birminghammail--2020-06-20--Championship pundits have say on West Brom and Birmingham City draw

Championship pundits have had their say after West Bromwich Albion against Birmingham City ended goalless .
The Championship returned today behind closed doors for the the first time in more than three months .
Promotion chasing Albion took on Blues at the Hawthorns , but neither side could break the deadlock and force a winner .
The result takes Slaven Bilic 's side to the top of the Championship on goal difference ahead of Leeds United , who resume their campaign tomorrow on the road against Cardiff City .
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It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store Pep Clotet 's side meanwhile sit 16th in the table .
And after the game , which was shown live on Sky Sports , pundits covering the fixture gave their reaction , with Gary O'Neil believing that though West Brom have moved a game closer to the end of the campaign and promotion back to the Premier League , he feels the Baggies will be disappointed not to have added a few extra points to their tally .
He said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , West Brom , I know it ’ s their first game back and they ’ re not as fit and sharp as maybe they want to be .
`` But I think with you seeing what they can bring on from the bench , they ’ ll be disappointed that they didn ’ t find a way , especially with that fantastic chance in the very last minute for Kenneth Zohore to rescue the day really and give them a little bit of breathing space .
`` So I think the key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gap as it was , it hasn ’ t got any smaller so there ’ s one more game ticked off , they ’ re one step closer .
`` I think they ’ ll take it but in the back of their mind they ’ ll be a little bit disappointed that they haven ’ t distanced themselves a little bit .
Former Birmingham City striker Clinton Morrison believes the draw is a good point for his former side and was impressed with their performance at the back .
He said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy .
Defensively , I thought they were strong .
Harlee Dean and Jake Clarke-Salter were really strong at the back , in particular ( Wes ) Harding .
`` I think Harding is usually their right-back but he played on the left , he was nice and strong against all of West Brom ’ s wingers and I thought it was a really positive performance from Birmingham .
`` Before the game we were all saying West Brom were the favourites and on paper West Brom with that squad of players , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won the game comfortably but form goes out the window when you ’ re resuming football again , it ’ s so difficult to get up to speed .
`` The game was a bit flat , but credit to Birmingham because it ’ s a good point for Birmingham . ''

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Championship pundits have had their say after West Bromwich Albion against Birmingham City ended goalless.
The Championship returned today behind closed doors for the the first time in more than three months.
Promotion chasing Albion took on Blues at the Hawthorns, but neither side could break the deadlock and force a winner.
The result takes Slaven Bilic's side to the top of the Championship on goal difference ahead of Leeds United, who resume their campaign tomorrow on the road against Cardiff City.
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Pep Clotet's side meanwhile sit 16th in the table.
And after the game, which was shown live on Sky Sports, pundits covering the fixture gave their reaction, with Gary O'Neil believing that though West Brom have moved a game closer to the end of the campaign and promotion back to the Premier League, he feels the Baggies will be disappointed not to have added a few extra points to their tally.
He said: “I think they’ll be disappointed, West Brom, I know it’s their first game back and they’re not as fit and sharp as maybe they want to be.
"But I think with you seeing what they can bring on from the bench, they’ll be disappointed that they didn’t find a way, especially with that fantastic chance in the very last minute for Kenneth Zohore to rescue the day really and give them a little bit of breathing space.
"So I think the key thing is they’ve kept that gap as it was, it hasn’t got any smaller so there’s one more game ticked off, they’re one step closer.
"I think they’ll take it but in the back of their mind they’ll be a little bit disappointed that they haven’t distanced themselves a little bit.
Former Birmingham City striker Clinton Morrison believes the draw is a good point for his former side and was impressed with their performance at the back.
He said: "I think Pep Clotet will be happy. Defensively, I thought they were strong. Harlee Dean and Jake Clarke-Salter were really strong at the back, in particular (Wes) Harding.
"I think Harding is usually their right-back but he played on the left, he was nice and strong against all of West Brom’s wingers and I thought it was a really positive performance from Birmingham.
"Before the game we were all saying West Brom were the favourites and on paper West Brom with that squad of players, they should have probably gone out and won the game comfortably but form goes out the window when you’re resuming football again, it’s so difficult to get up to speed.
"The game was a bit flat, but credit to Birmingham because it’s a good point for Birmingham."


birminghammail--2020-06-20--Pep Clotet on what delighted him most as Blues deny Baggies

Pep Clotet praised Birmingham City ’ s organisation as they frustrated promotion-chasing West Brom on their Championship return .
Deprived of three key players Blues were forced to defend for long periods at The Hawthorns - and do so knowing they had very limited options off a bench that featured four teenagers .
But Blues did just that , denying Albion a shot on target in the first half and keeping them out when the pressure intensified in the second .
“ For the first game that we played after three months and seeing what has happened in Germany and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last thing I wanted was an open game because I think an open game would have given too much advantage to West Brom , ” Clotet said .
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Google Play Store and App Store “ In the build up I was confident Kristian [ Pedersen ] would play – but he couldn ’ t – and in the circumstances we were in I knew it was the right away performance chasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very well organised and tactically superb , trying to avoid them getting too many chances .
I think we had a couple of chances .
“ Overall I think West Brom had a lot of domination when it comes to two thirds of the pitch but I think the two teams were as good as each other when it came to the final third .
“ Possibly we had to work very hard to make sure we take a point here because with the different circumstances of both teams I think we did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took Blues to 48 and while they stayed in 16th place their advantage on the bottom three was cut to seven .
Not that Clotet fears a lack of depth could see his team slip into an unwanted relegation battle .
“ Our mentality doesn ’ t change , we go game by game and try to fight for the three points in every game .
If we don ’ t get the three we want to keep the point we had before .
That was clear today .
“ Then seeing at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points we have .
Of course I hope it is enough , I am sure this game is going to be very beneficial for us because we have another 90 minutes for us under our belts now .
We hope to get some of the lads back from injury .
“ As a coach you work with who you are given and I don ’ t want to think about our situation with depth because that will take our focus off the real thing which is to get the maximum points available .
@

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Pep Clotet praised Birmingham City ’s organisation as they frustrated promotion-chasing West Brom on their Championship return.
Deprived of three key players Blues were forced to defend for long periods at The Hawthorns - and do so knowing they had very limited options off a bench that featured four teenagers.
But Blues did just that, denying Albion a shot on target in the first half and keeping them out when the pressure intensified in the second.
“For the first game that we played after three months and seeing what has happened in Germany and what has happened in Spain, the last thing I wanted was an open game because I think an open game would have given too much advantage to West Brom,” Clotet said.
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“In the build up I was confident Kristian [Pedersen] would play – but he couldn’t – and in the circumstances we were in I knew it was the right away performance chasing that clean sheet.
“We were very well organised and tactically superb, trying to avoid them getting too many chances. I think we had a couple of chances.
“Overall I think West Brom had a lot of domination when it comes to two thirds of the pitch but I think the two teams were as good as each other when it came to the final third.
“Possibly we had to work very hard to make sure we take a point here because with the different circumstances of both teams I think we did a very good game.”
The point took Blues to 48 and while they stayed in 16th place their advantage on the bottom three was cut to seven.
Not that Clotet fears a lack of depth could see his team slip into an unwanted relegation battle.
“Our mentality doesn’t change, we go game by game and try to fight for the three points in every game. If we don’t get the three we want to keep the point we had before. That was clear today.
“Then seeing at the end of the season how many points we have. Of course I hope it is enough, I am sure this game is going to be very beneficial for us because we have another 90 minutes for us under our belts now. We hope to get some of the lads back from injury.
“As a coach you work with who you are given and I don’t want to think about our situation with depth because that will take our focus off the real thing which is to get the maximum points available.”


birminghammail--2020-06-20--'We've got this' - West Brom fans react to Blues point as title chase continues

West Bromwich Albion return to action today , picking up a point at The Hawthorns as Birmingham City made the short trip across the Midlands .
The 0-0 draw saw a match of little opportunity , with Albion misfiring while Blues took their own limited chances rather softly .
While a point was gained over third-place Fulham , the Baggies may now have one eye looking back at Brentford , who stunned Fulham with two late finishes to continue their charge .
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It is always up-to-date with the latest news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Store and App Store The Bees have made automatic promotion a clear goal , and will face Albion on Friday .
Table-toppers Leeds United will play tomorrow , but for now , Albion will prepare for their clash with Brenford .
Here 's what Baggies supporters made of that one ... '' Back to the old stuff . ''
`` We have to understand that you ca n't just walk the ball into the goal .
90 minutes of dominance and we did n't test Camp once . ''
`` Not bad but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up where we left off then .
Dropping points when chasers drop points . ''
`` Does feel like two points dropped .
Wasteful I felt in front of goal and we were lucky not to concede IMO a blatant penalty against us . ''
`` Get Robinson up front and then we can score goals . ''
`` Wasnt for the lack of effort lads . ''
`` A point is a point .
Well done lads , keep your heads up .
We 've got this . ''
`` Striker short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All the creativity but when teams set up to defend there 's no-one with any cutting edge in the box .
Should get more clear-cut opportunities against Brentford , need to take them . ''

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West Bromwich Albion return to action today, picking up a point at The Hawthorns as Birmingham City made the short trip across the Midlands.
The 0-0 draw saw a match of little opportunity, with Albion misfiring while Blues took their own limited chances rather softly.
While a point was gained over third-place Fulham, the Baggies may now have one eye looking back at Brentford, who stunned Fulham with two late finishes to continue their charge.
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The Bees have made automatic promotion a clear goal, and will face Albion on Friday.
Table-toppers Leeds United will play tomorrow, but for now, Albion will prepare for their clash with Brenford.
Here's what Baggies supporters made of that one...
"Back to the old stuff."
"We have to understand that you can't just walk the ball into the goal. 90 minutes of dominance and we didn't test Camp once."
"Not bad but not great lads."
"Pick up where we left off then. Dropping points when chasers drop points."
"Does feel like two points dropped. Wasteful I felt in front of goal and we were lucky not to concede IMO a blatant penalty against us."
"Get Robinson up front and then we can score goals."
"Wasnt for the lack of effort lads."
"A point is a point. Well done lads, keep your heads up. We've got this."
"Striker short of being best team in the league. All the creativity but when teams set up to defend there's no-one with any cutting edge in the box. Should get more clear-cut opportunities against Brentford, need to take them."


birminghammail--2020-06-20--'Stitched up' - Aston Villa fans fume at Arsenal's disastrous Brighton collapse

The former Villa target stunned a lacklustre Arsenal to steal a late victory , one that brings his Brighton side further away from the relegation scrap .
Typically for Maupay , his effort was shrouded in controversy after sending goalkeeper Bernd Leno stretchered to the injury table earlier in the match .
That did n't stop him from scoring a 95th minute winner , closing down on Emiliano Martinez in injury time .
Maupay 's performance was not without controversy , as a coming together with first-choice shot-stopper Bernd Leno resulted in the German falling awkwardly and being stretchered off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end their day on 32 points , with Villa now sweating over a fixture There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Aston Villa news with our daily newsletter .
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Google Play Store and App Store However , Villans fans might want to keep a close eye on the results of Bournemouth and West Ham - Brighton need n't matter if they can pick up more points than the former pair .
Still , that did n't stop Maupay 's winner stunning the fanbase .
`` That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at all . ''
`` That is a kick in the teeth . ''
`` At least we still get to play Arsenal . ''
`` Brighton are basically 7pts ahead of us now .
We ’ re not catching them . ''
`` Fuming how Brighton are showing us exactly how to get out of trouble . ''
`` Can ’ t get a result and everyone around the drop can .
`` That game against Arsenal is now a must-win . ''
`` Maupay ends a players season .
Goes on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa fan , imagine my shock . ''
`` West Ham and Bournemouth are going to win aren ’ t they !
I want an angry Dean Smith for the rest of the season . ''
`` Not the best day for Villa so far.. Watford getting a last minute equaliser and Brighton a last minute winner !
Unbelievable .
`` Not getting Neal Maupay and Benrahma and going for cheaper options elsewhere could end up costing us massively !
95th minute winner too ! ''
`` Do n't see where we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We need a win like that , in addition to the must wins we definitely must win . ''
`` If we go down you have to feel that it will be worse than last time .
This squad is better than when we went down last time .
Plus it would be an awful time to go down with the FFP break for 12 months . ''
`` Don ’ t think we have the fight in us to stay up . ''

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Aston Villa weren't provided any favours by Neal Maupay earlier today.
The former Villa target stunned a lacklustre Arsenal to steal a late victory, one that brings his Brighton side further away from the relegation scrap.
Typically for Maupay, his effort was shrouded in controversy after sending goalkeeper Bernd Leno stretchered to the injury table earlier in the match.
That didn't stop him from scoring a 95th minute winner, closing down on Emiliano Martinez in injury time.
Maupay's performance was not without controversy, as a coming together with first-choice shot-stopper Bernd Leno resulted in the German falling awkwardly and being stretchered off in the first-half.
The Seagulls now end their day on 32 points, with Villa now sweating over a fixture
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However, Villans fans might want to keep a close eye on the results of Bournemouth and West Ham - Brighton needn't matter if they can pick up more points than the former pair.
Still, that didn't stop Maupay's winner stunning the fanbase.
Here's how Villa fans reacted to Maupay's last-gasp goal...
"That Brighton result has done Villa no favours at all."
"That is a kick in the teeth."
"At least we still get to play Arsenal."
"Brighton are basically 7pts ahead of us now. We’re not catching them."
"Fuming how Brighton are showing us exactly how to get out of trouble."
"Need to beat Chelsea tomorrow."
"Can’t get a result and everyone around the drop can.
"That game against Arsenal is now a must-win."
"Maupay ends a players season. Goes on the score the winner. As a Villa fan, imagine my shock."
"West Ham and Bournemouth are going to win aren’t they! I want an angry Dean Smith for the rest of the season."
"Why didn’t we sign Maupay?"
(Image: Kevin Quigley/The Daily Mail)
"Not the best day for Villa so far.. Watford getting a last minute equaliser and Brighton a last minute winner! Unbelievable.
"Not getting Neal Maupay and Benrahma and going for cheaper options elsewhere could end up costing us massively! 95th minute winner too!"
"Don't see where we're getting four wins from."
"We need a win like that, in addition to the must wins we definitely must win."
"If we go down you have to feel that it will be worse than last time. This squad is better than when we went down last time. Plus it would be an awful time to go down with the FFP break for 12 months."
"Don’t think we have the fight in us to stay up."


birminghammail--2020-06-20--West Brom player ratings as Romaine Sawyers sets down a marker

West Brom and Birmingham City played out a goalless draw at The Hawthorns as football in the second tier returned on Saturday .
In the first match for both sides since the resumption of the Championship campaign , there were a number of changes on both sides .
Key men Matheus Pereira and Jude Bellingham lined up in their respective colours , however .
Albion begun with the intentions of a side who were looking to take advantage of Fulham ’ s defeat in the lunch-time kick off ; Blues , with a young bench after a number of out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding on early doors .
Matt Phillips saw an effort blocked , and Callum Robinson might ’ ve done better with a free header at the back post that he fired into the side netting .
Scott Hogan had a header held by Johnstone and one snapshot that was also caught by the Albion keeper , but Blues added another point to their tally .
For Albion , they sit top again .
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It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ App Store Precious little to keep himself busy with in the first half .
Voice echoed around an empty stadium .
One heart in mouth moment as he didn ’ t connect with a clearing punch the way he ’ d have liked .
Given the nod over O ’ Shea .
Ventured down the right hand side , combined well with Phillips .
Involved in some hefty 50-50s with Gardner and Jutkiewicz .
Lovely ball to the back post after bounding forwards that Edwards couldn ’ t apply the finishing touch to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Blues ’ half , there was little for Ajayi to concern himself with - that which he did , he mopped up .
Picked out Phillips with a delightful ball over the top in the first half .
Was then caught the wrong side of the lively Hogan , who wanted a foul on the edge of the area on the half hour mark .
Very comfortable on the ball , dealt with Hogan and Jutkiewicz and their differing strengths .
Great to see him back out and in full flow down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done by , he ’ d done little wrong prior to the lockdown , but a fully fit and firing Gibbs is Albion ’ s best option in that position .
Deep lying role , without Krovinovic as an extra body in the middle , but Sawyers controlled proceedings in the first half .
It was almost as though he was dictating the tempo , picking out passes in the final third before moves would fall down .
It was like the Sawyers we 'd become accustomed to in the first half of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a marker for the remainder of the season .
Worked particularly hard as he so often does at the very beginning , setting the tone .
One crunching tackle on Maikel Kieftenbeld as he threatened Johnstone ’ s goal stood out , but Livermore is still searching for those enormously high levels that will come with game time .
Back in the side , he began brightly and demonstrated lung busting energy down the flank , but his final ball or dead ball delivery often let him down .
Might ’ ve scored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot from close range blocked , while similar then occurred in the second period .
Quiet first half opening , bar a header at the back post from a corner that hit the side netting .
Well marshalled by the experienced Maxime Colin on the left , we didn ’ t quite see the Robinson that was effective in a 4-3-3 , in this 4-2-3-1 set-up .
Big day for the playmaker , who sealed his move to Albion on a permanent basis with this appearance .
On the end of one or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself with a couple of shots from range .
As always , a pleasure to watch in full flow , though that added sprinkling of magic that he often provides in tight spaces was lacking .
Saw precious little of the ball in the first period , as Albion tried and failed to get the ball to their talisman .
Tried his best to knit some moves together , but wasn ’ t afforded those inch perfect through balls he ’ d become accustomed to before the suspension of the campaign .
Valuable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or two bright moments .
A couple of sights of goal where Edwards wasn ’ t able to quite get his shot away .
Booked for jockeying Gardner .
Knitted moves together in the final third .
Didn ’ t enjoy the derby delights as he did in the reverse fixture .

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West Brom and Birmingham City played out a goalless draw at The Hawthorns as football in the second tier returned on Saturday.
In the first match for both sides since the resumption of the Championship campaign, there were a number of changes on both sides. Key men Matheus Pereira and Jude Bellingham lined up in their respective colours, however.
Albion begun with the intentions of a side who were looking to take advantage of Fulham’s defeat in the lunch-time kick off; Blues, with a young bench after a number of out of contract players departed prematurely, were holding on early doors.
Matt Phillips saw an effort blocked, and Callum Robinson might’ve done better with a free header at the back post that he fired into the side netting.
Scott Hogan had a header held by Johnstone and one snapshot that was also caught by the Albion keeper, but Blues added another point to their tally.
For Albion, they sit top again.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
West Brom (4-2-3-1)
Johnstone 6
Precious little to keep himself busy with in the first half. Voice echoed around an empty stadium. One heart in mouth moment as he didn’t connect with a clearing punch the way he’d have liked.
Furlong 7
Given the nod over O’Shea. Ventured down the right hand side, combined well with Phillips. Involved in some hefty 50-50s with Gardner and Jutkiewicz. Lovely ball to the back post after bounding forwards that Edwards couldn’t apply the finishing touch to.
Ajayi 7
In a first half played predominantly in Blues’ half, there was little for Ajayi to concern himself with - that which he did, he mopped up.
Hegazi 7
Picked out Phillips with a delightful ball over the top in the first half. Was then caught the wrong side of the lively Hogan, who wanted a foul on the edge of the area on the half hour mark.
Very comfortable on the ball, dealt with Hogan and Jutkiewicz and their differing strengths.
Gibbs 7
Great to see him back out and in full flow down the left. Townsend can feel hard done by, he’d done little wrong prior to the lockdown, but a fully fit and firing Gibbs is Albion’s best option in that position.
Sawyers 7*
Deep lying role, without Krovinovic as an extra body in the middle, but Sawyers controlled proceedings in the first half. It was almost as though he was dictating the tempo, picking out passes in the final third before moves would fall down.
It was like the Sawyers we'd become accustomed to in the first half of the campaign. Hopefully this sets down a marker for the remainder of the season.
Livermore 5
Worked particularly hard as he so often does at the very beginning, setting the tone. One crunching tackle on Maikel Kieftenbeld as he threatened Johnstone’s goal stood out, but Livermore is still searching for those enormously high levels that will come with game time.
Phillips 5
Back in the side, he began brightly and demonstrated lung busting energy down the flank, but his final ball or dead ball delivery often let him down.
Might’ve scored in the first half but saw a shot from close range blocked, while similar then occurred in the second period.
Robinson 5
Quiet first half opening, bar a header at the back post from a corner that hit the side netting.
Well marshalled by the experienced Maxime Colin on the left, we didn’t quite see the Robinson that was effective in a 4-3-3, in this 4-2-3-1 set-up.
Pereira 6
Big day for the playmaker, who sealed his move to Albion on a permanent basis with this appearance.
On the end of one or two rash challenges, and came close himself with a couple of shots from range. As always, a pleasure to watch in full flow, though that added sprinkling of magic that he often provides in tight spaces was lacking.
Robson-Kanu 5
Saw precious little of the ball in the first period, as Albion tried and failed to get the ball to their talisman.
Tried his best to knit some moves together, but wasn’t afforded those inch perfect through balls he’d become accustomed to before the suspension of the campaign.
Subs
Diangana (for Robinson 60) 5
Valuable match minutes for Diangana, with one or two bright moments.
Edwards (for Phillips 60) 5
A couple of sights of goal where Edwards wasn’t able to quite get his shot away. Booked for jockeying Gardner.
Austin (for Robson-Kanu 70) 5
Knitted moves together in the final third. Didn’t enjoy the derby delights as he did in the reverse fixture.
Krovinovic (for Livermore 85) N/A
Zohore (for Pereira 85) N/A
Subs not used: Bond, O’Shea, Bartley, Harper
Birmingham City : Camp; Colin, Dean, Clarke-Salter, Harding; Kieftenbeld, Gardner, Bellingham (Bela 70), Crowley (Boyd-Munce 90); Hogan, Jutkiewicz
Subs not used: Trueman, Bajrami, Stirk, Gordon, Burke, Concannon
The ref: Darren Bond
Up next: Brentford - Friday 26 June (19:45)


birminghammail--2020-06-20--'Class act' - Birmingham City player ratings as Blues return with West Brom draw

Pep Clotet ’ s Blues frustrated Albion with a show of defensive discipline that saw them inch a point closer to safety .
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Google Play Store and App Store Untroubled in the first half save for a couple of corners which required punches .
A few edgy moments in the second half but he kept Albion at bay .
Stayed home for most of the first half , only straying forward on a couple of occasions but to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A studious and conscientious display that highlighted his defensive quality .
The loudest voice on the pitch for Blues and one who won his headers and read the game well – even if his throw-in isn ’ t as long as Marc Roberts ’ .
Never mind , this was a defiant and determined display from Blues captain .
Made two important blocks from Phillips and Pereira in a composed first half in which he looked unruffled by the attacking talent in front of him .
Rightly booked for scything down Robson-Kanu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ class act as a Championship defender .
Pressed into playing in the unfamiliar position of left back and held his position pretty well , keeping Matt Phillips out and countering the thrusts of Darnell Furlong .
The odd loose pass caused concern Took some time to get into the game but when he did get on the ball he always looked forward and tried to provide service into the box .
Lovely chip to set up Hogan late on before being subbed in the final minutes .
Snapped around the middle of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of one ill-judged tackle on Pereira midway though the first half but the danger was cleared .
Worked tirelessly in the second to keep Albion at bay .
Entrusted with responsibility in central midfield and let no-one down , his technique , energy and calmness under pressure befitted his status as the best 16-year-old in Europe .
Had one long range effort in the second half with which he might have hit the target but overall this most impressive of youngsters only added to his reputation .
Worked hard on the left of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help but saw precious little of the ball .
Much more evident when he moved into the middle of the park for the final quarter and might have had a claim for a penalty when his header hit an Albion arm .
On the fringes of the game for much of the first half but did manage one shot which was blocked after being found by Dean .
Even more of a spectator in the second half – until he directed an 85th minute header straight at Johnstone .
That was his chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , centre halves kick and wrestle him and he keeps working hard for the team providing a focal point .
Worked tirelessly without much sight of goal .

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birminghammail--2020-06-20--Albion 0 Blues 0: The reaction from The Hawthorns after draw

Birmingham City battled bravely for a point and frustrated promotion-chasing West Brom at The Hawthorns .
The Championship resumed after a three month absence and Blues looked to have lost none of their fortitude or organisation .
Their strikers were forced to feed off scraps as the Baggies dominated for long periods - but in the end they deserved a draw for sticking to their task so well .
Especially given the fact Pep Clotet was down to the bare bones of his squad and was forced to name four teenagers on his bench - and one in the starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an ordinary teenager , the 16-year-old was entrusted with a role in the centre of midfield with Gary Gardner protecting left back Wes Harding on the of midfield .
And to be fair to Blues their plan and shape worked well in a first half which featured the exact total of zero shots on target from either side .
They needed Jake Clarke-Salter to make a good sliding block on Matt Phillips in the sixth minute and were grateful to see Darnell Furlong drive high and wide from an Albion counter .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Phillips picked out Callum Robinson with a back post corner but the Sheffield United man headed wide .
Albion dominated the second half to an even greater extent .
Midway through the period they forced a huge scramble in Blues ’ defence after Matheus Pereira ’ s free kick deflected off the wall and spun away from Jake Livermore as he closed in on goal and Lee Camp was there to pounce .
Seconds later Pereira crabbed in from the right and curled a low shot which just missed the far post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for sub Kyle Edwards sliding in at the back post but his volley went up rather than towards goal .
The visitors ’ best chance came with five minutes to go when Maikel Kieftenbeld found Scott Hogan ten yards out but the striker directed his header straight at Sam Johnstone .
The Aston Villa man then had an angled volley from a chip by Dan Crowley - which once again picked out the Baggies goalkeeper .
Kenneth Zohore came close late on - but that would have been harsh on Blues .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Brian Dick, Joseph Chapman)

Birmingham City battled bravely for a point and frustrated promotion-chasing West Brom at The Hawthorns.
The Championship resumed after a three month absence and Blues looked to have lost none of their fortitude or organisation.
Their strikers were forced to feed off scraps as the Baggies dominated for long periods - but in the end they deserved a draw for sticking to their task so well.
Especially given the fact Pep Clotet was down to the bare bones of his squad and was forced to name four teenagers on his bench - and one in the starting XI.
Not that Jude Bellingham is an ordinary teenager, the 16-year-old was entrusted with a role in the centre of midfield with Gary Gardner protecting left back Wes Harding on the of midfield.
And to be fair to Blues their plan and shape worked well in a first half which featured the exact total of zero shots on target from either side.
They needed Jake Clarke-Salter to make a good sliding block on Matt Phillips in the sixth minute and were grateful to see Darnell Furlong drive high and wide from an Albion counter.
The only other threat on their goal came when Phillips picked out Callum Robinson with a back post corner but the Sheffield United man headed wide.
Albion dominated the second half to an even greater extent.
Midway through the period they forced a huge scramble in Blues’ defence after Matheus Pereira’s free kick deflected off the wall and spun away from Jake Livermore as he closed in on goal and Lee Camp was there to pounce.
Seconds later Pereira crabbed in from the right and curled a low shot which just missed the far post.
And soon after that Furlong crossed for sub Kyle Edwards sliding in at the back post but his volley went up rather than towards goal.
The visitors’ best chance came with five minutes to go when Maikel Kieftenbeld found Scott Hogan ten yards out but the striker directed his header straight at Sam Johnstone.
The Aston Villa man then had an angled volley from a chip by Dan Crowley - which once again picked out the Baggies goalkeeper.
Kenneth Zohore came close late on - but that would have been harsh on Blues.


birminghammail--2020-06-20--Brentford defender Jansson targets automatic promotion and West Brom clash

Ex-Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson says his Brentford side need to set their sights on reaching the Championship top two ahead of taking on West Bromwich Albion .
The Bees moved three points closer to the automatic promotion places with a 2-0 victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage thanks to goals from Said Benrahma and Emiliano Marcondes .
It meant Brentford were seven points behind the Baggies before their match against West Midlands neighbours Birmingham City kicked off at the Hawthorns at 3pm .
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It is always up-to-date with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Play Store and App Store The Bees are also eight points behind Jansson ’ s former side Leeds , who play Cardiff City tomorrow lunchtime at the Cardiff City Stadium .
Brentford ’ s next match is against Albion on Friday , June 26 .
And after the win over Fulham , former Leeds man Jansson - who departed Elland Road for Brentford last summer - feels he and his team mates must set their sights towards the top two .
Speaking to Sky Sports after the win at Craven Cottage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need to do that .
I mean , why not ?
“ Now we play West Bromwich on Friday and especially after three points today it 's an even bigger reason why we should look to the top two .
`` Of course we are looking for that and if we ca n't reach the top two then of course we just need to switch on and prepare for the play-offs but I think we would just be stupid to not look at the top two .
”

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Ex-Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson says his Brentford side need to set their sights on reaching the Championship top two ahead of taking on West Bromwich Albion.
The Bees moved three points closer to the automatic promotion places with a 2-0 victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage thanks to goals from Said Benrahma and Emiliano Marcondes.
It meant Brentford were seven points behind the Baggies before their match against West Midlands neighbours Birmingham City kicked off at the Hawthorns at 3pm.
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The Bees are also eight points behind Jansson’s former side Leeds, who play Cardiff City tomorrow lunchtime at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Brentford’s next match is against Albion on Friday, June 26.
And after the win over Fulham, former Leeds man Jansson - who departed Elland Road for Brentford last summer - feels he and his team mates must set their sights towards the top two.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the win at Craven Cottage, the defender said: “I think we need to do that. I mean, why not?
“Now we play West Bromwich on Friday and especially after three points today it's an even bigger reason why we should look to the top two.
"Of course we are looking for that and if we can't reach the top two then of course we just need to switch on and prepare for the play-offs but I think we would just be stupid to not look at the top two.”


birminghammail--2020-06-20--West Brom trigger Matheus Pereira clause to confirm permanent signing

Matheus Pereira has been named in West Brom ’ s starting XI against Birmingham City and has completed the first half of the match - and by doing so , he ’ s triggered a clause in his loan agreement that will make it a permanent deal .
Brazilian Pereira , who has been a revelation this term with his goals and assists aplenty , was one appearance of 45 minutes or more away from transforming the loan with parent club Sporting Lisbon into a long-term stay at The Hawthorns .
As expected , the playmaker was selected by boss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robinson , and having come through the first half , that clause has now been exercised .
Pereira will cost around £9m all in , taking into account the £750,000 loan fee that Albion parted with to bring him to the club on transfer deadline day last summer .
Bilic has claimed that his side have got a bargain in Pereira , claiming it 's an 'extremely great deal ' .
“ Is it a bargain ?
What does it mean bargain , that was his price , ” Bilic said in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasn ’ t a known player before .
“ I played in Germany and I have many friends in Germany .
I was in talks with a few clubs there and I knew him from there .
I knew him from Nuremburg .
“ He played in the Bundesliga and got relegated and was on loan from Sporting .
“ I saw a player that had not only the Brazilian and Portuguese skill and ideas but also the character , physicality , determination and personality .
“ That is why we wanted him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then .
Now it looks like a bargain , but why ?
Because he hit the ground great .
“ We are delighted for that .
It looks like an extremely great deal .
”

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Matheus Pereira has been named in West Brom’s starting XI against Birmingham City and has completed the first half of the match - and by doing so, he’s triggered a clause in his loan agreement that will make it a permanent deal.
Brazilian Pereira, who has been a revelation this term with his goals and assists aplenty, was one appearance of 45 minutes or more away from transforming the loan with parent club Sporting Lisbon into a long-term stay at The Hawthorns.
As expected, the playmaker was selected by boss Slaven Bilic alongside Matt Phillips and Callum Robinson, and having come through the first half, that clause has now been exercised.
Pereira will cost around £9m all in, taking into account the £750,000 loan fee that Albion parted with to bring him to the club on transfer deadline day last summer.
Bilic has claimed that his side have got a bargain in Pereira, claiming it's an 'extremely great deal'.
“Is it a bargain? What does it mean bargain, that was his price,” Bilic said in the build-up to the game. “He wasn’t a known player before.
“I played in Germany and I have many friends in Germany. I was in talks with a few clubs there and I knew him from there. I knew him from Nuremburg.
“He played in the Bundesliga and got relegated and was on loan from Sporting.
“I saw a player that had not only the Brazilian and Portuguese skill and ideas but also the character, physicality, determination and personality.
“That is why we wanted him so much. That was his price then. Now it looks like a bargain, but why? Because he hit the ground great.
“We are delighted for that. It looks like an extremely great deal.”


birminghammail--2020-06-21--Police shut down big rave in park leaving booze and drugs rubbish

Police have shut down a 'rave ' of up to 200 people in a Birmingham park .
The gathering in Sorrell Park in Erdington attracted hordes of revellers despite such meetings banned under lockdown .
Today the evidence of the partying was evident with bottles of alcohol and 'hippy crack ' canisters strewn across the recreation area in Egerton Road .
Police said they did not believe the gathering to be an organised unlicensed rave but they moved party-goers on last night ( June 20 ) after they were called at around 9.45pm .
A spokesman for West Midlands Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9.45pm last night to a gathering of up to 200 people listening to music in Sorrel Park , Egerton Road in Birmingham .
`` Officers were deployed and spoke to the group about the gathering being in breach of CoVID-19 regulations and they were moved on .
`` We do not believe this was an organised unlicensed ‘ rave ’ as such but the people there were warned that such gatherings are banned under coronavirus legislation . ''
Many took to social media to comment on the rave .
One wrote : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night .
Defo a gathering of some sort .
PA system and MC .
went on til the early hours the noise did .
Not sure what it was for though . ''
Another posted this : `` It finally finished at half past one this morning .
A third added : `` Where are the police when you need them .
But another local said : `` Good on them , hope all enjoyed . ''
Meanwhile Staffordshire Police today arrested five men in connection with the organisation of illegal raves in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dispersal order following reports an illegal gathering was set to take place in the Chasewater area .
Under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 , officers have the power to disperse anyone for the purpose of or reducing the likelihood of members of the public in the locality being harassed , alarmed , distressed or the occurrence of crime and disorder .
The order started at 9pm last night and will last until 9am on Sunday June 21 .
It includes Norton Canes , Brownhills and Heath Hayes .
Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Response for Staffordshire Police said : “ I hope these arrests send a clear message to organisers of illegal raves that we will deal with anyone involved robustly .
“ Our priority is the safety of our communities and we will continue to take action against those who put the health of others in jeopardy . ''

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Police have shut down a 'rave' of up to 200 people in a Birmingham park.
The gathering in Sorrell Park in Erdington attracted hordes of revellers despite such meetings banned under lockdown.
Today the evidence of the partying was evident with bottles of alcohol and 'hippy crack' canisters strewn across the recreation area in Egerton Road.
Police said they did not believe the gathering to be an organised unlicensed rave but they moved party-goers on last night (June 20) after they were called at around 9.45pm.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We were alerted at 9.45pm last night to a gathering of up to 200 people listening to music in Sorrel Park, Egerton Road in Birmingham.
"Officers were deployed and spoke to the group about the gathering being in breach of CoVID-19 regulations and they were moved on.
"We do not believe this was an organised unlicensed ‘rave’ as such but the people there were warned that such gatherings are banned under coronavirus legislation."
Many took to social media to comment on the rave.
One wrote: "I walked the dog round there last night. Defo a gathering of some sort. PA system and MC. went on til the early hours the noise did. Not sure what it was for though."
Another posted this: "It finally finished at half past one this morning.
A third added: "Where are the police when you need them.
But another local said: "Good on them, hope all enjoyed."
Meanwhile Staffordshire Police today arrested five men in connection with the organisation of illegal raves in Staffordshire.
It comes as police issued a dispersal order following reports an illegal gathering was set to take place in the Chasewater area.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, officers have the power to disperse anyone for the purpose of or reducing the likelihood of members of the public in the locality being harassed, alarmed, distressed or the occurrence of crime and disorder.
The order started at 9pm last night and will last until 9am on Sunday June 21. It includes Norton Canes, Brownhills and Heath Hayes.
Chief Superintendent Carl Ratcliffe, Head of Contact and Response for Staffordshire Police said: “I hope these arrests send a clear message to organisers of illegal raves that we will deal with anyone involved robustly.
“Our priority is the safety of our communities and we will continue to take action against those who put the health of others in jeopardy."


birminghammail--2020-06-21--TUI: when it will begin flights from Brum to Spain and Greece

TUI has announced it will resume holidays to eight destinations from July 11 .
The news from the UK 's biggest travel company is the latest ray of hope for Brits hoping to go abroad this summer despite the coronavirus hampering their plans .
On Sunday ( June 21 ) the Mirror reports that from July 11 Brits will be able to fly to Spain and Greece from TUI 's biggest airports : Birmingham , Manchester and Gatwick .
It will be releasing more details of the flights in the coming days , but the news comes just hours after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to quarantine for two weeks in their resorts .
But they will still have to do so when they return to Britain after their holidays .
Yesterday ( Saturday ) TUI announced that when its summer programme resumed after the coronavirus , it would only be to countries which had `` air bridges '' with the UK .
These are destinations which will not be imposing quarantine on British travellers .
TUI , along with other airlines , has sent the Government a list of the destinations it wants air bridges with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Foreign Office is still advising against non essential travel , which means some travel insurance policies will be invalid .
But it said this is under review at all times .
TUI is one of the biggest operators flying from Birmingham Airport and has said its 2020 winter bookings and summer bookings for next year were `` looking promising '' .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Lorraine King, Jane Tyler)

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TUI has announced it will resume holidays to eight destinations from July 11.
The news from the UK's biggest travel company is the latest ray of hope for Brits hoping to go abroad this summer despite the coronavirus hampering their plans.
On Sunday (June 21) the Mirror reports that from July 11 Brits will be able to fly to Spain and Greece from TUI's biggest airports: Birmingham, Manchester and Gatwick.
(Image: Getty Images)
It will be releasing more details of the flights in the coming days, but the news comes just hours after Spain said that British visitors would not have to quarantine for two weeks in their resorts. But they will still have to do so when they return to Britain after their holidays.
Yesterday (Saturday) TUI announced that when its summer programme resumed after the coronavirus, it would only be to countries which had "air bridges" with the UK. These are destinations which will not be imposing quarantine on British travellers.
TUI, along with other airlines, has sent the Government a list of the destinations it wants air bridges with.
These include: Antigua, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Croatia, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Spain, St Lucia, Tunisia, Turkey and USA.
Despite TUI resuming its flights, the Foreign Office is still advising against non essential travel, which means some travel insurance policies will be invalid. But it said this is under review at all times.
TUI is one of the biggest operators flying from Birmingham Airport and has said its 2020 winter bookings and summer bookings for next year were "looking promising".


birminghammail--2020-06-21--Five arrested over illegal raves in Staffordshire

Five people have been arrested over their involvement in illegal raves in Staffordshire .
Officers issued a dispersal order from 9pm on Saturday June 20 until 9am Sunday June 21 following reports that an illegal gathering was due to take place in Chasewater .
Yesterday evening ( June 20 ) , detectives arrested a group aged between 20 and 24 , detaining them on suspicion of conspiring to commit a public nuisance .
Later last night they went onto arrest a fifth man - a 19-year-old from Redditch .
A generator , amplifier , speakers and a laptop were seized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings are expected to take place across the county this weekend .
Officers are warning anyone considering attending an illegal event to stop and think of the consequences before heading out there .
This did n't detract some revellers though with reports on social media of people spotting parents dropping off their kids in the beauty spot last night .
One tweeted : `` I saw so many ‘ kids ’ going to and from the Chasewater direction down our road as well .
I seriously don ’ t understand haha - what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are doing ? ''
Chief Superintendent Carl Ratcliffe , Head of Contact and Response for Staffordshire Police , said : “ I hope these arrests send a clear message to organisers of illegal raves that we will deal with anyone involved robustly .
“ Our priority is the safety of our communities and we will continue to take action against those who put the health of others in jeopardy . ''
He added : “ These gatherings are both illegal and irresponsible and put people at risk with the current global pandemic still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can to stop these illegal raves from taking place.
” A dispersal order gives police the power to disperse anyone for the purpose of or reducing the likelihood of members of the public in the locality being harassed , alarmed , distressed or the occurrence of crime and disorder under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 .
The overnight order applied to the areas surrounding Chasewater , Norton Canes , Brownhills and Heath Hayes .
Officers will be carrying out high visibility patrols over the course of the weekend in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ We are in an unprecedented time and we won ’ t accept anyone putting our communities at risk by holding these illegal raves . ''
“ We have been very open with how we will deal with those caught organising and attending these gatherings and this order will help us in ensuring those not adhering to the law are identified and robustly dealt with .
“ We again urge anyone considering attending an illegal rave to stop and think because you will also be endangering the health of yourselves and others.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ where a rave is being held , contact Staffordshire Police via Facebook or Twitter , call 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .

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A total of 13 people have been arrested over their involvement in illegal raves in Staffordshire.
Officers issued a dispersal order from 9pm on Saturday June 20 until 9am Sunday June 21 following reports that an illegal gathering was due to take place in Chasewater.
Yesterday evening (June 20), detectives arrested a group of four people, aged between 20 and 24, detaining them on suspicion of conspiring to commit a public nuisance. Later last night they went onto arrest a fifth man - a 19-year-old from Redditch. They have all been granted conditional bail.
Then a group of two women and three men, aged between 23 and 32 and from the West Midlands, were arrested overnight for drugs offences relating to an illegal rave in the Cannock area. They remain in police custody.
A Birmingham man, 26, and a 33-year-old from Rugeley were also arrested in connection with drink and drug driving offences.
And a further man was detained on suspicion of possession of cannabis with intent to supply.
In addition to the drugs seizures, a generator, amplifier, speakers and a laptop were seized by police amidst warnings that more illegal gatherings are expected to take place across the county this weekend.
Officers are warning anyone considering attending an illegal event to stop and think of the consequences before heading out there.
This didn't detract some revellers though with reports on social media of people spotting parents dropping off their kids in the beauty spot last night. One tweeted: "I saw so many ‘kids’ going to and from the Chasewater direction down our road as well. I seriously don’t understand haha - what on earth do their parents think they are doing?"
Chief Superintendent Carl Ratcliffe, Head of Contact and Response for Staffordshire Police, said: “I hope these arrests send a clear message to organisers of illegal raves that we will deal with anyone involved robustly.
“Our priority is the safety of our communities and we will continue to take action against those who put the health of others in jeopardy."
He added: “These gatherings are both illegal and irresponsible and put people at risk with the current global pandemic still not over. We will do all we can to stop these illegal raves from taking place.”
A dispersal order gives police the power to disperse anyone for the purpose of or reducing the likelihood of members of the public in the locality being harassed, alarmed, distressed or the occurrence of crime and disorder under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The overnight order applied to the areas surrounding Chasewater, Norton Canes, Brownhills and Heath Hayes. Officers will be carrying out high visibility patrols over the course of the weekend in those areas.
Chief Superintendent Ratcliffe added: “We are in an unprecedented time and we won’t accept anyone putting our communities at risk by holding these illegal raves."
“We have been very open with how we will deal with those caught organising and attending these gatherings and this order will help us in ensuring those not adhering to the law are identified and robustly dealt with.
“We again urge anyone considering attending an illegal rave to stop and think because you will also be endangering the health of yourselves and others.”
If you have any information about where a rave is being held, contact Staffordshire Police via Facebook or Twitter, call 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-06-21--Angry driver pursued motorist on m-ways in SIXTH road rage incident

An angry motorist consumed with road rage terrorised another driver pursuing him for almost 20 miles along two Midland motorways and reaching speeds of up to 113mph .
During the pursuit the victim was at one point forced to swerve on to the hard shoulder and feared there might have been a multiple pile up .
It was the SIXTH time Nick Headland had been involved in a road rage incident in the course of six months during which he had threatened and abused other drivers .
While the last three happened within 40 minutes of each other .
Evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by police on the defendant 's own dashcam footage .
Judge Samantha Crabb described him as a `` menace on the roads '' and said that his driving on the motorway had been `` breathtaking . ''
Headland , 43 , of Cockhill Lane , Rubery , who admitted four charges of dangerous driving , racially aggravated common assault and two of affray , was jailed for two years and four months .
He was also banned from the roads for three years and two months .
The spree began on the afternoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victim , who was 24 weeks pregnant was driving along the Bristol Road South towards Rubery .
She was forced to brake suddenly after the car in front of her braked .
Headland , who was behind her in a Fiat Punto , began flashing his lights , drove close behind before overtaking and pulling up in front of her .
He got out , went to the driver 's window , hit it with his clenched fist and racially abused the woman who had called the police .
On May 31 last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mini , drove up behind another woman revving his engine before backing off .
She turned into Yardley Wood Road and the defendant followed her to the car park of the health centre where she worked where he blocked her in and banged on her driver 's window with his fist .
A week later , on June 6 , Headland stopped in front of another another woman driver in Cockhill Lane , Rubery and when she overtook him she heard him shout 'what the f*** do you think you are doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the wrong side of the road and was about `` two inches '' from her car , said Geoffrey Dann , prosecuting at Birmingham Crown Court .
At 6.20pm Headland became involved in another incident with a builder in a van in Solihull who he struck with his wing mirror and `` pushed '' the van backwards with his mini .
Just over 15 minutes later the defendant caused another woman to have to slam her brakes on in Druids Heath after cutting her up at a roundabout before getting out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He then followed her `` tailgating her and flashing his lights . ''
After causing her to stop again he snapped her near side wing mirror off .
Shortly after that Headland came up at speed behind a Skodia Oktavia on the A441 before causing the driver to stop on a dual carriage way .
He then deliberately reversed causing the victim also to reverse to avoid a collision .
On at least four occasions the defendant caused the driver to break sharply who , in a bid to get away , went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started to get out of his vehicle .
They then went on to the M42 where the victim managed to out distance the defendant for a while but he caught up .
While on the M42 and then M5 Headland was going across all three lanes and causing the Skoda driver to break sharply .
The pursuit only ended when a police car arrived .
In passing sentence Judge Crabb said `` These incidents were what can be properly be described as road rage incidents during the course of which you intimidated , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ users .
`` You were in short a menace on the roads over that period of time causing obvious risk of serious injury if not worse to other members of the public .
Referring to the final incident she said `` Frankly having watched the footage your driving was breathtaking . ''
Nicholas Berry , defending , said that fortunately no one had been injured and no substantial damage had been caused .
He said the defendant , who had previously worked for Jaguar Land Rover as quality controller , had been having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to him abusing alcohol and drugs but he was determined to rebuild his life .

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An angry motorist consumed with road rage terrorised another driver pursuing him for almost 20 miles along two Midland motorways and reaching speeds of up to 113mph .
During the pursuit the victim was at one point forced to swerve on to the hard shoulder and feared there might have been a multiple pile up.
It was the SIXTH time Nick Headland had been involved in a road rage incident in the course of six months during which he had threatened and abused other drivers.
While the last three happened within 40 minutes of each other.
Evidence of some of the incidents was found by police on the defendant's own dashcam footage.
Judge Samantha Crabb described him as a "menace on the roads" and said that his driving on the motorway had been "breathtaking."
Headland, 43, of Cockhill Lane, Rubery, who admitted four charges of dangerous driving, racially aggravated common assault and two of affray, was jailed for two years and four months.
He was also banned from the roads for three years and two months.
The spree began on the afternoon of December 20 2018 when the first victim, who was 24 weeks pregnant was driving along the Bristol Road South towards Rubery.
(Image: BirminghamLive)
She was forced to brake suddenly after the car in front of her braked.
Headland, who was behind her in a Fiat Punto, began flashing his lights, drove close behind before overtaking and pulling up in front of her.
He got out, went to the driver's window, hit it with his clenched fist and racially abused the woman who had called the police.
On May 31 last year Headland, who was now driving a mini, drove up behind another woman revving his engine before backing off.
She turned into Yardley Wood Road and the defendant followed her to the car park of the health centre where she worked where he blocked her in and banged on her driver's window with his fist.
A week later, on June 6, Headland stopped in front of another another woman driver in Cockhill Lane, Rubery and when she overtook him she heard him shout 'what the f*** do you think you are doing.'
He then pursued her driving on the wrong side of the road and was about "two inches" from her car, said Geoffrey Dann, prosecuting at Birmingham Crown Court.
At 6.20pm Headland became involved in another incident with a builder in a van in Solihull who he struck with his wing mirror and "pushed" the van backwards with his mini.
Just over 15 minutes later the defendant caused another woman to have to slam her brakes on in Druids Heath after cutting her up at a roundabout before getting out of the mini and hitting her vehicle.
He then followed her "tailgating her and flashing his lights."
After causing her to stop again he snapped her near side wing mirror off.
Shortly after that Headland came up at speed behind a Skodia Oktavia on the A441 before causing the driver to stop on a dual carriage way.
He then deliberately reversed causing the victim also to reverse to avoid a collision.
On at least four occasions the defendant caused the driver to break sharply who, in a bid to get away, went through a red light after Headland had started to get out of his vehicle.
They then went on to the M42 where the victim managed to out distance the defendant for a while but he caught up.
While on the M42 and then M5 Headland was going across all three lanes and causing the Skoda driver to break sharply.
The pursuit only ended when a police car arrived.
In passing sentence Judge Crabb said "These incidents were what can be properly be described as road rage incidents during the course of which you intimidated, bullied and even terrified other innocent road users.
"You were in short a menace on the roads over that period of time causing obvious risk of serious injury if not worse to other members of the public.
Referring to the final incident she said "Frankly having watched the footage your driving was breathtaking."
Nicholas Berry, defending, said that fortunately no one had been injured and no substantial damage had been caused.
He said the defendant, who had previously worked for Jaguar Land Rover as quality controller, had been having a lot of personal difficulties which had lead to him abusing alcohol and drugs but he was determined to rebuild his life.


birminghammail--2020-06-21--Championship pundits rave about West Brom signing Matheus Pereira

West Bromwich Albion ’ s permanent signing of Matheus Pereira for some £9m has been labelled an ‘ absolute snip ’ by Gary O ’ Neil .
Brazilian Pereira , who has been a revelation this term with his goals and assists aplenty , was one appearance of 45 minutes or more away from transforming the loan with parent club Sporting Lisbon into a long-term stay at The Hawthorns .
And by playing in this afternoon ’ s draw at the Hawthorns against Birmingham City , the clause in the 24-year-old ’ s contract has been triggered , meaning he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the move has certainly been given the thumbs up by pundits covering the game for Sky Sports as the Championship returned .
Gary O ’ Neil feels the £9m fee that the Baggies will have to pay the Portuguese club for Pereira ’ s services is an ‘ absolute snip ’ for one of the best players in the division .
He said : “ It ’ s a fantastic signing .
We ’ re led to believe it ’ s something around £9m , which sounds like a snip to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the best players in the Championship and at pre-coronavirus prices , that would be an absolute snip.
” Fellow pundit and former Birmingham City forward Clinton Morrison explained why Pereira is the player he is and why he is such a joy for a striker to play with .
He said : “ What a player , I would have loved to have played behind a player like that when I was playing because if you ’ re a centre forward just make your runs and nine times out of 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ’ s a superb player .
I think if he plays today , the deal becomes permanent so that ’ s great news for West Brom .
“ He ’ s been so exciting for the Championship , he sees passes that other players can ’ t see on the football pitch .
He ’ s intelligent , he makes things happen and he scores goals .
“ He ’ s like the perfect number 10 , but it does suit him and he has to work hard in Slaven Bilic ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be playing and he certainly is working hard .
”

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West Bromwich Albion’s permanent signing of Matheus Pereira for some £9m has been labelled an ‘absolute snip’ by Gary O’Neil.
Brazilian Pereira, who has been a revelation this term with his goals and assists aplenty, was one appearance of 45 minutes or more away from transforming the loan with parent club Sporting Lisbon into a long-term stay at The Hawthorns.
And by playing in this afternoon’s draw at the Hawthorns against Birmingham City, the clause in the 24-year-old’s contract has been triggered, meaning he is now a permanent West Brom player.
And the move has certainly been given the thumbs up by pundits covering the game for Sky Sports as the Championship returned.
Gary O’Neil feels the £9m fee that the Baggies will have to pay the Portuguese club for Pereira’s services is an ‘absolute snip’ for one of the best players in the division.
He said: “It’s a fantastic signing. We’re led to believe it’s something around £9m, which sounds like a snip to me.
“He’s probably one of the best players in the Championship and at pre-coronavirus prices, that would be an absolute snip.”
Fellow pundit and former Birmingham City forward Clinton Morrison explained why Pereira is the player he is and why he is such a joy for a striker to play with.
He said: “What a player, I would have loved to have played behind a player like that when I was playing because if you’re a centre forward just make your runs and nine times out of 10 he’ll find you.
“He’s a superb player. I think if he plays today, the deal becomes permanent so that’s great news for West Brom.
“He’s been so exciting for the Championship, he sees passes that other players can’t see on the football pitch. He’s intelligent, he makes things happen and he scores goals.
“He’s like the perfect number 10, but it does suit him and he has to work hard in Slaven Bilic’s team or he won’t be playing and he certainly is working hard.”


birminghammail--2020-06-21--Adama Traore shows Liverpool what they are missing with Wolves display

Adama Traore , somehow , looked even bigger , even more imposing , when he was introduced shortly after the hour mark against West Ham .
Perhaps it was the hair , grown out into an afro during lockdown .
Or perhaps he has been using the last few months to push himself even further in the gym ( though he ) .
Whatever the case may be , he was clearly ready and raring to go at the London Stadium .
It took him only a few minutes after being introduced as a substitute to burst down the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the middle for Raul Jimenez , who powered home his header for Wolves .
It was the kind of impact we ’ ve become accustomed to with Traore , who must surely be amongst the best impact substitutes in the Premier League .
A player with his attributes - incredible pace and strength , and a now impressive ability to cross on the run - is nothing less than a nightmare for tiring defenders .
Maybe we should have expected this .
He was , after all , aiming to get “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If you have a gym in your house , you can maintain your fitness the same way you have when you ’ re on the field , ” he told .
“ But I think every player in the team has been working hard by themselves in their houses and they ’ ve come back stronger .
I ’ ve been working a lot in the house and I ’ ve been using the plans they ’ ve given us , because in myself , I want to be the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get back on the pitch , I can be even faster.
” It could have been a trick of the eye , but Traore seemed to have found that extra yard when he was brought on against West Ham .
If you looked closely enough , you would probably have been able to see the panic in Aaron Cresswell ’ s eyes .
Defending against Traore is the footballing equivalent to being charged down by an angry rhinoceros , and not something a 30-year-old left back wants late on in what was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '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 , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store All of this makes Traore an incredible asset for Wolves .
When games are tight , when Nuno Espirito Santo ’ s side need a goal , there is no better man to call upon .
He was the difference at West Ham , providing his eighth assist of the season and playing a part in the buildup to Pedro Neto ’ s ferociously struck second .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rumours of interest from some of Europe ’ s biggest clubs .
Traore is unique , and still only 24 .
There is a player there to mould , to develop .
And that is the frightening thing about the Spaniard .
He is not the finished article yet .
For all of the pace and power , there are areas of his game that can be improved .
From a Wolves perspective , the question is whether he can become a player who is influential in almost every game from the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Traore will without doubt be amongst the most dangerous attacking players in the division .
For now , though , Wolves won ’ t be too concerned about that .
Traore is making a big impact , and could be the man to push the club into a Champions League position by the end of the season .
With him , Jimenez and Ruben Neves - to name just a few of Wolves ’ standout performers - in exciting form , there is no reason why Nuno ’ s side can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wolves face Bournemouth on Wednesday , no doubt full of confidence .
The Cherries defenders , meanwhile , will probably have watched the West Ham game in a cold sweat , dreading the prospect of facing Traore .

Adama Traore, somehow, looked even bigger, even more imposing, when he was introduced shortly after the hour mark against West Ham.
Perhaps it was the hair, grown out into an afro during lockdown. Or perhaps he has been using the last few months to push himself even further in the gym (though he insists he doesn’t use weights ).
Whatever the case may be, he was clearly ready and raring to go at the London Stadium. It took him only a few minutes after being introduced as a substitute to burst down the right flank and put an almost inch-perfect ball into the middle for Raul Jimenez, who powered home his header for Wolves.
It was the kind of impact we’ve become accustomed to with Traore, who must surely be amongst the best impact substitutes in the Premier League. A player with his attributes - incredible pace and strength, and a now impressive ability to cross on the run - is nothing less than a nightmare for tiring defenders.
Maybe we should have expected this. He was, after all, aiming to get “even faster” during the enforced break. “If you have a gym in your house, you can maintain your fitness the same way you have when you’re on the field,” he told the Wolves website .
“But I think every player in the team has been working hard by themselves in their houses and they’ve come back stronger. I’ve been working a lot in the house and I’ve been using the plans they’ve given us, because in myself, I want to be the best I can be, so when I get back on the pitch, I can be even faster.”
It could have been a trick of the eye, but Traore seemed to have found that extra yard when he was brought on against West Ham. If you looked closely enough, you would probably have been able to see the panic in Aaron Cresswell’s eyes. Defending against Traore is the footballing equivalent to being charged down by an angry rhinoceros, and not something a 30-year-old left back wants late on in what was a first competitive game since March.
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
All of this makes Traore an incredible asset for Wolves. When games are tight, when Nuno Espirito Santo’s side need a goal, there is no better man to call upon. He was the difference at West Ham, providing his eighth assist of the season and playing a part in the buildup to Pedro Neto’s ferociously struck second.
It is hardly a surprise that there have been rumours of interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Traore is unique, and still only 24. There is a player there to mould, to develop.
And that is the frightening thing about the Spaniard. He is not the finished article yet. For all of the pace and power, there are areas of his game that can be improved.
From a Wolves perspective, the question is whether he can become a player who is influential in almost every game from the start. If he becomes more consistent, Traore will without doubt be amongst the most dangerous attacking players in the division.
For now, though, Wolves won’t be too concerned about that. Traore is making a big impact, and could be the man to push the club into a Champions League position by the end of the season.
With him, Jimenez and Ruben Neves - to name just a few of Wolves’ standout performers - in exciting form, there is no reason why Nuno’s side can’t aim high in the coming weeks.
Wolves face Bournemouth on Wednesday, no doubt full of confidence. The Cherries defenders, meanwhile, will probably have watched the West Ham game in a cold sweat, dreading the prospect of facing Traore.


birminghammail--2020-06-21--Reading mass stabbing declared a terror attack by police

The mass stabbing in Reading has been declared a 'terror incident ' by police .
Three people died in the incident which happened in Forbury Gardens , a park near the centre of Reading , around 7pm on Saturday June 20 and three others were left seriously injured .
A Reading man , aged 25 , was arrested at the scene and security sources told the BBC the man arrested is thought to be Libyan and that he had been in prison in the UK for a relatively minor , none-terrorism related offence .
Counter-terrorism police are now taking over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police .
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dean Haydon , senior national co-ordinator for the Counter Terrorism Policing network , declared it was a terror incident in statement issued by Thames Valley Police .
Chief Constable John Campbell said it was a `` truly tragic incident '' .
He added : `` Incidents of this nature are very rare , though I know that will be of little comfort to those involved and understand the concern that this incident will have caused amongst our local community . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's clearly a terrible crime whatever the motivation and we will be making sure the police have all the support they need . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson met police , security officials and senior ministers at Downing Street on Sunday at 9am and was updated on the ongoing investigation .
An eyewitness to the attack said he saw a man moving between groups of people in the park , trying to stab them .
This morning , Reading appears desolate and in mourning with large areas outside the gardens cordoned off .

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The mass stabbing in Reading has been declared a 'terror incident' by police.
Three people died in the incident which happened in Forbury Gardens, a park near the centre of Reading, around 7pm on Saturday June 20 and three others were left seriously injured.
A Reading man, aged 25, was arrested at the scene and security sources told the BBC the man arrested is thought to be Libyan and that he had been in prison in the UK for a relatively minor, none-terrorism related offence.
(Image: Getty Images)
Counter-terrorism police are now taking over the investigation, according to Thames Valley Police.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dean Haydon, senior national co-ordinator for the Counter Terrorism Policing network, declared it was a terror incident in statement issued by Thames Valley Police.
Chief Constable John Campbell said it was a "truly tragic incident".
He added: "Incidents of this nature are very rare, though I know that will be of little comfort to those involved and understand the concern that this incident will have caused amongst our local community."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show: "It's clearly a terrible crime whatever the motivation and we will be making sure the police have all the support they need."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson met police, security officials and senior ministers at Downing Street on Sunday at 9am and was updated on the ongoing investigation.
An eyewitness to the attack said he saw a man moving between groups of people in the park, trying to stab them.
This morning, Reading appears desolate and in mourning with large areas outside the gardens cordoned off.


birminghammail--2020-06-21--Prince William and his children grin with delight in new Father's Day pictures

Prince William grins with delight as he larks about with his three children in new pictures marking both his birthday and Father 's Day .
In one picture the second in line to the throne is sitting on a swing with them , in the other he lies on the grass and they all clamber on top of him .
The heartwarming pictures were taken by the Duchess of Cambridge at their country residence in Sandringham on Friday and were released on Sunday ( June 21 ) to mark William 's 38th birthday and Father 's Day .
Prince William @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Norfolk estate during the coronavirus crisis with Kate and their children Prince George , aged six , Princess Charlotte , five , and two-year-old Prince Louis .
In one image William and his three youngsters sit on a tree-swing posing for the camera ; in another the children pile on top of their father as he lies grinning on the ground .
William is just one of a number of royals who have celebrated birthdays during the coronavirus lockdown .
The Queen turned 94 in April and also marked her official birthday earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned 99 on June 10 , while Louis turned two in April and Charlotte reached age five in May .
The royals have stayed apart during the pandemic and are scattered around the country at their various homes .
William has kept himself busy during the crisis with royal video calls , and in the past week went out on his first royal engagement since lockdown began .
The duke is the most senior royal in line to the throne who is not considered most at risk of coronavirus because of his age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ category and has been isolating with a limited number of staff at Windsor Castle .
Prince Charles is 71 , although he has already caught and recovered from the Covid-19 illness .
William is also apart from his brother the Duke of Sussex , who is living in Los Angeles with his wife and son after quitting the monarchy for a freer life and the ability to earn his own money .
In a series of video chats with charities , he has opened up about his life in lockdown , saying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much on `` what 's on the table '' .
At his first face-to-face meeting with the public in months when he met ambulance crews in Norfolk on Tuesday , he confessed he was looking forward to being able to go to the local pub for a pint when it was allowed .
He also joked : `` I 'm worried about the waistline of the nation as well , with all the chocolate and cakes .
I 've done a lot of baking at home .
Chocolate goes down very well .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` ups and downs , probably like lots of families '' and she found keeping to a strict regime had helped , but home schooling had been challenging .
In recent years , the duke has focused his work on mental health , particularly trying to break the stigma surrounding men 's mental health and harnessing the power of football to do so .

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Prince William grins with delight as he larks about with his three children in new pictures marking both his birthday and Father's Day.
In one picture the second in line to the throne is sitting on a swing with them, in the other he lies on the grass and they all clamber on top of him.
The heartwarming pictures were taken by the Duchess of Cambridge at their country residence in Sandringham on Friday and were released on Sunday (June 21) to mark William's 38th birthday and Father's Day.
Prince William has been at Amner Hall on the Norfolk estate during the coronavirus crisis with Kate and their children Prince George, aged six, Princess Charlotte, five, and two-year-old Prince Louis.
In one image William and his three youngsters sit on a tree-swing posing for the camera; in another the children pile on top of their father as he lies grinning on the ground.
(Image: Handout)
William is just one of a number of royals who have celebrated birthdays during the coronavirus lockdown.
The Queen turned 94 in April and also marked her official birthday earlier this month, the Duke of Edinburgh turned 99 on June 10, while Louis turned two in April and Charlotte reached age five in May.
The royals have stayed apart during the pandemic and are scattered around the country at their various homes.
William has kept himself busy during the crisis with royal video calls, and in the past week went out on his first royal engagement since lockdown began. The duke is the most senior royal in line to the throne who is not considered most at risk of coronavirus because of his age.
The Queen is in the high-risk category and has been isolating with a limited number of staff at Windsor Castle. Prince Charles is 71, although he has already caught and recovered from the Covid-19 illness.
William is also apart from his brother the Duke of Sussex, who is living in Los Angeles with his wife and son after quitting the monarchy for a freer life and the ability to earn his own money.
In a series of video chats with charities, he has opened up about his life in lockdown, saying the success of his family meals depend very much on "what's on the table".
At his first face-to-face meeting with the public in months when he met ambulance crews in Norfolk on Tuesday, he confessed he was looking forward to being able to go to the local pub for a pint when it was allowed.
He also joked: "I'm worried about the waistline of the nation as well, with all the chocolate and cakes. I've done a lot of baking at home. Chocolate goes down very well."
Kate has revealed they have had "ups and downs, probably like lots of families" and she found keeping to a strict regime had helped, but home schooling had been challenging.
In recent years, the duke has focused his work on mental health, particularly trying to break the stigma surrounding men's mental health and harnessing the power of football to do so.