clash at Villa Park for Sky Sports , Jamie Redknapp said Oliver 's watch indicated for a goal at half-time : He said : “ We don ’ t know how true it is but we ’ ve heard that the referee said it said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room .
He added : “ It ’ s incredibly lucky ( for Villa ) .
We often talk about goal-line technology being perfect but it certainly wasn ’ t here , it went missing .
`` It ’ s a really spiteful ball in from Oli Norwood , very difficult to deal with .
Nyland never looks comfortable for one second when it ’ s come in , he loses it for a second , then gets hold of it , and pushes it into his own goal . ''

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Leeds United have waded in on the goal-line technology controversy during Aston Villa's clash against Sheffield United.
Villa got the Premier League season back underway exactly 100 days after their last top-flight outing.
Dean Smith's side were the beneficiaries of a technology mishap in the first half of the goalless draw when the Blades appeared to be denied an opener.
Orjan Nyland fumbled a cross from Oliver Norwood and replays showed the goalkeeper carried the ball over the line and into the inside netting in front of an empty Holte End.
But referee Michael Oliver received no indication from goal-line technology that the ball had crossed the line and waved play on.
Sheffield United players were left open-mouthed and continued to speak to the referee for the remainder of the half and in the tunnel.
The Blades' official Twitter account posted "it wasn’t working" along with a laughing emoji and Leeds joined in the debate on social media.
Referring back to the incident-filled Championship clash against Villa at Elland Road last season in which Leeds allowed Albert Adomah to walk in a goal, they replied to a clip of Wednesday's controversy by tweeting: "FAO: @AVFCOfficial #FairPlay."
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa instructed his players to allow Adomah to score last April after Mateusz Klich put the hosts ahead while Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia was down injured and awaiting treatment.
Covering tonight's clash at Villa Park for Sky Sports, Jamie Redknapp said Oliver's watch indicated for a goal at half-time:
He said: “We don’t know how true it is but we’ve heard that the referee said it said goal when he was in the dressing room.
He added: “It’s incredibly lucky (for Villa). We often talk about goal-line technology being perfect but it certainly wasn’t here, it went missing.
"It’s a really spiteful ball in from Oli Norwood, very difficult to deal with. Nyland never looks comfortable for one second when it’s come in, he loses it for a second, then gets hold of it, and pushes it into his own goal."


birminghammail--2020-06-17--Aston Villa vs Sheffield United: The match in pictures

Pictures from the Premier League game between Aston Villa and Sheffield United The Premier League is back , and it @ @ @ @ @ .
Here are the pictures from the match between Aston Villa and Sheffield United

Pictures from the Premier League game between Aston Villa and Sheffield United
The Premier League is back, and it all started at Villa Park. Here are the pictures from the match between Aston Villa and Sheffield United