birminghammail--2020-11-10--Our verdict on Birmingham City's early progress under Aitor Karanka

Birmingham City are at , roughly , the quarter mark of their season as yet again the Blue wheel goes through a process of reinvention .
For the fifth season in a row Blues start the season with a different man at the helm , this time former Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest boss Aitor Karanka .
Where Harry Redknapp , Garry Monk and Pep Clotet went before him , Karanka is charged with bringing some normality and stability to the hottest of seats and to ensure that this fresh start is the last for a long time .
So what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Has there been progress ?
Blues reporter Brian Dick tries to find an answer .
Here ’ s a look at how Karanka compares to the previous four incumbents in the Trillion Trophy Asia era .
The first thing that leaps out of the statistics is just how many circles Blues have gone in since sacking Gary Rowett - they were three points off third when they took that bizarre decision in December 2016 .
Anyway , I ’ m over it , honestly .
Karanka is down on last season ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - which included some scintillating football under Pep Clotet , particularly as Middlesbrough were played off the park in the heaviest 2-1 victory in living memory .
Also Jude Bellingham had burst on to the scene in victories over Stoke and Charlton but in that time defeats to Nottingham Forest and Swansea felt like absolute thrashings , much worse than the 3-0 scoreline , while the 1-0 reverse at Wigan wasn ’ t a good watch as Lee Camp dropped a clanger .
Blues seemed to be boom or bust for most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the line is far flatter under Karanka , which is probably a good thing .
However , having scored only nine goals so far every match has felt like an arm wrestle with little margin for error .
So it depends how you like your football matches , thrills and spills or games of chess .
The major point in Karanka ’ s favour is his work at Middlesbrough which showed him capable of a methodical rebuild and ultimately promotion .
There ’ s a Spanish theme running through this season ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as there was last season , For Fran Villalba read Mikel San Jose .
for Alvaro Gimenez read Ivan Sanchez - both of this year ’ s imports arrive with much more of a track record .
San Jose after ten years and 300 appearances in La Liga , Sanchez as a promotion winner with Elche .
Both have impressed in parts this season - but then so too did Villalba and - at times Gimenez .
It was their failure to respond to adversity that defined their Blues careers as failures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuff , Sanchez ’ s commitment has shone through in the last couple of games when his technicality has been less effective .
That bodes well .
The arrival of Adam Clayton and George Friend has also bolstered the leadership group , while Neil Etheridge looks capable of making the saves beyond Camp and hopefully of replicating his value around the squad but not his eccentricity .
There isn ’ t really much comparison between Bellingham and Jonathan Leko , other than a rich reservoir of potential .
Leko and Scott Hogan will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat as Karanka ’ s methods unfold and overall the squad feels stronger .
By way of quick contrast , here are the two teams from last year ’ s 11th game - and this .
The contrast in the respective benches is stark .
A huge issue - and one not really apparent in results yet , is that Karanka has way more autonomy than Pep Clotet was ever afforded , it ’ s very much his name above the door and his project .
Clotet would clearly have had opinions about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and interference from those above him , it was no way to work .
This season , though , Xuandong Ren ’ s Twitter quip about banning himself from the training ground was not without a grain of significance .
Make no mistake Karanka is the one calling the shots around the first team and the club is better off for that .
The arrival of Friend , Clayton , Etheridge and San Jose has infused the squad with experience and is less reliant on taking punts on academy players .
Indeed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in defence and midfield - and more ways to score goals .
It is certainly far less reliant on Lukas Jutkiewicz who was negligently under-supported 12 months ago .
Clearly Bellingham is a generational talent and the fact he can now hold his own in the Bundesliga and Champions League means he would be an absolute sensation if he were still at Blues .
That ’ s pie-in-the-sky , though .
He ’ d be a caged bird at this level and if there is a regret it ’ s that Blues were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talent demands .
His transfer fee has been a lifeline though .
Perhaps way more relevant is the absence of supporters .
There have been times this season , in second halves particularly , when Blues have looked like a team in need of energising - St Andrew ’ s is well-capable of doing that , administering the required kick-up-the-backside or delivering a much-needed infusion of defiance .
And as mentioned above , there were times when Clotet ’ s team moved and ran off the ball with remarkable imagination and verve .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspired flash so far - but not the same degree of élan .
There ’ s definitely been some progress and I ’ d be very wary of taking an 11-game sample and saying ‘ We had more points last season ’ .
There feels as though there ’ s more stability on the pitch and more autonomy off it .
The noises coming out of the dressing room remain very positive with a high-degree of buy-in , which is important in a group of players who have seen and experienced plenty since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the likes of Reading and Bristol City make flying starts under their new management , while Blues remain marooned in lower-mid-table , yet their progress will also be best measured over a 46 game season .
There ’ s plenty of work to do if Karanka is going to repeat his steady and upwardly mobile management of Middlesbrough - which put them in the Premier League - but so far there aren ’ t very many red flags to suggest it can ’ t be repeated here .
Eleven games ?
Ask again @ @ @ @

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Birmingham City are at, roughly, the quarter mark of their season as yet again the Blue wheel goes through a process of reinvention.
For the fifth season in a row Blues start the season with a different man at the helm, this time former Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest boss Aitor Karanka.
Where Harry Redknapp, Garry Monk and Pep Clotet went before him, Karanka is charged with bringing some normality and stability to the hottest of seats and to ensure that this fresh start is the last for a long time.
So what have we made of it so far? Has there been progress? Blues reporter Brian Dick tries to find an answer.
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The league table after 11 games
Here’s a look at how Karanka compares to the previous four incumbents in the Trillion Trophy Asia era.
Aitor Karanka
Position: 17th P11 W3 D4 L4 GF9 GA11 Diff-2 PTS 13
Pep Clotet
Position: 12th P11 W5 D1 L5 GF11 GA14 Diff-3 PTS 16
Garry Monk
Position: 18th P11 W1 D8 L2 GF10 GA11 Diff-1 PTS 11
Harry Redknapp/Lee Carsley
Position: 22nd P11 W2 D2 L7 GF7 GA19 Diff-12 PTS 8
Gary Rowett
Position: 6th P11 W5 D5 L1 GF14 GA9 Diff 5 PTS 20
The first thing that leaps out of the statistics is just how many circles Blues have gone in since sacking Gary Rowett - they were three points off third when they took that bizarre decision in December 2016.
Anyway, I’m over it, honestly. Karanka is down on last season’s points, goals and wins return - which included some scintillating football under Pep Clotet, particularly as Middlesbrough were played off the park in the heaviest 2-1 victory in living memory.
Also Jude Bellingham had burst on to the scene in victories over Stoke and Charlton but in that time defeats to Nottingham Forest and Swansea felt like absolute thrashings, much worse than the 3-0 scoreline, while the 1-0 reverse at Wigan wasn’t a good watch as Lee Camp dropped a clanger.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
Blues seemed to be boom or bust for most of Clotet’s time in charge - the line is far flatter under Karanka, which is probably a good thing.
However, having scored only nine goals so far every match has felt like an arm wrestle with little margin for error.
So it depends how you like your football matches, thrills and spills or games of chess. The major point in Karanka’s favour is his work at Middlesbrough which showed him capable of a methodical rebuild and ultimately promotion.
The squad
There’s a Spanish theme running through this season’s squad - and coaching staff, just as there was last season,
For Fran Villalba read Mikel San Jose. for Alvaro Gimenez read Ivan Sanchez - both of this year’s imports arrive with much more of a track record.
San Jose after ten years and 300 appearances in La Liga, Sanchez as a promotion winner with Elche.
Both have impressed in parts this season - but then so too did Villalba and - at times Gimenez. It was their failure to respond to adversity that defined their Blues careers as failures.
Clearly San Jose is made of sterner stuff, Sanchez’s commitment has shone through in the last couple of games when his technicality has been less effective. That bodes well.
The arrival of Adam Clayton and George Friend has also bolstered the leadership group, while Neil Etheridge looks capable of making the saves beyond Camp and hopefully of replicating his value around the squad but not his eccentricity.
There isn’t really much comparison between Bellingham and Jonathan Leko, other than a rich reservoir of potential.
Leko and Scott Hogan will hopefully give Blues more of a goal threat as Karanka’s methods unfold and overall the squad feels stronger.
By way of quick contrast, here are the two teams from last year’s 11th game - and this. The contrast in the respective benches is stark.
Blues 2 Middlesbrough 1
BLUES (4-4-2): Camp; Colin, Roberts, Dean, Pedersen; Crowley, Bellingham, Sunjic, Villalba; Jutkiewicz, Gimenez. Subs: Stockdale, Harding, Clarke-Salter, Maghoma, Gardner, Davis, Bailey
Blues 1 Bournemouth 3
BLUES (3-5-2): Etheridge, Roberts, San Jose, Dean; Colin, Kieftenbeld, McGree, Gardner, Boyd-Munce; Jutkiewicz, Hogan. Subs: Prieto, Dacres-Cogley, Leko, Sanchez, Toral, Davis, Bela
Better this year
A huge issue - and one not really apparent in results yet, is that Karanka has way more autonomy than Pep Clotet was ever afforded, it’s very much his name above the door and his project.
Clotet would clearly have had opinions about transfer targets but was subjected to intrusion and interference from those above him, it was no way to work.
This season, though, Xuandong Ren’s Twitter quip about banning himself from the training ground was not without a grain of significance.
Make no mistake Karanka is the one calling the shots around the first team and the club is better off for that.
The arrival of Friend, Clayton, Etheridge and San Jose has infused the squad with experience and is less reliant on taking punts on academy players.
Indeed the squad looks deeper, with more options in defence and midfield - and more ways to score goals. It is certainly far less reliant on Lukas Jutkiewicz who was negligently under-supported 12 months ago.
Better last year
Clearly Bellingham is a generational talent and the fact he can now hold his own in the Bundesliga and Champions League means he would be an absolute sensation if he were still at Blues.
That’s pie-in-the-sky, though. He’d be a caged bird at this level and if there is a regret it’s that Blues were unable to give him the platform his talent demands. His transfer fee has been a lifeline though.
Perhaps way more relevant is the absence of supporters. There have been times this season, in second halves particularly, when Blues have looked like a team in need of energising - St Andrew’s is well-capable of doing that, administering the required kick-up-the-backside or delivering a much-needed infusion of defiance.
And as mentioned above, there were times when Clotet’s team moved and ran off the ball with remarkable imagination and verve. We have seen the odd Jeremie Bela inspired flash so far - but not the same degree of élan.
Overall
There’s definitely been some progress and I’d be very wary of taking an 11-game sample and saying ‘We had more points last season’. There feels as though there’s more stability on the pitch and more autonomy off it.
The noises coming out of the dressing room remain very positive with a high-degree of buy-in, which is important in a group of players who have seen and experienced plenty since 2017.
It is frustrating to see the likes of Reading and Bristol City make flying starts under their new management, while Blues remain marooned in lower-mid-table, yet their progress will also be best measured over a 46 game season.
There’s plenty of work to do if Karanka is going to repeat his steady and upwardly mobile management of Middlesbrough - which put them in the Premier League - but so far there aren’t very many red flags to suggest it can’t be repeated here.
Eleven games? Ask again in 111 games.


birminghammail--2020-11-10--Arsenal defender Gabriel sends message after 'sad' Villa hammering

Aston Villa returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 3-0 mauling of Arsenal on Sunday night .
Dean Smith 's side dominated the Gunners to record their first victory at The Emirates since 2013 , when a Christian Benteke brace helped Villa on their way to three points .
This time it was record-signing Ollie Watkins who struck twice after Bukayo Saka 's own goal had broken the deadlock .
Arsenal were on the back foot from the first minute , when John McGinn saw a goal ruled out for offside against Ross Barkley following a VAR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pressure and took the lead when Trezeguet forced Saka into an own goal from Matt Targett 's cross just before half-time .
The visitors , who came into the game on the back of back-to-back defeats to Leeds and Southampton , doubled their advantage when Watkins made no mistake with a header from a Barkley cross on 72 minutes .
The striker scored again soon after , firing through the legs of Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno after being put through on goal by Jack Grealish .
Arsenal were aiming for a fourth-straight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Europa League on Thursday night .
But they managed just two shots on targets to Villa 's six and could n't cope with the fast , direct counter-attacks led by Grealish and Barkley .
Defender Gabriel took to Instagram on Monday to reflect on what he called a 'very sad ' evening .
`` Very sad about yesterday ’ s result , '' Gabriel wrote .
`` But it will not affect us , we will work hard to improve in all aspects ! ''
Villa are just three points off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going into the international break .
Boss Smith said : `` It 's up there with the Liverpool one [ 7-2 ] earlier in the season , if not better because we just looked so composed and played with such an intensity with and without the ball .
`` We were a threat whenever we went forward and worked extremely hard to restrict them to play around us rather than through us .
It was a really , really top performance . ''

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Aston Villa returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 3-0 mauling of Arsenal on Sunday night.
Dean Smith's side dominated the Gunners to record their first victory at The Emirates since 2013, when a Christian Benteke brace helped Villa on their way to three points.
This time it was record-signing Ollie Watkins who struck twice after Bukayo Saka's own goal had broken the deadlock.
Arsenal were on the back foot from the first minute, when John McGinn saw a goal ruled out for offside against Ross Barkley following a VAR check.
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Villa continued to pile on the pressure and took the lead when Trezeguet forced Saka into an own goal from Matt Targett's cross just before half-time.
The visitors, who came into the game on the back of back-to-back defeats to Leeds and Southampton, doubled their advantage when Watkins made no mistake with a header from a Barkley cross on 72 minutes.
The striker scored again soon after, firing through the legs of Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno after being put through on goal by Jack Grealish.
Arsenal were aiming for a fourth-straight win in all competitions after beating Dundalk in the Europa League on Thursday night.
But they managed just two shots on targets to Villa's six and couldn't cope with the fast, direct counter-attacks led by Grealish and Barkley.
Defender Gabriel took to Instagram on Monday to reflect on what he called a 'very sad' evening.
"Very sad about yesterday’s result," Gabriel wrote. "But it will not affect us, we will work hard to improve in all aspects!"
Villa are just three points off top spot with a game in hand going into the international break.
Boss Smith said: "It's up there with the Liverpool one [7-2] earlier in the season, if not better because we just looked so composed and played with such an intensity with and without the ball.
"We were a threat whenever we went forward and worked extremely hard to restrict them to play around us rather than through us. It was a really, really top performance."


birminghammail--2020-11-10--PIP rates 2020/21 - how much you can get and how long a decision takes

Families and individuals whose finances and health are suffering during the coronavirus pandemic are looking for extra cash where they can - and one lifeline may be Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ) .
PIP can be paid on top of Universal Credit without either benefit affecting the amount of the other so it means a substantial boost to welfare support .
But how much can you get ?
PIP is available to those aged between 16 and State Pension age , whether you 're working not .
To be eligible , you must have a health condition or disability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living or getting around ( or both ) for three months .
You also need to expect these difficulties to continue for at least another nine months .
You usually need to have lived in England , Scotland or Wales for at least two of the past three years , and be in one of these countries when you apply .
If you have recently returned from living in an EEA country , you might be able to get PIP sooner .
How much is PIP for 2020/2021 ?
Personal Independence Payment ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , with these rates set to be in place until April 2021 .
Disability benefits such as PIP were not affected by the benefit freeze that kept many welfare payouts stuck at the same level for four years or more .
But it was also included in the 1.7 per cent rise given to social security payouts from April .
PIP is made up of two parts .
Whether you get one or both of these and how much you ’ ll get depends on how severely your condition affects you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 1 , 2020 .
Unlike Universal Credit , PIP has not had a further temporary increase during the coronavirus pandemic If you get PIP and Constant Attendance Allowance , the daily living part of your PIP will be reduced by the amount of Constant Attendance Allowance you get .
It is also worth noting that you can not get PIP and Armed Forces Independence Payment at the same time .
How often is it paid ?
Despite the rates being announced in weekly amounts , PIP is actually paid once a month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for both components , it means you 'll get £605.60 in your account every four weeks .
Your decision letter will tell you : • the date of your first payment • what day of the week you will usually be paid If your payment date is on a bank holiday , you will usually be paid before the bank holiday .
After that you ’ ll continue to get paid as normal .
All benefits , pensions and allowances are paid into your bank , building society or credit union account .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
According to Citizens Advice , making a claim for Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ) can take a long time .
It can often take up to four months from starting the application to getting your money , though if you 're terminally ill your claim will be processed more quickly .
The reason for the long wait is partly because assessments have to be arranged and carried out to see which PIP rate you qualify for .
In addition , some of those on PIP have said they are facing lengthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diverted to deal with the unprecedented demand for Universal Credit .
Citizens Advice says you can complain to the DWP if the delay is unreasonable .
You may be able to claim compensation if the delay is considered unlawful .
But it points out there are no set rules about what is unreasonable or unlawful .
Your first payment for PIP will start from the date you began your claim .
It ca n't be backdated .
There are three stages to your PIP claim : • Calling the DWP to start the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than apply by post .
Advisors fill in a basic PIP1 form which takes about 20 minutes .
• Filling in the detailed PIP claim form they then send you in the post ( there can be a wait of two weeks for this form ) • Having an assessment - most people have to do this but you won ’ t if you ’ re terminally ill. Face-to-face assessments carried out at a meeting with a health professional were suspended when the first lockdown started and are being done by phone or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 2020 also announced that the Government would reduce the frequency of health assessments required for people receiving Personal Independence Payment .
For those whose condition is unlikely to change , the Budget sets a minimum award review length of 18 months .
That means once a payment level is decided , it will stay in place for at least 18 months before a further review is needed to see if it remains the same .
But the DWP has been hoping to restart face-to-face assessments and is also looking at the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't get your payment , call the helpline we 've listed below .
But note you wo n't be able to speak to benefits staff at weekends .
PIP helpline : 0800 121 4433 ( not listed online but confirmed to Birmingham Live by the DWP ) Open Monday to Friday , 8am to 6pm .
All calls are free ( closed on bank holidays ) .
The number for assistance with claims is 0800 917 2222 .

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Families and individuals whose finances and health are suffering during the coronavirus pandemic are looking for extra cash where they can - and one lifeline may be Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
PIP can be paid on top of Universal Credit without either benefit affecting the amount of the other so it means a substantial boost to welfare support. But how much can you get?
PIP is available to those aged between 16 and State Pension age, whether you're working or not.
To be eligible, you must have a health condition or disability where you've had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for three months.
You also need to expect these difficulties to continue for at least another nine months.
You usually need to have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least two of the past three years, and be in one of these countries when you apply. If you have recently returned from living in an EEA country, you might be able to get PIP sooner.
How much is PIP for 2020/2021?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) amounts went up in April 2020, with these rates set to be in place until April 2021.
Disability benefits such as PIP were not affected by the benefit freeze that kept many welfare payouts stuck at the same level for four years or more.
But it was also included in the 1.7 per cent rise given to social security payouts from April.
PIP is made up of two parts. Whether you get one or both of these and how much you’ll get depends on how severely your condition affects you.
These are the new PIP rates from April 1, 2020.
Daily living component
Enhanced - £89.15 (per week)
Standard - £59.70 (per week)
Mobility component
Enhanced - £62.25 (per week)
Standard - £23.60 (per week)
Unlike Universal Credit, PIP has not had a further temporary increase during the coronavirus pandemic
If you get PIP and Constant Attendance Allowance, the daily living part of your PIP will be reduced by the amount of Constant Attendance Allowance you get.
It is also worth noting that you cannot get PIP and Armed Forces Independence Payment at the same time.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
How often is it paid?
Despite the rates being announced in weekly amounts, PIP is actually paid once a month.
So, on the highest rate for both components, it means you'll get £605.60 in your account every four weeks.
Your decision letter will tell you:
the date of your first payment
what day of the week you will usually be paid
If your payment date is on a bank holiday, you will usually be paid before the bank holiday. After that you’ll continue to get paid as normal.
All benefits, pensions and allowances are paid into your bank, building society or credit union account.
How long does a PIP decision take?
According to Citizens Advice, making a claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can take a long time.
It can often take up to four months from starting the application to getting your money, though if you're terminally ill your claim will be processed more quickly.
The reason for the long wait is partly because assessments have to be arranged and carried out to see which PIP rate you qualify for.
In addition, some of those on PIP have said they are facing lengthy waits for money because staff have been diverted to deal with the unprecedented demand for Universal Credit.
Citizens Advice says you can complain to the DWP if the delay is unreasonable. You may be able to claim compensation if the delay is considered unlawful. But it points out there are no set rules about what is unreasonable or unlawful.
Your first payment for PIP will start from the date you began your claim. It can't be backdated.
There are three stages to your PIP claim:
Calling the DWP to start the process - it's quicker to phone than apply by post. Advisors fill in a basic PIP1 form which takes about 20 minutes. Filling in the detailed PIP claim form they then send you in the post (there can be a wait of two weeks for this form) Having an assessment - most people have to do this but you won’t if you’re terminally ill.
Face-to-face assessments carried out at a meeting with a health professional were suspended when the first lockdown started and are being done by phone or on paper instead.
The Budget of March 2020 also announced that the Government would reduce the frequency of health assessments required for people receiving Personal Independence Payment.
For those whose condition is unlikely to change, the Budget sets a minimum award review length of 18 months.
That means once a payment level is decided, it will stay in place for at least 18 months before a further review is needed to see if it remains the same.
But the DWP has been hoping to restart face-to-face assessments and is also looking at the idea of introducing video interviews.
Helpline for PIP
If you don't get your payment, call the helpline we've listed below.
But note you won't be able to speak to benefits staff at weekends.
PIP helpline: 0800 121 4433 (not listed online but confirmed to Birmingham Live by the DWP)
Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. All calls are free (closed on bank holidays).
The number for assistance with claims is 0800 917 2222.


birminghammail--2020-11-10--Tyrone Mings on Barkley, Bellingham, Grealish, Villa & England

Tyrone Mings was on media duty at St George 's Park earlier today prior to England 's upcoming friendly with the Republic of Ireland .
The Aston Villa centre-back - part of a defence that 's kept four clean sheets from seven games this season - spoke at length about his form and chances of breaking into the Three Lions starting XI for next summer 's European Championships .
The 27-year-old was also asked about Ross Barkley not getting a call-up with Gareth Southgate promoting 17-year-old former Birmingham City star Jude Bellingham from the under-21s .
Here 's everything Mings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close friend and Villa and England teammate Jack Grealish : On Ross Barkley not getting called up ... '' Ross is a fantastic player , you know that , and he 's in fantastic form .
I was having a conversation with him prior to meeting up with England and he knows that the form he 's in at the moment I 'm sure will earn him another call-up .
`` He 's been around the setup before , he knows the manager , he knows he can pick up the phone speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoken to him before the squad was announced .
`` Of course , one day I 'd love Ross to be called up and for him to be sitting next to me .
Long may it continue , the form and success we 're showing at Aston Villa will only benefit the English lads that we 've got in the squad .
There 's a few more you can name as well.
`` `` It does n't surprise me .
I get surprised every time I get called up so I 'm not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get called up .
I 've had the opportunity to see him in training over the last couple of days and what a fantastic talent he looks .
`` I know he 's from the blue side of Birmingham but I 've got no problem admitting what a fantastic player and lad he seems for someone who 's achieved so much in his career in such a short space of time .
He seems to be very grounded and very humble .
I would n't say I 'm surprised , no , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it should n't be overshadowed of what should or should n't have happened .
`` I remember my first call up , I was a lot older than him but I remember the feelings I had surrounding that so fair play to him . ''
On his England chances of breaking into Gareth Southgate 's starting XI ... '' If I do n't believe it then nobody will .
I 'm confident , of course .
I 'm also respectful to the players not only who have come before me and have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respectful to the players I 'm competing with .
We have such a wealth of talent .
We 're playing at the highest level and I 'm a small part of that .
`` Every time I come to camp I try to do my best .
I know it sounds a bit cliché but I try to do my best and to make a good impression and , if I 'm selected to play in games , then I 'll try and bring my club form and what I 've done onto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm quietly confident but I 'm also respectful to the competition I 've got .
It 's strange , I feel very much apart of the group .
We have such a great group in terms of welcoming players in , whether you 're Jude Bellingham at 17 or me at 26 when I first came in , you get the same reception and you get welcomed in the exact same way .
It 's important to be feel apart of it .
`` In terms of on the pitch , that sort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is where you can plateau or fall foul of bad form or not constantly improving yourself .
What we have here is a great challenge culture of always trying to improve and find 1-5 per cent to improve not only as players or a team as a culture .
`` There 's not a wealth of games , I think it 's six , before the Euros and it 's important to take every chance you get , on the pitch , around the place , training and with your club .
Everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's dream is to play at a major tournament but my short-term goal is trying to get into the team and cement my place at centre-back . ''
`` His role for England should be not taking anything away from what he is doing at Aston Villa .
He would n't want to take all of the qualities that we 're showing with Aston Villa , and the strengths we have on the pitch are what get us into the camp .
The England manager wo n't change that too much .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has with ball carrying and his ability to drive at the opposition and create chances for his teammates and strikers .
I see Jack day in , day out .
He 's a phenomenal talent , I really do .
The more you see him , fortunately I see him every day , the more you appreciate how good he is .
`` So , long may it continue for us playing together at Aston Villa and for us to get as many caps with England together . ''

Tyrone Mings was on media duty at St George's Park earlier today prior to England's upcoming friendly with the Republic of Ireland.
The Aston Villa centre-back - part of a defence that's kept four clean sheets from seven games this season - spoke at length about his form and chances of breaking into the Three Lions starting XI for next summer's European Championships.
The 27-year-old was also asked about Ross Barkley not getting a call-up with Gareth Southgate promoting 17-year-old former Birmingham City star Jude Bellingham from the under-21s.
Here's everything Mings said, including a glowing tribute to close friend and Villa and England teammate Jack Grealish:
On Ross Barkley not getting called up...
"Ross is a fantastic player, you know that, and he's in fantastic form. I was having a conversation with him prior to meeting up with England and he knows that the form he's in at the moment I'm sure will earn him another call-up.
"He's been around the setup before, he knows the manager, he knows he can pick up the phone speak to him and the manager would have spoken to him before the squad was announced.
"Of course, one day I'd love Ross to be called up and for him to be sitting next to me. Long may it continue, the form and success we're showing at Aston Villa will only benefit the English lads that we've got in the squad. There's a few more you can name as well. "
On Jude Bellingham's shock inclusion...
"It doesn't surprise me. I get surprised every time I get called up so I'm not sitting here surprised every time different people get called up. I've had the opportunity to see him in training over the last couple of days and what a fantastic talent he looks.
"I know he's from the blue side of Birmingham but I've got no problem admitting what a fantastic player and lad he seems for someone who's achieved so much in his career in such a short space of time. He seems to be very grounded and very humble. I wouldn't say I'm surprised, no, it's a huge occasion for him and it shouldn't be overshadowed of what should or shouldn't have happened.
"I remember my first call up, I was a lot older than him but I remember the feelings I had surrounding that so fair play to him."
On his England chances of breaking into Gareth Southgate's starting XI...
"If I don't believe it then nobody will. I'm confident, of course. I'm also respectful to the players not only who have come before me and have a lot more caps but I'm also respectful to the players I'm competing with. We have such a wealth of talent. We're playing at the highest level and I'm a small part of that.
"Every time I come to camp I try to do my best. I know it sounds a bit cliché but I try to do my best and to make a good impression and, if I'm selected to play in games, then I'll try and bring my club form and what I've done onto the pitch with England.
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"I'm quietly confident but I'm also respectful to the competition I've got. It's strange, I feel very much apart of the group. We have such a great group in terms of welcoming players in, whether you're Jude Bellingham at 17 or me at 26 when I first came in, you get the same reception and you get welcomed in the exact same way. It's important to be feel apart of it.
"In terms of on the pitch, that sort of complacency of feeling part of it is where you can plateau or fall foul of bad form or not constantly improving yourself. What we have here is a great challenge culture of always trying to improve and find 1-5 per cent to improve not only as players or a team as a culture.
"There's not a wealth of games, I think it's six, before the Euros and it's important to take every chance you get, on the pitch, around the place, training and with your club. Everything will be taken into consideration. Everybody's dream is to play at a major tournament but my short-term goal is trying to get into the team and cement my place at centre-back."
On Jack Grealish's England involvement...
"His role for England should be not taking anything away from what he is doing at Aston Villa. He wouldn't want to take all of the qualities that we're showing with Aston Villa, and the strengths we have on the pitch are what get us into the camp. The England manager won't change that too much.
"It's quite clear the strengths he has with ball carrying and his ability to drive at the opposition and create chances for his teammates and strikers. I see Jack day in, day out. He's a phenomenal talent, I really do. The more you see him, fortunately I see him every day, the more you appreciate how good he is.
"So, long may it continue for us playing together at Aston Villa and for us to get as many caps with England together."


birminghammail--2020-11-10--Two drug dealers jailed after cops watched deal go down

Two drug dealers have been jailed after police watched a street transaction on a Midland street .
Officers stopped and searched Daniel Hepple after observing his involvement in a deal in Glascote , Tamworth , on October 6 .
A second man , Raymond Germaine , was held following a search in Amington , also in Tamworth .
Officers seized 39 wraps of heroin and 48 deals of crack cocaine .
Hepple , 39 , of Amington , pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine , driving while disqualified and without insurance .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 30 , of Fourlands Road , Northfield , pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine and possessing criminal property .
He was jailed for four years two months .
Both were sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on Friday , November 6 .
The arrests were made as part of Staffordshire Police ’ s Operation Disrupt .
Det Insp Tim Boulton , of Staffordshire Police , said : “ We ’ re glad Germaine and Hepple have been sentenced and the drugs will be destroyed .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence and bring offenders before the courts.
” To report crime or drug dealing , contact Staffordshire Police on 101 or via social media , or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 .

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Two drug dealers have been jailed after police watched a street transaction on a Midland street.
Officers stopped and searched Daniel Hepple after observing his involvement in a deal in Glascote, Tamworth, on October 6.
A second man, Raymond Germaine, was held following a search in Amington, also in Tamworth. Officers seized 39 wraps of heroin and 48 deals of crack cocaine.
Hepple, 39, of Amington, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine, driving while disqualified and without insurance. He was jailed for two years.
Germaine, 30, of Fourlands Road, Northfield, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine and possessing criminal property. He was jailed for four years two months.
Both were sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on Friday, November 6.
The arrests were made as part of Staffordshire Police’s Operation Disrupt.
Det Insp Tim Boulton, of Staffordshire Police, said: “We’re glad Germaine and Hepple have been sentenced and the drugs will be destroyed.
“We will continue to work hard, gather intelligence and bring offenders before the courts.”
To report crime or drug dealing, contact Staffordshire Police on 101 or via social media, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.


birminghammail--2020-11-10--Mass testing in Birmingham - more details revealed

Birmingham ’ s director of public health has said a `` significant amount of work '' would be needed before mass testing can be carried out in the city .
Birmingham is one of the authorities which will be included in a new plan involving antigen lateral flow tests for which everyone is encouraged to use .
Health and social care secretary Matt Hancock has announced 10,000 test kits would be issued to Birmingham , one of 50 local authorities to be part of the scheme .
Dr Justin Varney , Birmingham City Council ’ s public health director told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabinet today he got the message from the Government `` late last night '' .
He said : “ This is a new form of test for Covid .
It requires the same uncomfortable swab to the back of your nose or throat .
“ That swab is then given to a trained member of staff who then mixes it with a liquid and introduces it into a small plastic test kit that looks a bit like a pregnancy test .
“ That gives a result in 20 to 25 minutes .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local government .
“ We are getting information through over the last couple of days about what is required to set up testing sites and how they need to be staffed .
“ We do n't yet have any information about the technology that ’ s needed to register people to record results and also this funding requirement of local government to stand up what are quite significant testing facilities .
“ So although I welcome the lateral flow , it won ’ t change anything in the next couple of weeks because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work needed to step this up and move this forward.
” He said it would not be possible to take the test at home and people would need to continue to go to testing sites .
He added there would still be a risk around false positives and negatives .
Referring to the widely reported news the firm Pfizer has a 90 per cent effective vaccine , Dr Varney said : “ It was good news to see that one of the trial vaccines has got through its almost final hurdle in terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said : “ We can see the light at the end of the tunnel but it is a good two to three miles away .
“ The vaccine is going on track but I don ’ t expect us to see mass vaccination until late into the spring next year .
”

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Birmingham’s director of public health has said a "significant amount of work" would be needed before mass testing can be carried out in the city.
Birmingham is one of the authorities which will be included in a new plan involving antigen lateral flow tests for which everyone is encouraged to use.
Health and social care secretary Matt Hancock has announced 10,000 test kits would be issued to Birmingham, one of 50 local authorities to be part of the scheme.
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Dr Justin Varney, Birmingham City Council ’s public health director told a meeting of the council’s cabinet on Tuesday (Nov 10) he got the message from the Government "late last night".
He said: “This is a new form of test for Covid. It requires the same uncomfortable swab to the back of your nose or throat.
“That swab is then given to a trained member of staff who then mixes it with a liquid and introduces it into a small plastic test kit that looks a bit like a pregnancy test.
“That gives a result in 20 to 25 minutes. That technology is now being rolled out to local government.
“We are getting information through over the last couple of days about what is required to set up testing sites and how they need to be staffed.
“We don't yet have any information about the technology that’s needed to register people to record results and also this funding requirement of local government to stand up what are quite significant testing facilities.
“So although I welcome the lateral flow, it won’t change anything in the next couple of weeks because there’s a significant amount of work needed to step this up and move this forward.”
He said it would not be possible to take the test at home and people would need to continue to go to testing sites.
He added there would still be a risk around false positives and negatives.
Referring to the widely reported news the firm Pfizer has a 90 per cent effective vaccine, Dr Varney said: “It was good news to see that one of the trial vaccines has got through its almost final hurdle in terms of being usable and effective.
But he said: “We can see the light at the end of the tunnel but it is a good two to three miles away.
“The vaccine is going on track but I don’t expect us to see mass vaccination until late into the spring next year.”


birminghammail--2020-11-10--Ten worst  Worcestershire coronavirus hotspots as lockdown began

While Worcestershire was in Tier One of the Government ’ s coronavirus alert levels – some areas had rates matching some of the highest seen in the country .
Rates were rising across the county and Redditch , Bromsgrove , Wyre Forest and Worcester each had an area within the county ’ s top 5 worst hit by high Covid-19 positive rates .
Public Health England breaks down rates by smaller MSOA areas – Middle layer Super Output Areas , the most detailed data available .
The figures are based on tests carried out in Public Health England laboratories and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those with a clinical need and health and social care workers .
And swab tests in the wider community ( pillar two processed in other labs ) .
They show the number of positive Covid-19 cases scaled to represent the number of cases per 100,000 people .
Covid-19 case rates in the seven days to November 4 , the final day before lockdown began , saw Hunt End and Feckenham in Redditch have the highest rate per 100,000 population in the county at 530.8 .
Next highest was Hagley in Bromsgrove with 502.7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Wyre Forest with 439.3 , then Webheath in Redditch with 419.5 and fifth highest was Ronkswood & Nunnery Wood in Worcester with 366.4 cases per 100k .
10 worst coronavirus hotspots per 100k in Worcestershire ( as of November 4 ) : 1 .
Hunt End & Feckenham – 530.8 per 100k ( 32 cases , up 25 , +357.1 per cent ) ; 2 .
Hagley – 502.7 per 100k ( 36 cases , up 12 , +50 per cent ) ; 3 .
Wolverley , Cookley & Blakedown – 439.3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 , +122.2 per cent ) ; 4 .
Webheath – 419.5 per 100k ( 30 cases , up 16 , +114.3 per cent ) ; 5 .
Ronkswood & Nunnery Wood – 366.4 per 100k ( 24 cases , up 17 , +242.9 per cent ) ; 6 .
Comberton – 355 cases per 100k ( 30 cases , up 12 , up 66.7 per cent ) ; 7 .
Batchley & Brockhill – 353 per 100k ( 31 , up 16 , +106.7 per cent ) ; 8 .
Bewdley East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 23 cases , up 18 , +360 per cent ) .
9 .
Riverside & Church Hill – 308 per 100k ( 19 cases , up 3 , +18.8 per cent ) ; 10 .
Dodford , Belbroughton & Romsley – 306.4 per 100k ( 23 cases , down 3 , -11.5 per cent ) ; The MSOA map data can be accessed and searched by postcode here .
Hotspot areas by Worcestershire district ( as at November 4 ) : 1 .
Hagley – 502.7 per 100k ( 36 cases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; 2 .
Dodford , Belbroughton & Romsley – 306.4 per 100k ( 23 cases , down 3 , -11.5 per cent ) ; 3 .
Wythall & Gay Hill – 255.6 per 100k ( 16 cases , down 5 , = -23.8 per cent ) .
1 .
Broadheath , Sinton & Alfrick – 203.9 per 100k ( 15 cases , up 6 , +66.7 per cent ) ; 2 .
Abberley , Holt Heath & Hallow – 192.8 per 100k ( 16 cases , up 3 , +23.1 per cent ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & Clifton – 170.8 per 100k ( 14 cases , down 6 , -30 per cent ) .
1 .
Hunt End & Feckenham – 530.8 per 100k ( 32 cases , up 25 , +357.1 per cent ) ; 2 .
Webheath – 419.5 per 100k ( 30 cases , up 16 , +114.3 per cent ) ; 3 .
Batchley & Brockhill – 353 per 100k ( 31 , up 16 , +106.7 per cent ) .
1 .
Ronkswood & Nunnery Wood – 366.4 per 100k ( 24 cases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; 2 .
Barbourne & Rainbow Hill – 257 cases per 100k ( 21 cases , up 6 , +40 per cent ) ; 3 .
St Peters – 240.9 per 100k ( 13 cases , down 3 , -18.7 per cent ) .
1 .
Droitwich Spa Central - 283.8 per 100k ( 17 cases , up 8 , +88.9 per cent ) ; 2 .
Hartlebury & Wychbold – 263 per 100k ( 21 cases , up 2 , +10.5 per cent ) ; 3 .
Fernhill Heath & Ombersley – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up 5 , _38.5 per cent ) .
1 .
Wolverley , Cookley & Blakedown – 439.3 per 100k ( 40 cases , up 22 , +122.2 per cent ) ; 2 .
Comberton – 355 cases per 100k ( 30 cases , up 12 , up 66.7 per cent ) ; 3 .
Bewdley East & Upper Arley – 336.6 per cent ( 23 cases , up 18 , +360 per cent ) .

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While Worcestershire was in Tier One of the Government’s coronavirus alert levels – some areas had rates matching some of the highest seen in the country.
Rates were rising across the county and Redditch, Bromsgrove, Wyre Forest and Worcester each had an area within the county’s top 5 worst hit by high Covid-19 positive rates.
Public Health England breaks down rates by smaller MSOA areas – Middle layer Super Output Areas, the most detailed data available.
The figures are based on tests carried out in Public Health England laboratories and NHS hospitals (pillar one – for those with a clinical need and health and social care workers. And swab tests in the wider community (pillar two processed in other labs). They show the number of positive Covid-19 cases scaled to represent the number of cases per 100,000 people.
Covid-19 case rates in the seven days to November 4, the final day before lockdown began, saw Hunt End and Feckenham in Redditch have the highest rate per 100,000 population in the county at 530.8.
Next highest was Hagley in Bromsgrove with 502.7, then Wolverley, Cookley & Blakedown in Wyre Forest with 439.3, then Webheath in Redditch with 419.5 and fifth highest was Ronkswood & Nunnery Wood in Worcester with 366.4 cases per 100k.
10 worst coronavirus hotspots per 100k in Worcestershire (as of November 4):
1. Hunt End & Feckenham – 530.8 per 100k (32 cases, up 25, +357.1 per cent);
2. Hagley – 502.7 per 100k (36 cases, up 12, +50 per cent);
3. Wolverley, Cookley & Blakedown – 439.3 per 100k (40 cases, up 22, +122.2 per cent);
4. Webheath – 419.5 per 100k (30 cases, up 16, +114.3 per cent);
5. Ronkswood & Nunnery Wood – 366.4 per 100k (24 cases, up 17, +242.9 per cent);
6. Comberton – 355 cases per 100k (30 cases, up 12, up 66.7 per cent);
7. Batchley & Brockhill – 353 per 100k (31, up 16, +106.7 per cent);
8. Bewdley East & Upper Arley – 336.6 per 100k (23 cases, up 18, +360 per cent).
9. Riverside & Church Hill – 308 per 100k (19 cases, up 3, +18.8 per cent);
10. Dodford, Belbroughton & Romsley – 306.4 per 100k (23 cases, down 3, -11.5 per cent);
The MSOA map data can be accessed and searched by postcode here.
Hotspot areas by Worcestershire district (as at November 4):
Bromsgrove (211 per 100k) Covid hotspots
1. Hagley – 502.7 per 100k (36 cases, up 12, +50 per cent);
2. Dodford, Belbroughton & Romsley – 306.4 per 100k (23 cases, down 3, -11.5 per cent);
3. Wythall & Gay Hill – 255.6 per 100k (16 cases, down 5, = -23.8 per cent).
Malvern Hills (93 per 100k) Covid hotspots
1. Broadheath, Sinton & Alfrick – 203.9 per 100k (15 cases, up 6, +66.7 per cent);
2. Abberley, Holt Heath & Hallow – 192.8 per 100k (16 cases, up 3, +23.1 per cent);
3. Tenbury Wells, Mamble & Clifton – 170.8 per 100k (14 cases, down 6, -30 per cent).
Redditch (249 per 100k) Covid hotspots
1. Hunt End & Feckenham – 530.8 per 100k (32 cases, up 25, +357.1 per cent);
2. Webheath – 419.5 per 100k (30 cases, up 16, +114.3 per cent);
3. Batchley & Brockhill – 353 per 100k (31, up 16, +106.7 per cent).
Worcester (214 per 100k) Covid hotspots
1. Ronkswood & Nunnery Wood – 366.4 per 100k (24 cases, up 17, +242.9 per cent);
2. Barbourne & Rainbow Hill – 257 cases per 100k (21 cases, up 6, +40 per cent);
3. St Peters – 240.9 per 100k (13 cases, down 3, -18.7 per cent).
Wychavon (194 per 100k) Covid hotspots
1. Droitwich Spa Central - 283.8 per 100k (17 cases, up 8, +88.9 per cent);
2. Hartlebury & Wychbold – 263 per 100k (21 cases, up 2, +10.5 per cent);
3. Fernhill Heath & Ombersley – 261.4 per 100k (18 cases, up 5, _38.5 per cent).
Wyre Forest (266 per 100k) Covid hotspots
1. Wolverley, Cookley & Blakedown – 439.3 per 100k (40 cases, up 22, +122.2 per cent);
2. Comberton – 355 cases per 100k (30 cases, up 12, up 66.7 per cent);
3. Bewdley East & Upper Arley – 336.6 per cent (23 cases, up 18, +360 per cent).


birminghammail--2020-11-10--Michael Owen sends message to Ross Barkley after Villa 'evidence'

Michael Owen admits Ross Barkley has frustrated him in the past - but believes the midfielder is now back to his best with the help of Aston Villa teammates Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins .
Barkley , 26 , joined Villa on a season-long loan from Chelsea at the end of September and made an instant impact with a debut goal in the incredible 7-2 win against Liverpool .
He followed that up with the winner against Leicester City last month and set up one of Watkins ' goal in the 3-0 mauling of Arsenal on Sunday .
Villa head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now pushing for an England recall more than a year after his most recent appearance for the Three Lions .
Many believe Barkley is yet to fully reach the huge potential he has shown since bursting onto the Premier League scene with Everton almost a decade ago - but Owen thinks that could be changing at Villa .
“ I have to admit he ’ s frustrated me for long periods of time Ross Barkley because you know there ’ s a player there in him , but he ’ s not consistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England striker told Premier League productions ( via HITC ) .
“ He has two great feet , he can strike a ball , he can score goals and see a pass , but I ’ m waiting for it all to click and have been waiting for it for a long time .
“ But wow , on this evidence , it ’ s starting to click .
That front three of him , Grealish and Watkins is good enough to trouble any defence in the Premier League.
” Smith believes Barkley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Yes , he does , '' said the Villa boss .
`` He was obviously a marquee signing for us on loan .
He 's been around a club that are perennial winners .
He wanted game time and to get into the Euro squad .
`` His performances at the moment will certainly be nudging Gareth showing he 's hungry and looking the business at the moment .
I thought he played extremely well . ''

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Michael Owen admits Ross Barkley has frustrated him in the past - but believes the midfielder is now back to his best with the help of Aston Villa teammates Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins.
Barkley, 26, joined Villa on a season-long loan from Chelsea at the end of September and made an instant impact with a debut goal in the incredible 7-2 win against Liverpool.
He followed that up with the winner against Leicester City last month and set up one of Watkins' goal in the 3-0 mauling of Arsenal on Sunday.
Villa head coach Dean Smith says the midfielder is now pushing for an England recall more than a year after his most recent appearance for the Three Lions.
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Many believe Barkley is yet to fully reach the huge potential he has shown since bursting onto the Premier League scene with Everton almost a decade ago - but Owen thinks that could be changing at Villa.
“I have to admit he’s frustrated me for long periods of time Ross Barkley because you know there’s a player there in him, but he’s not consistent enough,” the former Liverpool and England striker told Premier League productions (via HITC).
“He has two great feet, he can strike a ball, he can score goals and see a pass, but I’m waiting for it all to click and have been waiting for it for a long time.
“But wow, on this evidence, it’s starting to click. That front three of him, Grealish and Watkins is good enough to trouble any defence in the Premier League.”
Smith believes Barkley adds a different dimension to his team.
"Yes, he does," said the Villa boss. "He was obviously a marquee signing for us on loan. He's been around a club that are perennial winners. He wanted game time and to get into the Euro squad.
"His performances at the moment will certainly be nudging Gareth showing he's hungry and looking the business at the moment. I thought he played extremely well."


birminghammail--2020-11-10--Girl suffers serious injuried after being struck by car

A girl was rushed to hospital with serious injuries after being struck by a car in Erdington .
Paramedics were called to Church Road after receiving 999 calls at 3.26pm today , Tuesday , November 10 .
The Midlands Air Ambulance was sent to the scene and landed in nearby Rookery Park .
An ambulance , critical care car and paramedic officer was also sent to the scene .
Paramedics treated the girl before she was rushed by ambulance to Birmingham Children 's Hospital .
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said : `` West Midlands Ambulance Service was called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving a car and pedestrian on Church Road in Erdington .
`` We sent the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford , the critical care car , a land ambulance and paramedic officer to the scene .
The first resource was on scene within five minutes of the initial call .
“ Crews arrived to find the pedestrian , a girl , in a serious condition after being in collision with a car .
“ Staff worked quickly to treat the girl for her injuries at the scene before alerting Birmingham Children ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trauma Desk located in the Trust ’ s Emergency Operations Centre .
`` The land ambulance travelled on blue lights and sirens with the critical care paramedic onboard continuing treatment.
” Church Road was blocked in both directions as the incident was dealt with .

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A girl was rushed to hospital with serious injuries after being struck by a car in Erdington.
Paramedics were called to Church Road after receiving 999 calls at 3.26pm today, Tuesday, November 10.
The collision happened near Erdington Aquatics.
The Midlands Air Ambulance was sent to the scene and landed in nearby Rookery Park.
An ambulance, critical care car and paramedic officer was also sent to the scene.
Paramedics treated the girl before she was rushed by ambulance to Birmingham Children's Hospital.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: " West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 3.26pm to reports of an RTC involving a car and pedestrian on Church Road in Erdington.
"We sent the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford, the critical care car, a land ambulance and paramedic officer to the scene. The first resource was on scene within five minutes of the initial call.
“Crews arrived to find the pedestrian, a girl, in a serious condition after being in collision with a car.
“Staff worked quickly to treat the girl for her injuries at the scene before alerting Birmingham Children’s Hospital of their arrival via the Regional Trauma Desk located in the Trust’s Emergency Operations Centre.
"The land ambulance travelled on blue lights and sirens with the critical care paramedic onboard continuing treatment.”
Church Road was blocked in both directions as the incident was dealt with.


birminghammail--2020-11-10--How 26 Hindu organisations have come together for virtual Diwali

Hindu organisations from across the West Midlands are recording their events to keep traditions alive in lockdown .
Diwali is the Indian festival of lights that represents good triumphing over evil .
It is usually celebrated with family gatherings , fireworks and feasts , only this year these traditions will have to be adapted to adhere to social distancing rules .
Hindu organisations from across Birmingham and the West Midlands are working together for the first time to host a virtual event for families to join from home .
Organiser Ashvin Patel , who is chairman of the Hindu Forum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest event on the Hindu calendar and traditionally temples would have their own individual events .
`` This year we have managed to bring together 26 Hindu organisations to help us celebrate while we have to abide by social distancing rules , which is the first time we 've been able to do this .
`` We 've been encouraging video contributions from families and especially young people ahead of our live stream on Zoom .
`` These will feature the reading of scriptures , drama performances and dancing .
We will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Mayor Andy Street . ''
The event will be hosted on Zoom from 7.30pm on November 28 despite Diwali being on November 14 .
Mr Patel explained that this was to be mindful of people celebrating at home with their families and live streams of prayers taking place at the same time during the festival .
`` We also have Shree Ram Mandir open for individual prayer during Diwali , '' he said .
`` We have to promote compliance to social distancing rules , while not letting it get in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to us . ''
For more information on how to take part in the virtual Diwali , email info @ hfwalsall.org.uk

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Hindu organisations from across the West Midlands are recording their events to keep traditions alive in lockdown.
Diwali is the Indian festival of lights that represents good triumphing over evil.
It is usually celebrated with family gatherings, fireworks and feasts, only this year these traditions will have to be adapted to adhere to social distancing rules.
Hindu organisations from across Birmingham and the West Midlands are working together for the first time to host a virtual event for families to join from home.
(Image: Grahame Larter)
Spokesperson Ashvin Patel, who is chairman of the Hindu Forum Walsall, said: "Diwali is the biggest event on the Hindu calendar and traditionally temples would have their own individual events.
"This year we have managed to bring together 26 Hindu organisations to help us celebrate while we have to abide by social distancing rules, which is the first time we've been able to do this.
(Image: Hindu Forum Walsall)
"We've been encouraging video contributions from families and especially young people ahead of our live stream on Zoom.
"These will feature the reading of scriptures, drama performances and dancing. We will also have a video message of support from Mayor Andy Street."
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The event will be hosted on Zoom from 7.30pm on November 28 despite Diwali being on November 14.
Mr Patel explained that this was to be mindful of people celebrating at home with their families and live streams of prayers taking place at the same time during the festival.
"We also have Shree Ram Mandir Walsall open for individual prayer during Diwali," he said.
"We have to promote compliance to social distancing rules, while not letting it get in the way of other things that are important to us."
For more information on how to take part in the virtual Diwali, email info@hfwalsall.org.uk


birminghammail--2020-11-10--Boris Johnson and Joe Biden have first conversation and this is what was said

Boris Johnson has said he has spoken to Joe Biden to congratulate the US president-elect on his victory over Donald Trump .
The Prime Minister spoke to the Democrat on Tuesday amid concerns the pair may not have a smooth relationship because of issues surrounding Brexit .
But Mr Johnson is understood to have spoken to the former vice-president for around 25 minutes on Tuesday afternoon .
`` I just spoke to @ JoeBiden to congratulate him on his election , '' the Prime Minister tweeted .
`` I look forward to strengthening the partnership between our countries and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - from tackling climate change , to promoting democracy and building back better from the pandemic . ''
Downing Street spokesman said : `` In a call this afternoon the Prime Minister warmly congratulated Joe Biden on his election as President of the United States .
`` The Prime Minister also conveyed his congratulations to vice president-elect Kamala Harris on her historic achievement .
`` They discussed the close and longstanding relationship between our countries and committed to building on this partnership in the years ahead , in areas such as trade and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Prime Minister and president-elect also looked forward to working closely together on their shared priorities , from tackling climate change , to promoting democracy , and building back better from the coronavirus pandemic .
`` The Prime Minister invited the president-elect to attend the Cop26 climate change summit that the UK is hosting in Glasgow next year .
They also looked forward to seeing each other in person , including when the UK hosts the G7 summit in 2021 . ''

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Boris Johnson has said he has spoken to Joe Biden to congratulate the US president-elect on his victory over Donald Trump.
The Prime Minister spoke to the Democrat on Tuesday amid concerns the pair may not have a smooth relationship because of issues surrounding Brexit.
But Mr Johnson is understood to have spoken to the former vice-president for around 25 minutes on Tuesday afternoon.
"I just spoke to @JoeBiden to congratulate him on his election," the Prime Minister tweeted.
"I look forward to strengthening the partnership between our countries and to working with him on our shared priorities - from tackling climate change, to promoting democracy and building back better from the pandemic."
Downing Street spokesman said: "In a call this afternoon the Prime Minister warmly congratulated Joe Biden on his election as President of the United States.
"The Prime Minister also conveyed his congratulations to vice president-elect Kamala Harris on her historic achievement.
"They discussed the close and longstanding relationship between our countries and committed to building on this partnership in the years ahead, in areas such as trade and security - including through Nato.
(Image: PA)
"The Prime Minister and president-elect also looked forward to working closely together on their shared priorities, from tackling climate change, to promoting democracy, and building back better from the coronavirus pandemic.
"The Prime Minister invited the president-elect to attend the Cop26 climate change summit that the UK is hosting in Glasgow next year. They also looked forward to seeing each other in person, including when the UK hosts the G7 summit in 2021."


birminghammail--2020-11-10--Almost 2k Sandwell pupils forced to self-isolate after half-term

Nearly 2,000 schoolchildren in Sandwell were self-isolating following the half-term break .
Across the borough , there were 50 schools affected by a positive Covid-19 case between November 2 and 6 .
As a result , 1,987 pupils and 209 staff had to stay at home .
That was a rise in the figures released the week before half-term , which showed 1,502 pupils and 137 staff from 35 schools were self-isolating .
Currently , Great Bridge and Hateley Heath have the highest infection rates in Sandwell .
The latest data showed the borough had 424 cases per 100,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sandwell Council leaders have urged residents to follow government advice and abide by lockdown restrictions after a sharp rise in Covid-19 related deaths were reported across the West Midlands in October .
More than 2,200 people are currently in hospitals across the wider Midlands region , similar to the numbers seen in April .
Sandwell 's deputy leader , Coun Maria Crompton , said : “ Very sadly , we have seen a sharp rise in deaths and we are really worried there will be many more families devastated by this virus “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rise rapidly .
“ Please , follow all the advice and government restrictions to keep yourself , your loved ones and your community safe .
“ We are particularly concerned about high infection rates among people aged 65 plus , who are most at risk of severe illness .
“ Stay at home if you possibly can and , if you must go out , stay two metres away from other people , wash your hands regularly and wear a face covering in enclosed spaces , on public transport and wherever you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone who is following all the rules and advice to help prevent the spread of infection in our community.
” Dr Lisa McNally , director of public health for Sandwell , said the above graph , showing Covid-19 related deaths in the West Midlands , was `` a reminder that this virus can and does kill '' , adding : `` It ’ s no exaggeration to say that going out in some areas is frankly hazardous right now .
“ If you have symptoms , stay at home , book a test @ @ @

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Nearly 2,000 schoolchildren in Sandwell were self-isolating following the half-term break.
Across the borough, there were 50 schools affected by a positive Covid-19 case between November 2 and 6.
As a result, 1,987 pupils and 209 staff had to stay at home.
That was a rise in the figures released the week before half-term, which showed 1,502 pupils and 137 staff from 35 schools were self-isolating.
Currently, Great Bridge and Hateley Heath have the highest infection rates in Sandwell. The latest data showed the borough had 424 cases per 100,000 people - up from 342 last week.
Sandwell Council leaders have urged residents to follow government advice and abide by lockdown restrictions after a sharp rise in Covid-19 related deaths were reported across the West Midlands in October.
More than 2,200 people are currently in hospitals across the wider Midlands region, similar to the numbers seen in April.
Sandwell's deputy leader, Coun Maria Crompton, said: “Very sadly, we have seen a sharp rise in deaths and we are really worried there will be many more families devastated by this virus
“The number of people in hospital continues to rise rapidly.
“Please, follow all the advice and government restrictions to keep yourself, your loved ones and your community safe.
“We are particularly concerned about high infection rates among people aged 65 plus, who are most at risk of severe illness.
“Stay at home if you possibly can and, if you must go out, stay two metres away from other people, wash your hands regularly and wear a face covering in enclosed spaces, on public transport and wherever you are required to.
“We thank everyone who is following all the rules and advice to help prevent the spread of infection in our community.”
(Image: Sandwell Council)
Dr Lisa McNally, director of public health for Sandwell, said the above graph, showing Covid-19 related deaths in the West Midlands, was "a reminder that this virus can and does kill", adding: "It’s no exaggeration to say that going out in some areas is frankly hazardous right now.
“If you have symptoms, stay at home, book a test and self-isolate.
"This can save lives.”


birminghammail--2020-11-10--Dudley Council statement over mass testing coronavirus scheme in town

Dudley Council said its inclusion in the rapid mass-testing programme would be `` critical '' in trying to reduce infections across the West Midlands borough .
Bal Kaur , the council 's director of public health , said : `` These tests can return much quicker results , giving a positive or negative outcome in approximately 30 minutes .
`` Testing is a critical part of helping to control the virus .
`` So being able to test more people , and get results back more quickly , will be critical in the ongoing battle against the coronavirus pandemic in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council officials in Staffordshire , which is among the areas which will be part of the Government-announced roll-out of mass rapid testing , said plans to test residents would be `` finalised '' in the coming days .
In a statement , Staffordshire County Council said local authorities could get `` up to 10,000 tests per week '' for use in high-risk groups in the community .
Dr Johnny McMahon , council cabinet member for health , care and wellbeing , said : `` The Government is looking to expanding testing and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to stop the spread of infection .
`` By widening our offer of testing , we can identify more people who have the virus and need to self-isolate , which in turn stops the spread of infection and reduces the number of cases . ''
Mass coronavirus testing to help detect asymptomatic cases will be rolled out in 67 local authorities in England , the Health Secretary has confirmed .
Matt Hancock told MPs that he had written to directors of public health across the country over providing `` 10 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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Dudley Council said its inclusion in the rapid mass-testing programme would be "critical" in trying to reduce infections across the West Midlands borough.
Bal Kaur, the council's director of public health, said: "These tests can return much quicker results, giving a positive or negative outcome in approximately 30 minutes.
"Testing is a critical part of helping to control the virus.
"So being able to test more people, and get results back more quickly, will be critical in the ongoing battle against the coronavirus pandemic in the borough."
It comes as Council officials in Staffordshire, which is among the areas which will be part of the Government-announced roll-out of mass rapid testing, said plans to test residents would be "finalised" in the coming days.
In a statement, Staffordshire County Council said local authorities could get "up to 10,000 tests per week" for use in high-risk groups in the community.
Dr Johnny McMahon, council cabinet member for health, care and wellbeing, said: "The Government is looking to expanding testing and in Staffordshire we are committed to taking every opportunity to stop the spread of infection.
"By widening our offer of testing, we can identify more people who have the virus and need to self-isolate, which in turn stops the spread of infection and reduces the number of cases."
Mass coronavirus testing to help detect asymptomatic cases will be rolled out in 67 local authorities in England, the Health Secretary has confirmed.
Matt Hancock told MPs that he had written to directors of public health across the country over providing "10% of their population per week" with tests.


birminghammail--2020-11-10--Owners of Pryzm nightclub looking for investors in bid to survive

The company behind Broad Street nightclub Pryzm is urgently looking for investors to keep the business afloat .
The city centre club reopened on Oct 30 only to shut less than a week later due to the latest lockdown .
The impact of Covid 19 has decimated the night-time economy .
Out of seven clubs on the city 's party strip , only Players Bar and Reflex have reopened since the pandemic hit - with extra seating replacing the dancefloors .
The majority of the Deltic Group 's UK wide venues have also remained closed .
A spokeswoman for Deltic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Covid-19 pandemic on the UK 's late-night sector has been well-publicised .
`` Deltic 's board of directors is working with advisers BDO to assess all options available to the company , including the possibility of bringing in new equity partners . ''
Peter Marks , Deltic ’ s chief executive , said the company had started a sale process while it considered other options , including a company voluntary arrangement , according to a report in t he Financial Times .
In the article , Mr Marks said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going and part of that is to see what other capital is out there to get the business through this . ''
Some of Deltic 's clubs have tried to operate within Covid guidelines by re-purposing themselves as bars but Mr Marks said that this was not bringing in anywhere near enough money to sustain the business .
It has already axed 1,000 jobs .
According to the Financial Times , Mr Marks said the group would run out of cash by December if no investment or support came through .
After the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bar on Friday October 30 but was forced the following Thursday ( November 5 ) when the country was plunged into another lockdown .
In England there is currently no specific Government support for the nightclub sector while in Scotland grants of up to £50,000 have been offered to nightclubs if they have been shut since March and have not subsequently reopened as bars .
Mr Marks told the FT that the Government has `` slowly choked us to death , excluded us from every grant going and have now exposed us to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are looking forward to hearing back positively from the government on grants that will help our plight '' .
Pryzm opened on Broad Street in 2016 replacing the former Gatecrasher venue and immediately became a favourite with the city 's large student population .
In its latest Facebook post to confirm the new closure , the club said : `` Hopefully , the latest Government intervention will allow you all to enjoy the festive period with your family , friends and colleagues .
`` Stay safe , the dance floor will return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the very best over the coming weeks . ''
Michael Kill , CEO of the Night Time Industries Association , said the current lockdown could be the `` final nail in the coffin '' for the industry .
Mr Kill said : `` Without immediate and significant Government financial support and an exit strategy , it is not an exaggeration to say that this will be the final nail in the coffin for many night time economy businesses .
And even with support , many viable businesses will be lost . ''
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK student friendly night spots including Atik in Tamworth .

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The company behind Broad Street nightclub Pryzm is urgently looking for investors to keep the business afloat.
The city centre club reopened on Oct 30 only to shut less than a week later due to the latest lockdown.
The impact of Covid 19 has decimated the night-time economy.
Out of seven clubs on the city's party strip, only Players Bar and Reflex have reopened since the pandemic hit - with extra seating replacing the dancefloors.
The majority of the Deltic Group's UK wide venues have also remained closed.
A spokeswoman for Deltic told BirminghamLive: "The unprecedented impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the UK's late-night sector has been well-publicised.
"Deltic's board of directors is working with advisers BDO to assess all options available to the company, including the possibility of bringing in new equity partners.''
Peter Marks, Deltic’s chief executive, said the company had started a sale process while it considered other options, including a company voluntary arrangement, according to a report in t he Financial Times.
In the article, Mr Marks said: "We have to look at every option going and part of that is to see what other capital is out there to get the business through this."
Some of Deltic's clubs have tried to operate within Covid guidelines by re-purposing themselves as bars but Mr Marks said that this was not bringing in anywhere near enough money to sustain the business.
It has already axed 1,000 jobs.
According to the Financial Times, Mr Marks said the group would run out of cash by December if no investment or support came through.
After the March lockdown, Pryzm reopened as a bar on Friday October 30 but was forced the following Thursday (November 5) when the country was plunged into another lockdown.
In England there is currently no specific Government support for the nightclub sector while in Scotland grants of up to £50,000 have been offered to nightclubs if they have been shut since March and have not subsequently reopened as bars.
Mr Marks told the FT that the Government has "slowly choked us to death, excluded us from every grant going and have now exposed us to a few crumbs on the floor so we are looking forward to hearing back positively from the government on grants that will help our plight".
Pryzm opened on Broad Street in 2016 replacing the former Gatecrasher venue and immediately became a favourite with the city's large student population.
In its latest Facebook post to confirm the new closure, the club said: "Hopefully, the latest Government intervention will allow you all to enjoy the festive period with your family, friends and colleagues.
"Stay safe, the dance floor will return and until then we wish you all the very best over the coming weeks."
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said the current lockdown could be the "final nail in the coffin" for the industry.
Mr Kill said: "Without immediate and significant Government financial support and an exit strategy, it is not an exaggeration to say that this will be the final nail in the coffin for many night time economy businesses. And even with support, many viable businesses will be lost."
As well as Pryzm, Deltic operates other UK student friendly night spots including Atik in Tamworth.


birminghammail--2020-11-11--Fabio Silva makes interesting admission after first Wolves goals

Fabio Silva got off the mark in Wolverhampton Wanderers ' colours with a brace for the second string in their victory over Doncaster Rovers in the Papa John 's Trophy on Tuesday .
The £35million striker was given some much-needed minutes with the under-21s at the Keepmoat , with first team colleagues John Ruddy , Ki-Jana Hoever and Marcal also involved .
Silva was decisive with both goals in a 2-1 win for James Collins ' side which saw them advance to the next round of the competition .
“ Today was a very good day because I need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I think the most important thing was to help the team , '' the Portuguese teenager said .
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 - it looks just like this ... And what 's more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 “ That was the most important for me , but the two goals will give me confidence before the next games for the first team .
“ Whether I play here or play for the first team , I have to do my job , I have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and trust in the process to help the team .
“ Today , it was with this team , and in the future it ’ s the first team.
” Silva has been made to wait patiently for first team chances since arriving from FC Porto in September .
The 18-year-old has appeared off the bench in the Premier League on four occasions , with his only start coming against Stoke City in the Carabao Cup .
Nuno Espirito Santo recently admitted Silva has struggled to adapt to the physicality of English football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his first season at Wolves is likely to be one of transition .
“ The Premier League is the most competitive in the world , '' added Silva .
`` I think it ’ s very good for me , with my age , 18-years-old , to play in the Premier League .
I think it ’ s very good and I ’ m very proud to be here .
“ But it ’ s a process , and I think the most important is to work every day , learn with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good things will happen in the future .
“ It ’ s a good challenge and will help me for the future .
I think this year is more to learn , to see more things and learn for the next years to improve my football and improve the things I learn.
” Read Silva 's interview in full on wolves.co.uk HERE

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Fabio Silva got off the mark in Wolverhampton Wanderers' colours with a brace for the second string in their victory over Doncaster Rovers in the Papa John's Trophy on Tuesday.
The £35million striker was given some much-needed minutes with the under-21s at the Keepmoat, with first team colleagues John Ruddy, Ki-Jana Hoever and Marcal also involved.
Silva was decisive with both goals in a 2-1 win for James Collins' side which saw them advance to the next round of the competition.
“Today was a very good day because I need to play and I need to score goals, but I think the most important thing was to help the team," the Portuguese teenager said.
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
“That was the most important for me, but the two goals will give me confidence before the next games for the first team.
“Whether I play here or play for the first team, I have to do my job, I have to do the same; work every day and trust in the process to help the team.
“Today, it was with this team, and in the future it’s the first team.”
Silva has been made to wait patiently for first team chances since arriving from FC Porto in September. The 18-year-old has appeared off the bench in the Premier League on four occasions, with his only start coming against Stoke City in the Carabao Cup.
Nuno Espirito Santo recently admitted Silva has struggled to adapt to the physicality of English football and the young forward has now suggested that his first season at Wolves is likely to be one of transition.
“The Premier League is the most competitive in the world," added Silva. "I think it’s very good for me, with my age, 18-years-old, to play in the Premier League. I think it’s very good and I’m very proud to be here.
“But it’s a process, and I think the most important is to work every day, learn with my teammates, the coach, and good things will happen in the future.
“It’s a good challenge and will help me for the future. I think this year is more to learn, to see more things and learn for the next years to improve my football and improve the things I learn.”
Read Silva's interview in full on wolves.co.uk HERE


birminghammail--2020-11-11--Boy, 15, in critical condition after car crashes into block of flats

A 15-year-old boy is in a critical condition in a Birmingham hospital .
The teenager was flown to Birmingham 's @ @ @ @ @ collided with a block of flats in Northampton .
The boy was in the car @ @ @ @ @ Blackthorn Road , near to the junction of Flintcombe Rise , NorthantsLive reported .
At @ @ @ @ @ 10 , a blue Citroen Saxo travelling in the direction of Cherry Lodge Road , @ @ @ @ @ the carriageway and collided with the building in Hanover Court .
The boy was seriously @ @ @ @ @ a critical condition at Birmingham Children 's Hospital , police say .
Cops are investigating @ @ @ @ @ the vehicle has yet to be established .
Someone was seen running away from the @ @ @ @ @ this person to come forward .
Police say they may be able to assist them @ @ @ @ @ with information or who witnessed this incident is asked to call the Drivewatch Hotline on @ @ @ @ @ is 547 of Tuesday , November 10 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Chris Mallett, James Rodger)

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A 15-year-old boy is in a critical condition in a Birmingham hospital.
The teenager was flown to Birmingham's Children Hospital after a car collided with a block of flats in Northampton.
The boy was in the car when the crash happened in Blackthorn Road, near to the junction of Flintcombe Rise, NorthantsLive reported.
At 10.50pm on Tuesday, November 10, a blue Citroen Saxo travelling in the direction of Cherry Lodge Road, for unknown reasons, left the carriageway and collided with the building in Hanover Court.
The boy was seriously injured and is currently in a critical condition at Birmingham Children's Hospital, police say.
Cops are investigating and say the driver of the vehicle has yet to be established.
Someone was seen running away from the scene and officers are encouraging this person to come forward.
Police say they may be able to assist them with their enquiries.
Anyone with information or who witnessed this incident is asked to call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615 quoting incident number is 547 of Tuesday, November 10.


birminghammail--2020-11-11--A 'completely contactless' Christmas festival is coming to Brum

A Christmas festival with a difference is coming to Birmingham .
The Parking Lot Social promises to bring some festive cheer to the city in a 'completely contactless ' way , enabling families to enjoy drive-in cinema screenings , live panto and a chance to see Father Christmas .
There will be silent discos , festive quizzes and street food markets set to a 'vast inflatable backdrop ' with a 60ft tall rainbow coloured Christmas tree and a giant DJing Santa Claus .
`` If someone had said to us we ’ d be planning a socially distanced drive-in Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we would never have believed them ! ''
said John Kinnersley , chief operating officer at XL Event Lab , the company behind the event .
He added : `` This year has been a huge strain for anyone working in the arts and events industry , so we want to do everything in our power to showcase how we need our comedians , actors , musicians and film-makers now more than ever .
`` This event is designed to give people something fun and light-hearted to look forward to amongst all this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait to see everyone coming together in sprit and celebrating Christmas in style ! ''
The Parking Lot Social is set to take place at Edgbaston Stadium from December 27 to 30 and promises to offer plenty of things to do in a socially distanced way .
And , to ease any customer worries , the team is promising a full refund if additional government restrictions should restrict the event from going ahead .
Those craving a night out can park next to friends and dance at a distance to the ‘ Big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Social Kids featuring family ‘ Christmas car-a-oke ’ , an interactive quiz , a silent disco and Party Bingo hosted by Santa Claus .
Movie-lovers can also choose from a selection of drive-in film favourites including Home Alone , The Greatest Showman and Mamma Mia which will be shown on two giant screens with the sound broadcast straight to cars .
Pre-movie entertainment will include quizzes and DJ sets to get the audience to get everyone in the festive spirit with a few surprises along the way !
• To keep updated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mummies Facebook page .
You can also sign up to our weekly Brummie Mummies email newsletter The Parking Lot pantomime will be a twist on the classic Cinderella story .
A troupe of nine professional actors will restore our faith in Christmas as audiences follow Cinders on her adventures , helped by the Fairy Godmother .
`` An on-site crew will film the action and broadcast the panto from the stage directly onto two 40 foot screens meaning there 's not a bad seat in the house , '' Mr Kinnersley said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Parking Lot Social website here Where and when to visit The Parking Lot Social The tour will visit the following cities :

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A Christmas festival with a difference is coming to Birmingham.
The Parking Lot Social promises to bring some festive cheer to the city in a 'completely contactless' way, enabling families to enjoy drive-in cinema screenings, live panto and a chance to see Father Christmas.
There will be silent discos, festive quizzes and street food markets set to a 'vast inflatable backdrop' with a 60ft tall rainbow coloured Christmas tree and a giant DJing Santa Claus.
"If someone had said to us we’d be planning a socially distanced drive-in Christmas party at the start of 2020, we would never have believed them!" said John Kinnersley, chief operating officer at XL Event Lab, the company behind the event.
He added: "This year has been a huge strain for anyone working in the arts and events industry, so we want to do everything in our power to showcase how we need our comedians, actors, musicians and film-makers now more than ever.
"This event is designed to give people something fun and light-hearted to look forward to amongst all this uncertainty, and we can’t wait to see everyone coming together in sprit and celebrating Christmas in style!"
The Parking Lot Social is set to take place at Edgbaston Stadium from December 27 to 30 and promises to offer plenty of things to do in a socially distanced way.
And, to ease any customer worries, the team is promising a full refund if additional government restrictions should restrict the event from going ahead.
Those craving a night out can park next to friends and dance at a distance to the ‘Big Weekender’ whilst families can take part in Social Kids featuring family ‘Christmas car-a-oke’, an interactive quiz, a silent disco and Party Bingo hosted by Santa Claus.
Movie-lovers can also choose from a selection of drive-in film favourites including Home Alone, The Greatest Showman and Mamma Mia which will be shown on two giant screens with the sound broadcast straight to cars.
Pre-movie entertainment will include quizzes and DJ sets to get the audience to get everyone in the festive spirit with a few surprises along the way!
• To keep updated on family news, like our Brummie Mummies Facebook page. You can also sign up to our weekly Brummie Mummies email newsletter
The Parking Lot pantomime will be a twist on the classic Cinderella story. A troupe of nine professional actors will restore our faith in Christmas as audiences follow Cinders on her adventures, helped by the Fairy Godmother.
"An on-site crew will film the action and broadcast the panto from the stage directly onto two 40 foot screens meaning there's not a bad seat in the house," Mr Kinnersley said.
For tickets and live updates, visit The Parking Lot Social website here
Where and when to visit The Parking Lot Social
The tour will visit the following cities:
• Birmingham, Edgbaston Stadium, 27-30 December
• London, Syon Park Brentford, 2-6 December
• Manchester, Intu Trafford Centre, 2-6 December
• Liverpool, John Lennon International Airport, 9-13 December
• Glamorgan, Sully Sports Club, 9-13 December
• Edinburgh, Dalkeith Country Park, 16-24 December
• Glasgow, Skyport Airport Parking, 16-24 December
• Bristol, Bristol Airport, 27-30 December