birminghammail--2020-11-29--Beginning to look a not like Xmas - but there are reasons to be cheerful

If only the words to the old Bing Crosby hit were more obvious this year : 'It 's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ? '
But even though lockdown seems to have turned the 'lot ' into 'not ' , there 's still so much to look forward to especially now that families have been given the chance to meet up again from December 23 to 27 .
Our timeshift video which trips between 2019 and 2020 illustrates the remarkable differences between the crowd-filled scenes of a year ago to our socially-distanced , locked-down lives today .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smell the bratwurst cooking again next year at the heart of the Birmingham German Christmas Market .
You can also relive everything from the packed scenes down the Market 's length in New Street to the giant Christmas tree where it meets Victoria Square .
Join the bustling escalators in the buzzing Bullring and take another sky-high ride on the City Flyer in Centenary Square , home of the Ice Skate Birmingham 's other attractions , the Big Wheel and Ice Rink .
As well as the video , you can also look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how life currently is as it stands .
But in the spirit of the '12 days of Christmas ' song , that in itself is a reminder of why the good times are n't over yet .
There are still 12 great reasons to look forward to Christmas in Brum !
Unless you have a significant medical condition or need to isolate because of Covid-19 rules , do n't forget that you have still been allowed to do unlimited exercise outdoors - a marked difference to the first lockdown when people were told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
So your exercise plan always could include a brisk , socially-distanced walk through Birmingham city centre .
This may well turn out to be a one-off year where there is no Birmingham German Christmas Market - the 21st anniversary event was due to have opened on November 5 , the same day the second lockdown began .
So why not make the most of today 's quieter city with some of the following ideas ... ?
Although the market was axed on September 9 , not having it this year has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ architecture of the city 's amazing old buildings in 2020 without being jostled by crowds of people .
Or , in the words of one highly-trained , year-round worker I know on New Street , `` having to listen to a trumpeter playing the same tune bady all day outside of my practice . ''
For example , take five minutes to admire the exterior of the Piccadilly Arcade .
You can marvel at how a former cinema and theatre has become one of the city 's smartest shopping destinations that 's home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Smithsonia gift shop .
2 .
The Christmas lights are the best in years Look up while you are in town and you will notice a difference !
Retail BID Birmingham has again lit up all of the trees down New Street .
And it has helped to source some improved main Christmas lights too .
Another thing you will notice are the cleaner streets .
There 's much less litter than usual and you 'll see the benefit of how Retail BID has been jet washing the city 's key pedestrianised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Following the horrendous , seemingly random series of stabbings across the city on the night of September 5/6 , Southside BID put some lights up along Hurst Street as early as September 24 The idea was to make up for the loss of lights at the front of the Birmingham Hippodrome area and to make everyone feel safer .
Obviously the lockdown will have reduced the number of people in the area again for now , but in the meantime the BID has been getting the streets into the Christmas spirit .
Features @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Hippodrome and close to the National Trust 's much-loved Back to Backs The new tree has even got an archway for children to run through !
The city centre 's first LED Christmas tree has been installed at the top of New Street where it shares space with Victoria Square .
True , it 's nothing like as grand as year 's specimen , which features a series of trees in a steel frame designed to make it look like a giant tree from Norway .
This tree even had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a drink or together while avoiding heavy rain But the new one 's simplicity has a value in its own right , especially when you see the dome of the city 's fantastic council house hiding behind it at twilight .
If making time to enjoy the moment here does n't remind you of the true meaning of a simpler Christmas , then nothing will .
Once again there is another Christmas tree at the back of the Bullring , close to St Martin in the Bull Ring church .
Despite lockdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Families and young lovers alike always enjoy posing here with the reindeer-style lights .
This simple kind of memento is what Christmas in Brum is all about .
There is no Birmingham German Christmas Market this year .
But that does n't mean there is no market - now is the chance for our year-round regulars to step up to our plates .
Having had to close during the first lockdown , fresh produce traders on the Bull Ring Outdoor Market and in the Indoor Market are still open for business now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ago in 1166 so why not support these proud traders to keep the tradition alive ?
They sell everything from meat , fish and shellfish to fresh carrots and cauliflowers - not forgetting all kinds of different ingredients to reflect the international nature of the city 's population .
Yes , they want to see more investment but it 's not for a lack of trying on their behalf .
Here 's an opportunity which might never come back - and that 's a chance to admire the new Centenary Square in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last Christmas in December , 2016 .
The 'old ' 1992 square was then redeveloped but because the work took a year longer than expected it did n't officially reopen in until July 3 , 2019 ( even though it was n't totally finished ) .
By the end of October last year , Ice Skate Birmingham was already installing the Ice Rink , Big Wheel and City Flyer after having to spend two years away from Broad Street at temporary sites down in Southside .
All three were brilliant attractions and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was 'absolutely gutted ' when the plug was pulled on this year 's event .
The only upside to this sorry situation is that you might never get the chance to photograph the reflections in the new shallow pool during this coming part of winter again .
There are always a few non-grey December afternoons in Birmingham when the light is breathtaking .
So on one of those magical days , grab your camera - or at least do n't forget your phone - and get snapping and let nature do all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Normally at this time of the year , our public transport systems are rammed .
And there was very little fun to be had commuting to and from the office in late 2019 when the trains were worryingly unreliable and the staff were on strike on Saturdays from November 16 .
This year , our buses , trains and even West Midland Metro trams are a lot quieter , especially during off-peak times .
So grab a mask and buy a ticket to ride if you have n't been told to hide .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ open Despite the lockdown , shopping has not been impossible in central Birmingham if you needed to scratch that itch .
The supermarkets including Tesco , Sainbury 's and M & S Food stayed open as well as 'essential ' places from Boots to Superdrug and Poundland ... not forgetting Holland & Barrett on the lover level in the Bullring .
Many of the big name coffee shops are also still open for takeaways , too .
Lockdown will be over on December 2 and people will be able to go shopping again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Christmas , the stores are bound to want to shift some excess stock .
That could mean there will be some brilliant bargains in the sales All socially distanced of course ... which could mean your partner might be able to have some 'me ' time wandering around the city as if or she owns it .
If past performance is any guide to the future then if and when shops do reopen before Christmas they will also be open for longer , too .
Their purpose is not just to try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the most difficult year for retail in our lifetimes .
This Christmas there will also be a need for staff and customers alike to feel safe in a much more socially-distance manner - as well as making the experience of shopping more convenient , too .
Just when you thought there would no Christmas panto to look forward to , Matt Slack is back .
Oh yes he is !
( Government rules permitting of course ) .
And so while Jason Donovan 's Goldilocks and the Three Bears has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hippodrome , regular favourite Matt is now booked to star in Robin Hood at the Alexandra Theatre from January 15 to 31 .
The show will be a `` socially distanced , one-act production '' co-starring Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood as the Sheriff of Nottingham .
Birmingham Hippodrome has moved the new panto to the Alexandra on nearby Station Street because it had already replaced Goldilocks with the the Van Gogh Alive experience at its own Hurst Street base .
Matt Slack 's fans wo n't care about that if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days of Christmas ' routine .
PS And if Matt ca n't do his show because of another lockdown or whatever reason , here 's another reason to be cheerful just in case .
Perhaps we 'll get a fabled white Christmas this year .
And all be at home able to enjoy it .

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If only the words to the old Bing Crosby hit were more obvious this year: 'It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas?'
But even though lockdown seems to have turned the 'lot' into 'not', there's still so much to look forward to especially now that families have been given the chance to meet up again from December 23 to 27.
Our timeshift video which trips between 2019 and 2020 illustrates the remarkable differences between the crowd-filled scenes of a year ago to our socially-distanced, locked-down lives today.
The sizziling video will almost enable you to smell the bratwurst cooking again next year at the heart of the Birmingham German Christmas Market.
You can also relive everything from the packed scenes down the Market's length in New Street to the giant Christmas tree where it meets Victoria Square.
Join the bustling escalators in the buzzing Bullring and take another sky-high ride on the City Flyer in Centenary Square, home of the Ice Skate Birmingham's other attractions, the Big Wheel and Ice Rink.
As well as the video, you can also look through our photo story album here of how life currently is as it stands.
But in the spirit of the '12 days of Christmas' song, that in itself is a reminder of why the good times aren't over yet.
There are still 12 great reasons to look forward to Christmas in Brum!
Exercise, exercise, exercise
Unless you have a significant medical condition or need to isolate because of Covid-19 rules, don't forget that you have still been allowed to do unlimited exercise outdoors - a marked difference to the first lockdown when people were told to stay indoors for 23 hours per day.
So your exercise plan always could include a brisk, socially-distanced walk through Birmingham city centre.
This may well turn out to be a one-off year where there is no Birmingham German Christmas Market - the 21st anniversary event was due to have opened on November 5, the same day the second lockdown began.
So why not make the most of today's quieter city with some of the following ideas...?
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
1. Enjoy the city
Although the market was axed on September 9, not having it this year has created a rare opportunity to enjoy the architecture of the city's amazing old buildings in 2020 without being jostled by crowds of people.
Or, in the words of one highly-trained, year-round worker I know on New Street, "having to listen to a trumpeter playing the same tune bady all day outside of my practice."
For example, take five minutes to admire the exterior of the Piccadilly Arcade.
You can marvel at how a former cinema and theatre has become one of the city's smartest shopping destinations that's home to great independents like Faculty coffee and the Smithsonia gift shop.
(Image: Darren Quinton / Birmingham Live)
2. The Christmas lights are the best in years
Look up while you are in town and you will notice a difference!
Retail BID Birmingham has again lit up all of the trees down New Street.
And it has helped to source some improved main Christmas lights too.
Another thing you will notice are the cleaner streets.
There's much less litter than usual and you'll see the benefit of how Retail BID has been jet washing the city's key pedestrianised areas
What's not to like?
(Image: Courtesy of Southside BID)
3. Southside lights up too
Following the horrendous, seemingly random series of stabbings across the city on the night of September 5/6, Southside BID put some lights up along Hurst Street as early as September 24
The idea was to make up for the loss of lights at the front of the Birmingham Hippodrome area and to make everyone feel safer.
Obviously the lockdown will have reduced the number of people in the area again for now, but in the meantime the BID has been getting the streets into the Christmas spirit.
Features include a tree in the square outside of the Hippodrome and close to the National Trust's much-loved Back to Backs
The new tree has even got an archway for children to run through!
(Image: Darren Quinton / Birmingham Live)
4. Main Christmas tree
The city centre's first LED Christmas tree has been installed at the top of New Street where it shares space with Victoria Square.
True, it's nothing like as grand as year's specimen, which features a series of trees in a steel frame designed to make it look like a giant tree from Norway.
This tree even had a shelter underneath where market revellers could enjoy a drink or together while avoiding heavy rain
But the new one's simplicity has a value in its own right, especially when you see the dome of the city's fantastic council house hiding behind it at twilight.
If making time to enjoy the moment here doesn't remind you of the true meaning of a simpler Christmas, then nothing will.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
5. Bullring photo opp
Once again there is another Christmas tree at the back of the Bullring, close to St Martin in the Bull Ring church.
Despite lockdown, the lights have been kept switched on.
Families and young lovers alike always enjoy posing here with the reindeer-style lights.
This simple kind of memento is what Christmas in Brum is all about.
(Image: Darren Quinton / Birmingham Live)
6. Market delights
There is no Birmingham German Christmas Market this year.
But that doesn't mean there is no market - now is the chance for our year-round regulars to step up to our plates.
Having had to close during the first lockdown, fresh produce traders on the Bull Ring Outdoor Market and in the Indoor Market are still open for business now.
The market was first established 854 years ago in 1166 so why not support these proud traders to keep the tradition alive?
They sell everything from meat, fish and shellfish to fresh carrots and cauliflowers - not forgetting all kinds of different ingredients to reflect the international nature of the city's population.
Yes, they want to see more investment but it's not for a lack of trying on their behalf.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
7. See Centenary Square 'naked'
Here's an opportunity which might never come back - and that's a chance to admire the new Centenary Square in winter.
The previous design saw its last Christmas in December, 2016.
The 'old' 1992 square was then redeveloped but because the work took a year longer than expected it didn't officially reopen in until July 3, 2019 (even though it wasn't totally finished).
By the end of October last year, Ice Skate Birmingham was already installing the Ice Rink, Big Wheel and City Flyer after having to spend two years away from Broad Street at temporary sites down in Southside.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
All three were brilliant attractions and in October owner Abie Danter told Birmingham Live he was 'absolutely gutted' when the plug was pulled on this year's event.
The only upside to this sorry situation is that you might never get the chance to photograph the reflections in the new shallow pool during this coming part of winter again.
There are always a few non-grey December afternoons in Birmingham when the light is breathtaking.
So on one of those magical days, grab your camera - or at least don't forget your phone - and get snapping and let nature do all of the hard work for you.
8. Enjoy the ride!
Normally at this time of the year, our public transport systems are rammed.
And there was very little fun to be had commuting to and from the office in late 2019 when the trains were worryingly unreliable and the staff were on strike on Saturdays from November 16.
This year, our buses, trains and even West Midland Metro trams are a lot quieter, especially during off-peak times.
So grab a mask and buy a ticket to ride if you haven't been told to hide.
Just remember the advice: hands, face, space.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
9. Lots of places are still open
Despite the lockdown, shopping has not been impossible in central Birmingham if you needed to scratch that itch.
The supermarkets including Tesco, Sainbury's and M&S Food stayed open as well as 'essential' places from Boots to Superdrug and Poundland... not forgetting Holland & Barrett on the lover level in the Bullring.
Many of the big name coffee shops are also still open for takeaways, too.
And Greggs. Don't forget Greggs.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
10. One day soon...
Lockdown will be over on December 2 and people will be able to go shopping again.
Whether that's before Christmas or after Christmas, the stores are bound to want to shift some excess stock.
That could mean there will be some brilliant bargains in the sales
All socially distanced of course... which could mean your partner might be able to have some 'me' time wandering around the city as if or she owns it.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
11. Longer opening hours
If past performance is any guide to the future then if and when shops do reopen before Christmas they will also be open for longer, too.
Their purpose is not just to try to take more money at the tail end of the most difficult year for retail in our lifetimes.
This Christmas there will also be a need for staff and customers alike to feel safe in a much more socially-distance manner - as well as making the experience of shopping more convenient, too.
(Image: Hippodrome)
12. The twelfth man
Just when you thought there would no Christmas panto to look forward to, Matt Slack is back.
Oh yes he is! (Government rules permitting of course).
And so while Jason Donovan's Goldilocks and the Three Bears has been delayed til December 2021 at the Birmingham Hippodrome, regular favourite Matt is now booked to star in Robin Hood at the Alexandra Theatre from January 15 to 31.
The show will be a "socially distanced, one-act production" co-starring Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood as the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Birmingham Hippodrome has moved the new panto to the Alexandra on nearby Station Street because it had already replaced Goldilocks with the the Van Gogh Alive experience at its own Hurst Street base.
Matt Slack's fans won't care about that if he's still doing his revered '12 days of Christmas' routine.
PS And if Matt can't do his show because of another lockdown or whatever reason, here's another reason to be cheerful just in case.
Perhaps we'll get a fabled white Christmas this year.
And all be at home able to enjoy it.


birminghammail--2020-12-03--Topshop, Miss Selfridge shoppers hit by gift card warning

Anybody with unspent gift cards at Topshop , Burton , Miss Selfridge , Dorothy Perkins , Evans Outfit and Wallis has been issued with a warning .
Arcadia Group - the parent company of Burton , Dorothy Perkins , Evans , Miss Selfridge , Topshop , and several other high street chains - collapsed on Monday .
And in a warning to customers , the group said gift cards would only be valid against 50 per cent of your total spend .
So if you have a £10 gift card , you can still get the full face value but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or over .
The company told shoppers : `` Gift cards have been temporarily switched off until further notice .
I can confirm you are still able to use gift cards in store , you will only be able to apply 50 per cent of the gift card to your purchase .
`` Apologies for the inconvenience that has been caused . ''
The Arcadia group runs 444 stores in the UK and 22 overseas .
One shopper fumed : `` My gift card isn ’ t working again I ’ ve tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ please message me and respond ! ''
`` Hi , just tried to buy online with a gift card , I get a message that gift card redemption is currently unavailable online .
Why still have the option to pay with a gift card then ?
Are your stores still accepting them ? ''
a second asked on Twitter .
Ian Grabiner , chief of Arcadia , said Monday marks `` an incredibly sad day for all of our colleagues as well as our suppliers and our many other stakeholders '' .

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Anybody with unspent gift cards at Topshop, Burton, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins, Evans Outfit and Wallis has been issued with a warning.
Arcadia Group - the parent company of Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Miss Selfridge, Topshop, and several other high street chains - collapsed on Monday.
And in a warning to customers, the group said gift cards would only be valid against 50 per cent of your total spend.
So if you have a £10 gift card, you can still get the full face value but only if your total purchase is £20 or over.
The company told shoppers: "Gift cards have been temporarily switched off until further notice. I can confirm you are still able to use gift cards in store, you will only be able to apply 50 per cent of the gift card to your purchase.
"Apologies for the inconvenience that has been caused."
The Arcadia group runs 444 stores in the UK and 22 overseas.
One shopper fumed: "My gift card isn’t working again I’ve tried numerous times Topshop!! Can you please message me and respond!"
(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)
"Hi, just tried to buy online with a gift card, I get a message that gift card redemption is currently unavailable online. Why still have the option to pay with a gift card then? Are your stores still accepting them?" a second asked on Twitter.
Ian Grabiner, chief of Arcadia, said Monday marks "an incredibly sad day for all of our colleagues as well as our suppliers and our many other stakeholders".


birminghammail--2020-12-03--Old Snobs nightclub to be turned into 190 studios

The former home of legendary city nightclub Snobs is to be turned into rental-only studios designed to foster community living .
The Beneficial Building , at the corner of Paradise Circus and Suffolk Street Queensway , will be transformed into private serviced accommodation .
Colico Living , an Exeter-based company , is responsible for the concept , which promotes 'co-living ' .
A total of 190 self-contained studios will be created to rent only with their own shower rooms and kitchens alongside communal facilities such as a roof terrace and dining rooms .
Tenancies will be available for three months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in one monthly payment .
Colico Living director Lisa Timberlake told BusinessLive : `` They will be relatively small studios but there will be a lot of amenity and co-working space within the building .
`` I suppose it 's a new way of living and the whole emphasis is on community for young , working people .
`` The reason we 're opting for studios is to encourage the residents to come out and meet others and not be lonely , that 's the whole message behind it .
`` The units @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is more like an apart-hotel complex than standard residential , and that 's how it will be run with a full-time concierge and staff on site all the time .
`` But we do n't want that transient feeling to it , we want people to think of it as their home .
It 's a great location and it 's been derelict for far too long .
We really want to bring that back to life .
`` We 're very excited to be coming to the city and we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Commonwealth Games in 2022 . ''
Beneficial Building , which also once housed HSBC , was home to Snobs for many years but the nightclub moved in 2014 to its current home in nearby Smallbrook Queensway .
Built between 1959 and 1962 , Beneficial was the first pre-cast concrete building in Birmingham but its owners fell into administration in 2008 .
The application site neighbours the long-running £700 million Paradise regeneration project in Chamberlain Square which is creating a mix of offices , hotels and apartments .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Tamlyn Jones, James Rodger)

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The former home of legendary city nightclub Snobs is to be turned into rental-only studios designed to foster community living.
The Beneficial Building, at the corner of Paradise Circus and Suffolk Street Queensway, will be transformed into private serviced accommodation.
Colico Living, an Exeter-based company, is responsible for the concept, which promotes 'co-living'.
A total of 190 self-contained studios will be created to rent only with their own shower rooms and kitchens alongside communal facilities such as a roof terrace and dining rooms.
Tenancies will be available for three months upwards and all bills will be included in one monthly payment.
Colico Living director Lisa Timberlake told BusinessLive : "They will be relatively small studios but there will be a lot of amenity and co-working space within the building.
"I suppose it's a new way of living and the whole emphasis is on community for young, working people.
"The reason we're opting for studios is to encourage the residents to come out and meet others and not be lonely, that's the whole message behind it.
"The units will never be available to buy, it is more like an apart-hotel complex than standard residential, and that's how it will be run with a full-time concierge and staff on site all the time.
"But we don't want that transient feeling to it, we want people to think of it as their home. It's a great location and it's been derelict for far too long. We really want to bring that back to life.
"We're very excited to be coming to the city and we're hopeful of completing this in time for the Commonwealth Games in 2022."
Beneficial Building, which also once housed HSBC, was home to Snobs for many years but the nightclub moved in 2014 to its current home in nearby Smallbrook Queensway.
Built between 1959 and 1962, Beneficial was the first pre-cast concrete building in Birmingham but its owners fell into administration in 2008.
The application site neighbours the long-running £700 million Paradise regeneration project in Chamberlain Square which is creating a mix of offices, hotels and apartments.


birminghammail--2020-12-03--Gilberto touts Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish for Arsenal move

Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva has again named Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish as the missing piece of the jigsaw for his former club .
Grealish had made a huge impact in the Premier League this season and elevated himself into Gareth Southgate 's England squad .
He took his tally to five goals in nine league games with Villa 's equaliser in the 2-1 defeat to West Ham United on Monday and he has also laid on five assists for his teammates .
That combined record places the 25-year-old towards the very top of the rankings for top-flight players so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duo Harry Kane and Heung-min Son having been involved in more goals .
Gilberto previously identified Grealish as the type of player Arsenal are missing after he helped Villa pick the Gunners apart in the 3-0 win at The Emirates in November .
When asked again who Mikel Arteta 's side should target in the absence of ousted playmaker Mesut Ozil , Gilberto told Ladbrokes : “ I like Jack Grealish .
I 've spoken about him a lot .
He has done an amazing job ; he 'd be a good fit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the way he plays , his ability and desire .
He 's got quality , there is no doubt about that .
He has been sensational this season .
“ Good players are not cheap ; this is the reality of football , but they make a huge impact .
“ If the club decided in the future that they wanted to bring in a Jack Grealish , then they know it 's not going to be cheap .
They 'll have to spend big .
“ It 's not easy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; you have to understand the market very well and be at the front of a long list of many , many clubs who are all looking for similar players to improve their squads.
” Grealish signed a new five-year contract at Villa Park in September and is now thought to be valued at least £100million - an asking price which would make him the most expensive British player in history .
Villa are under no pressure to sell their skipper , who joined the club aged six .

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Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva has again named Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish as the missing piece of the jigsaw for his former club.
Grealish had made a huge impact in the Premier League this season and elevated himself into Gareth Southgate's England squad.
He took his tally to five goals in nine league games with Villa's equaliser in the 2-1 defeat to West Ham United on Monday and he has also laid on five assists for his teammates.
That combined record places the 25-year-old towards the very top of the rankings for top-flight players so far this term, with only Tottenham duo Harry Kane and Heung-min Son having been involved in more goals.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Gilberto previously identified Grealish as the type of player Arsenal are missing after he helped Villa pick the Gunners apart in the 3-0 win at The Emirates in November.
When asked again who Mikel Arteta's side should target in the absence of ousted playmaker Mesut Ozil, Gilberto told Ladbrokes: “I like Jack Grealish. I've spoken about him a lot. He has done an amazing job; he'd be a good fit for the team.
“If you see the way he plays, his ability and desire. He's got quality, there is no doubt about that. He has been sensational this season.
“Good players are not cheap; this is the reality of football, but they make a huge impact.
“If the club decided in the future that they wanted to bring in a Jack Grealish, then they know it's not going to be cheap. They'll have to spend big.
“It's not easy to find quality players at a good price; you have to understand the market very well and be at the front of a long list of many, many clubs who are all looking for similar players to improve their squads.”
Grealish signed a new five-year contract at Villa Park in September and is now thought to be valued at least £100million - an asking price which would make him the most expensive British player in history.
Villa are under no pressure to sell their skipper, who joined the club aged six.


birminghammail--2020-12-03--Woman loses home, job and husband after son dies from secret drug habit

A woman lost her husband , house and job after her 'gentle ' son died of a secret drug problem .
Daniel Redman passed away in his university dorm room while studying at Manchester Metropolitan University .
His parents were unaware of his drug taking until they were urgently called to hosptial in 2016 .
The family , from Shropshire , watched on for 72 hours before Daniel was pronounced brain dead .
In the aftermath , mum Marie and Daniel 's dad , split , forcing them to sell the family home .
His mum also stopped working as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported the Mirror .
Following the divorce , Marie took Daniel 's name as her new surname so she would constantly be reminded of her 20-year-old son .
`` We were completely unaware of it , we did n't know anything until the overdose , '' Marie said , adding : `` It was like a hand grenade going off in my life . ''
The only indication Marie had that Daniel , who she described as a `` very gentle boy '' , would get in trouble was his joyful recklessness as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he was 13 , he climbed over the family 's glass conservatory to get into the house having forgotten his key .
Daniel caught glandular fever during his A Levels , which lead him to flunk the exams and spend most of a six-month period in his room .
But when he announced his plan to retake his exams and study economics at university , Marie was overjoyed he was turning his life around .
During his five months at Manchester Met , he made the 80-mile trip home regularly to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change in his appearance or behaviour , '' Marie said .
`` He always took such pride in his appearance , loved expensive designer clothes , always smelled beautiful with his designer fragrances and his stunning auburn hair was always well-styled .
`` He had been home for reading week and returned to the university the day before we received the phone call .
`` I had had my usual chat with him as he lay on his bed the night before .
`` He had looked me straight in the eye and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that he was on the right course and doing well .
`` Less than 24 hours later I was forced to confront the reality that it was all a tissue of lies and make-believe . ''
`` As far as we knew he was fine , '' Marie said .
`` His behaviour had n't changed , he was well dressed and smart , but he kept it very secret from us .
`` It was only through talking to his friends that we found out what was going on .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone .
He had sold everything in his uni room .
`` We also found out he had a £2,000 overdraft . ''
Marie believes Daniel first took drugs at music festivals when he was a teenager but had started using them with increased regularity when he got to university , where ketamine and cocaine were easy to come by .
What began as a social activity ended up with Daniel isolated in his room , his girlfriend later told Marie .
In the weeks leading to his death , he told his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had a habit he could n't tell anyone about .
The day before his overdose Manchester Met emailed Daniel to tell him he 'd been thrown off his course .
At the inquest , his family were told he had died of an accidental overdose of a prescription painkiller , and had a small amount of diazepam and amitriptyline in his system .
`` I have no idea if he knew what he was taking , probably not , '' Marie said .
`` Drugs bought on a street corner do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am staggered we were all so blind to what was happening .
`` There were four adults in our household and none of us had any idea of this secret life .
`` Daniel kept his two lives so separate none of us had any suspicions .
`` You feel like you have been walking around with your eyes closed . ''
`` I had grown up hearing all the propaganda from various governments about how vile drugs were , and I thought it was someone else 's problem , '' she continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go .
We need to make drug use a health issue rather than a criminal justice one .
`` When Daniel died there were seven deaths a day in the UK .
Now there are 12 .
`` People have this stereotype that drug users are in the corner with scars on their arms , but it could happen to anyone 's child .
`` When I was a kid we would drink alcohol and smoke , but now they can get hold of drugs and they 're curious about what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go back to being a nurse and it cost me my marriage , '' she said .
`` My husband could n't accept drugs had killed his child and he used to want to tell people that Daniel had died from a cardiac arrest .
`` He did n't want to mention drugs to people .
`` By lying he could pretend .
I was left with my two sons here who had lost their brother and then their dad .
`` My middle son emigrated to America the same year .
Within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us in the house , now there are two .
`` I had to leave our home where Daniel had grown up , we live in a flat now .
`` My life is unrecognisable .
I work in the same ward where I always did , but as a housekeeper so I make a lot less money . ''
She said : `` I refuse to be ashamed of my son .
I don ’ t want him to be just another statistic .
`` Daniel ’ s life was precious , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was cut short .
`` I came to Anyone 's Child and it was a big relief for me .
I faced the truth I did n't want to face .
`` People said Daniel was unlucky , that he only did it once , but that was n't true .
`` It was quite cathartic facing the truth .
I am doing this for Daniel .
I am doing it for him .
`` I feel proud that he is helping to keep other children 's safe . ''
Health Poverty Action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reform with the UK 's drug laws .
Tess Woolfenden , policy officer at the charity , said : “ Heart-breaking stories like this could be prevented if the UK legally regulated drugs .
`` Over three million people in the UK say they use drugs , but under our current laws it ’ s incredibly difficult to get drugs tested so people can stay safe .
`` Criminalising drugs is an archaic policy that consistently puts more people ’ s health and lives at risk than it saves.
” A Manchester Metropolitan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain with Daniel ’ s family and friends .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Milo Boyd, James Rodger)

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A woman lost her husband, house and job after her 'gentle' son died of a secret drug problem.
Daniel Redman passed away in his university dorm room while studying at Manchester Metropolitan University.
His parents were unaware of his drug taking until they were urgently called to hosptial in 2016.
The family, from Shropshire, watched on for 72 hours before Daniel was pronounced brain dead.
In the aftermath, mum Marie and Daniel's dad, split, forcing them to sell the family home.
His mum also stopped working as a nurse due to her grief, reported the Mirror.
Following the divorce, Marie took Daniel's name as her new surname so she would constantly be reminded of her 20-year-old son.
"We were completely unaware of it, we didn't know anything until the overdose," Marie said, adding: "It was like a hand grenade going off in my life."
(Image: Marie Daniels)
The only indication Marie had that Daniel, who she described as a "very gentle boy", would get in trouble was his joyful recklessness as a child.
On one memorable occasion when he was 13, he climbed over the family's glass conservatory to get into the house having forgotten his key.
Daniel caught glandular fever during his A Levels, which lead him to flunk the exams and spend most of a six-month period in his room.
But when he announced his plan to retake his exams and study economics at university, Marie was overjoyed he was turning his life around.
During his five months at Manchester Met, he made the 80-mile trip home regularly to see his family.
(Image: Marie Daniels)
"We saw no change in his appearance or behaviour," Marie said.
"He always took such pride in his appearance, loved expensive designer clothes, always smelled beautiful with his designer fragrances and his stunning auburn hair was always well-styled.
"He had been home for reading week and returned to the university the day before we received the phone call.
"I had had my usual chat with him as he lay on his bed the night before.
"He had looked me straight in the eye and assured me he was happy in Manchester, that he was on the right course and doing well.
"Less than 24 hours later I was forced to confront the reality that it was all a tissue of lies and make-believe."
(Image: Marie Daniels)
"As far as we knew he was fine," Marie said.
"His behaviour hadn't changed, he was well dressed and smart, but he kept it very secret from us.
"It was only through talking to his friends that we found out what was going on.
"His telly and his games console was gone. He had sold everything in his uni room.
"We also found out he had a £2,000 overdraft."
(Image: Marie Daniels)
Marie believes Daniel first took drugs at music festivals when he was a teenager but had started using them with increased regularity when he got to university, where ketamine and cocaine were easy to come by.
What began as a social activity ended up with Daniel isolated in his room, his girlfriend later told Marie.
In the weeks leading to his death, he told his girlfriend he was a 'mess' and he had a habit he couldn't tell anyone about.
The day before his overdose Manchester Met emailed Daniel to tell him he'd been thrown off his course.
At the inquest, his family were told he had died of an accidental overdose of a prescription painkiller, and had a small amount of diazepam and amitriptyline in his system.
(Image: Marie Daniels)
"I have no idea if he knew what he was taking, probably not," Marie said.
"Drugs bought on a street corner do not come with a label.
"I am staggered we were all so blind to what was happening.
"There were four adults in our household and none of us had any idea of this secret life.
"Daniel kept his two lives so separate none of us had any suspicions.
"You feel like you have been walking around with your eyes closed."
(Image: Marie Daniels)
"I had grown up hearing all the propaganda from various governments about how vile drugs were, and I thought it was someone else's problem," she continued.
"Regulation is the only way to go. We need to make drug use a health issue rather than a criminal justice one.
"When Daniel died there were seven deaths a day in the UK. Now there are 12.
"People have this stereotype that drug users are in the corner with scars on their arms, but it could happen to anyone's child.
"When I was a kid we would drink alcohol and smoke, but now they can get hold of drugs and they're curious about what they do."
(Image: Marie Daniels)
"I couldn't go back to being a nurse and it cost me my marriage," she said.
"My husband couldn't accept drugs had killed his child and he used to want to tell people that Daniel had died from a cardiac arrest.
"He didn't want to mention drugs to people.
"By lying he could pretend. I was left with my two sons here who had lost their brother and then their dad.
"My middle son emigrated to America the same year. Within a year there had been five of us in the house, now there are two.
"I had to leave our home where Daniel had grown up, we live in a flat now.
"My life is unrecognisable. I work in the same ward where I always did, but as a housekeeper so I make a lot less money."
(Image: Marie Daniels)
She said: "I refuse to be ashamed of my son. I don’t want him to be just another statistic.
"Daniel’s life was precious, it had only just begun when it was cut short.
"I came to Anyone's Child and it was a big relief for me. I faced the truth I didn't want to face.
"People said Daniel was unlucky, that he only did it once, but that wasn't true.
"It was quite cathartic facing the truth. I am doing this for Daniel. I am doing it for him.
"I feel proud that he is helping to keep other children's safe."
Health Poverty Action is another organisation which is pushing for reform with the UK's drug laws.
Tess Woolfenden, policy officer at the charity, said: “Heart-breaking stories like this could be prevented if the UK legally regulated drugs.
"Over three million people in the UK say they use drugs, but under our current laws it’s incredibly difficult to get drugs tested so people can stay safe.
"Criminalising drugs is an archaic policy that consistently puts more people’s health and lives at risk than it saves.”
A Manchester Metropolitan University spokesman said: “Our thoughts remain with Daniel’s family and friends.”


birminghammail--2020-12-03--Sarah Harding issues poignant update on cancer battle

Sarah Harding has shared a message of thanks for the `` love and support '' she has received since revealing she has cancer .
The former Girls Aloud and Celebrity Big Brother star , 39 , said in August she had been diagnosed with breast cancer .
She tweeted : `` Hi everyone .
Thank you so much for all the messages of love and support that I 've received since my last post .
`` Everyone has been so kind and reading your comments and DMs has been such a huge source of strength to me .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now but I 'm fighting as hard as I possibly can and being as brave as I know how . ''
Earlier this year , The Girls Aloud star took to Twitter to tell fans she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and that it has since spread to other parts of her body .
She wrote : `` Hi everyone , I hope you are all keeping safe and well during these uncertain times .
`` I ’ ve not posted on here for so long , thank you to everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on me , it really does mean a lot .
`` I feel now is the right time to share what ’ s been going on .
`` There ’ s no easy way to say this and actually it doesn ’ t even feel real writing this , but here goes . ''
She added : `` Earlier this year I was diagnosed with breast cancer and a couple of weeks ago I received the devastating news that the cancer has advanced to other parts of my body .
`` I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am fighting as hard as I possibly can .
I understand this might be shocking to read on social media and that really isn ’ t my intention .
`` But last week it was mentioned online that I had been seen in hospital , so I feel now is the time to let people know what ’ s going on and this is the best way I can think of to do so . ''

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Sarah Harding has shared a message of thanks for the "love and support" she has received since revealing she has cancer.
The former Girls Aloud and Celebrity Big Brother star, 39, said in August she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
She tweeted: "Hi everyone. Thank you so much for all the messages of love and support that I've received since my last post.
"Everyone has been so kind and reading your comments and DMs has been such a huge source of strength to me.
"I can't deny that things are tough right now but I'm fighting as hard as I possibly can and being as brave as I know how."
Earlier this year, The Girls Aloud star took to Twitter to tell fans she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and that it has since spread to other parts of her body.
She wrote: "Hi everyone, I hope you are all keeping safe and well during these uncertain times.
"I’ve not posted on here for so long, thank you to everyone who has reached out to check in on me, it really does mean a lot.
"I feel now is the right time to share what’s been going on.
"There’s no easy way to say this and actually it doesn’t even feel real writing this, but here goes."
She added: "Earlier this year I was diagnosed with breast cancer and a couple of weeks ago I received the devastating news that the cancer has advanced to other parts of my body.
"I’m currently undergoing weekly chemotherapy sessions and I am fighting as hard as I possibly can. I understand this might be shocking to read on social media and that really isn’t my intention.
"But last week it was mentioned online that I had been seen in hospital, so I feel now is the time to let people know what’s going on and this is the best way I can think of to do so."


birminghammail--2020-12-03--Thank you! Hundreds of gifts for #BrumWish campaign in first week

Generous Brummies have dug deep to buy hundreds of toys for homeless kids in the city this Christmas .
But we still need you to dig deep - we need more presents for more needy children still .
The # BrumWish campaign aimed to have all the toys ready in time to deliver for Christmas by December 15 but is on course to hit that target earlier .
They will be opened on Christmas Day by some of the city 's most needy children - those living in B & Bs and hostels on the big day .
It aims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a room with children with nowhere to play or be on their own .
BirminghamLive has donated £1,000 from its charitable cause towards the campaign and thousands more has come in from generous Brummies .
Buy a gift for a homeless child and make a # BrumWish come true Thousands of children in Birmingham face a Christmas without a proper home this year - but there is something you can do .
Our campaign , Grant a Christmas # BrumWish , aims to help buy presents for more than 1,000 youngsters cramped together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in B & Bs , and others who will be in a Women 's Aid refuge .
It is all through an Amazon Wish List - meaning you can personally buy a present that will be delivered before December 25 .
Make sure you set delivery to the # BrumWish Campaign , and we will ensure the presents get to the kids .
If you ca n't get on Amazon , you can donate cash through the Winter Wellbeing VirginMoney page - just make sure to put the word BRUM in the comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the main part of the campaign is an Amazon Wishlist which has seen more than 800 main presents bought so far , including : • 80 art cases for children aged between three and five • 90 Spirographs for children aged between six and 10 Graeme Brown , editor of BirminghamLive and the Birmingham Mail , said soon , we will be collecting together all the cash donated and spending that on gifts too .
He added : `` We have never doubted the generosity of Brummies - but that does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by it .
`` Hundreds of gifts are purchased every day through the Amazon Wishlist - and we have had some very generous cash donations too .
Every day , we wake up and more and more piles up .
`` Thanks to every one who has donated .
Sadly , there is no shortage of needy children in our city , so if people can keep digging deep , it goes to an exceptional cause .
`` The presents are already being delivered . ''

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Generous Brummies have dug deep to buy hundreds of toys for homeless kids in the city this Christmas.
But we still need you to dig deep - we need more presents for more needy children still.
The #BrumWish campaign aimed to have all the toys ready in time to deliver for Christmas by December 15 but is on course to hit that target earlier.
They will be opened on Christmas Day by some of the city's most needy children - those living in B&Bs and hostels on the big day.
It aims to help families who live crammed into a room with children with nowhere to play or be on their own.
BirminghamLive has donated £1,000 from its charitable cause towards the campaign and thousands more has come in from generous Brummies.
But the main part of the campaign is an Amazon Wishlist which has seen more than 800 main presents bought so far, including:
120 sets of building blocks for toddlers
80 art cases for children aged between three and five
90 Spirographs for children aged between six and 10
180 Amazon Fire tablets for over 11s
Graeme Brown, editor of BirminghamLive and the Birmingham Mail, said soon, we will be collecting together all the cash donated and spending that on gifts too.
He added: "We have never doubted the generosity of Brummies - but that doesn't mean we haven't been surprised by it.
"Hundreds of gifts are purchased every day through the Amazon Wishlist - and we have had some very generous cash donations too. Every day, we wake up and more and more piles up.
"Thanks to every one who has donated. Sadly, there is no shortage of needy children in our city, so if people can keep digging deep, it goes to an exceptional cause.
"The presents are already being delivered."


birminghammail--2020-12-03--'Here comes another lockdown' - Fury over huge late-night Primark queue

BirminghamLive readers reacted with anger after huge queues formed outside a Birmingham Primark store as the branch opened around-the-clock .
The snake of customers zig-zagged into the car park at the Fort shopping mall until at least 11pm after the Primark branch marked its return from lockdown by opening for 24 hours straight .
Hundreds of shoppers were in the queue in this image , taken by Joe Islam at around 10.30pm on Wednesday , December 2 .
But other images posted on social media showed the huge throng still in place after 11pm .
BirminghamLive readers have posted their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the scenes .
Kim Leppington posted : `` Here comes another lockdown .
Why can ’ t everyone just stick together .
People are dying to see their love ones people are struggling losing their jobs and so on . ''
Saam Khan said : `` Third wave definitely !
!
!
! ''
Adeeb Rahman said : `` This is mad , so you ca n't go see your nan but you can queue up to shop . ''
Louise Coughlan said : `` What an embarrassment . ''
Julie Marsh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that queue - NOT !
!
As if anyone was that desperate for anything to stand in that ! ''
Karen Cummings said : `` Are they really that desperate for cheap clothes , proberly not gon na wear because no hospitality venues open so not going anywhere . ''
The scenes came after early-morning shoppers waited outside the world 's biggest Primark in Birmingham city centre as it reopened after lockdown at 7am yesterday .
BirminghamLive has contacted Primark and The Fort for a statement .

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BirminghamLive readers reacted with anger after huge queues formed outside a Birmingham Primark store as the branch opened around-the-clock.
The snake of customers zig-zagged into the car park at the Fort shopping mall until at least 11pm after the Primark branch marked its return from lockdown by opening for 24 hours straight.
Hundreds of shoppers were in the queue in this image, taken by Joe Islam at around 10.30pm on Wednesday, December 2.
(Image: Joe Islam)
But other images posted on social media showed the huge throng still in place after 11pm.
BirminghamLive readers have posted their thoughts on Facebook and many are angry by the scenes.
Kim Leppington posted: "Here comes another lockdown. Why can’t everyone just stick together. People are dying to see their love ones people are struggling losing their jobs and so on."
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Saam Khan said: "Third wave definitely!!!!"
Donnie Brasco commented: "Another wave coming."
Adeeb Rahman said: "This is mad, so you can't go see your nan but you can queue up to shop."
Louise Coughlan said: "What an embarrassment."
Julie Marsh posted: "Great social distancing in that queue - NOT!! As if anyone was that desperate for anything to stand in that!"
Jamie Fletcher added: "Ridiculous."
Karen Cummings said: "Are they really that desperate for cheap clothes,proberly not gonna wear because no hospitality venues open so not going anywhere."
The scenes came after early-morning shoppers waited outside the world's biggest Primark in Birmingham city centre as it reopened after lockdown at 7am yesterday.
BirminghamLive has contacted Primark and The Fort for a statement.


birminghammail--2020-12-03--How Albion could be impacted by new transfer rules before window

It ’ s the January transfer window , but not quite as we know it .
As of December 31 , the United Kingdom will be leaving the European Union , and in doing so there ’ ll be ramifications to the forthcoming window that permits football clubs to conduct business , and how exactly they can go about it .
For West Brom , that mightn ’ t mean a whole lot immediately ; they ’ ve not got the biggest of transfer funds to attack the window with , but the new rules will affect their long-term thinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signings .
Make sure you do n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter “ Post Brexit , clubs will not be able to sign players freely from the EU , ” the Football Association outline .
“ Players from EU countries who want to play in the Premier League or EFL will be required to gain a GBE , like all other overseas players without the right to work in the UK.
” It ’ ll be another hurdle that players , clubs and agents will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they youngsters or senior stars , will have to apply and be granted a Governing Body Endorsement ( GBE ) .
The points-based system will take into account international caps at various age groups , the status of the selling club - their league , their position and potential participation in UEFA tournaments - and the domestic appearances that that player has made .
For Albion , that might shape how they plan ahead when it comes to business .
Is homegrown talent the way forward ?
Much must be decided before we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , its transfer policy and how they ’ ll be affected ; for example , we ’ ll need to learn which division they ’ re in from May 2021 .
Should Albion be a Premier League club again , then the transfer pot can be replenished and the target net can be cast further and wider .
They brought in Branislav Ivanovic in this past summer from abroad , and they also worked with Sporting Lisbon and Benfica regarding deals for Matheus Pereira and Filip Krovinovic respectively .
Perhaps to be expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was largely a domestic orientated pond in which Albion dipped into , but as an established top flight club they ’ d have more scope to spread their transfer wings .
In their last spell in the top tier , they brought in experienced stars like Salomon Rondon and Grzegorz Krychowiak who have international caps aplenty .
Krovinovic stands out as the obvious one , instantly .
The Croat , a Slaven Bilic favourite , has returned for a second successive loan spell from Benfica and loves the West Midlands .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the hope that he ’ d be residing there once again this term .
That came to fruition .
You feel that Albion will have to make a decision next summer - there likely won ’ t be a third loan , as Benfica will want to see Albion ’ s end of the bargain met .
Again , much is to be decided and it ’ s expected that Albion won ’ t be in a position to bring the playmaker back permanently if they ’ re a Championship side , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where they CAN do business , then Krovinovic ’ s chances would be strong - he ’ s spent the last two years in England , after all .
Pereira , meanwhile , has the security of a four-year contract and an improved deal is already in the pipeline .
Of course , in the appropriate scenario , such restrictions could work in the favour of those who Albion already have on their books .
As we outlined in our extensive round up earlier this week , Albion have a raft of loanees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other talents shipped in from elsewhere - out trying their hand in a senior environment in the EFL and the National League currently .
Many of those players have had pretty awful luck when it ’ s come to injuries , but others are making strides and , should they continue in the same vein , then it certainly won ’ t hurt their chances of having a look-in back at The Hawthorns in due course .
Goalkeeper Josh Griffiths , 19 , is one to watch .
He ’ s at Cheltenham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopes too for Callum Morton , Rayhaan Tulloch and Owen Windsor , among others .

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It’s the January transfer window, but not quite as we know it.
As of December 31, the United Kingdom will be leaving the European Union, and in doing so there’ll be ramifications to the forthcoming window that permits football clubs to conduct business, and how exactly they can go about it.
For West Brom, that mightn’t mean a whole lot immediately; they’ve not got the biggest of transfer funds to attack the window with, but the new rules will affect their long-term thinking when it comes to overseas targets and signings.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter
“Post Brexit, clubs will not be able to sign players freely from the EU,” the Football Association outline. “Players from EU countries who want to play in the Premier League or EFL will be required to gain a GBE, like all other overseas players without the right to work in the UK.”
It’ll be another hurdle that players, clubs and agents will want to clear; players, be they youngsters or senior stars, will have to apply and be granted a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE).
The points-based system will take into account international caps at various age groups, the status of the selling club - their league, their position and potential participation in UEFA tournaments - and the domestic appearances that that player has made.
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Affecting Albion
For Albion, that might shape how they plan ahead when it comes to business. Is homegrown talent the way forward?
Much must be decided before we see the full picture regarding the club, its transfer policy and how they’ll be affected; for example, we’ll need to learn which division they’re in from May 2021.
Should Albion be a Premier League club again, then the transfer pot can be replenished and the target net can be cast further and wider. They brought in Branislav Ivanovic in this past summer from abroad, and they also worked with Sporting Lisbon and Benfica regarding deals for Matheus Pereira and Filip Krovinovic respectively.
Perhaps to be expected during their spell in the Championship, it was largely a domestic orientated pond in which Albion dipped into, but as an established top flight club they’d have more scope to spread their transfer wings.
In their last spell in the top tier, they brought in experienced stars like Salomon Rondon and Grzegorz Krychowiak who have international caps aplenty.
Any specific players?
Krovinovic stands out as the obvious one, instantly.
The Croat, a Slaven Bilic favourite, has returned for a second successive loan spell from Benfica and loves the West Midlands. He kept his Birmingham apartment over the summer in the hope that he’d be residing there once again this term. That came to fruition.
You feel that Albion will have to make a decision next summer - there likely won’t be a third loan, as Benfica will want to see Albion’s end of the bargain met. Again, much is to be decided and it’s expected that Albion won’t be in a position to bring the playmaker back permanently if they’re a Championship side, but should a situation arise next summer where they CAN do business, then Krovinovic’s chances would be strong - he’s spent the last two years in England, after all.
Pereira, meanwhile, has the security of a four-year contract and an improved deal is already in the pipeline.
Our man at Albion: Joseph Chapman Joseph Chapman is BirminghamLive's dedicated Albion reporter. He's been a supporter of the club his whole life and has been covering the Baggies since 2019, throughout Slaven Bilic's promotion winning season. His aim is to be the voice of the Albion fanbase and discuss the major talking points on a weekly basis - be it transfer related, manager related or match related. If you've got something to do with the Albion that you'd like to get off your chest, or something you'd like to share or have discussed, please feel free to drop him a line via any of the following points of contact... Joe is on Twitter: @ChapmanJ92 You can drop him a message via email at: joseph.chapman@reachplc.com We're also on Facebook: Joseph Chapman BM
Grow your own
Of course, in the appropriate scenario, such restrictions could work in the favour of those who Albion already have on their books.
As we outlined in our extensive round up earlier this week, Albion have a raft of loanees - most of them local lads, other talents shipped in from elsewhere - out trying their hand in a senior environment in the EFL and the National League currently.
Many of those players have had pretty awful luck when it’s come to injuries, but others are making strides and, should they continue in the same vein, then it certainly won’t hurt their chances of having a look-in back at The Hawthorns in due course.
Goalkeeper Josh Griffiths, 19, is one to watch. He’s at Cheltenham Town right now. There are high hopes too for Callum Morton, Rayhaan Tulloch and Owen Windsor, among others.


birminghammail--2020-12-03--The Repair Shop star left in tears over episode which had BBC viewers 'in bits'

The Midland star of hit TV show The Repair Shop was left emotional after a poignant episode which had the nation weeping .
Jay Blades , from Wolverhampton , took to Twitter to have his say after a particularly emotive episode of the favourite on December 2 .
Wednesday saw the popular show return to BBC One , with Jay tweeting afterwards : `` Good morning all , last night ’ s show , like always is all about teamwork would you agree ?
`` I don ’ t know about you but five minutes into the show and my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yours doing ? ''
The episode saw Jay and the team bring four treasured family heirlooms , and the memories they held , back to life .
Jay was left emotional over the story of widow Eve Robinson , from King 's Lynn .
She was hoping goldsmith Richard Talman could rescue a cherished keepsake that represented a love story spanning 30 magical years .
The wedding ring was her husband Keith 's and was designed by Eve herself .
The ring suffered terrible damage when it had to be cut from Keith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eve dreamed of being able to wear it herself , so she could have him with her always .
A fan said : `` What a beautiful job on that wedding ring .
This team never cease to amaze .
They just give people back memories that were so precious .
And yes Jay , the first ten minutes were very tear jerking . ''
`` What a show !
In bits once again .
The gold ring and the lady 's reaction was priceless .
Such talented people bringing joy x '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Good morning young Jay Superb show as per usual ... ... .absolutely fantastic transformations The reactions r priceless '' '' Great as always .
You are such talented and caring people , '' a third agreed .
`` You guy 's keep smashing it !
!
Such fantastic and warm TV .
Thanks for making 2020 a little more bearable , '' another wrote .

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The Midland star of hit TV show The Repair Shop was left emotional after a poignant episode which had the nation weeping.
Jay Blades, from Wolverhampton, took to Twitter to have his say after a particularly emotive episode of the favourite on December 2.
Wednesday saw the popular show return to BBC One, with Jay tweeting afterwards: "Good morning all, last night’s show, like always is all about teamwork would you agree?
"I don’t know about you but five minutes into the show and my bottom lip was going, how was yours doing?"
The episode saw Jay and the team bring four treasured family heirlooms, and the memories they held, back to life.
Jay was left emotional over the story of widow Eve Robinson, from King's Lynn.
She was hoping goldsmith Richard Talman could rescue a cherished keepsake that represented a love story spanning 30 magical years.
The wedding ring was her husband Keith's and was designed by Eve herself.
The ring suffered terrible damage when it had to be cut from Keith’s finger by paramedics, and Eve dreamed of being able to wear it herself, so she could have him with her always.
A fan said: "What a beautiful job on that wedding ring. This team never cease to amaze. They just give people back memories that were so precious. And yes Jay, the first ten minutes were very tear jerking."
"What a show! In bits once again. The gold ring and the lady's reaction was priceless. Such talented people bringing joy x" one wrote.
A second added: "Good morning young Jay Superb show as per usual.......absolutely fantastic transformations The reactions r priceless"
"Great as always. You are such talented and caring people," a third agreed.
"You guy's keep smashing it!! Such fantastic and warm TV. Thanks for making 2020 a little more bearable," another wrote.


birminghammail--2020-12-03--Huge PS5 stock drops at Argos, BT and EE - and more are coming soon

People who have been looking for a PS5 maybe in luck as PS5 stock appears to be dropping at major retailers .
According to consumers , Argos dropped a large amount of PS5 's earlier this morning at 4am but were instantly snapped up while everyone slept .
BT also had a huge amount of stock for customers - but that got snapped up very quickly after it announced the news .
BT 's Twitter said : `` Thanks to all our BT broadband customers who 've ordered a PS5™ .
`` We ’ ve had a huge response from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stock has sold out .
We 're working hard to get more PS5™ consoles and will update you on future stock availability when we can '' Meanwhile , loads of people on Twitter claim Argos dropped its PS5 stock very early this morning and some people lucked out and grabbed a console .
But at the time of writing , there is no stock available .
Some people have been posting their success on Twitter .
Meanwhile EE dropped its PS5 stock this morning as well but that was quickly snapped up by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be coming on December 15 .
EE said on Twitter : `` Thanks to everyone that ordered today and on the 19th .
We are now sold out of our new allocation of # PS5 consoles .
Deliveries are expected by the 15th December .
`` We 'll let you know when your console is on it 's way - so keep an eye out for email and text updates from EE . ''
Sony promised at the end of last month that more stock would be dropping in the coming month and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lucky to grab a console in December .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Chris  Harper)

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People who have been looking for a PS5 maybe in luck as PS5 stock appears to be dropping at major retailers.
According to consumers, Argos dropped a large amount of PS5's earlier this morning at 4am but were instantly snapped up while everyone slept.
BT also had a huge amount of stock for customers - but that got snapped up very quickly after it announced the news.
BT's Twitter said: "Thanks to all our BT broadband customers who've ordered a PS5™.
"We’ve had a huge response from customers buying them from us and our stock has sold out. We're working hard to get more PS5™ consoles and will update you on future stock availability when we can"
Meanwhile, loads of people on Twitter claim Argos dropped its PS5 stock very early this morning and some people lucked out and grabbed a console.
But at the time of writing, there is no stock available.
Some people have been posting their success on Twitter.
Meanwhile EE dropped its PS5 stock this morning as well but that was quickly snapped up by customers - but it said more will be coming on December 15.
EE said on Twitter : "Thanks to everyone that ordered today and on the 19th. We are now sold out of our new allocation of #PS5 consoles. Deliveries are expected by the 15th December.
"We'll let you know when your console is on it's way - so keep an eye out for email and text updates from EE."
Sony promised at the end of last month that more stock would be dropping in the coming month and it appears you might need to be lucky to grab a console in December.


birminghammail--2020-12-03--B&M opens the UK's biggest store - and people really want to go

B & M has opened the UK 's largest store in the country - and fans really want to go visit it .
The discount shop has opened the absolutely massive store in Bournemouth at the home of a former Homebase site .
The store has approximately 79,000 sq ft of space with plenty of goods for B & M fans to shop until they drop .
It has two floors worth of items which may take you a long time to browse .
B & M project manager Andy Daly shared the news on Facebook which went viral on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thousands of comments of people wanting to visit .
The post read : `` Wow what a day , officially opened our biggest store in the business at 79,000sqft .
`` It 's been a pleasure being the project manager on this one and enjoyed working with Anup and his team in Bournemouth .
Thanks to my team and all the area support what a way to finish the year on ! ''
The Bournemouth store appears to show aisles and aisles of bargains for shoppers and people on Facebook really , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` we need to goooo .
look at the size of it '' .
Another person said : `` This is what dreams are made of ! ''
while a third person said : `` Road trip to Bournemouth I think is due '' A fourth added : `` This looks like heaven '' .
Store manager Anup Patel said : “ It was really exciting to welcome customers through the doors this morning , the feedback so far has been fantastic.
” “ A big thank you to the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the store today , we hope that our donation can help them to continue to do the great work they do in supporting the local people .
”

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B&M has opened the UK's largest store in the country - and fans really want to go visit it.
The discount shop has opened the absolutely massive store in Bournemouth at the home of a former Homebase site.
The store has approximately 79,000 sq ft of space with plenty of goods for B&M fans to shop until they drop. It has two floors worth of items which may take you a long time to browse.
B&M project manager Andy Daly shared the news on Facebook which went viral on the social media platform with 2,000 reactions and thousands of comments of people wanting to visit.
The post read: "Wow what a day, officially opened our biggest store in the business at 79,000sqft.
(Image: Andy Daly)
"It's been a pleasure being the project manager on this one and enjoyed working with Anup and his team in Bournemouth. Thanks to my team and all the area support what a way to finish the year on!"
The Bournemouth store appears to show aisles and aisles of bargains for shoppers and people on Facebook really, really want to go.
One person said: "we need to goooo. look at the size of it".
Another person said: "This is what dreams are made of!" while a third person said: "Road trip to Bournemouth I think is due"
(Image: Andy Daly)
A fourth added: "This looks like heaven".
Store manager Anup Patel said: “It was really exciting to welcome customers through the doors this morning, the feedback so far has been fantastic.”
“A big thank you to the team at Bournemouth Foodbank who helped us open the store today, we hope that our donation can help them to continue to do the great work they do in supporting the local people.”


birminghammail--2020-12-03--Shock as former I'm A Celeb favourite now tipped to be evicted before final

Shane Richie , the former Eastenders star and early favourite with Betfair for I 'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here !
two weeks ago , is odds-on favourite at 4/7 to be evicted tonight .
He is set to narrowly miss out on the final three , with Vernon Kay is 5/4 to leave tonight , with Giovanna Fletcher 13/2 and Jordan North is 7/1 .
Having been overtaken by Giovanna in the favourites to win market two days ago , Jordan is now clear 11/10 favourite to be crowned king of the castle ahead of the blogger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and Richie ( 14/1 ) are outsiders to win .
Betfair spokesman Sam Rosbottom said : `` Earlier on in the series , cheeky chappie Shane was neck and neck with Jordan to win , the duo getting a lot of screen time and trial votes .
`` But after a couple of incidents with other campmates and a perception that he hogs the limelight , the betting public 's love of Alfie Moon diminished , causing him to now be 4/7 to leave in fourth place tonight .
`` Meanwhile Jordan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ odds slightly shortening from 6/5 yesterday to 11/10 today - but make no mistake , he is still in a closely fought race with Giovanna , whose odds of 13/8 to win suggest she could cause an upset in tomorrow night 's final . ''

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Shane Richie, the former Eastenders star and early favourite with Betfair for I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! two weeks ago, is odds-on favourite at 4/7 to be evicted tonight.
He is set to narrowly miss out on the final three, with Vernon Kay is 5/4 to leave tonight, with Giovanna Fletcher 13/2 and Jordan North is 7/1.
Having been overtaken by Giovanna in the favourites to win market two days ago, Jordan is now clear 11/10 favourite to be crowned king of the castle ahead of the blogger who is 13/8.
Kay (9/1) and Richie (14/1) are outsiders to win.
Betfair spokesman Sam Rosbottom said: "Earlier on in the series, cheeky chappie Shane was neck and neck with Jordan to win, the duo getting a lot of screen time and trial votes.
"But after a couple of incidents with other campmates and a perception that he hogs the limelight, the betting public's love of Alfie Moon diminished, causing him to now be 4/7 to leave in fourth place tonight.
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
"Meanwhile Jordan is making strides as favourite, his odds slightly shortening from 6/5 yesterday to 11/10 today - but make no mistake, he is still in a closely fought race with Giovanna, whose odds of 13/8 to win suggest she could cause an upset in tomorrow night's final."
Ninth elimination odds from Betfair
Shane Richie: 4/7
Vernon Kay: 5/4
Giovanna Fletcher: 13/2
Jordan North: 7/1
Winner odds from Betfair
Jordan North: 11/10 fav
Giovanna Fletcher: 13/8
Vernon Kay: 9/1
Shane Richie: 14/1


birminghammail--2020-12-03--Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrisons, Aldi all praised over 'brilliant' gesture

Sainsbury 's is set to hand back £410million in tax relief after Tesco said it would too .
The supermarket said it would forgo £410million of rates relief a day after Tesco said it was handing back the tax break too .
And it is a move piling even more pressure on other supermarkets to follow suit .
Sainsbury 's is handing back all the money it got in tax relief from the Government , the huge supermarket chain confirmed in a statement .
`` Having considered this issue , particularly since the announcement of a second national lockdown in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plc has chosen to forgo the business rates relief on Sainsbury 's stores granted by the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations since March , '' Sainsbury 's said in a statement .
Tesco chairman John Allan said : `` We are financially strong enough to be able to return this to the public , and we are conscious of our responsibilities to society .
Aldi , the UK ’ s fifth-largest supermarket , will return the full value of the business rates relief it has received during the pandemic .
Over £100m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government and the Devolved Administrations .
Giles Hurley , Chief Executive Officer at Aldi UK , said : “ Thanks to our amazing colleagues , we have been able to remain open during lockdowns and despite the increased costs we have incurred during the pandemic , we believe returning the full value of our business rates relief is the right decision to help support the nation .
Our continued investment for our colleagues and our customers will remain unchanged.
” The move saw the chains praised by shoppers , who were seriously impressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is the right thing to do , and we hope this will enable additional support to those businesses and communities who need it . ''
`` Tesco , Sainsbury 's and Morrisons have collectively waived around £1.3bn in tax breaks .
Huge gesture , '' one wrote .
`` A very smart move .
If @ Tesco are lucky it will reduce pressure for a windfall tax on companies whose profitability has been boosted by # lockdown , '' a second agreed .
`` Corporate social responsibility comes in many forms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax relief is a welcome recognition of their responsibility to the country not just their shareholders .
Thank you @ Tesco ! ''
a third agreed .

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Sainsbury's is set to hand back £410million in tax relief after Tesco said it would too.
The supermarket said it would forgo £410million of rates relief a day after Tesco said it was handing back the tax break too.
And it is a move piling even more pressure on other supermarkets to follow suit.
Sainsbury's is handing back all the money it got in tax relief from the Government, the huge supermarket chain confirmed in a statement.
"Having considered this issue, particularly since the announcement of a second national lockdown in England, the Board of J Sainsbury plc has chosen to forgo the business rates relief on Sainsbury's stores granted by the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations since March," Sainsbury's said in a statement.
Tesco chairman John Allan said: "We are financially strong enough to be able to return this to the public, and we are conscious of our responsibilities to society.
Aldi, the UK’s fifth-largest supermarket, will return the full value of the business rates relief it has received during the pandemic.
Over £100m will be paid back to the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations.
Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer at Aldi UK, said: “Thanks to our amazing colleagues, we have been able to remain open during lockdowns and despite the increased costs we have incurred during the pandemic, we believe returning the full value of our business rates relief is the right decision to help support the nation. Our continued investment for our colleagues and our customers will remain unchanged.”
The move saw the chains praised by shoppers, who were seriously impressed.
"We firmly believe now that this is the right thing to do, and we hope this will enable additional support to those businesses and communities who need it."
"Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons have collectively waived around £1.3bn in tax breaks. Huge gesture," one wrote.
"A very smart move. If @Tesco are lucky it will reduce pressure for a windfall tax on companies whose profitability has been boosted by #lockdown," a second agreed.
"Corporate social responsibility comes in many forms. This example of @Tesco handing back tax relief is a welcome recognition of their responsibility to the country not just their shareholders. Thank you @Tesco!" a third agreed.
"Brilliant decision," a fourth agreed.


birminghammail--2020-12-03--Joel Matip provides Liverpool injury boost ahead of Wolves clash

Joel Matip has eased Liverpool 's injury concerns ahead of the weekend clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers by telling Jurgen Klopp he is ready to step up with a regular role in the side .
Wolves travel to Anfield for Sunday 's late kick-off hoping to have Romain Saiss available again after he tested positive for coronavirus in November while Raul Jimenez and Jonny Castro Otto are unavailable .
Liverpool have a host of injury problems , not least at centre-back where duo Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are long-term absentees .
Matip has been filling in there alongside midfielder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four Premier League games in 13 months because of a number of injury concerns .
He was also rested for Liverpool 's draw at Brighton last weekend having played twice in four days against Leicester City and Atalanta .
But Matip returned to the starting XI for the Champions League win against Ajax this week and has provided his manager with a much needed-boost on the fitness front .
`` You have to come back and you try to be back stronger , but of course you always need some time to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matip told the Liverpool Echo .
`` I am feeling good now and I am looking forward to playing a lot of games .
`` The fitness and medical departments always try to improve things .
We are working on different things .
`` Sometimes you do n't have that much influence on it , but we are working hard to keep every player as fit as possible .
This includes me and I hope to be playing as much as possible and to stay fit . ''
There 's a quick and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news , views , gossip and opinion .
All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store Goalkeeper Alisson Becker is set to sit out of the clash against Wolves along with midfield duo Thiago and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain .
Klopp also saw James Milner limp off with a hamstring injury in the draw with Brighton , while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Naby Keita have picked up muscular injuries of their own in recent weeks but are close to returning .
Xherdan Shaqiri has also been missing for the Reds due to a muscular injury he sustained on international duty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the first time since he fractured his skull in the 2-1 win away at Arsenal on Sunday while Jonny continues to recover from a knee injury .

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Joel Matip has eased Liverpool's injury concerns ahead of the weekend clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers by telling Jurgen Klopp he is ready to step up with a regular role in the side.
Wolves travel to Anfield for Sunday's late kick-off hoping to have Romain Saiss available again after he tested positive for coronavirus in November while Raul Jimenez and Jonny Castro Otto are unavailable.
Liverpool have a host of injury problems, not least at centre-back where duo Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are long-term absentees.
Matip has been filling in there alongside midfielder Fabinho but the 29-year-old has started just four Premier League games in 13 months because of a number of injury concerns.
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He was also rested for Liverpool's draw at Brighton last weekend having played twice in four days against Leicester City and Atalanta.
But Matip returned to the starting XI for the Champions League win against Ajax this week and has provided his manager with a much needed-boost on the fitness front.
"You have to come back and you try to be back stronger, but of course you always need some time to get back on a good level," Matip told the Liverpool Echo.
"I am feeling good now and I am looking forward to playing a lot of games.
"The fitness and medical departments always try to improve things. We are working on different things.
"Sometimes you don't have that much influence on it, but we are working hard to keep every player as fit as possible. This includes me and I hope to be playing as much as possible and to stay fit."
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker is set to sit out of the clash against Wolves along with midfield duo Thiago and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Klopp also saw James Milner limp off with a hamstring injury in the draw with Brighton, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Naby Keita have picked up muscular injuries of their own in recent weeks but are close to returning.
Xherdan Shaqiri has also been missing for the Reds due to a muscular injury he sustained on international duty with Switzerland.
Wolves are without Jimenez for the first time since he fractured his skull in the 2-1 win away at Arsenal on Sunday while Jonny continues to recover from a knee injury.


birminghammail--2020-12-03--West Ham fans are furious about Jack Grealish as footage emerges

Aston Villa slipped to their fourth defeat in five Premier League matches against West Ham United on Monday night .
Dean Smith 's side were left fuming after a late Ollie Watkins leveller was controversially ruled out for offside by the video assistant referee .
Villa had done more than enough to earn a share of the spoils when Watkins beat his marker Angelo Ogbonna to the ball and finished into the bottom corner to make it 2-2 .
There were nervy looks towards the assistant referee , who kept his flag down .
But the VAR ruled that Watkins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lengthy stoppage to check the replays .
The nature of the offside call - the current 'armpit ' ( T-shirt line ) rule doing for Watkins - sparked an angry response from Villa fans .
Now the dust has settled , West Ham supporters have a complaint of their own over a separate incident involving Villa 's goalscorer on the night , Jack Grealish .
Footage emerged on social media of a coming together between Grealish and Hammers winger Said Benrahma late in the game when Villa were pushing for an equaliser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Traore , Grealish makes a forward run and collides with Benrahma and both players fall to the ground .
West Ham fans were far from impressed and after the footage was shared one said : `` Funny how the Jack Grealish appreciation society are keeping quiet about that . ''
Another added : `` The officiating crew , as a team , were poor .
The assistant should have spotted that , as it was directly in his view . ''
`` It 's the off the ball incident at the bottom right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have missed it , seems very blatant to me , '' posted a fourth supporter .
But Villa fans were having none of it .
`` He 's living in your head .
You won the game , get over it , '' said one .
While another replied : `` Delusional bunch .
Benrahma steps into his path , you expecting him to teleport through him ? ''
A third wrote : `` Just looks like a clash , not even sure Grealish is looking at him ?
Some will try @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Aston Villa slipped to their fourth defeat in five Premier League matches against West Ham United on Monday night.
Dean Smith's side were left fuming after a late Ollie Watkins leveller was controversially ruled out for offside by the video assistant referee.
Villa had done more than enough to earn a share of the spoils when Watkins beat his marker Angelo Ogbonna to the ball and finished into the bottom corner to make it 2-2.
There were nervy looks towards the assistant referee, who kept his flag down. But the VAR ruled that Watkins was in a marginally offside position after a lengthy stoppage to check the replays.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The nature of the offside call - the current 'armpit' (T-shirt line) rule doing for Watkins - sparked an angry response from Villa fans.
Now the dust has settled, West Ham supporters have a complaint of their own over a separate incident involving Villa's goalscorer on the night, Jack Grealish.
Footage emerged on social media of a coming together between Grealish and Hammers winger Said Benrahma late in the game when Villa were pushing for an equaliser.
After playing a pass to Bertrand Traore, Grealish makes a forward run and collides with Benrahma and both players fall to the ground.
West Ham fans were far from impressed and after the footage was shared one said: "Funny how the Jack Grealish appreciation society are keeping quiet about that."
Another added: "The officiating crew, as a team, were poor. The assistant should have spotted that, as it was directly in his view."
"It's the off the ball incident at the bottom right of the screen for those that seem to have missed it, seems very blatant to me," posted a fourth supporter.
But Villa fans were having none of it.
"He's living in your head. You won the game, get over it," said one.
While another replied: "Delusional bunch. Benrahma steps into his path, you expecting him to teleport through him?"
A third wrote: "Just looks like a clash, not even sure Grealish is looking at him? Some will try to make something of nothing."


birminghammail--2020-12-04--Magnet fisher speaks of shock after dragging BOMB out of canal

A magnet fisher has told of the shocking moment he dragged a BOMB out of a Smethwick Canal .
The 28-year-old , who does n't want to be named , had taken on his new hobby just seven months ago , but was yet to discover anything out of the ordinary .
However on Thursday , December 3 , he fished out a strange looking item from the water near to Rabone Lane .
After advice from the magnet fishing community he decided to call the police , who drafted in bomb disposal experts ( EOD ) and shut off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the device .
Speaking to Black Country Live he said : `` I did n't know what it was .
It had a bit of weight to it when I dragged it out and I thought it was bullet at first .
`` I posted it on a magnet fishing page and people told me it looked like an explosive round and to call the police , so I took their advice and called them .
`` It took around 20 minutes for them to arrive and they closed off the towpath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was asked to unhitch my trailer from my bike without moving the bomb .
`` I just need the police to give me back my trailer .
I do n't know what I 'll do if it gets blown up .
`` I 've found quite a few things , but this is the most strangest I have had so far .
That was my first good find and I 'm just in shock really .
`` I 'm shocked that it has gone around so much and has been in the news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' A spokesman for West Midlands Police confirmed the `` unexploded wartime device '' was taken away by the EOD `` early this morning '' .
The cordon was lifted shortly after 8am on Friday , December 4 .

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A magnet fisher has told of the shocking moment he dragged a BOMB out of a Smethwick Canal.
The 28-year-old, who doesn't want to be named, had taken on his new hobby just seven months ago, but was yet to discover anything out of the ordinary.
However on Thursday, December 3, he fished out a strange looking item from the water near to Rabone Lane.
After advice from the magnet fishing community he decided to call the police, who drafted in bomb disposal experts (EOD) and shut off a nearby road in order to dispose of the device.
Speaking to Black Country Live he said: "I didn't know what it was. It had a bit of weight to it when I dragged it out and I thought it was bullet at first.
"I posted it on a magnet fishing page and people told me it looked like an explosive round and to call the police, so I took their advice and called them.
(Image: Hand out)
"It took around 20 minutes for them to arrive and they closed off the towpath and called the bomb squad. I was asked to unhitch my trailer from my bike without moving the bomb.
"I just need the police to give me back my trailer. I don't know what I'll do if it gets blown up.
"I've found quite a few things, but this is the most strangest I have had so far. That was my first good find and I'm just in shock really.
"I'm shocked that it has gone around so much and has been in the news. It was a crazy day."
A spokesman for West Midlands Police confirmed the "unexploded wartime device" was taken away by the EOD "early this morning".
The cordon was lifted shortly after 8am on Friday, December 4.