birminghammail--2020-08-20--Aston Villa could begin their season with Carabao Cup match

Aston Villa 's first competitive match of the season could take place in the Carabao Cup .
The branded League Cup kicks off at the start of September , with EFL league teams competing in the first knock-out round before the second round introduces a number of Premier League teams .
That second round is due to start on the September 15 - with Villa being drawn in at that round .
The difference for the Villans is that their first game of the season , a top-tier match between Villa and Manchester City will be postponed due to City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took them up to last weekend .
The match on September 12 against City would not place , and Villa 's September 19 clash against Sheffield United would be the season opener in the top flight .
That would also mean that Villa 's draw for the round two fixtures on the week of September 15 would likely be their first match of the 20/21 season .
The same will follow for Burnley , as well , who have had their first match postponed .
Second tier teams will start their campaigns with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to play Luton on September 5 before kicking off their Championship campaign later .
That situation is rare in the Premier League , and it is likely that just Burnley and Villa will kick off their seasons with a cup match .
Round three will continue just a week later - with Premier League clubs competing in 20/21 European competitions being drawn in .
According to ESPN , by October - there will not be many matches left to play in the competition relieving pressure on the calendar .
Eight teams will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Villa have a strong recent pedigree in the competition , reaching last season 's final .
The Villans dispatched a weakened Wolves and Liverpool side , before defying Leicester City over two legs to reach the Wembley final .
A competitive game ensued , with Villa coming agonisingly close to taking the game to a draw - and penalties thanks to a Bjorn Engels header that clipped the post .
The Villans will look to go one better this season , with their first round in the tournament potentially being the curtain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season like no other .

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Aston Villa's first competitive match of the season could take place in the Carabao Cup.
The branded League Cup kicks off at the start of September, with EFL league teams competing in the first knock-out round before the second round introduces a number of Premier League teams.
That second round is due to start on the September 15 - with Villa being drawn in at that round.
The difference for the Villans is that their first game of the season, a top-tier match between Villa and Manchester City will be postponed due to City's deep run in the competition that took them up to last weekend.
The match on September 12 against City would not place, and Villa's September 19 clash against Sheffield United would be the season opener in the top flight.
That would also mean that Villa's draw for the round two fixtures on the week of September 15 would likely be their first match of the 20/21 season. The same will follow for Burnley, as well, who have had their first match postponed.
Second tier teams will start their campaigns with a Carabao Cup match, with Norwich due to play Luton on September 5 before kicking off their Championship campaign later.
That situation is rare in the Premier League, and it is likely that just Burnley and Villa will kick off their seasons with a cup match.
Round three will continue just a week later - with Premier League clubs competing in 20/21 European competitions being drawn in.
According to ESPN, by October - there will not be many matches left to play in the competition relieving pressure on the calendar. Eight teams will remain in the Carabao Cup by mid-October.
Villa have a strong recent pedigree in the competition, reaching last season's final. The Villans dispatched a weakened Wolves and Liverpool side, before defying Leicester City over two legs to reach the Wembley final.
A competitive game ensued, with Villa coming agonisingly close to taking the game to a draw - and penalties thanks to a Bjorn Engels header that clipped the post.
The Villans will look to go one better this season, with their first round in the tournament potentially being the curtain raiser on the 20/21 season - a season like no other.


birminghammail--2020-08-20--World War Two medals donated to charity shop 'accidentally'

Precious World War Two medals were found in bags at a charity shop - prompting concerns they were donated by mistake .
The honours , including a Defence Medal , Africa Star and Italy Star , were discovered by stunned staff at the John Taylor Hospice shop in Castle Bromwich earlier this month.
, August The bags were handed to the shop on Timberley Lane on Saturday , August 8 by a man who did not mention that they were in there or leave any details behind .
They had to remain sealed for 48 hours due to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was suspected they had been left in the bags 'accidentally ' and staff suspected the owner would be back in for them .
But after more than a week has gone by no-one has returned to claim them prompting the shop to issue a public appeal .
It is suspected the man 's surname could be 'Hoverd ' based on a name in an exercise book which was also left in the bags .
Rachael Quinney , manager at the shop , said : `` We were quite busy when the gentleman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t leave any details .
We have to leave all bags sealed for 48 hours because of coronavirus so could not check immediately - then when we opened the bags we discovered these medals .
`` If the gentleman intended to donate them we are grateful and will happily sell them to raise money for our work caring for people with a terminal illness .
However we want to check as they could be a precious heirloom which he didn ’ t realise were in the bag .
`` We would hate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months in the future a family is hunting for these medals not realising they were given to us . ''
She added : `` We waited a week before making this appeal in case the donor returned but are now hoping someone can help us so we can ensure these medals were an intended donation .
We would love to hear from the gentleman who brought in the donation or another close family member so we can check and either return the medals or thank them . ''
The shop has asked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact Rachael at the shop between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday by calling 0121 728 6763 or ringing the hospice 07551 125358 outside of those hours .

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Precious World War Two medals were found in bags at a charity shop - prompting concerns they were donated by mistake.
The honours, including a Defence Medal, Africa Star and Italy Star, were discovered by stunned staff at the John Taylor Hospice shop in Castle Bromwich earlier this month., August
The bags were handed to the shop on Timberley Lane on Saturday, August 8 by a man who did not mention that they were in there or leave any details behind. They had to remain sealed for 48 hours due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
When the medals were found it was suspected they had been left in the bags 'accidentally' and staff suspected the owner would be back in for them.
But after more than a week has gone by no-one has returned to claim them prompting the shop to issue a public appeal.
It is suspected the man's surname could be 'Hoverd' based on a name in an exercise book which was also left in the bags.
(Image: John Taylor Hospice)
Rachael Quinney, manager at the shop, said: "We were quite busy when the gentleman brought in his donation and he didn’t leave any details. We have to leave all bags sealed for 48 hours because of coronavirus so could not check immediately - then when we opened the bags we discovered these medals.
"If the gentleman intended to donate them we are grateful and will happily sell them to raise money for our work caring for people with a terminal illness. However we want to check as they could be a precious heirloom which he didn’t realise were in the bag.
"We would hate to think that a few weeks or months in the future a family is hunting for these medals not realising they were given to us."
(Image: John Taylor Hospice)
She added: "We waited a week before making this appeal in case the donor returned but are now hoping someone can help us so we can ensure these medals were an intended donation. We would love to hear from the gentleman who brought in the donation or another close family member so we can check and either return the medals or thank them."
The shop has asked the owner or anyone who knows him to contact Rachael at the shop between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday by calling 0121 728 6763 or ringing the hospice 07551 125358 outside of those hours.


birminghammail--2020-08-20--Police officers become first in UK to learn how to use tasers via VR

A police force has become the first in the country to train officers on how to use tasers by using virtual reality headsets .
Derbyshire Constabulary is trialling the high-tech training method which involves placing officers in realistic scenarios using a virtual reality platform .
Rookie cops will don the state-of-the-art kit to be taught how to discharge the 50,000 volt weapons at the force 's HQ in Ripley , Derbys .
The force is currently bidding for 200 new Taser devices over the next two years , which will be given to officers on a voluntary rather than obligatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proves a success , the VR training methods will be rolled out nationally across all force areas .
Pete Moss , Derbyshire Constabulary 's taser training manager , said : “ The program that has been developed is a game changer for our training of officers in the use of Taser .
“ The realism really does have to be seen to be believed and the work the team have done to ensure that officers are able to use the same equipment they would when they are out on patrol has been absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers in realistic situations – rather than the staged ones we set up as usual – really does take the training to a new level .
“ With this we can help give officers more time in scenarios , which means they are even better prepared should they need to use a Taser in a critical moment.
” The force says the new training methods also saves them tens of thousands of pounds by using fewer taser cartridges .
Mr Moss added : “ First and foremost the program offers some huge benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But a by-product of the new training is that , due to fewer Taser cartridges being used , there is the possibility of saving the force tens of thousands of pounds.
” Derbyshire ’ s Chief Constable Peter Goodman has previously said he wants to increase the number of tasers in the county .
Assistance Chief Constable Kem Mehmet said : “ It ’ s a fundamental duty of the police to protect the public from harm .
`` The use of Tasers allows specially trained officers to be effective in achieving this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleagues.
” AVRT , the company behind the program , will now put the software through its paces alongside Derbyshire Police over the next three months .
Project manager and co-founder of AVRT , Andy Higgs , said : “ We really do believe this new program offers significant benefits to the police service and to the public through better trained police officers .
“ We are really interested to see how the force adapts over the coming months , covering initial police officer Taser training courses to assess the suitability of V-Learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The advantages are clear - with better assessment of actions , greatly reduced risk in training sessions , enhanced realism vs traditional training methods , and greater repeatability and flexibility of training sessions .
”

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A police force has become the first in the country to train officers on how to use tasers by using virtual reality headsets.
Derbyshire Constabulary is trialling the high-tech training method which involves placing officers in realistic scenarios using a virtual reality platform.
Rookie cops will don the state-of-the-art kit to be taught how to discharge the 50,000 volt weapons at the force's HQ in Ripley, Derbys.
The force is currently bidding for 200 new Taser devices over the next two years, which will be given to officers on a voluntary rather than obligatory basis.
They hope if the trial proves a success, the VR training methods will be rolled out nationally across all force areas.
Pete Moss, Derbyshire Constabulary's taser training manager, said: “The program that has been developed is a game changer for our training of officers in the use of Taser.
(Image: SWNS)
“The realism really does have to be seen to be believed and the work the team have done to ensure that officers are able to use the same equipment they would when they are out on patrol has been absolutely outstanding.
“Being able to put officers in realistic situations – rather than the staged ones we set up as usual – really does take the training to a new level.
“With this we can help give officers more time in scenarios, which means they are even better prepared should they need to use a Taser in a critical moment.”
The force says the new training methods also saves them tens of thousands of pounds by using fewer taser cartridges.
Mr Moss added: “First and foremost the program offers some huge benefits for the training of officers.
“But a by-product of the new training is that, due to fewer Taser cartridges being used, there is the possibility of saving the force tens of thousands of pounds.”
(Image: SWNS)
Derbyshire’s Chief Constable Peter Goodman has previously said he wants to increase the number of tasers in the county.
Assistance Chief Constable Kem Mehmet said: “It’s a fundamental duty of the police to protect the public from harm.
"The use of Tasers allows specially trained officers to be effective in achieving this responsibility along with protecting themselves and their colleagues.”
AVRT, the company behind the program, will now put the software through its paces alongside Derbyshire Police over the next three months.
Project manager and co-founder of AVRT, Andy Higgs, said: “We really do believe this new program offers significant benefits to the police service and to the public through better trained police officers.
“We are really interested to see how the force adapts over the coming months, covering initial police officer Taser training courses to assess the suitability of V-Learning for this type of training and beyond.
“The advantages are clear - with better assessment of actions, greatly reduced risk in training sessions, enhanced realism vs traditional training methods, and greater repeatability and flexibility of training sessions.”


birminghammail--2020-08-20--Tamworth FC appeal for patience after 'light at the end of tunnel'

Tamworth FC are seeking patience as the return of fans to non-league grounds came a step closer this week .
It has been confirmed clubs in the leagues below National League North and South will be able to open their gates to spectators for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began .
But Tamworth have insisted on a cautious approach as they host Mickleover on Saturday ( August 22 ) .
All clubs at steps three to six will be required to have a designated Covid-19 officer ; complete and publish bespoke risk assessments and action plans and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trace efforts .
It means the Lambs have decided Saturday ’ s clash will be invite only with VIP members and season ticket holders who have signed up for the season allowed in .
The only other people at the game will be TFC staff , directors and their guests along with a small group of away team officials .
A Lambs statement read : `` It is a much welcomed announcement for everybody at Tamworth FC , the staff , the players , the fans , and to the world of non-league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have been unable to welcome spectators to The Lamb for almost six months , it gives us a light at the end of the tunnel , with the return of football for the 2020/21 season now in sight .
`` Along with the vast measures we have had to put in place due to Covid-19 , we have a large amount of groundworks also taking place at The Lamb in preparation for the new floodlights being installed .
`` The groundworks mean that we only currently have one side of the ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and with social distancing measures in place , we are unable to safely reopen to the volume of fans stated by The FA .
`` With just three days notice from The FA , after months of information stating fans would be unable to return to sports until October , it would be impossible to ensure the safety of fans should we decide to open any of the other sides of the ground for this weekend 's fixture .
`` Therefore , with the safety of our fans outweighing the potential turnstile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday will be on an invite only basis .
Invites will go out to Sponsors , VIPs and Season Ticket Holders ( up to a maximum of 150 Season Ticket Holders ) .
`` Season Tickets are still on sale , and can be purchased both over the phone and in the Sponsors Lounge between 10am and 9pm on Thursday , August 20 and between 10am and 6pm on Friday , August 21 .
`` We aim to be in a position by Tuesday , September 1 , 2020 , to open the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fixtures against Matlock Town and Gloucester City ( plus a potential third fixture ) at The Lamb prior to the new season commencing .
`` We appreciate that this news may be frustrating to our supporters , but we have to be realistic in order to adhere to government guidelines currently in place . ''
Joint-boss Gary Smith welcomed the potential for fans to be allowed back into the stadium in the coming weeks .
“ It ’ ll be good when we have more of an atmosphere , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ t great .
`` It defeats the object of the game for me .
Football is a spectating sport .
These games have felt like a training match .
It ’ s just not the same .
“ It ’ ll be fantastic when we can have the fans back in but we have to be careful and strategic about how we place fans around the ground .
`` I ’ m sure we ’ ll put everything in place properly for the start of the season .
”

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Tamworth FC are seeking patience as the return of fans to non-league grounds came a step closer this week.
It has been confirmed clubs in the leagues below National League North and South will be able to open their gates to spectators for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began.
But Tamworth have insisted on a cautious approach as they host Mickleover on Saturday (August 22).
(Image: Paul Barber/Tamworth Herald)
All clubs at steps three to six will be required to have a designated Covid-19 officer; complete and publish bespoke risk assessments and action plans and will have to arrange support for Track and Trace efforts.
It means the Lambs have decided Saturday’s clash will be invite only with VIP members and season ticket holders who have signed up for the season allowed in.
The only other people at the game will be TFC staff, directors and their guests along with a small group of away team officials.
A Lambs statement read: "It is a much welcomed announcement for everybody at Tamworth FC, the staff, the players, the fans, and to the world of non-league football.
"In a time where we have been unable to welcome spectators to The Lamb for almost six months, it gives us a light at the end of the tunnel, with the return of football for the 2020/21 season now in sight.
"Along with the vast measures we have had to put in place due to Covid-19, we have a large amount of groundworks also taking place at The Lamb in preparation for the new floodlights being installed.
"The groundworks mean that we only currently have one side of the ground suitable for spectators at this present time, and with social distancing measures in place, we are unable to safely reopen to the volume of fans stated by The FA.
"With just three days notice from The FA, after months of information stating fans would be unable to return to sports until October, it would be impossible to ensure the safety of fans should we decide to open any of the other sides of the ground for this weekend's fixture.
"Therefore, with the safety of our fans outweighing the potential turnstile income, the fixture taking place on Saturday will be on an invite only basis. Invites will go out to Sponsors, VIPs and Season Ticket Holders (up to a maximum of 150 Season Ticket Holders).
"Season Tickets are still on sale, and can be purchased both over the phone and in the Sponsors Lounge between 10am and 9pm on Thursday, August 20 and between 10am and 6pm on Friday, August 21.
"We aim to be in a position by Tuesday, September 1, 2020, to open the turnstiles to our supporters, with pre-season fixtures against Matlock Town and Gloucester City (plus a potential third fixture) at The Lamb prior to the new season commencing.
"We appreciate that this news may be frustrating to our supporters, but we have to be realistic in order to adhere to government guidelines currently in place."
Joint-boss Gary Smith welcomed the potential for fans to be allowed back into the stadium in the coming weeks.
“It’ll be good when we have more of an atmosphere,” he said. “Playing behind closed doors isn’t great.
"It defeats the object of the game for me. Football is a spectating sport. These games have felt like a training match. It’s just not the same.
“It’ll be fantastic when we can have the fans back in but we have to be careful and strategic about how we place fans around the ground.
"I’m sure we’ll put everything in place properly for the start of the season.”


birminghammail--2020-08-20--Farmer guilty of lacing three jars of baby food with metal in Tesco stores

Lincolnshire sheep farmer Nigel Wright , 45 , has been convicted at the Old Bailey of two counts of contaminating food after placing three jars of baby food laced with shards of metal in two Tesco stores .
Wright , of Market Rasen , Lincolnshire , was also found guilty of three counts of blackmail for demanding cryptocurrency from Tesco in exchange for revealing where the contaminated food had been placed .
The 45-year-old was convicted of a further charge of blackmail for demanding £150,000 worth of bitcoin from a driver with whom he had had a road rage altercation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extort £1.4 million in bitcoin from the supermarket by deliberately contaminating goods between May 2018 and February 2020 .
The 45-year-old , from Market Rasen in Lincolnshire , allegedly sent dozens of letters to the supermarket chain offering to reveal the location of the contaminated products in exchange for cryptocurrency .
His trial , which began a week ago at the Old Bailey , has heard that two mothers were moments away from feeding their infants shards of metal when they spotted them .
The court heard that Morven Smith , from Lockerbie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jar of Heinz sweet and sour chicken baby food in December 2019 when she noticed the shards .
Wright is accused of contaminating the jar with the blades , and of depositing it in the store while delivering a car to a buyer on behalf of a neighbour .
The discovery prompted Tesco to issue a national recall of all jars of the product and to remove all its remaining stock from its shelves .
Following the recall , Harprett Kaur Singh , from Rochdale , told the chain she had discovered fragments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine-month-old daughter a jar of Heinz Sunday chicken dinner .
Ms Singh threw the jar away , the jury heard , but a few days later she found more pieces of metal in a jar of cheese and tomato pasta stars .
A total of 42,000 jars of Heinz baby food were recovered , although there is no evidence that any more had been tampered with .
When Wright was tracked down to his family home , police found photographs of the contaminated food on his laptop , the court heard .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the device read : `` Imagine a baby 's mouth cut open and blood pouring out , or the inside of their bellies cut and bleeding .
`` You pay , you save them . ''
Wright claimed to be part of a cohort of dairy farmers angry at the low price they were paid for their milk , and signed off his letters `` Guy Brush and the Dairy Pirates '' , the court heard .
But he told the trial travellers had threatened to kill him and his family unless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said the threats began when he fired a warning shot with his shotgun at a group of men who had come to his property looking for scrap metal .
Wright said the men returned to his farm some days later , pinned him to the ground and threatened him with a knife .
He said they had suggested he either rob a bank , start stealing cows or poison supermarket goods to raise the cash .
Wright denies two counts of contaminating goods and three of blackmail for demanding cryptocurrency from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contaminated food had been placed .
He faces a further charge of blackmail for allegedly demanding £150,000 of bitcoin from a driver with whom he had had a road rage altercation .
The defendant claims he wrote the threatening letter to the driver as a form of therapy to get the incident out of his system , and that his wife accidentally posted it .

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Lincolnshire sheep farmer Nigel Wright, 45, has been convicted at the Old Bailey of two counts of contaminating food after placing three jars of baby food laced with shards of metal in two Tesco stores.
Wright, of Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, was also found guilty of three counts of blackmail for demanding cryptocurrency from Tesco in exchange for revealing where the contaminated food had been placed.
The 45-year-old was convicted of a further charge of blackmail for demanding £150,000 worth of bitcoin from a driver with whom he had had a road rage altercation.
Wright is accused of trying to extort £1.4 million in bitcoin from the supermarket by deliberately contaminating goods between May 2018 and February 2020.
The 45-year-old, from Market Rasen in Lincolnshire, allegedly sent dozens of letters to the supermarket chain offering to reveal the location of the contaminated products in exchange for cryptocurrency.
His trial, which began a week ago at the Old Bailey, has heard that two mothers were moments away from feeding their infants shards of metal when they spotted them.
The court heard that Morven Smith, from Lockerbie, was feeding her 10-month-old son a jar of Heinz sweet and sour chicken baby food in December 2019 when she noticed the shards.
Wright is accused of contaminating the jar with the blades, and of depositing it in the store while delivering a car to a buyer on behalf of a neighbour.
The discovery prompted Tesco to issue a national recall of all jars of the product and to remove all its remaining stock from its shelves.
Following the recall, Harprett Kaur Singh, from Rochdale, told the chain she had discovered fragments of metal when she was feeding her nine-month-old daughter a jar of Heinz Sunday chicken dinner.
Ms Singh threw the jar away, the jury heard, but a few days later she found more pieces of metal in a jar of cheese and tomato pasta stars.
A total of 42,000 jars of Heinz baby food were recovered, although there is no evidence that any more had been tampered with.
When Wright was tracked down to his family home, police found photographs of the contaminated food on his laptop, the court heard.
One draft of a letter to Tesco found on the device read: "Imagine a baby's mouth cut open and blood pouring out, or the inside of their bellies cut and bleeding.
"You pay, you save them."
Wright claimed to be part of a cohort of dairy farmers angry at the low price they were paid for their milk, and signed off his letters "Guy Brush and the Dairy Pirates", the court heard.
But he told the trial travellers had threatened to kill him and his family unless he helped them blackmail the supermarket giant.
He said the threats began when he fired a warning shot with his shotgun at a group of men who had come to his property looking for scrap metal.
Wright said the men returned to his farm some days later, pinned him to the ground and threatened him with a knife.
He said they had suggested he either rob a bank, start stealing cows or poison supermarket goods to raise the cash.
Wright denies two counts of contaminating goods and three of blackmail for demanding cryptocurrency from Tesco in exchange for revealing where the contaminated food had been placed.
He faces a further charge of blackmail for allegedly demanding £150,000 of bitcoin from a driver with whom he had had a road rage altercation.
The defendant claims he wrote the threatening letter to the driver as a form of therapy to get the incident out of his system, and that his wife accidentally posted it.


birminghammail--2020-08-20--Explained: Champions League fixtures mean Villa v Man City will be postponed

Upon the release of fixtures for the upcoming 20/21 campaign , Aston Villa have already been hit with one small 'setback ' .
The Premier League announced that Villa 's opening fixture - against Manchester City - will be rearranged from it 's original September 12 date .
The reason why is because City , along with rivals Manchester United will be afforded extra time to recover due to the late conclusion of their campaigns in the Champions League and Europa League respectively - with both teams playing their final game of last season on the weekend against Lyon and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wait to play their first league match of the season .
Chelsea and Wolves had been granted a shorter break - and will play a few days after the start of the season .
Burnley , due to face Manchester United , are in the same boat as Villa , and will have a rearranged match to open the season .
Instead , Manchester City 's first league game will be at Wolves on September 19 , while Villa will play Sheffield United at home on the same day to kick off @ @ @

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Upon the release of fixtures for the upcoming 20/21 campaign, Aston Villa have already been hit with one small 'setback'.
The Premier League announced that Villa's opening fixture - against Manchester City - will be rearranged from it's original September 12 date.
The reason why is because City, along with rivals Manchester United will be afforded extra time to recover due to the late conclusion of their campaigns in the Champions League and Europa League respectively - with both teams playing their final game of last season on the weekend against Lyon and Sevilla.
That means Villa will have to wait to play their first league match of the season.
Chelsea and Wolves had been granted a shorter break - and will play a few days after the start of the season.
Burnley, due to face Manchester United, are in the same boat as Villa, and will have a rearranged match to open the season.
Instead, Manchester City's first league game will be at Wolves on September 19, while Villa will play Sheffield United at home on the same day to kick off their 20/21 season


birminghammail--2020-08-20--Mum on track to save £7,200 on food in 10 years thanks to supermarket trick

Almost half of British households feel that they are spending more on their food shop since the start of the lockdown .
And at a time when we are all trying to cut down on our spending , one mum has revealed how she saves £60 a month on her food shop .
Annemarie Cook , a mum-of-one who works as an administrator for a commercial catering company , has revealed how her shopping and cooking tips keep food lasting as long as possible .
The savvy shopper , 31 , who lives in Wellingborough , Northamptonshire with her daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up her sleeve for how to save money on shopping and cooking .
These include buying a monthly Morrisons “ Magic Box ” from the Too Good To Go app , bulk-buying produce - and using common sense about best before dates .
Annemarie says she saves at least £60 a month thanks to reducing food wastage .
Annemarie told money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk : `` I found out about the Morrisons boxes last year , and have had five boxes now .
`` I originally started to buy them as my husband was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fortune on fresh fruit and veg , so was trying to find ways to reduce costs .
`` They cost £3.09 and so far I ’ ve managed to use almost everything in them : if there ’ s bread I freeze it for toast , as well as any vegetables I think might go over before I use them .
`` We ’ ve been very impressed with the quality , and it ’ s a great way to get us to try new food and reduce our supermarket bills .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least once a fortnight , and it has probably saved me £20 a month on fresh items .
`` I wish more supermarkets would sign up to the scheme as I know that lots gets wasted in shops .
`` Our local store only has a box a day and they have turned me away when they ’ ve not had anything yet shelves are full of reduced food .
`` I think the stores really need to embrace the idea of supporting the service .
I think staff need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems to be quite a lot who don ’ t know about it .
`` I am not one who follows best before guidance on packaging - I worked for a well-known supermarket for 10 years so I know how to tell if items are fresh or not .
`` I only really check the dates on meat and will still use it past the sell-by date if they smell ok - you can tell when meat is off !
`` I tend to buy bulk meat and will split packets up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pack of mince I will split into two and then I use in dishes like bolognese which I will bulk out with grated carrot or lentils to go further ( a great way to hide veg from kids ! )
.
`` A lot of people I know really waste a huge amount of food , just because they rely on best before dates .
I think it ’ s very much a cultural issue in the UK .
`` Years ago our grandparents would never have chucked a bag of carrots away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sell them past today !
`` Potatoes , for example , last for months with the right temperature in a dark place - if they start sprouting this can be pulled off and last even longer .
“ Similarly , eggs last for several weeks , and if you 're unsure , put them in a bowl of water : if they float , chuck them , if they sink , they are ok. '' Your freezer is your friend , mine is always full , and I would have enough to last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to.
” Annemarie also recommends bulk buying and bulk cooking food where possible , as it makes planning meals cheaper and less stressful .
`` My top tips for buying food , in general , is to bulk buy cupboard items like pasta and rice , ” she adds .
`` I buy the big bags of rice for about £8 from the ethnic aisle which last at least six months .
“ When it comes to tins of chopped tomatoes , I will buy the cheapest brands and will add seasoning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I buy meat , I will split them down into portion sizes so they can be defrosted ready for cooking .
For pre-packed food such as pizzas or breaded chicken , I remove them from their packets to save space .
`` Pre-lockdown I would cook bulk meals such as lasagne , pasta bakes and pies and freeze them in advance , so when it came to using them I could pop them in the oven on the timer so they were cooked when we got home .
`` Lockdown for us hasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only struggled initially with getting basics like pasta and meat , but our cupboards were due to be filled !
`` We ’ ve had times where money has been tight with furlough and more recently , concerns about redundancy .
But the way we buy groceries , we will rarely chuck food away .
`` I would probably say I save at least £60 a month on reducing our wastage !
“ Our average spend a month is about £180 , and we used to spend about £250 . ''
Tom Church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I ’ m always on the hunt for ways to save money on food , and considering that UK households waste 4.5 million tonnes of food a year that could have been eaten - and that this food is worth £14 billion !
- we should all be doing a lot more to tackle food waste .
“ Annemarie ’ s tips don ’ t just save the environment , but also save her and her family a lot of money .
“ Tips like using Too Good To Go , using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bulk buying and cooking will help any family reduce their monthly spend on food !
”

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Almost half of British households feel that they are spending more on their food shop since the start of the lockdown.
And at a time when we are all trying to cut down on our spending, one mum has revealed how she saves £60 a month on her food shop.
Annemarie Cook, a mum-of-one who works as an administrator for a commercial catering company, has revealed how her shopping and cooking tips keep food lasting as long as possible.
The savvy shopper, 31, who lives in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire with her daughter and husband, has plenty of tips up her sleeve for how to save money on shopping and cooking.
These include buying a monthly Morrisons “Magic Box” from the Too Good To Go app, bulk-buying produce - and using common sense about best before dates.
Annemarie says she saves at least £60 a month thanks to reducing food wastage.
Annemarie told money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk: "I found out about the Morrisons boxes last year, and have had five boxes now.
"I originally started to buy them as my husband was on Slimming World and I was spending a fortune on fresh fruit and veg, so was trying to find ways to reduce costs.
"They cost £3.09 and so far I’ve managed to use almost everything in them: if there’s bread I freeze it for toast, as well as any vegetables I think might go over before I use them.
"We’ve been very impressed with the quality, and it’s a great way to get us to try new food and reduce our supermarket bills.
"I try to get a box at least once a fortnight, and it has probably saved me £20 a month on fresh items.
"I wish more supermarkets would sign up to the scheme as I know that lots gets wasted in shops.
"Our local store only has a box a day and they have turned me away when they’ve not had anything yet shelves are full of reduced food.
"I think the stores really need to embrace the idea of supporting the service. I think staff need to be advised on the scheme more as there seems to be quite a lot who don’t know about it.
"I am not one who follows best before guidance on packaging - I worked for a well-known supermarket for 10 years so I know how to tell if items are fresh or not.
"I only really check the dates on meat and will still use it past the sell-by date if they smell ok - you can tell when meat is off!
"I tend to buy bulk meat and will split packets up to help them go further - a 500g pack of mince I will split into two and then I use in dishes like bolognese which I will bulk out with grated carrot or lentils to go further (a great way to hide veg from kids!).
"A lot of people I know really waste a huge amount of food, just because they rely on best before dates. I think it’s very much a cultural issue in the UK.
"Years ago our grandparents would never have chucked a bag of carrots away because Tesco said they can’t sell them past today!
"Potatoes, for example, last for months with the right temperature in a dark place - if they start sprouting this can be pulled off and last even longer.
“Similarly, eggs last for several weeks, and if you're unsure, put them in a bowl of water: if they float, chuck them, if they sink, they are ok.
"Your freezer is your friend, mine is always full, and I would have enough to last for about a month if I had to.”
Annemarie also recommends bulk buying and bulk cooking food where possible, as it makes planning meals cheaper and less stressful.
"My top tips for buying food, in general, is to bulk buy cupboard items like pasta and rice,” she adds. "I buy the big bags of rice for about £8 from the ethnic aisle which last at least six months.
“When it comes to tins of chopped tomatoes, I will buy the cheapest brands and will add seasoning to it to add flavour.
"When I buy meat, I will split them down into portion sizes so they can be defrosted ready for cooking. For pre-packed food such as pizzas or breaded chicken, I remove them from their packets to save space.
"Pre-lockdown I would cook bulk meals such as lasagne, pasta bakes and pies and freeze them in advance, so when it came to using them I could pop them in the oven on the timer so they were cooked when we got home.
"Lockdown for us hasn’t been too bad, we only struggled initially with getting basics like pasta and meat, but our cupboards were due to be filled!
"We’ve had times where money has been tight with furlough and more recently, concerns about redundancy. But the way we buy groceries, we will rarely chuck food away.
"I would probably say I save at least £60 a month on reducing our wastage!
“Our average spend a month is about £180, and we used to spend about £250."
Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, comments: “I’m always on the hunt for ways to save money on food, and considering that UK households waste 4.5 million tonnes of food a year that could have been eaten - and that this food is worth £14 billion! - we should all be doing a lot more to tackle food waste.
“Annemarie’s tips don’t just save the environment, but also save her and her family a lot of money.
“Tips like using Too Good To Go, using your common sense about best by dates and bulk buying and cooking will help any family reduce their monthly spend on food!”


birminghammail--2020-08-20--Waitrose angers shoppers with £3.80 item but others don't see the problem

Waitrose 's new breakfast sandwich has been furiously labelled an 'abomination ' by baffled customers - but others love it .
The posh supermarket operates stores across the West Midlands - from Warwickshire to Worcestershire , as well as Birmingham itself .
Waitrose has announced the launch of Heston Blumenthal 's Full English sandwich .
The description reads : `` The Heston from Waitrose ‘ Full English ’ sandwich includes a coffee surprise alongside traditional Brit breakfast favourites including eggs and sausages .
`` Baked bean lovers will be doubly delighted to see double rations on the menu , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filling but also in the bread which has been bar-marked for extra flavour . ''
It adds : `` Sitting between two slices of the specially created baked bean flavoured bread is smokey crumbed sausage , smoked bacon , free-range sliced egg , cold pressed mayonnaise , tomatoes and cannellini beans in sauce - all finished off with a coffee-flavoured mushroom ketchup . ''
Heston Blumenthal said : `` There are many reasons why some dishes become our favourites , they can be complicated master pieces of culinary delights .
`` But there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Full English .
`` So I looked at how to satisfy that craving , any time , anywhere and I realised the solution was a sandwich .
`` If you ’ re looking for the best brunch-on-the-run , or just wondered what it might be like between two slices of bread , you ’ re going to love this .
It ’ s even got the coffee in there . ''
But the £3.80 sarnie has sparked fury among some , with one tweeting : `` I want this in my mouth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be stopped at all costs , '' a second wrote .
A third chipped in with : `` That looks fantastic . ''
`` Pretty biased towards coffee but 'coffee flavoured mushroom ketchup ' is an abomination , '' a fourth agreed .

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Waitrose's new breakfast sandwich has been furiously labelled an 'abomination' by baffled customers - but others love it.
The posh supermarket operates stores across the West Midlands - from Warwickshire to Worcestershire, as well as Birmingham itself.
Waitrose has announced the launch of Heston Blumenthal's Full English sandwich.
The controversial sarnie includes 'coffee-flavoured mushroom ketchup' and baked bean flavoured bread.
The description reads: "The Heston from Waitrose ‘Full English’ sandwich includes a coffee surprise alongside traditional Brit breakfast favourites including eggs and sausages.
"Baked bean lovers will be doubly delighted to see double rations on the menu, with baked beans not only included in the filling but also in the bread which has been bar-marked for extra flavour."
It adds: "Sitting between two slices of the specially created baked bean flavoured bread is smokey crumbed sausage, smoked bacon, free-range sliced egg, cold pressed mayonnaise, tomatoes and cannellini beans in sauce - all finished off with a coffee-flavoured mushroom ketchup."
Heston Blumenthal said: "There are many reasons why some dishes become our favourites, they can be complicated master pieces of culinary delights.
"But there are times when all you want is a Full English.
"So I looked at how to satisfy that craving, any time, anywhere and I realised the solution was a sandwich.
"If you’re looking for the best brunch-on-the-run, or just wondered what it might be like between two slices of bread, you’re going to love this. It’s even got the coffee in there."
But the £3.80 sarnie has sparked fury among some, with one tweeting: "I want this in my mouth."
"This man needs to be stopped at all costs," a second wrote.
A third chipped in with: "That looks fantastic."
"Pretty biased towards coffee but 'coffee flavoured mushroom ketchup' is an abomination," a fourth agreed.


birminghammail--2020-08-20--Primark shoppers in frenzy over £8 item identical to £420 designer one

Primark 's £8 sandals are practically identical to a Prada pair - but eagle-eyed shoppers have spotted they cost a whopping £412 less .
The product at the bargain fashion retailer , which operates its world 's biggest store right here in Birmingham , has got everybody talking .
Tongues are wagging after the sandals were spotted by customers , who were quick to compare them to a designer pair costing £420 .
Primark has been back open for around two months following the lockdown , having welcomed scores of shoppers when it first re-opened in Birmingham city centre in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everybody excited , with viral items spreading like wildfire across social media after being released by Primark bosses .
The sandals are no exception , having sent customers into a wild frenzy after the similarities to a Prada pair 's were established .
The brand 's 'Nomad sandals ' are in the same foam-sole style and also have the velcro fastening too .
In fact you may struggle to tell both pairs of shoes apart , as the Liverpool Echo , our sister title in the North West , reports .
The big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Primark 's costing you less than a tenner , having been reasonably priced up by bosses at just eight quid .
Prada 's , however , will set you back a cool £420 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Catherine Murphy, James Rodger)

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Primark's £8 sandals are practically identical to a Prada pair - but eagle-eyed shoppers have spotted they cost a whopping £412 less.
The product at the bargain fashion retailer, which operates its world's biggest store right here in Birmingham, has got everybody talking.
Tongues are wagging after the sandals were spotted by customers, who were quick to compare them to a designer pair costing £420.
Primark has been back open for around two months following the lockdown, having welcomed scores of shoppers when it first re-opened in Birmingham city centre in June.
Its products continue to get everybody excited, with viral items spreading like wildfire across social media after being released by Primark bosses.
The sandals are no exception, having sent customers into a wild frenzy after the similarities to a Prada pair's were established.
(Image: Primark)
The brand's 'Nomad sandals' are in the same foam-sole style and also have the velcro fastening too.
In fact you may struggle to tell both pairs of shoes apart, as the Liverpool Echo, our sister title in the North West, reports.
(Image: Prada)
The big difference between them both is the price, with Primark's costing you less than a tenner, having been reasonably priced up by bosses at just eight quid.
Prada's, however, will set you back a cool £420.


birminghammail--2020-08-20--Teenager and four men charged after stabbing

A teenager and four men have been charged following a stabbing in Great Haywood .
Emergency services were called to a property on Abbeyfields , just after 1pm on Tuesday afternoon ( August 18 ) .
A 19-year-old man was found with stab wounds and he remains in hospital in a stable condition .
A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said : `` Shane Michael Stretton , aged 35 , of Young Avenue , Tillington , Stafford , has been charged with wounding with intent , aggravated burglary , failing to provide specimen for analysis , using a motor vehicle on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two counts of driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence .
`` Kian Markalan Chevelleau , aged 19 , of Friar Street , Stafford , has been charged with wounding with intent , aggravated burglary and possession of a controlled drug of Class B .
`` Kifle Deandre Nugent , aged 21 , of Badgers Croft , Derrington , Stafford , and Billy Willday , aged 18 , of John Donne Street , Tillington , Stafford , have both been charged with wounding with intent and aggravated burglary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who can not be named for legal reasons , has also been charged with wounding with intent and aggravated burglary .
`` They are due to appear at North Staffordshire Justice Centre this morning ( August 20 ) . ''

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A teenager and four men have been charged following a stabbing in Great Haywood.
Emergency services were called to a property on Abbeyfields, just after 1pm on Tuesday afternoon (August 18).
A 19-year-old man was found with stab wounds and he remains in hospital in a stable condition.
A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: "Shane Michael Stretton, aged 35, of Young Avenue, Tillington, Stafford, has been charged with wounding with intent, aggravated burglary, failing to provide specimen for analysis, using a motor vehicle on a road without third party insurance and two counts of driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
"Kian Markalan Chevelleau, aged 19, of Friar Street, Stafford, has been charged with wounding with intent, aggravated burglary and possession of a controlled drug of Class B.
"Kifle Deandre Nugent, aged 21, of Badgers Croft, Derrington, Stafford, and Billy Willday, aged 18, of John Donne Street, Tillington, Stafford, have both been charged with wounding with intent and aggravated burglary.
"A 16-year-old boy from Stafford, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has also been charged with wounding with intent and aggravated burglary.
"They are due to appear at North Staffordshire Justice Centre this morning (August 20)."


birminghammail--2020-08-20--Villa linked with Jasper Cillessen and USA star Weston McKennie

Aston Villa have been linked with moves for Valencia goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen and Schalke 's in-demand midfielder Weston McKennie .
Dean Smith , along with sporting director Johan Lange and CEO Christian Purslow , are hard at work in the transfer market to bring players to Villa Park before the Premier League restarts next month .
A number of players have already been linked with the club with Smith keen to strengthen in several key areas .
Villa are chasing attacking additions with a striker and a winger both priorities for Smith , while the club are also looking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USA international McKennie could fill the midfield spot with The Athletic reporting that Villa are monitoring his situation .
The 21-year-old , who joined Schalke in 2016 from FC Dallas , has already been linked with Leicester City , Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur .
Another goalkeeper is n't out of the question either , despite the fact that Villa have four senior custodians on their books in Tom Heaton , Orjan Nyland , Jed Steer and Lovre Kalinic .
Number one choice Heaton has been out injured since January and Pepe Reina 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vacancy .
Cillessen , 31 , is reportedly an option if the price is right .
The Dutchman only joined Valencia from Barcelona last summer and made 31 starts in 2019/20 but , like most of the Spanish club 's squad , he is set to become available for transfer due to their ongoing financial problems .
Villa were linked with Aaron Ramsdale but he completed a transfer from Bournemouth to Sheffield United yesterday .

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Aston Villa have been linked with moves for Valencia goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen and Schalke's in-demand midfielder Weston McKennie.
Dean Smith, along with sporting director Johan Lange and CEO Christian Purslow, are hard at work in the transfer market to bring players to Villa Park before the Premier League restarts next month.
A number of players have already been linked with the club with Smith keen to strengthen in several key areas.
Villa are chasing attacking additions with a striker and a winger both priorities for Smith, while the club are also looking to strengthen at full-back and in midfield.
USA international McKennie could fill the midfield spot with The Athletic reporting that Villa are monitoring his situation. The 21-year-old, who joined Schalke in 2016 from FC Dallas, has already been linked with Leicester City, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.
Another goalkeeper isn't out of the question either, despite the fact that Villa have four senior custodians on their books in Tom Heaton, Orjan Nyland, Jed Steer and Lovre Kalinic.
Number one choice Heaton has been out injured since January and Pepe Reina's return to AC Milan might have created a vacancy.
Cillessen, 31, is reportedly an option if the price is right. The Dutchman only joined Valencia from Barcelona last summer and made 31 starts in 2019/20 but, like most of the Spanish club's squad, he is set to become available for transfer due to their ongoing financial problems.
Villa were linked with Aaron Ramsdale but he completed a transfer from Bournemouth to Sheffield United yesterday.


birminghammail--2020-08-20--Man left badly hurt after early hours attack

A man has been taken to hospital after he was left badly hurt in an early hours attack in Walsall @ @ @ @ @ Windsor Street by the police , at 4.40am , following reports of an assault .
@ @ @ @ @ the scene , where a man was treated for serious injuries .
He was taken @ @ @ @ @ .
Black Country Live has contacted West Midlands Police for more information on the incident @ @ @ @ @ Midlands Ambulance Service said : `` We were called by police at 4.40am to reports @ @ @ @ @ Street , Walsall .
`` We sent one ambulance to the scene .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ injuries and he was taken to hospital for further treatment . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jordan Coussins, Charlotte Regen)

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A man has been taken to hospital after he was left badly hurt in an early hours attack in Walsall.
Medics were called to Windsor Street by the police, at 4.40am, following reports of an assault.
One ambulance was sent to the scene, where a man was treated for serious injuries. He was taken to hospital for further treatment.
Black Country Live has contacted West Midlands Police for more information on the incident.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called by police at 4.40am to reports of an assault in Windsor Street, Walsall.
"We sent one ambulance to the scene.
"We treated a man for serious injuries and he was taken to hospital for further treatment."


birminghammail--2020-08-20--Lidl is selling a ludicrously cheap fire pit for your garden

Lidl is selling a stylish firepit for just £24.99 - just in time for the upcoming Bank holiday .
The La Hacienda Serenity Steel Fire Pit is available in store this weekend , and is perfect for adding a warm and glowing atmosphere to alfresco evenings .
When summer days draw to a cooling close , sit back and enjoy the warmth of a real wood fire long after the sun has set with the La Hacienda Serenity Steel Fire Pit .
The product - costing less than £25 - is available this weekend at Lidl whilst stocks last .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the timeless design is perfect for bringing a soft and natural light to your garden , whilst adding a warm and glowing atmosphere to alfresco evenings .
The budget supermarket said : `` Made from durable steel with a black finish , this traditional-style fire pit features a fire bowl , protective mesh lid , log grate and a metal safety tool , all for just £ 24.99 .
`` Whether used as a decorative centerpiece for the patio , an impressive heater for the garden or even for some late night marshmallow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is sure to be snapped up quickly . ''
In store from Saturday August 22 , you can pick one up while stocks last .

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Lidl is selling a stylish firepit for just £24.99 - just in time for the upcoming Bank holiday.
The La Hacienda Serenity Steel Fire Pit is available in store this weekend, and is perfect for adding a warm and glowing atmosphere to alfresco evenings.
When summer days draw to a cooling close, sit back and enjoy the warmth of a real wood fire long after the sun has set with the La Hacienda Serenity Steel Fire Pit.
The product - costing less than £25 - is available this weekend at Lidl whilst stocks last.
With the Bank Holiday fast approaching, the timeless design is perfect for bringing a soft and natural light to your garden, whilst adding a warm and glowing atmosphere to alfresco evenings.
The budget supermarket said: "Made from durable steel with a black finish, this traditional-style fire pit features a fire bowl, protective mesh lid, log grate and a metal safety tool, all for just £ 24.99.
"Whether used as a decorative centerpiece for the patio, an impressive heater for the garden or even for some late night marshmallow toasting, this bargain buy from Lidl is sure to be snapped up quickly."
In store from Saturday August 22, you can pick one up while stocks last.


birminghammail--2020-08-20--Students from around the area receive their GCSE results.

Students from around the area receive their GCSE results .
GCSE students in Birmingham , across the Midlands and throughout @ @ @ @ @ Ireland are receiving their results today .

Students from around the area receive their GCSE results.
GCSE students in Birmingham, across the Midlands and throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland are receiving their results today.
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birminghammail--2020-08-20--Government hold 'gold command meeting' over potential Brum lockdown

The government is holding a meeting over a potential Birmingham local lockdown , according to reports .
Matt Hancock , the Health Secretary , is charing the so-called `` gold command '' meeting over the possibility of a regionalised lockdown in the West Midlands .
The Local Government Chronicle is reporting representatives from Birmingham City Council and Public Health England will attend .
Birmingham has been in the spotlight after infection rates rose across the city , with 330 new cases in a week setting alarm bells ringing - and the rolling average from Public Health England showing Brum has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business and political leaders have joined forces to press people to do more to avert the potential 'disaster ' of new lockdown measures .
In a hard hitting statement yesterday , council chief Ian Ward issued an urgent `` wake up '' call to people to stop Birmingham sliding into lockdown .
Council leader Ian Ward ( Lab ) told LGC : “ We are trying to avoid a local lockdown for obvious reasons – we don ’ t want to hurt the local economy .
But there are no easy answers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ gold command tomorrow morning chaired by Hancock .
“ We are talking to the government about a plan for dealing with the spike in cases .
“ The difficulty is there is nothing we can easily point as being the cause .
`` There is no business with a big outbreak – although there are a number of businesses with small outbreaks across the city .
The maximum has been six cases in one location .
“ Some gatherings of households together has caused small numbers of cases , but at scale it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ We need recognition from the government of these costs .
In particular we are asking government to provide more walk-in and drive-in test centres across the city .
“ They need to help us get in place additional walk through and drive in mobile testing sites so it is as easy as possible for people to get a test .
At the moment , these first needs to be agreed [ with government officials ] and that is taking too much time .
We could do with more freedom around that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Social Care spokesperson said : “ Our priority is to curb the spread of this virus and save lives .
Local action to tackle outbreaks is crucial , which is why we are working so closely with local authorities to provide additional support where needed.
” 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 . ''

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The government is holding a meeting over a potential Birmingham local lockdown, according to reports.
Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, is charing the so-called "gold command" meeting over the possibility of a regionalised lockdown in the West Midlands.
The Local Government Chronicle is reporting representatives from Birmingham City Council and Public Health England will attend.
Birmingham has been in the spotlight after infection rates rose across the city, with 330 new cases in a week setting alarm bells ringing - and the rolling average from Public Health England showing Brum has 30 cases per 100,000.
Health, business and political leaders have joined forces to press people to do more to avert the potential 'disaster' of new lockdown measures. In a hard hitting statement yesterday, council chief Ian Ward issued an urgent "wake up" call to people to stop Birmingham sliding into lockdown.
Council leader Ian Ward (Lab) told LGC: “We are trying to avoid a local lockdown for obvious reasons – we don’t want to hurt the local economy. But there are no easy answers.
“The proposition is to go to gold command tomorrow morning chaired by Hancock.
“We are talking to the government about a plan for dealing with the spike in cases.
“The difficulty is there is nothing we can easily point as being the cause.
"There is no business with a big outbreak – although there are a number of businesses with small outbreaks across the city. The maximum has been six cases in one location.
“Some gatherings of households together has caused small numbers of cases, but at scale it all adds up.”
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Cll Ward added: “We need recognition from the government of these costs. In particular we are asking government to provide more walk-in and drive-in test centres across the city.
“They need to help us get in place additional walk through and drive in mobile testing sites so it is as easy as possible for people to get a test. At the moment, these first needs to be agreed [with government officials] and that is taking too much time. We could do with more freedom around that."
A Department for Health & Social Care spokesperson said: “Our priority is to curb the spread of this virus and save lives. Local action to tackle outbreaks is crucial, which is why we are working so closely with local authorities to provide additional support where needed.”
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."


birminghammail--2020-08-20--Temporary home for Solihull's Urgent Treatment Centre announced

A key service stripped from Solihull Hospital as part of a coronavirus-driven restructure will be moved to a new temporary home next week .
The Urgent Treatment Centre shut earlier this year , initially because patient numbers had plummeted in the first weeks of the crisis .
And it was later announced that the hospital would operate as a Covid-free facility for the next phase of the pandemic .
While the NHS has said that it intends to eventually restore the unit , it has now announced an alternative home for the next seven months .
As of Monday ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operate at Chelmsley Wood Primary Care Centre , some five miles away .
Although there is concern that the interim site , which will be in place until March 31 , is quite a distance from more rural areas to the east and south .
Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group ( CCG ) has admitted that no location was perfectly placed for all of the borough , but suggested further talks in the coming months could consider a more long-term solution .
Health bosses said that , in the meantime , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons such as decent parking , public transport links and the on-site pharmacy .
It has previously been used as a pop-up care centre during busy holiday periods , such as Christmas and Easter .
A statement said : `` Importantly , all patients are now required to contact NHS 111 before they attend the UTC to seek advice , and if necessary , they will be offered a booked appointment .
`` The UTC will not accept ‘ walk-in ’ patients .
This is to ensure the centre does not become overcrowded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adhered to . ''
Healthwatch Solihull , the independent champion for health and care services , who shared the details yesterday , said : `` With this being so new we are sure service providers will welcome feedback , which we will start to gather once the centre has opened to highlight what people across the borough think . ''
One of the key concerns about the recent changes at Solihull Hospital was if they would become permanent .
In May , the CCG 's chief executive , Paul Jennings , made clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been removed but admitted that the current situation surrounding the pandemic made it impossible to give a timetable .
The new facilities will be open seven days a week , from 8am-8pm .

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A key service stripped from Solihull Hospital as part of a coronavirus-driven restructure will be moved to a new temporary home next week.
The Urgent Treatment Centre shut earlier this year, initially because patient numbers had plummeted in the first weeks of the crisis.
And it was later announced that the hospital would operate as a Covid-free facility for the next phase of the pandemic.
While the NHS has said that it intends to eventually restore the unit, it has now announced an alternative home for the next seven months.
As of Monday (August 24), a UTC will operate at Chelmsley Wood Primary Care Centre, some five miles away.
Although there is concern that the interim site, which will be in place until March 31, is quite a distance from more rural areas to the east and south.
Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has admitted that no location was perfectly placed for all of the borough, but suggested further talks in the coming months could consider a more long-term solution.
Health bosses said that, in the meantime, the Crabtree Drive site had been chosen for reasons such as decent parking, public transport links and the on-site pharmacy.
It has previously been used as a pop-up care centre during busy holiday periods, such as Christmas and Easter.
A statement said: "Importantly, all patients are now required to contact NHS 111 before they attend the UTC to seek advice, and if necessary, they will be offered a booked appointment.
"The UTC will not accept ‘walk-in’ patients. This is to ensure the centre does not become overcrowded and strict infection prevention measures can be adhered to."
Healthwatch Solihull, the independent champion for health and care services, who shared the details yesterday, said: "With this being so new we are sure service providers will welcome feedback, which we will start to gather once the centre has opened to highlight what people across the borough think."
One of the key concerns about the recent changes at Solihull Hospital was if they would become permanent.
In May, the CCG's chief executive, Paul Jennings, made clear that the plan was to reinstate what had been removed but admitted that the current situation surrounding the pandemic made it impossible to give a timetable.
The new facilities will be open seven days a week, from 8am-8pm.


birminghammail--2020-08-20--Aston Villa transfers live - Benrahma update as McKennie is linked

Hello and welcome to Thursday 's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive .
We will be keeping you informed on @ @ @ @ @ today as Villa 's transfer window gathers pace and the new season draws closer .
@ @ @ @ @ the latest Villa news , views and rumours to our live blog throughout the day @ @ @ @ @ transfers continually linked to the club .
Since last week , Werder Bremen wing wizard @ @ @ @ @ £20 million-plus - has been the name on everybody 's lips .
Brentford duo Ollie @ @ @ @ @ meanwhile , remain top targets for Villa following the Bees ' play-off final defeat to @ @ @ @ @ been a link involving a potential loan swoop for Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster , scorer @ @ @ @ @ games out on-loan at Swansea last term .
So stay with us for today 's @ @ @ @ @ be sure to check back for all the latest Villa transfer news and opinion .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Alex Dicken, James Rushton)

Hello and welcome to LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive on Wednesday, September 9.
We will be keeping you informed on all the key developments across today as Villa's transfer window gathers pace and the new season draws closer.
We will be adding all the latest Villa news, views and rumours to our live blog throughout the day, with new signings and transfers continually linked to the club.
Matty Cash arrived from Nottingham Forest to become the club's first senior signing of the window and Brentford striker Ollie Watkins completed his £28m switch to Villa Park on Wednesday.
Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has also been touted for a move with Dean Smith keen to add cover given Tom Heaton's long lay-off.
So stay with us for today's transfer blog and be sure to check back for all the latest Villa transfer news and opinion.


birminghammail--2020-08-20--Chi Chi DeVayne dies aged 34 as tributes to RuPaul's Drag Race star pour in

Chi Chi DeVayne has tragically died at the age of just 34 .
The RuPaul 's Drag Race star has sadly passed away following a stay in hospital .
She becomes the second star of the show to tragically die at a tender age .
Chi Chi was hospitalised with pneumonia last week , following high blood pressure and suspected kidney failure in July .
She lived with scleroderma , a rare , potentially life-threatening condition caused by the immune system attacking the tissue under the skin , and around internal organs and blood vessels , which can also cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chi appeared on the eighth season of RuPaul 's Drag Race and in the third season of RuPaul 's Drag Race All Stars .
Chi Chi is the second contestant from Drag Race to have died following the death of season two contestant Sahara Davenport .
`` Keep me in your prayers .
I 'll be back soon , '' DeVayne said in a video message shared Saturday morning , which showed her attached to medical equipment while laying down in a hospital bed .
A number of her Drag Race sisters have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter , with many understandably devastated by the loss .
Farrah Moan tweeted : `` Chi Chi was hands down one of my favourite queens to work with .
I first met her right after filming season nine .
We smoked the fattest blunt and she gave me amazing advice I 'll never forget .
All my memories with her from the Christmas tours will be in my heart forever .
Rest in power sweet angel . ''

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Chi Chi DeVayne has tragically died at the age of just 34.
The RuPaul's Drag Race star has sadly passed away following a stay in hospital.
She becomes the second star of the show to tragically die at a tender age.
Chi Chi was hospitalised with pneumonia last week, following high blood pressure and suspected kidney failure in July.
She lived with scleroderma, a rare, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the immune system attacking the tissue under the skin, and around internal organs and blood vessels, which can also cause scarring and thickening of tissue.
Chi Chi appeared on the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and in the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars.
Chi Chi is the second contestant from Drag Race to have died following the death of season two contestant Sahara Davenport.
Sahara died of heart failure in 2012.
"Keep me in your prayers. I'll be back soon," DeVayne said in a video message shared Saturday morning, which showed her attached to medical equipment while laying down in a hospital bed.
A number of her Drag Race sisters have shared tributes to the dancing queen on Twitter, with many understandably devastated by the loss.
Farrah Moan tweeted: "Chi Chi was hands down one of my favourite queens to work with. I first met her right after filming season nine. We smoked the fattest blunt and she gave me amazing advice I'll never forget. All my memories with her from the Christmas tours will be in my heart forever. Rest in power sweet angel."


birminghammail--2020-08-20--Jet2 announces Birmingham Airport to Portugal flights restart date

Jet2 plans to resume flights and holidays to Portugal 's Algarve region next week after the country was added to the UK 's travel corridor list .
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays announced they will start offering breaks to the popular destination of Faro from August 24 .
Multiple weekly flights to the southern Portuguese city will be reintroduced from Belfast International , Birmingham , East Midlands , Edinburgh , Glasgow , Leeds Bradford , London Stansted , Manchester and Newcastle airports .
It follows Transport Secretary Grant Shapps revealing that passengers arriving in the UK from Portugal will no longer have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the change coming into effect from 4am on Saturday .
Portugal has also been exempted from the FCO 's global advisory against non-essential travel .
The prospect of quarantine-free holidays for Britons will come as a boost to Portugal 's tourism sector , with the country previously expressing its disappointment over being left off the safe travel list for much of the summer .
Jet2 is already operating flights to the Portuguese island of Madeira from Birmingham , East Midlands , Edinburgh , Leeds Bradford , Manchester and London Stansted airports .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' following Covid-19 guidelines , were among measures in place to help ensure flights and holidays were safe .
Steve Heapy , chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said : `` We welcome this change in government advice which means that customers can once again look forward to enjoying their well-deserved holidays in the stunning Algarve region .
`` With flights and holidays operating to Faro , in addition to Madeira , we are thrilled to be offering customers two fantastic options in Portugal when they 're looking to book their well-deserved holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miguel , UK director at Turismo de Portugal , said : `` We have consistently maintained our unwavering confidence in the safety of Portugal , and we are delighted to have arrived at a decision which we feel far better reflects the reality of the situation in Portugal . ''
A spokesperson for travel trade organisation Abta said : `` Portugal is a popular destination among British holidaymakers and a place where the weather usually remains pleasant late into winter time .
`` The news that holidaymakers can still enjoy a much deserved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by travellers and the travel industry alike . ''

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Jet2 plans to resume flights and holidays to Portugal's Algarve region next week after the country was added to the UK's travel corridor list.
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays announced they will start offering breaks to the popular destination of Faro from August 24.
Multiple weekly flights to the southern Portuguese city will be reintroduced from Belfast International, Birmingham, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle airports.
It follows Transport Secretary Grant Shapps revealing that passengers arriving in the UK from Portugal will no longer have to self-isolate for 14 days, with the change coming into effect from 4am on Saturday.
Portugal has also been exempted from the FCO's global advisory against non-essential travel.
The prospect of quarantine-free holidays for Britons will come as a boost to Portugal's tourism sector, with the country previously expressing its disappointment over being left off the safe travel list for much of the summer.
(Image: (c) Gilbert Laurie)
Jet2 is already operating flights to the Portuguese island of Madeira from Birmingham, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Manchester and London Stansted airports.
It said onboard cleaning and "in-resort care" following Covid-19 guidelines, were among measures in place to help ensure flights and holidays were safe.
Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: "We welcome this change in government advice which means that customers can once again look forward to enjoying their well-deserved holidays in the stunning Algarve region.
"With flights and holidays operating to Faro, in addition to Madeira, we are thrilled to be offering customers two fantastic options in Portugal when they're looking to book their well-deserved holiday away from the gloom."
Claudia Miguel, UK director at Turismo de Portugal, said: "We have consistently maintained our unwavering confidence in the safety of Portugal, and we are delighted to have arrived at a decision which we feel far better reflects the reality of the situation in Portugal."
A spokesperson for travel trade organisation Abta said: "Portugal is a popular destination among British holidaymakers and a place where the weather usually remains pleasant late into winter time.
"The news that holidaymakers can still enjoy a much deserved break in this country will be welcomed by travellers and the travel industry alike."


birminghammail--2020-08-20--Four men charged with murder of Reece Cox outside pub

Four men have been charged with murder following an alleged street attack in Sedgley .
Reece Cox , aged 24 , died from serious head injuries after a disorder outside The Clifton pub at around midnight on Saturday , August 15 .
Wayne Burke , 22 , of Queens Street , Pensnett , Shane Jones , 25 , of Orchard Grove , Lower Gornal , Shaquel Halliday , 22 , of Shadwell Drive , Lower Gornal and Adam Ashwin , 19 , of Monument Lane , Sedgley have all been charged with Reece 's murder .
All four have also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bodily harm and remanded to appear before Wolverhampton Magistrates Court tomorrow ( August 21 ) .
A fifth man , Tyrone Halliday has been charged with violent disorder and actual bodily harm .
The 24-year-old has also been remanded to appear before the court tomorrow .
A tribute released on behalf of Mr Cox ’ s family earlier this week read : `` Reece was a great son , partner and dad ; a gentle giant who was loved by everybody . ''
Detective Inspector Laura Harrison from our Homicide Unit , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to the community in Sedgley who have really pulled together during this very difficult time .
`` We really appreciate the positive response we have had from the community that has assisted with our investigation . ''
Anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight , or call 101 anytime .
Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
Please quote crime number 20BW/143529D/20 .

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Four men have been charged with murder following an alleged street attack in Sedgley.
Reece Cox, aged 24, died from serious head injuries after a disorder outside The Clifton pub at around midnight on Saturday, August 15.
Wayne Burke, 22, of Queens Street, Pensnett, Shane Jones, 25, of Orchard Grove, Lower Gornal, Shaquel Halliday, 22, of Shadwell Drive, Lower Gornal and Adam Ashwin, 19, of Monument Lane, Sedgley have all been charged with Reece's murder.
All four have also been charged with violent disorder and actual bodily harm and remanded to appear before Wolverhampton Magistrates Court tomorrow (August 21).
A fifth man, Tyrone Halliday has been charged with violent disorder and actual bodily harm. The 24-year-old has also been remanded to appear before the court tomorrow.
A tribute released on behalf of Mr Cox’s family earlier this week read: "Reece was a great son, partner and dad; a gentle giant who was loved by everybody."
Detective Inspector Laura Harrison from our Homicide Unit, said: "I want to say thank you to the community in Sedgley who have really pulled together during this very difficult time.
"We really appreciate the positive response we have had from the community that has assisted with our investigation."
Anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101 anytime.
Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime number 20BW/143529D/20.


birminghammail--2020-08-20--Tik Tok cloud bread baking craze only requires three ingredients

Many of us became creative during lockdown - baking cakes or taking up a new hobby but now a new craze has taken over Tik Tok in the shape of cloud bread .
There are currently over 35,000 posts on social media with the hashtag # cloudbread on Instagram but the good news is that the easy snack only requires three ingredients - egg whites , corn starch and sugar .
Many bakers are also adding food colouring to create fun , rainbow-coloured versions , reports the Mirror .
On TikTok , a user named @ linqanaa shared her recipe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For the easy recipe grab three eggs and separate them before placing the egg whites in a mixing bowl and whisking until frothy .
Add in the sugar and cornstarch and whisk until the mixture has a thick texture like dough .
Why not add some bright food colouring at this stage ?
Once the mix is thick , place the mixture on a baking sheet and fashion a dome shape .
Sprinkle toppings on top such as almond slices or hundreds and thousands and pop in to the oven at 300 degrees @ @ @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Courtney Pochin, Cathrina Hulse-BM)

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Many of us became creative during lockdown - baking cakes or taking up a new hobby but now a new craze has taken over Tik Tok in the shape of cloud bread.
There are currently over 35,000 posts on social media with the hashtag #cloudbread on Instagram but the good news is that the easy snack only requires three ingredients - egg whites, corn starch and sugar.
Many bakers are also adding food colouring to create fun, rainbow-coloured versions, reports the Mirror.
On TikTok, a user named @linqanaa shared her recipe for cloud bread which went viral.
For the easy recipe grab three eggs and separate them before placing the egg whites in a mixing bowl and whisking until frothy.
Add in the sugar and cornstarch and whisk until the mixture has a thick texture like dough.
Why not add some bright food colouring at this stage?
Once the mix is thick, place the mixture on a baking sheet and fashion a dome shape.
Sprinkle toppings on top such as almond slices or hundreds and thousands and pop in to the oven at 300 degrees for around 25 minutes.
Enjoy!


birminghammail--2020-08-20--Solihull Moors secure new training complex ahead of league season

Jimmy Shan ’ s men will have a new place to call home once their new state-of-the-art training facility is unveiled in Studley on Saturday .
The Training Room Sporting Complex at Studley Sports Centre will now house the Moors ’ first-team squad as they ready themselves for the new season ahead .
Not only will the facility bear The Training Room name but the players will also proudly don the brand across their training kit for the upcoming campaign .
The complex has undergone wholesale changes during the summer , with two brand new full size grass pitches installed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irrigation as well as a gym , changing rooms and a new Players ’ Lounge .
Make sure you do n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our football newsletters Moors Chairman Darryl Eales is delighted by the move as he believes it both further strengthens the club ’ s community ties and provides a great environment for players throughout the season .
“ We are very excited to re-open Studley Sports Centre with a brand-new look and feel , ” said Eales .
“ It is a superb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of location , strong links to local football and , of course , excellent facilities .
“ The team are delighted to have a permanent home and have settled in well ahead of the new season .
“ We look forward to re-introducing our new venue to the wider community as soon as we are safely able to do so ” .
Alongside being Moors ’ training home , the relationship with Midland League Division One side Studley FC will continue to flourish and a new extended contract has recently been signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Studley ’ s first team reaping the rewards of the newly refurbished surroundings , as Studley juniors will also continue to use the upgraded facilities .
The facilities will continue to be upgraded over the coming months and years as the ambition is to establish a vibrant community hub which local people and businesses can use .
The club have indicated that they are looking forward to Moors being a positive participant in the vibrant local Studley community .
To find out more about Moors ' new sponsor partner , The Training Room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
They are experts in helping people get new careers through their industry-ready training and strong employer relationships .

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Jimmy Shan’s men will have a new place to call home once their new state-of-the-art training facility is unveiled in Studley on Saturday.
The Training Room Sporting Complex at Studley Sports Centre will now house the Moors’ first-team squad as they ready themselves for the new season ahead.
Not only will the facility bear The Training Room name but the players will also proudly don the brand across their training kit for the upcoming campaign.
The complex has undergone wholesale changes during the summer, with two brand new full size grass pitches installed with state of the art drainage and irrigation as well as a gym, changing rooms and a new Players’ Lounge.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our football newsletters
Moors Chairman Darryl Eales is delighted by the move as he believes it both further strengthens the club’s community ties and provides a great environment for players throughout the season.
“We are very excited to re-open Studley Sports Centre with a brand-new look and feel,” said Eales.
“It is a superb training venue for Solihull Moors FC in terms of location, strong links to local football and, of course, excellent facilities.
“The team are delighted to have a permanent home and have settled in well ahead of the new season.
“We look forward to re-introducing our new venue to the wider community as soon as we are safely able to do so”.
Alongside being Moors’ training home, the relationship with Midland League Division One side Studley FC will continue to flourish and a new extended contract has recently been signed.
It won’t just be Studley’s first team reaping the rewards of the newly refurbished surroundings, as Studley juniors will also continue to use the upgraded facilities.
The facilities will continue to be upgraded over the coming months and years as the ambition is to establish a vibrant community hub which local people and businesses can use.
The club have indicated that they are looking forward to Moors being a positive participant in the vibrant local Studley community.
To find out more about Moors' new sponsor partner, The Training Room, please visit their website by clicking here. They are experts in helping people get new careers through their industry-ready training and strong employer relationships.


birminghammail--2020-08-20--West Brom's goalkeeping transfer target joins European giants

Ivo Grbic , the goalkeeper who West Brom were keen on , has completed his move to Atletico Madrid .
The 24-year-old played for Lokomotiva in Croatia , but has now signed for the La Liga giants , despite interest from the Baggies and compatriot Slaven Bilic .
Grbic has signed a contract in the Spanish capital that runs until 2024 , and he will provide fresh competition for Diego Simeone ’ s first choice stopper Jan Oblak .
Make sure you do n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter Atleti said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great projection and called to be one of Croatia ’ s key goalkeepers .
Welcome Ivo !
” It ’ s a blow to Bilic , who had previously watched Grbic and had been impressed by what he ’ d seen .
“ I watched Ivo Grbic in Sibenik , he is a top goalkeeper , ” Bilic said earlier this week .
“ I ’ ll try everything if this does not happen with Atletico , but I am not fully in control.
” Albion are keen to increase the competition in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnstone has been the undisputed number one in his two years at The Hawthorns , while Jonathan Bond has deputised in the cup competitions .
Bond , currently out of contract , is training with Johnstone and Alex Palmer currently , while he maintains his fitness .
It ’ s not beyond the realms of possibility that Bond is offered fresh terms by the Baggies , but they ’ re still looking for extra competition in that particular department .
Palmer is expected to depart on loan once more with Lincoln City understood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Griffiths has already departed for the season - he ’ s headed to Cheltenham Town .

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Ivo Grbic, the goalkeeper who West Brom were keen on, has completed his move to Atletico Madrid.
The 24-year-old played for Lokomotiva in Croatia, but has now signed for the La Liga giants, despite interest from the Baggies and compatriot Slaven Bilic.
Grbic has signed a contract in the Spanish capital that runs until 2024, and he will provide fresh competition for Diego Simeone’s first choice stopper Jan Oblak.
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Atleti said: “We welcome a young player with great projection and called to be one of Croatia’s key goalkeepers. Welcome Ivo!”
It’s a blow to Bilic, who had previously watched Grbic and had been impressed by what he’d seen.
“I watched Ivo Grbic in Sibenik, he is a top goalkeeper,” Bilic said earlier this week. “I’ll try everything if this does not happen with Atletico, but I am not fully in control.”
Albion are keen to increase the competition in their goalkeeping department this summer; Sam Johnstone has been the undisputed number one in his two years at The Hawthorns, while Jonathan Bond has deputised in the cup competitions.
Bond, currently out of contract, is training with Johnstone and Alex Palmer currently, while he maintains his fitness.
It’s not beyond the realms of possibility that Bond is offered fresh terms by the Baggies, but they’re still looking for extra competition in that particular department.
Palmer is expected to depart on loan once more with Lincoln City understood to be keen. Promising keeper Josh Griffiths has already departed for the season - he’s headed to Cheltenham Town.