birminghammail--2020-08-19--'Nobody is dying - so why talk of lockdown?' - we ask the experts

Birmingham has been in the spotlight after infection rates rose across the city , with 330 new cases in a week setting alarm bells ringing .
For the first time since lockdown measures eased , Birmingham has seen the number of new positive cases consistently going up .
Health , business and political leaders have now joined forces to press people to do more to avert the potential 'disaster ' of new lockdown measures .
But while the number of positive test results are going up , the city 's hospitals and GPs are not seeing a corresponding rise in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some people confused and at odds with each other about what needs to be done and how best to protect the city 's residents .
Even medics locally have differing opinions about what the statistics mean , and how big a threat coronavirus poses to the city .
We posed the question that plenty of people are asking on social media and in communities : If people are not getting ill , or dying , from coronavirus right now , why is the city contemplating new restrictions ?
What we know : on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published by NHS Digital ) , drawing on confirmed new cases up to August 17 ( Monday ) is encouraging - it shows the infection rate is now at under 30 - that 's 30 new cases a week , per 100,000 people in the city .
That 's the equivalent of more than 300 new infections in the past week , and is the highest since the pandemic eased off in early May .
Clusters of cases are occurring across the city , often among linked households and small workplaces , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to date .
To put that figure into context , the ten areas of the country with the most worrying infection rates range from Northampton - 122.9 , Oldham - 91.5 , and Blackburn with Darwen - 86.8 .
So we are some way shy of a crisis of that level - but public health officials want to ensure the issues linked to infection are nipped in the bud , and with it the spectre of national intervention of the type seen in Greater Manchester .
On Monday , Dr Justin Varney , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` What we have been seeing over the past two weeks is a consistent rise .
`` The next two weeks is really important and we need everyone to play their part .
`` This will not shoot up overnight , we will not be in lockdown by Friday for example - but the picture over the next week or two so is what we will be tracking carefully and it 's also why we are ramping up our response and messages to the public . ''
What we know : on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared in the city in early March , thousands of lives have been lost , in hospitals , care homes and at home .
But in the past four weeks , the death toll has been small , with zero deaths for several days .
University Hospitals Birmingham , which runs Queen Elizabeth , Heartlands , Good Hope and Solihull hospitals , has registered 972 deaths from coronavirus in all - of those , ten have occurred in the four weeks since July 23 .
At Sandwell and West Birmingham hospitals , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those , there have been just two since July 23 .
The number of critically ill patients is also negligible .
The hospital trusts could not officially provide today 's figures about the number of Coronavirus patients receiving critical care but reliable sources said the total across both trusts was 'less than five ' .
That 's left many people wondering if the tone of the messages being given out is proportionate , or unduly adding to anxiety .
What the hospital medic says Dr Ron Daniels , an intensive care doctor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospitals Birmingham , said the number of critically ill people has continued to be negligible , with zero deaths reported for days - and says that this is the measure that should determine what happens next .
Relying on testing and positivity data - which he says is misleading - could push the city into an 'unnecessary ' lockdown .
Dr Daniels spoke up in frustration after seeing coverage about rising infection rates in the city .
`` The amount of testing is going up , so there are more cases .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the proportion of people testing positive , proportionate to the number of tests ) .
But there are no deaths , and very few people becoming critically ill , even five weeks after lockdown measures were eased , '' he said .
`` There may be more cases in the community , but people are not getting sick . ''
He said he believed illness would by now be filtering through to hospitals if the virus was prevalent and as vicious as in the early months of the pandemic .
He added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 and 40 year olds in intensive care during the pandemic .
They are not immune to the worst effects .
If there are so many people with active cases of the virus , we would be starting to see some now presenting ( in hospital ) with serious illness , but we are not .
`` That suggests to me that either many of the positive cases being detected now have fragments of the virus left from an earlier illness , or the virus itself has weakened . ''
He said today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a balance between the highly cautious approach of public health specialists and the levels of sickness we are seeing .
`` We are now five to six weeks after opening up our pubs and so on .
Allowing for incubation of the virus , and for symptoms to worsen , we would by now expect to have seen at least some evidence of new cases and fortunately that is not happening .
`` I have spoken to acute sector colleagues who also can not understand why there is so much alarm .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in admissions then of course we would need to lock that down - but we are seeing nothing .
`` I absolutely support all of the messages about social distancing , hand hygiene , wearing a mask , especially if you are within two metres of others , and so on .
`` But what concerns me is the impact of adding in so much alarm .
`` People have been saying to me - just wait two weeks , then you 'll see a difference - they said it around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shops reopening , around other events , and what we are seeing is more people testing positive but not the illness itself .
`` This ( messaging ) concerns me because we are seeing the impact of the fear and anxiety through those presenting with mental health issues , anxiety , self neglect through not eating properly , people self harming and attempting suicide as their health deteriorates .
`` We are also having people present with severe illnesses that they should have come in to hospital with much sooner , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` They are far sicker than they should be - it 's vital we ensure people heed the message that the NHS is open , that we are here to help them . ''
Dr Justin Varney in Birmingham has been unequivocal throughout the pandemic - simple measures will save lives , and everyone doing the right thing is the way forward .
Key to success in keeping the virus at bay - and particularly protecting the most vulnerable , those with underlying health conditions , and the elderly - is following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and , vitally , getting tested and isolating at the first sign of symptoms of the virus .
Sharing information about contacts is also vital , he said .
He addressed the comments from Dr Daniels , telling BirminghamLive : '' There is a recognised lag between a rise in community cases and hospital admissions and it is too early to say that we won ’ t see a rise in admissions following the spike in confirmed cases in Birmingham .
`` The majority of new cases are in 20 to 40 year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to older adults in households and we do not know how many individuals who are clinically vulnerable may also be put at risk by this rise in cases .
“ SAGE ( the Government 's official scientific advisors ) and the National Joint Biosecurity Cell are clear that rising community cases is a significant concern , but this is not the only metric that is being looked at .
`` There is also consideration of the percentage of positive test results , alongside an increase in testing and a rise in cases in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care homes .
“ Given the significant impact that outbreaks can have on our communities , it is important to take this rise seriously.
” Dr Ian Sykes is a GP and clinical chairm of Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group .
He said today : `` I 'm not here to criticise another medical colleague , and am pleased to note Dr Daniels still fully supports all the public health preventative measures such as social distancing .
`` However I am concerned about his opinion that public health experts are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the current action being taken by our local Public Health teams , both within Sandwell and Birmingham .
`` The latest figures within the Black Country and West Birmingham show a 25 % increase in cases this week compared to last week , which was itself around 25 % higher than the week before .
`` Unlike in the earlier stages of the pandemic , most cases are concentrated within the 25-50 age group .
`` As this group is less likely to have other concurrent illness , this helps to explain why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet been any significant increase in people presenting either to their GP or local hospital .
`` However we know that many of these positive cases live within multi-generational households , with the age range of positive cases from one to 90 years .
`` We do need to remain cautious , in order to suppress the number of new cases , and to prevent our higher risk patients , both at home and within care homes , from becoming infected .
`` If this group become infected , then it is very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hospital will rise .
With cases still rising locally I feel the current cautious approach is the correct course of action . ''

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Birmingham has been in the spotlight after infection rates rose across the city, with 330 new cases in a week setting alarm bells ringing.
For the first time since lockdown measures eased, Birmingham has seen the number of new positive cases consistently going up.
Health, business and political leaders have now joined forces to press people to do more to avert the potential 'disaster' of new lockdown measures.
But while the number of positive test results are going up, the city's hospitals and GPs are not seeing a corresponding rise in people getting seriously ill.
That's left some people confused and at odds with each other about what needs to be done and how best to protect the city's residents.
Even medics locally have differing opinions about what the statistics mean, and how big a threat coronavirus poses to the city.
We posed the question that plenty of people are asking on social media and in communities: If people are not getting ill, or dying, from coronavirus right now, why is the city contemplating new restrictions?
What we know: on infection rates
This evening's data (published by NHS Digital), drawing on confirmed new cases up to August 17 (Monday) is encouraging - it shows the infection rate is now at under 30 - that's 30 new cases a week, per 100,000 people in the city.
That's the equivalent of more than 300 new infections in the past week, and is the highest since the pandemic eased off in early May.
Clusters of cases are occurring across the city, often among linked households and small workplaces, with no major work or venue related outbreak to date.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
To put that figure into context, the ten areas of the country with the most worrying infection rates range from Northampton - 122.9, Oldham - 91.5, and Blackburn with Darwen - 86.8.
So we are some way shy of a crisis of that level - but public health officials want to ensure the issues linked to infection are nipped in the bud, and with it the spectre of national intervention of the type seen in Greater Manchester.
On Monday, Dr Justin Varney, public health director for Birmingham, said : "What we have been seeing over the past two weeks is a consistent rise.
"The next two weeks is really important and we need everyone to play their part.
"This will not shoot up overnight, we will not be in lockdown by Friday for example - but the picture over the next week or two so is what we will be tracking carefully and it's also why we are ramping up our response and messages to the public."
What we know: on deaths and serious illnesses
Since coronavirus first appeared in the city in early March, thousands of lives have been lost, in hospitals, care homes and at home.
But in the past four weeks, the death toll has been small, with zero deaths for several days.
University Hospitals Birmingham, which runs Queen Elizabeth, Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull hospitals, has registered 972 deaths from coronavirus in all - of those, ten have occurred in the four weeks since July 23.
At Sandwell and West Birmingham hospitals, the overall death toll stands at 382 - of those, there have been just two since July 23.
The number of critically ill patients is also negligible.
The hospital trusts could not officially provide today's figures about the number of Coronavirus patients receiving critical care but reliable sources said the total across both trusts was 'less than five'.
That's left many people wondering if the tone of the messages being given out is proportionate, or unduly adding to anxiety.
What the hospital medic says
Dr Ron Daniels, an intensive care doctor at hospitals in the city for University Hospitals Birmingham, said the number of critically ill people has continued to be negligible, with zero deaths reported for days - and says that this is the measure that should determine what happens next.
Relying on testing and positivity data - which he says is misleading - could push the city into an 'unnecessary' lockdown.
Dr Daniels spoke up in frustration after seeing coverage about rising infection rates in the city.
"The amount of testing is going up, so there are more cases. The positivity rate is also going up (the proportion of people testing positive, proportionate to the number of tests). But there are no deaths, and very few people becoming critically ill, even five weeks after lockdown measures were eased," he said.
"There may be more cases in the community, but people are not getting sick."
He said he believed illness would by now be filtering through to hospitals if the virus was prevalent and as vicious as in the early months of the pandemic.
He added: "I looked after many 20, 30 and 40 year olds in intensive care during the pandemic. They are not immune to the worst effects. If there are so many people with active cases of the virus, we would be starting to see some now presenting (in hospital) with serious illness, but we are not.
"That suggests to me that either many of the positive cases being detected now have fragments of the virus left from an earlier illness, or the virus itself has weakened."
He said today: "I think there needs to be a balance between the highly cautious approach of public health specialists and the levels of sickness we are seeing.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"We are now five to six weeks after opening up our pubs and so on. Allowing for incubation of the virus, and for symptoms to worsen, we would by now expect to have seen at least some evidence of new cases and fortunately that is not happening.
"I have spoken to acute sector colleagues who also cannot understand why there is so much alarm.
"If I started to see an increase in admissions then of course we would need to lock that down - but we are seeing nothing.
"I absolutely support all of the messages about social distancing, hand hygiene, wearing a mask, especially if you are within two metres of others, and so on.
"But what concerns me is the impact of adding in so much alarm.
"People have been saying to me - just wait two weeks, then you'll see a difference - they said it around the Black Lives Matter protests, around pubs and shops reopening, around other events, and what we are seeing is more people testing positive but not the illness itself.
"This (messaging) concerns me because we are seeing the impact of the fear and anxiety through those presenting with mental health issues, anxiety, self neglect through not eating properly, people self harming and attempting suicide as their health deteriorates.
"We are also having people present with severe illnesses that they should have come in to hospital with much sooner, but they are delaying getting medical help still.
"They are far sicker than they should be - it's vital we ensure people heed the message that the NHS is open, that we are here to help them."
The public health director's response
Dr Justin Varney in Birmingham has been unequivocal throughout the pandemic - simple measures will save lives, and everyone doing the right thing is the way forward.
Key to success in keeping the virus at bay - and particularly protecting the most vulnerable, those with underlying health conditions, and the elderly - is following all the guidance, maintaining social distancing and, vitally, getting tested and isolating at the first sign of symptoms of the virus. Sharing information about contacts is also vital, he said.
He addressed the comments from Dr Daniels, telling BirminghamLive:
"There is a recognised lag between a rise in community cases and hospital admissions and it is too early to say that we won’t see a rise in admissions following the spike in confirmed cases in Birmingham.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
"The majority of new cases are in 20 to 40 year olds - but we are seeing spread to older adults in households and we do not know how many individuals who are clinically vulnerable may also be put at risk by this rise in cases.
“SAGE (the Government's official scientific advisors) and the National Joint Biosecurity Cell are clear that rising community cases is a significant concern, but this is not the only metric that is being looked at.
"There is also consideration of the percentage of positive test results, alongside an increase in testing and a rise in cases in high risk settings such as workplaces and care homes.
“Given the significant impact that outbreaks can have on our communities, it is important to take this rise seriously.”
The GP's response
Dr Ian Sykes is a GP and clinical chairm of Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group.
He said today: "I'm not here to criticise another medical colleague, and am pleased to note Dr Daniels still fully supports all the public health preventative measures such as social distancing.
"However I am concerned about his opinion that public health experts are being over cautious.
"I fully support the current action being taken by our local Public Health teams, both within Sandwell and Birmingham.
"The latest figures within the Black Country and West Birmingham show a 25% increase in cases this week compared to last week, which was itself around 25% higher than the week before.
"Unlike in the earlier stages of the pandemic, most cases are concentrated within the 25-50 age group.
"As this group is less likely to have other concurrent illness, this helps to explain why, very fortunately, there has not yet been any significant increase in people presenting either to their GP or local hospital.
"However we know that many of these positive cases live within multi-generational households, with the age range of positive cases from one to 90 years.
"From a clinical perspective, I fully support the current public health measures.
"We do need to remain cautious, in order to suppress the number of new cases, and to prevent our higher risk patients, both at home and within care homes, from becoming infected.
"If this group become infected, then it is very likely that attendances at GP surgeries, and hospital will rise. With cases still rising locally I feel the current cautious approach is the correct course of action."


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Joe Swash takes to the rink six months on from Dancing On Ice victory

Champion ice-skater Joe Swash has donned his skates for the first time since being crowned winner of Dancing On Ice in March this year .
The 38-year-old TV star scooped the coveted trophy alongside his partner Alex Murphy .
And six months on , the Celebrity Gogglebox favourite took a trip to his local Lee Valley ice rink on Wednesday , the Mirror reports .
He shared the moment on Instagram with his 1.6 million followers while wearing a face mask outside the leisure facility .
The former EastEnders actor admitted he had missed the experience which surprised him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first day I will be going back on the ice since the final .
`` I can ’ t believe I ’ m saying this , but I ’ ve missed it so much . ''
Keeping his fans up to date with his progress , Joe filmed himself attempting a backwards twirl .
He said : `` Not going to lie to you , but I ’ m a little bit nervous .
Let ’ s see how much of this I can remember . ''
Admiring fans and friends soon praised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alex Murphy wrote : `` I ’ m so so jealous .
I ’ m going to my rink in Boston now .
I wish I was with you !
!
! ''
And fellow Dancing On Ice pro-skater Mark Hanretty praised Joe saying : `` That ’ s fantastic !
Respect !
During the Dancing on Ice final , Joe and Alex beat Diversity star Perri Kiely and Vanessa Bauer in a public vote .
Pundits are already speculating which celebrities will join the upcoming 2021 series of Dancing On Ice- although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Names touted include Denise Van Outen and Joe 's girlfriend and mother of their baby Rex , Stacey Solomon .
Former TOWIE star James Argent is also reportedly in talks to take to the ice .
And despite a nasty accident that saw her break both her feet on holiday , Katie Price could also be joining the programme .
A source told The Sun : `` It ’ s Katie ’ s biggest goal to recover in time for Dancing On Ice next year .
`` She ’ s been in talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good chance of getting on the show if she ’ s recovered by then . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Susan Knox, Cathrina Hulse-BM)

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Champion ice-skater Joe Swash has donned his skates for the first time since being crowned winner of Dancing On Ice in March this year.
The 38-year-old TV star scooped the coveted trophy alongside his partner Alex Murphy.
And six months on, the Celebrity Gogglebox favourite took a trip to his local Lee Valley ice rink on Wednesday, the Mirror reports.
He shared the moment on Instagram with his 1.6 million followers while wearing a face mask outside the leisure facility.
The former EastEnders actor admitted he had missed the experience which surprised him.
He posted: "Today is the first day I will be going back on the ice since the final.
"I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’ve missed it so much."
Keeping his fans up to date with his progress, Joe filmed himself attempting a backwards twirl.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
He said: "Not going to lie to you, but I’m a little bit nervous. Let’s see how much of this I can remember."
Admiring fans and friends soon praised the dad-of-two.
His former dancing partner Alex Murphy wrote: "I’m so so jealous. I’m going to my rink in Boston now. I wish I was with you!!!"
And fellow Dancing On Ice pro-skater Mark Hanretty praised Joe saying: "That’s fantastic! Respect!
(Image: ITV)
During the Dancing on Ice final, Joe and Alex beat Diversity star Perri Kiely and Vanessa Bauer in a public vote.
Pundits are already speculating which celebrities will join the upcoming 2021 series of Dancing On Ice- although the series is some months away.
Names touted include Denise Van Outen and Joe's girlfriend and mother of their baby Rex, Stacey Solomon.
Former TOWIE star James Argent is also reportedly in talks to take to the ice.
And despite a nasty accident that saw her break both her feet on holiday, Katie Price could also be joining the programme.
A source told The Sun : "It’s Katie’s biggest goal to recover in time for Dancing On Ice next year.
"She’s been in talks with ITV and bosses say she stands a good chance of getting on the show if she’s recovered by then."


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Smith has key decisions to make on Villa quartet in pre-season

Aston Villa are back in the working environment ahead of the new Premier League season .
The Lions ’ first team , who kept the club in the top flight in their first campaign back in the big time , reported back to Bodymoor Heath on Wednesday to be checked over and put through their paces before the pre-season training kicks off out on the training pitches .
Jack Grealish , John McGinn and Tyrone Mings were among those who could be seen arriving and being tested after a few weeks of relaxation and holidaying , along with most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bid farewell to Pepe Reina and Danny Drinkwater at the end of the campaign ; the loanees returned to their parent clubs AC Milan and Chelsea respectively .
There were a few other faces in attendance , though , that Villa fans wouldn ’ t have associated with the side who were successful in the run-in , for one reason or another .
What does the future hold ?
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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 Striker Hogan had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After an indifferent spell at Stoke City , he returned to the Second City in January and joined Blues for the remainder of the campaign .
He immediately made a splash at St Andrew ’ s ; Irish international Hogan netted seven goals in his first eight league outings in royal blue , and then lockdown stopped the season in its tracks .
Hogan never managed to reignite his season once things got back up and running , and he ended the campaign with a nine-match scoreless run , having featured in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heading into the final year of his contract at Villa .
The centre half made a big impact early on , lining up alongside Mings in the heart of defence .
He impressed in the gut wrenching defeat on the opening weekend of the season , and again as Villa posted their first league win over the season against Everton .
Engels was a regular pick , until the winter time .
Then the summer signing was overtaken by Ezri Konsa and Kortney Hause , and from there his opportunities proved to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Spurs before lockdown , and his final appearance of the campaign was in that harrowing evening at Leicester .
He didn ’ t once make the bench after the restart .
Still , the Belgian was back at Bodymoor with his teammates today .
Will there be movement when it comes to Engels this summer ?
Villa ’ s goalkeeping department has been muddled for a couple of seasons now .
Who has been number one ?
Was it expensive buy Lovre Kalinic ?
What about Orjan Nyland , or play-off hero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reina .
In truth , they were onto a winner with Tom Heaton - a man who brought experience and , crucially , top flight quality to Villa ’ s rearguard .
It was cruel , then , that he suffered that season-ending injury at Burnley in January , as part of a double blow along with Wesley who appeared to be finding his feet .
It was a very pleasing sight to see Heaton back at Bodymoor , preparing for the forthcoming campaign .
You do n't imagine too many scenarios where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September 12 .
Remember him ?
Versatile Bree hasn ’ t played a competitive league game for Villa since New Year ’ s Day in 2019 , in 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers at Villa Park .
The former Barnsley kid was then loaned to Ipswich Town for the second half of the season , but while Villa went off to get promoted Bree suffered misery at the other end of the table .
With the Lions strengthening their back-line last summer , Bree was permitted another loan - this time his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he finished the campaign strongly with Luton and the Hatters escaped the drop .
For now , though , Bree is back with Villa , uncertain of what his immediate footballing future holds .
Like Hogan , he is now into the final year of his contract at Villa Park .

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Aston Villa are back in the working environment ahead of the new Premier League season.
The Lions’ first team, who kept the club in the top flight in their first campaign back in the big time, reported back to Bodymoor Heath on Wednesday to be checked over and put through their paces before the pre-season training kicks off out on the training pitches.
Jack Grealish, John McGinn and Tyrone Mings were among those who could be seen arriving and being tested after a few weeks of relaxation and holidaying, along with most of their claret and blue teammates.
Villa bid farewell to Pepe Reina and Danny Drinkwater at the end of the campaign; the loanees returned to their parent clubs AC Milan and Chelsea respectively.
There were a few other faces in attendance, though, that Villa fans wouldn’t have associated with the side who were successful in the run-in, for one reason or another.
What does the future hold?
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter for David Brooks updates Why should you sign up? Aston Villa have been strongly linked with a move for Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks. Sign up for our daily Villa bulletin and you can get the latest updates on any move for Brooks straight to your inbox. 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.
Scott Hogan
Striker Hogan had quite a turbulent season in the Championship.
After an indifferent spell at Stoke City, he returned to the Second City in January and joined Blues for the remainder of the campaign.
He immediately made a splash at St Andrew’s; Irish international Hogan netted seven goals in his first eight league outings in royal blue, and then lockdown stopped the season in its tracks.
Hogan never managed to reignite his season once things got back up and running, and he ended the campaign with a nine-match scoreless run, having featured in every remaining game.
Hogan is now heading into the final year of his contract at Villa.
Bjorn Engels
The centre half made a big impact early on, lining up alongside Mings in the heart of defence.
He impressed in the gut wrenching defeat on the opening weekend of the season, and again as Villa posted their first league win over the season against Everton.
Engels was a regular pick, until the winter time. Then the summer signing was overtaken by Ezri Konsa and Kortney Hause, and from there his opportunities proved to be limited.
Engels scored in the defeat to Spurs before lockdown, and his final appearance of the campaign was in that harrowing evening at Leicester. He didn’t once make the bench after the restart.
Still, the Belgian was back at Bodymoor with his teammates today. Will there be movement when it comes to Engels this summer?
Tom Heaton
Villa’s goalkeeping department has been muddled for a couple of seasons now. Who has been number one? Was it expensive buy Lovre Kalinic? What about Orjan Nyland, or play-off hero Jed Steer? Then there was Pepe Reina.
In truth, they were onto a winner with Tom Heaton - a man who brought experience and, crucially, top flight quality to Villa’s rearguard. It was cruel, then, that he suffered that season-ending injury at Burnley in January, as part of a double blow along with Wesley who appeared to be finding his feet.
It was a very pleasing sight to see Heaton back at Bodymoor, preparing for the forthcoming campaign. You don't imagine too many scenarios where Heaton isn't between the sticks on September 12.
James Bree
Remember him? Versatile Bree hasn’t played a competitive league game for Villa since New Year’s Day in 2019, in 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers at Villa Park.
The former Barnsley kid was then loaned to Ipswich Town for the second half of the season, but while Villa went off to get promoted Bree suffered misery at the other end of the table.
With the Lions strengthening their back-line last summer, Bree was permitted another loan - this time his relegation battle had a happier ending, as he finished the campaign strongly with Luton and the Hatters escaped the drop.
For now, though, Bree is back with Villa, uncertain of what his immediate footballing future holds.
Like Hogan, he is now into the final year of his contract at Villa Park.


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Coronation Street actor Colson Smith shows off amazing weight loss

He 's used his time during lockdown to work out and now Corrie star Colson Smith is celebrating his 22nd birthday with a trim new look .
The cobbles favourite posed for a photo outside a camping lodge which he then shared to Instagram .
The actor appears to have lost several stone in weight and followers of the Coronation Street star were quick to praise his sterling efforts , the M.E.N writes .
One fan said : `` Will your weight loss be spoken about in a storyline ? ''
who went on to say the actor appeared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . '
But one follower said : `` It already is a story from when Craig started in the police he went on a weight loss journey and started running . ''
Another wrote : `` I 'm hoping its mentioned !
I came back off holiday and was catching up and he lost about five stone over night and nobody at least said how great he looks . ''
A fourth fan was delighted with Colson 's new image and said : `` Happy birthday !
You are an inspiration to us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the coronavirus pandemic in March and the actor used the time to focus on his fitness regime .
Colson made a return to the Street earlier this month after filming resumed in June .
Fans of the programme noticed the remarkable transformation when his character Craig Tinker was shown looking slimmer and sporting blonde hair .
And on the soap his character has taken up running after realising he was out of breath while chasing shoplifters .
Colson recently shared a cute photo of himself as he marks nine years on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 when he joined as the son of Beth Sutherland .
Sharing the picture with his Instagram followers , he wrote : `` Nine years of Craig Tinker .
5th August 2011 .
# Tinks . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Katie Fitzpatrick, Cathrina Hulse-BM)

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He's used his time during lockdown to work out and now Corrie star Colson Smith is celebrating his 22nd birthday with a trim new look.
The cobbles favourite posed for a photo outside a camping lodge which he then shared to Instagram.
The actor appears to have lost several stone in weight and followers of the Coronation Street star were quick to praise his sterling efforts, the M.E.N writes.
One fan said: "Will your weight loss be spoken about in a storyline?" who went on to say the actor appeared to have lost 'half of his body weight.'
But one follower said: "It already is a story from when Craig started in the police he went on a weight loss journey and started running."
Another wrote: "I'm hoping its mentioned! I came back off holiday and was catching up and he lost about five stone over night and nobody at least said how great he looks."
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A fourth fan was delighted with Colson's new image and said: "Happy birthday! You are an inspiration to us all!
The soap had halted filming due to the coronavirus pandemic in March and the actor used the time to focus on his fitness regime.
Colson made a return to the Street earlier this month after filming resumed in June.
Fans of the programme noticed the remarkable transformation when his character Craig Tinker was shown looking slimmer and sporting blonde hair.
And on the soap his character has taken up running after realising he was out of breath while chasing shoplifters.
Colson recently shared a cute photo of himself as he marks nine years on the ITV soap.
He was just 12 when he joined as the son of Beth Sutherland.
Sharing the picture with his Instagram followers, he wrote: "Nine years of Craig Tinker. 5th August 2011. #Tinks."


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Why Birmingham needs to get behind 'extraordinary' Commonwealth Games in 2022

On a warm day in April 2018 , hundreds of dancers formed the word # BRUM across Victoria Square in Birmingham , and the city cheered , writes Cllr Brigid Jones , deputy leader of Birmingham City Council .
As they performed the final move of our city ’ s handover segment for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games closing ceremony , beamed live into the faraway stadium and to screens around the world , the hosts in Australia said , “ Wow , wasn ’ t that incredible ?
They must have been rehearsing that for months !
” It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
Birmingham had been named as host city for the 2022 Commonwealth Games on December 21 , 2017 , and at the same time was handed the unique honour and challenge of doing what hadn ’ t been done before : to deliver in four years an international multi sports event that would normally take up to eight .
This wasn ’ t quite what we ’ d planned .
It ’ s long been an ambition of Birmingham to host major events ; we ’ d put in serious bids before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The venues built for that bid by former generations of councillors have been used since to host scores of competitions , most recently the World Indoor Athletics and several key matches in the Cricket World Cup , and were ready and waiting for a bigger challenge .
With 90 per cent of the venues needed already in place , and a prime site near the city centre begging for redevelopment , the city saw a golden opportunity , and work started for the city to bid for the Games in 2026 .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to host the 2022 competition , relinquished the right to do so , and the UK government made it clear they wanted a British bid .
Following the country ’ s decision to vote Leave , the resurgence of the Commonwealth was a key part of the political promise for a brighter , post- Brexit , future .
Birmingham was asked , would we consider bringing our bid forward ?
It was made clear that if another UK city got 2022 , then 2026 was off the cards for us .
So , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided it could .
By then Birmingham City Council had lost nearly £700m in funding from a combination of austerity and soaring service demand ; homes were needed , jobs were needed , and this was a one-off opportunity to bring our people both .
The biggest challenge would be getting capital projects built in time , exactly the same challenge faced by any other major event .
But with our portfolio of venues already in place , the risk was significantly lower than for most other cities , and after much soul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going for 2022 was the right thing to do .
Birmingham thought so ; Theresa May ’ s government , which backed our bid thought so ; the Commonwealth Games Federation , that chose us , thought so .
We started clearing sites , recruiting those Handover Ceremony dancers – and crucially , negotiating with Government how we were going to make this work .
Work progressed on the Athletes Village at pace - in just 364 days Birmingham City Council had assembled the site , demolished its buildings , cleared the site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permission .
For most previous host cities , this process had taken at least three years – we ’ d done it in less than one .
That pace continued as we began construction on site .
Two years on , suddenly , things changed again .
I ’ m sat not at my council desk typing this but at home , where I ’ ve been working for nearly five months .
The world has been gripped by a pandemic on a scale not seen in a century .
Everything is different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how close we can be to other people we don ’ t live with in order to keep ourselves and those we love alive .
Amid the tragedy , this small fact of separation is also turning into a global economic catastrophe , affecting , not least , construction and global supply chains .
The Athletes ’ Village at Perry Barr was always going to be the tightest thing to deliver for the 2022 games .
But as the realities of Covid became apparent , everyone had to accept that ‘ tight ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and money are by no means wasted : the homes will still be built and the athletes will still come to Birmingham , housed instead at university campuses and conference venues .
Counter-intuitively , this outcome will work out better for many , with competitors being housed near to their venues and training facilities .
We ’ ll save significant environmental costs on not having to rip out extra locks , bathrooms and kitchens after games time to retrofit homes for sale .
It ’ s not what we set out to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second-rate solution .
The Commonwealth Games Federation have stated that multiple campus village models are becoming a viable option for future Games to ensure greater affordability and access to the future hosting ambitions of cities .
Would we still have bid , knowing what we know now ?
Well , as the UK economy enters into recession , Birmingham is beyond lucky to have the Games on the close horizon .
Jobs , contracts and opportunities for our people will grow and grow in the next two years , homes will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The city has been quietly transforming for the last twenty years , and is ready to emerge from its concrete shadows , proudly glittering onto the world stage .
Taking on the Games with half the normal time to deliver it was a bold step – but Birmingham is made by its people , a history shaped by them innovation and hard work , taking bold steps to be where we now are .
When we set out to bid for 2026 , we didn ’ t anticipate we ’ d be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anticipated how sad and strange 2020 would be .
We didn ’ t appreciate we ’ d be hosting a Games in times like no other .
But we certainly know we ’ ll deliver one our people will be proud of .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Cllr Brigid Jones, Birmingham City Council, Jane Haynes)

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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
On a warm day in April 2018, hundreds of dancers formed the word #BRUM across Victoria Square in Birmingham, and the city cheered, writes Cllr Brigid Jones, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council.
As they performed the final move of our city’s handover segment for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games closing ceremony, beamed live into the faraway stadium and to screens around the world, the hosts in Australia said, “Wow, wasn’t that incredible? They must have been rehearsing that for months!”
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
It had been, in fact, mere weeks.
Birmingham had been named as host city for the 2022 Commonwealth Games on December 21, 2017, and at the same time was handed the unique honour and challenge of doing what hadn’t been done before: to deliver in four years an international multi sports event that would normally take up to eight.
This wasn’t quite what we’d planned. It’s long been an ambition of Birmingham to host major events; we’d put in serious bids before, including for the 1992 Olympics.
The venues built for that bid by former generations of councillors have been used since to host scores of competitions, most recently the World Indoor Athletics and several key matches in the Cricket World Cup, and were ready and waiting for a bigger challenge.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
With 90 per cent of the venues needed already in place, and a prime site near the city centre begging for redevelopment, the city saw a golden opportunity, and work started for the city to bid for the Games in 2026.
Then, suddenly, things changed.
In March 2017 Durban, the city due to host the 2022 competition, relinquished the right to do so, and the UK government made it clear they wanted a British bid.
Following the country’s decision to vote Leave, the resurgence of the Commonwealth was a key part of the political promise for a brighter, post- Brexit, future. Birmingham was asked, would we consider bringing our bid forward?
It was made clear that if another UK city got 2022, then 2026 was off the cards for us.
So, the city looked at its options and decided it could. By then Birmingham City Council had lost nearly £700m in funding from a combination of austerity and soaring service demand; homes were needed, jobs were needed, and this was a one-off opportunity to bring our people both.
The biggest challenge would be getting capital projects built in time, exactly the same challenge faced by any other major event.
But with our portfolio of venues already in place, the risk was significantly lower than for most other cities, and after much soul searching and strategising it was agreed that going for 2022 was the right thing to do.
Birmingham thought so; Theresa May’s government, which backed our bid thought so; the Commonwealth Games Federation, that chose us, thought so.
(Image: Getty Images)
We started clearing sites, recruiting those Handover Ceremony dancers – and crucially, negotiating with Government how we were going to make this work.
Work progressed on the Athletes Village at pace - in just 364 days Birmingham City Council had assembled the site, demolished its buildings, cleared the site, remediated the land and secured planning permission.
For most previous host cities, this process had taken at least three years – we’d done it in less than one. That pace continued as we began construction on site.
About the Commonwealth Games In July 2022, Birmingham will host the XXII Commonwealth Games, the largest multi-sport event to be held in England for ten years since the London 2012 Olympics. Some 6,500 athletes and team officials from 71 nations and territories across the Commonwealth will come together in a celebration of sport, culture and business. Birmingham 2022 claims the event will "entertain more than one million ticketed spectators and reach a global broadcast audience of more than one billion." More than 1,000 jobs have been created ahead of the Games.
Two years on, suddenly, things changed again.
I’m sat not at my council desk typing this but at home, where I’ve been working for nearly five months.
The world has been gripped by a pandemic on a scale not seen in a century.
Everything is different, the most fundamental of which is how close we can be to other people we don’t live with in order to keep ourselves and those we love alive.
Amid the tragedy, this small fact of separation is also turning into a global economic catastrophe, affecting, not least, construction and global supply chains.
The Athletes’ Village at Perry Barr was always going to be the tightest thing to deliver for the 2022 games.
But as the realities of Covid became apparent, everyone had to accept that ‘tight’ was turning into impossible.
The effort and money are by no means wasted: the homes will still be built and the athletes will still come to Birmingham, housed instead at university campuses and conference venues.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Counter-intuitively, this outcome will work out better for many, with competitors being housed near to their venues and training facilities.
We’ll save significant environmental costs on not having to rip out extra locks, bathrooms and kitchens after games time to retrofit homes for sale.
It’s not what we set out to do, but it’s certainly not a second-rate solution.
The Commonwealth Games Federation have stated that multiple campus village models are becoming a viable option for future Games to ensure greater affordability and access to the future hosting ambitions of cities.
Would we still have bid, knowing what we know now?
Well, as the UK economy enters into recession, Birmingham is beyond lucky to have the Games on the close horizon.
Jobs, contracts and opportunities for our people will grow and grow in the next two years, homes will be built, transport links will be upgraded.
The city has been quietly transforming for the last twenty years, and is ready to emerge from its concrete shadows, proudly glittering onto the world stage.
Taking on the Games with half the normal time to deliver it was a bold step – but Birmingham is made by its people, a history shaped by them innovation and hard work, taking bold steps to be where we now are.
When we set out to bid for 2026, we didn’t anticipate we’d be prepping for 2022. We even less anticipated how sad and strange 2020 would be. We didn’t appreciate we’d be hosting a Games in times like no other.
But we certainly know we’ll deliver one our people will be proud of.
Councillor Brigid Jones, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Albion return to training as a couple of familiar faces join them

West Brom ’ s squad returned to proper pre-season training at the club ’ s training complex on Wednesday having enjoyed their break in the wake of securing a return to the Premier League .
Albion find out who they ’ ll face first up on Thursday morning when the top flight fixtures are released , and they have a fitness camp at St George ’ s Park planned for next week - which will culminate in a friendly against an as yet unidentified opponent .
Many faces have moved on , and so weren ’ t in attendance as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Brunt for the first pre-season since 2007 , while Grady Diangana , Callum Robinson and Filip Krovinovic are all back with their respective parent clubs - at least for the time being .
Make sure you do n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter There were , however , a couple of faces that featured on footage provided by Albion via their various social media channels who fans mightn ’ t have expected to see again .
Experienced defender Lee Peltier and deputy goalkeeper Jonathan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training session alongside captain Jake Livermore , Charlie Austin and Hal Robson-Kanu , among others , something which was overseen by boss Slaven Bilic .
Both Peltier and Bond are technically out of contract and so free agents , but ahead of the new season they ’ ve both been invited to train with Albion and maintain their fitness .
There ’ s very little chance of Peltier being offered any kind of extended stay at The Hawthorns ; brought in as cover in January , he proved to be a peripheral figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a single appearance in the Championship .
Bond , meanwhile , is a player who could yet have his two-year stay elongated .
The stopper , who like Peltier hasn ’ t made a league appearance for Albion , could well be offered fresh terms if the club see fit , though as things stand they are actively looking to add further competition to the keeping department - irrespective of their final decision on Bond .
Promising keeper Josh Griffiths has already been permitted to leave the club on a season-long loan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - while Alex Palmer is also expected to depart on a temporary basis once more after his heroics at Plymouth Argyle last season .
Lincoln City , managed by former Baggies player and coach Michael Appleton , are understood to be interested in taking Palmer to Sincil Bank for the year .
Another lesser spotted face in recent seasons that emerged at the training ground today was Oliver Burke .
The Scottish international has spent the past season out in Spain on loan with Deportivo Alaves , for whom he scored once in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years left on his contract where he is currently , though it ’ s understood both Albion and the player himself are looking for movement this summer , after a forgettable three-year association to date .
Young forward Callum Morton , meanwhile , is also likely to head out on loan again after his goals helped Northampton Town to Wembley glory and promotion to League One .

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West Brom’s squad returned to proper pre-season training at the club’s training complex on Wednesday having enjoyed their break in the wake of securing a return to the Premier League.
Albion find out who they’ll face first up on Thursday morning when the top flight fixtures are released, and they have a fitness camp at St George’s Park planned for next week - which will culminate in a friendly against an as yet unidentified opponent.
Many faces have moved on, and so weren’t in attendance as the Baggies reunited; there was no Chris Brunt for the first pre-season since 2007, while Grady Diangana, Callum Robinson and Filip Krovinovic are all back with their respective parent clubs - at least for the time being.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter
There were, however, a couple of faces that featured on footage provided by Albion via their various social media channels who fans mightn’t have expected to see again.
Experienced defender Lee Peltier and deputy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond could be seen partaking in the training session alongside captain Jake Livermore, Charlie Austin and Hal Robson-Kanu, among others, something which was overseen by boss Slaven Bilic.
Both Peltier and Bond are technically out of contract and so free agents, but ahead of the new season they’ve both been invited to train with Albion and maintain their fitness.
There’s very little chance of Peltier being offered any kind of extended stay at The Hawthorns; brought in as cover in January, he proved to be a peripheral figure in the squad - indeed he never made a single appearance in the Championship.
Bond, meanwhile, is a player who could yet have his two-year stay elongated.
The stopper, who like Peltier hasn’t made a league appearance for Albion, could well be offered fresh terms if the club see fit, though as things stand they are actively looking to add further competition to the keeping department - irrespective of their final decision on Bond.
Promising keeper Josh Griffiths has already been permitted to leave the club on a season-long loan - he’s joined Cheltenham Town - while Alex Palmer is also expected to depart on a temporary basis once more after his heroics at Plymouth Argyle last season.
Lincoln City, managed by former Baggies player and coach Michael Appleton, are understood to be interested in taking Palmer to Sincil Bank for the year.
Another lesser spotted face in recent seasons that emerged at the training ground today was Oliver Burke.
The Scottish international has spent the past season out in Spain on loan with Deportivo Alaves, for whom he scored once in 32 outings. He has two more years left on his contract where he is currently, though it’s understood both Albion and the player himself are looking for movement this summer, after a forgettable three-year association to date.
Young forward Callum Morton, meanwhile, is also likely to head out on loan again after his goals helped Northampton Town to Wembley glory and promotion to League One.


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Man United fans react to 'cheeky' Jack Grealish transfer plan

Manchester United ’ s reported pursuit of Jack Grealish looks set to be one of the ongoing transfer sagas of the summer .
Ever since the Aston Villa skipper curled a stunner into United ’ s top corner at Old Trafford , he has been extensively linked with the Red Devils .
Conflicting reports have claimed that Grealish is both at the top of , or not on , Ole Gunnar Solskajer ’ s transfer wishlist .
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for Jack Grealish transfer updates Why should you sign up ?
The future of star player Jack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summer and we will bring you all the news around his future .
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 .
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You can also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n'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 After preserving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Villa are in no hurry to sell their star asset and owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris are willing to play hardball .
It is believed Villa will demand as much as £80m for the 24-year-old , who enjoyed a stunning first season back in the top-flight .
With United also chasing Jadon Sancho , it looks as if Solskjaer will have to haggle in order to bring both to the club amid the financial uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic .
In a surprise development , MailSport have claimed that United bosses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential makeweight .
Romero has deputised in place of David De Gea , with the Spaniard struggling for form in the second half of the season .
Solskjaer looks set to be able to call upon Dean Henderson as well next season , as he returns from a hugely impressive stint with Sheffield United .
Villa are reportedly interested in Henderson , but the report suggests they could use that interest to test the waters with a Romero-plus-cash bid for Grealish .
However , even the most confident United fans on social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced to fork out a huge fee to land the Villa captain .
@ Bissakawrld : If we could give them Romero and 30-40m that ’ s a great deal @ SznDiogo : YES , he wants to get game time and we want grealish @ DefiledGod : Woodward ca n't even get one straightforward deal for Sancho done efficiently , how can we believe they are thinking about other targets at this time ?
@ Nicky5v : They 're gon na ask for Romero + 79 mil now @ UTDSolskjaer : To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this .
Romero is too good to be back-up .
@ UtdRedsss : This actually sounds sensible ... ..so it probably wo n't happen

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Manchester United’s reported pursuit of Jack Grealish looks set to be one of the ongoing transfer sagas of the summer.
Ever since the Aston Villa skipper curled a stunner into United’s top corner at Old Trafford, he has been extensively linked with the Red Devils.
Conflicting reports have claimed that Grealish is both at the top of, or not on, Ole Gunnar Solskajer’s transfer wishlist.
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter for David Brooks updates Why should you sign up? Aston Villa have been strongly linked with a move for Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks. Sign up for our daily Villa bulletin and you can get the latest updates on any move for Brooks straight to your inbox. 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.
After preserving their top-flight status on the final day, Villa are in no hurry to sell their star asset and owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris are willing to play hardball.
It is believed Villa will demand as much as £80m for the 24-year-old, who enjoyed a stunning first season back in the top-flight.
With United also chasing Jadon Sancho, it looks as if Solskjaer will have to haggle in order to bring both to the club amid the financial uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic.
(Image: Getty Images)
In a surprise development, MailSport have claimed that United bosses could use goalkeeper Sergio Romero as a potential makeweight.
Romero has deputised in place of David De Gea, with the Spaniard struggling for form in the second half of the season.
Solskjaer looks set to be able to call upon Dean Henderson as well next season, as he returns from a hugely impressive stint with Sheffield United.
Villa are reportedly interested in Henderson, but the report suggests they could use that interest to test the waters with a Romero-plus-cash bid for Grealish.
However, even the most confident United fans on social media, feel that they would still be forced to fork out a huge fee to land the Villa captain.
@_Al_Hajii: Give them De Gea in a swap deal
@Bissakawrld: If we could give them Romero and 30-40m that’s a great deal
@SznDiogo: YES, he wants to get game time and we want grealish
@Teddi_speaks: Woodward being cheeky again.
@DefiledGod: Woodward can't even get one straightforward deal for Sancho done efficiently, how can we believe they are thinking about other targets at this time?
@Nicky5v: They're gonna ask for Romero + 79 mil now
@UTDSolskjaer: To be fair I wouldn't be against this. Romero is too good to be back-up.
@Al3xElliot: Romero + £45 million
@UtdRedsss: This actually sounds sensible.....so it probably won't happen


birminghammail--2020-08-19--GCSE results day 2020 - what time are  results and how are grades being decided?

Following months of waiting and the uproar over this year 's A Level results , it 's the turn of GCSE students to find out how they did .
GCSE results day is on Thursday , August 20 , in England , Wales and Northern Ireland .
GCSEs have been changing with new exams introduced and results switching to a 9 to 1 grading scale instead of the previous A* to G. A 4 is broadly equivalent to a C grade , and a 7 broadly equivalent to an A .
A standard pass is a 4 and a strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2017 with English and maths , with more subjects added each year since then .
In 2019 the following subjects were also graded 1-9 in the third wave of exam changes : Ancient History , Astronomy , Business , Classical Civilisation , Design and Technology , Economics , Electronics , Engineering , Film Studies , Geology , Media Studies , Modern Foreign Languages ( Arabic , Bengali , Chinese , Italian , Japanese , Modern Greek , Modern Hebrew , Panjabi , Polish , Russian , Urdu ) , Psychology , Sociology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes in 2020 will see the new grading extended to : Ancient Languages ( Biblical Hebrew ) , Modern Foreign Languages ( Gujarati , Persian , Portuguese , Turkish ) .
Are there any grade boundaries for 2020 ?
In previous years , grade boundaries were released by the exam boards showing the marks needed to get every grade .
Grade boundaries are not decided until the exams are actually marked , so they are not known months ahead .
This is so all the candidates are n't penalised with poor grades if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the grading points are set after all the papers are marked to see where the best and worst scores were that year .
The decision to stop publishing grade boundaries the day before results came out was taken in 2017 to reduce stress on pupils .
So they are now released on results day itself .
But there wo n't be any this year because no exams have been sat or marked .
AQA exam board confirmed : `` There will be no grade boundaries for summer 2020 , as exams did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GCSE results being decided ?
The Education Secretary was forced to abandon the system for awarding A Level and GCSE grades in England in the middle of exam results season .
That came after 40 per cent of predicted A Level grades submitted by colleges were lowered by an algorithm devised by regulator Ofqual ( Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation ) .
Gavin Williamson said in a Government U-turn on Monday that A Level and GCSE results would now be based on teachers ' predicted grades - if they are higher than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boards said they have been `` working hard '' to provide results based on centre assessment grades ( CAGs ) - the results predicted by teachers - or moderated grades if they are higher .
AQA exam board confirmed that GCSE , AS and A Level students will now receive centre assessment grades if they ’ re higher than Ofqual 's calculated grades .
It said : `` Schools and colleges provided the following information to their exam board : • Rank order of students within each grade .
`` The centre assessment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the most likely grade a student would have achieved if exams had gone ahead .
`` It should be based on a range of evidence including mock exams , non-exam assessment , homework assignments and any other record of student performance over the course of study .
`` Schools then created a rank order of all students within each grade , for every subject .
All grades and rank orders were then signed off internally before coming to us .
`` After receiving the centre assessment grades and rank orders , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the process fair for everyone .
`` We used evidence such as prior attainment and national level grade distributions so that final grades are aligned across all schools and colleges , and of equal value to previous years .
This made sure that students were treated fairly if some schools were more generous than others when making their judgements .
`` Based on this , individual grades may have been adjusted upwards or downwards .
This means that the final grade awarded to a student could be different from the one their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Ofqual announced that GCSE , AS and A Level students will now receive their centre assessment grades if they are higher than their calculated grades . ''
Ofqual chair Roger Taylor said : `` There was no easy solution to the problem of awarding exam results when no exams have taken place .
`` Ofqual was asked by the Secretary of State to develop a system for awarding calculated grades , which maintained standards and ensured that grades were awarded broadly in line with previous years .
Our goal has always been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rightly has in educational qualifications .
`` But we recognise that while the approach we adopted attempted to achieve these goals we also appreciate that it has also caused real anguish and damaged public confidence .
`` Expecting schools to submit appeals where grades were incorrect placed a burden on teachers when they need to be preparing for the new term and has created uncertainty and anxiety for students .
For all of that , we are extremely sorry .
`` We have therefore decided that students be awarded their centre assessment for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grade their school or college estimated was the grade they would most likely have achieved in their exam - or the moderated grade , whichever is higher . ''
What time are the results ?
Schools have been able to access GCSE results from most exam boards the day before , on Wednesday , August 19 .
But they can ’ t give them to students until the big day itself .
The AQA exam board says results slips can be given out to students from 8am on results day - which this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many schools and colleges open from 10am to give out results , but it can be earlier .
It 's a good idea to take along some ID , your mobile phone , a pen and paper and any details and contact information for offers for further education places or apprenticeships .
If you ca n't collect your results in person , you can request in advance to receive them via email , which will be available from 8am .
Almost `` no progress '' has been made to close the attainment gap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ richer peers in the past three years , a report has claimed .
The charity Teach First said 44.9 % of disadvantaged students received passes at levels four to nine in their GCSE English and maths exams last year , compared with 72 % of pupils from richer backgrounds .
The charity 's analysis found the figure had only marginally improved overall for poorer pupils in England since 2017 , when it stood at 44.5 % , while in some parts of the country the attainment gap had increased .
Russell Hobby , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recent turmoil around exam results `` threw a sharp light '' on the `` inequality '' of the education system .
He said : `` However , inequality in exam results is hardly unique to this year .
`` This report has laid bare that due to unequal access to a brilliant education , pupils from wealthier homes are awarded better results than their peers year after year . ''
The charity said that while 59 % of disadvantaged pupils in Inner London achieved a pass grade in English and maths last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than half in eight out of 10 other regions .
It said there was also evidence that the attainment gap had widened in the past few years in the North West , Outer London , the South East , the South West , and Yorkshire and the Humber .
In the South West , the area with the lowest pass rate for disadvantaged pupils in the country , 40 % passed English and maths in 2019 , down from 41 % in 2017 .
The rate for non-disadvantaged pupils increased from 70 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London ( 54 % ) had the highest pass rates for disadvantaged pupils in England last year .
Teach First said long-term funding for schools with the poorest pupils was needed to tackle the issue , along with financial incentives for earlier career teachers at those institutions .
David Thomas , principal of Jane Austen College in Norwich and a Teach First ambassador , said : `` Now thanks to Covid-19 , pupils have lost 10 % of their time in secondary school - and we know that many of them were n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So we should be shouting from the rooftops about this and taking urgent action . ''
Get all the latest news in your area by putting your postcode in the interactive tool below : A Department for Education spokesman said : `` The gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers has narrowed considerably in both primary and secondary schools since 2011 .
During that time this government has delivered a range of reforms to ensure every child , regardless of their background , receives a high-quality education .
`` We are investing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pupil Premium to help the most disadvantaged children and teachers and school leaders are helping to drive up standards right across the country - with 86 % of schools judged good or outstanding compared to 68 % in 2010 . ''
He added : `` We have been clear that getting all children back in the classroom full-time in September is a national priority , and taken steps to directly tackle the impact of lost teaching time over the coming year , such as the £1 billion Covid catch up package which includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide additional , targeted support for those children and young people who need the most help . ''
Teach First provides support to teachers and schools in disadvantaged communities .

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Following months of waiting and the uproar over this year's A Level results, it's the turn of GCSE students to find out how they did.
GCSE results day is on Thursday, August 20, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
GCSEs have been changing with new exams introduced and results switching to a 9 to 1 grading scale instead of the previous A* to G.
A 4 is broadly equivalent to a C grade, and a 7 broadly equivalent to an A. A standard pass is a 4 and a strong pass is a 5.
This began in 2017 with English and maths, with more subjects added each year since then.
In 2019 the following subjects were also graded 1-9 in the third wave of exam changes: Ancient History, Astronomy, Business, Classical Civilisation, Design and Technology, Economics, Electronics, Engineering, Film Studies, Geology, Media Studies, Modern Foreign Languages (Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Modern Greek, Modern Hebrew, Panjabi, Polish, Russian, Urdu), Psychology, Sociology, Statistics.
A fourth wave of changes in 2020 will see the new grading extended to: Ancient Languages (Biblical Hebrew), Modern Foreign Languages (Gujarati, Persian, Portuguese, Turkish).
Are there any grade boundaries for 2020?
In previous years, grade boundaries were released by the exam boards showing the marks needed to get every grade.
Grade boundaries are not decided until the exams are actually marked, so they are not known months ahead.
This is so all the candidates aren't penalised with poor grades if they sat a difficult exam. Instead, the grading points are set after all the papers are marked to see where the best and worst scores were that year.
The decision to stop publishing grade boundaries the day before results came out was taken in 2017 to reduce stress on pupils.
So they are now released on results day itself. But there won't be any this year because no exams have been sat or marked.
AQA exam board confirmed: "There will be no grade boundaries for summer 2020, as exams did not take place."
How are GCSE results being decided?
The Education Secretary was forced to abandon the system for awarding A Level and GCSE grades in England in the middle of exam results season.
That came after 40 per cent of predicted A Level grades submitted by colleges were lowered by an algorithm devised by regulator Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation).
Gavin Williamson said in a Government U-turn on Monday that A Level and GCSE results would now be based on teachers' predicted grades - if they are higher than the grade calculated by Ofqual.
Exam boards said they have been "working hard" to provide results based on centre assessment grades (CAGs) - the results predicted by teachers - or moderated grades if they are higher.
(Image: David Ash)
AQA exam board confirmed that GCSE, AS and A Level students will now receive centre assessment grades if they’re higher than Ofqual's calculated grades.
It said: "Schools and colleges provided the following information to their exam board:
Centre assessment grade for each student
Rank order of students within each grade.
"The centre assessment grade is the teacher's professional judgement of the most likely grade a student would have achieved if exams had gone ahead.
"It should be based on a range of evidence including mock exams, non-exam assessment, homework assignments and any other record of student performance over the course of study.
"Schools then created a rank order of all students within each grade, for every subject. All grades and rank orders were then signed off internally before coming to us.
"After receiving the centre assessment grades and rank orders, we standardised across all schools and colleges to make the process fair for everyone.
"We used evidence such as prior attainment and national level grade distributions so that final grades are aligned across all schools and colleges, and of equal value to previous years. This made sure that students were treated fairly if some schools were more generous than others when making their judgements.
"Based on this, individual grades may have been adjusted upwards or downwards. This means that the final grade awarded to a student could be different from the one their school or college sent to us.
"Ofqual announced that GCSE, AS and A Level students will now receive their centre assessment grades if they are higher than their calculated grades."
Ofqual chair Roger Taylor said: "There was no easy solution to the problem of awarding exam results when no exams have taken place.
"Ofqual was asked by the Secretary of State to develop a system for awarding calculated grades, which maintained standards and ensured that grades were awarded broadly in line with previous years. Our goal has always been to protect the trust that the public rightly has in educational qualifications.
"But we recognise that while the approach we adopted attempted to achieve these goals we also appreciate that it has also caused real anguish and damaged public confidence.
"Expecting schools to submit appeals where grades were incorrect placed a burden on teachers when they need to be preparing for the new term and has created uncertainty and anxiety for students. For all of that, we are extremely sorry.
"We have therefore decided that students be awarded their centre assessment for this summer - that is, the grade their school or college estimated was the grade they would most likely have achieved in their exam - or the moderated grade, whichever is higher."
What time are the results?
Schools have been able to access GCSE results from most exam boards the day before, on Wednesday, August 19.
But they can’t give them to students until the big day itself.
The AQA exam board says results slips can be given out to students from 8am on results day - which this year is Thursday, August 20.
Many schools and colleges open from 10am to give out results, but it can be earlier.
It's a good idea to take along some ID, your mobile phone, a pen and paper and any details and contact information for offers for further education places or apprenticeships.
If you can't collect your results in person, you can request in advance to receive them via email, which will be available from 8am.
Are the exams fair?
Almost "no progress" has been made to close the attainment gap between England's poorest pupils and their richer peers in the past three years, a report has claimed.
The charity Teach First said 44.9% of disadvantaged students received passes at levels four to nine in their GCSE English and maths exams last year, compared with 72% of pupils from richer backgrounds.
The charity's analysis found the figure had only marginally improved overall for poorer pupils in England since 2017, when it stood at 44.5%, while in some parts of the country the attainment gap had increased.
(Image: Simon Hadley)
Russell Hobby, Teach First's chief executive, said the recent turmoil around exam results "threw a sharp light" on the "inequality" of the education system.
He said: "However, inequality in exam results is hardly unique to this year.
"This report has laid bare that due to unequal access to a brilliant education, pupils from wealthier homes are awarded better results than their peers year after year."
The charity said that while 59% of disadvantaged pupils in Inner London achieved a pass grade in English and maths last year, the figure dropped to less than half in eight out of 10 other regions.
It said there was also evidence that the attainment gap had widened in the past few years in the North West, Outer London, the South East, the South West, and Yorkshire and the Humber.
In the South West, the area with the lowest pass rate for disadvantaged pupils in the country, 40% passed English and maths in 2019, down from 41% in 2017.
The rate for non-disadvantaged pupils increased from 70% to 72%.
Inner and Outer London (54%) had the highest pass rates for disadvantaged pupils in England last year.
Teach First said long-term funding for schools with the poorest pupils was needed to tackle the issue, along with financial incentives for earlier career teachers at those institutions.
David Thomas, principal of Jane Austen College in Norwich and a Teach First ambassador, said: "Now thanks to Covid-19, pupils have lost 10% of their time in secondary school - and we know that many of them weren't getting a good education through that period. So we should be shouting from the rooftops about this and taking urgent action."
Get all the latest news in your area by putting your postcode in the interactive tool below:
A Department for Education spokesman said: "The gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers has narrowed considerably in both primary and secondary schools since 2011. During that time this government has delivered a range of reforms to ensure every child, regardless of their background, receives a high-quality education.
"We are investing £2.4 billion this year alone through the Pupil Premium to help the most disadvantaged children and teachers and school leaders are helping to drive up standards right across the country - with 86% of schools judged good or outstanding compared to 68% in 2010."
He added: "We have been clear that getting all children back in the classroom full-time in September is a national priority, and taken steps to directly tackle the impact of lost teaching time over the coming year, such as the £1 billion Covid catch up package which includes a £350 million National Tutoring Programme to provide additional, targeted support for those children and young people who need the most help."
Teach First provides support to teachers and schools in disadvantaged communities.


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Aston Villa 'make contact' over move for Dean Henderson

Aston Villa are one of a number of clubs that have made contact with Manchester United over a potential deal for Dean Henderson , according to reports .
After Premier League survival was confirmed on the final day of last season , Dean Smith and his transfer committee have been busily plotting how they can improve their squad .
One position where Villa struggled with injuries more than any other , was in between the sticks .
Orjan Nyland , Jed Steer and Tom Heaton all battled against injuries , with the latter ruled out long-term following a serious knee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action since New Year ’ s Day , with fears he may not be ready for the impending new campaign next month .
Villa have already been linked with Bournemouth ’ s Aaron Ramsdale , although he looks set to seal a move to Sheffield United .
Daily Mail report that Villa ’ s attentions could turn to former Blades stopper Henderson , who is back with Old Trafford after a stunning loan spell at Bramall Lane .
Along with Villa skipper Grealish , the 23-year-old was nominated for the Premier League Young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clean sheets for Chris Wilder 's side .
It is expected that Henderson will sign a new , bumper deal with United , but could be available for another loan spell for the upcoming season .
The report claims that United have fielded a number of enquiries for Henderson , as the future of David De Gea , remains up in the air .
Another option for Smith would be to bring back Pepe Reina to Villa Park .
The experienced Spaniard had a mixed time on loan last season , but promises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s back with AC Milan .

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Aston Villa are one of a number of clubs that have made contact with Manchester United over a potential deal for Dean Henderson, according to reports.
After Premier League survival was confirmed on the final day of last season, Dean Smith and his transfer committee have been busily plotting how they can improve their squad.
One position where Villa struggled with injuries more than any other, was in between the sticks.
Orjan Nyland, Jed Steer and Tom Heaton all battled against injuries, with the latter ruled out long-term following a serious knee injury.
Heaton has been out of action since New Year’s Day, with fears he may not be ready for the impending new campaign next month.
Villa have already been linked with Bournemouth’s Aaron Ramsdale, although he looks set to seal a move to Sheffield United.
Daily Mail report that Villa’s attentions could turn to former Blades stopper Henderson, who is back with Old Trafford after a stunning loan spell at Bramall Lane.
Along with Villa skipper Grealish, the 23-year-old was nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Season, keeping 13 clean sheets for Chris Wilder's side.
It is expected that Henderson will sign a new, bumper deal with United, but could be available for another loan spell for the upcoming season.
The report claims that United have fielded a number of enquiries for Henderson, as the future of David De Gea, remains up in the air.
Another option for Smith would be to bring back Pepe Reina to Villa Park. The experienced Spaniard had a mixed time on loan last season, but promises to be down the pecking order now he’s back with AC Milan.


birminghammail--2020-08-19--Katie Price treats herself to £10k Barbie pink wheelchair with 6,000 crystals

She 's known for her love of pink and Katie Price has stayed true to form by investing in a £10,000 bejewelled wheelchair .
The 42-year-old celebrity broke both her ankles during a family getaway in Turkey last month and underwent surgery last week .
The former glamour model has been told by doctors that she will not be able to walk for three to six months , so to ensure comfort and style , she has treated herself to the Barbie pink transport which is decorated with 6,000 Swarovski gems .
The mum-of-five had a six-hour operation which means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feet and the personalised wheelchair - accessorised by the BiGDUG Company - is perfect for the reality TV star , reports the Mirror .
Polly Maclennan from BiGDUG told Mirror Online : `` We absolutely love being able to help people , and Katie has been through something really traumatic .
`` It took 70 hours labour to make and has 6,000 crystals applied by hand - it 's easily worth £10,000 , '' another source told the Sun .
Katie 's initials are embroidered on the back of the chair in diamond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' K ' sewn into the pink seat .
There can never be too much bling for the former I 'm a Celeb contestant so the wheels are also trimmed with hand-applied crystals .
Since undergoing surgery , Katie is believed to have lost over half a stone .
A source told The Sun : `` Katie 's on all these pain medications but she just ca n't sleep she 's in so much pain .
`` She 's gone off her food , which is unlike her , and has lost half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She has been warned by doctors that it may take up to two years for her to make a complete recovery .

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She's known for her love of pink and Katie Price has stayed true to form by investing in a £10,000 bejewelled wheelchair.
The 42-year-old celebrity broke both her ankles during a family getaway in Turkey last month and underwent surgery last week.
The former glamour model has been told by doctors that she will not be able to walk for three to six months, so to ensure comfort and style, she has treated herself to the Barbie pink transport which is decorated with 6,000 Swarovski gems.
The mum-of-five had a six-hour operation which means she must keep her weight off her feet and the personalised wheelchair - accessorised by the BiGDUG Company - is perfect for the reality TV star, reports the Mirror.
Polly Maclennan from BiGDUG told Mirror Online: "We absolutely love being able to help people, and Katie has been through something really traumatic.
"It took 70 hours labour to make and has 6,000 crystals applied by hand - it's easily worth £10,000," another source told the Sun.
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Katie's initials are embroidered on the back of the chair in diamond studs and there is also a large 'K' sewn into the pink seat.
There can never be too much bling for the former I'm a Celeb contestant so the wheels are also trimmed with hand-applied crystals.
Since undergoing surgery, Katie is believed to have lost over half a stone.
A source told The Sun : "Katie's on all these pain medications but she just can't sleep she's in so much pain.
"She's gone off her food, which is unlike her, and has lost half a stone since the operation."
She has been warned by doctors that it may take up to two years for her to make a complete recovery.