birminghammail--2020-02-13--'Rather get beaten 6-0' - Aston Villa fans respond to pundit's claim about 'majority' of supporters

Aston Villa fans have been discussing pundit Charlie Nicholas ' claims that the majority of the club 's supporters would prefer Premier League survival to a Carabao Cup trophy .
Villa are in the competition 's final and will play Manchester City at the beginning of next month at Wembley for their sixth crown .
Dean Smith 's side are also fighting on a second front this season , with Premier League survival very much a priority .
They are in 17th place with 13 games remaining , one point above West Ham United in the relegation zone .
Former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sports column that most of the claret and blue army would prefer survival instead of a trophy .
Tottenham Hotspur are up next for Villa , who are looking to take a big step away from the relegation zone this weekend .
Nicholas said : `` It is needs must in the Premier League for Aston Villa , despite reaching the Carabao Cup final , '' he said in his predictions column for Sky Sports .
`` If you were to say to Dean Smith this could be the game to keep you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would lose the Carabao Cup final , despite being underdogs anyway , I think he would take it .
`` And I think the majority of Villa fans would too .
`` A trophy is important to breed winners and confidence , and gain the credibility that Villa are back , but we have seen before that teams have won it and have gone down .
`` The global interest is in the Premier League , so they have to go after it . ''
His comments have divided Villa fans on social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to say ... @ MattParish76 : Not a big claim at all , I ’ d rather get beaten 6-0 at Wembley and stay up .
@ PJLinton : Cup final win all day long for me @ scottavfc9 : We will take a 7-1 bashing at Wembley and still stay in the premier league aswel @ SirBob1892 : Yes but it isn ’ t a choice .
We could have both or neither , it ’ s irrelevant what we prefer .
@ triplex77 : Premier League survival is main aim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting relegated few months later @ SS19642 : normally I would say no , as I did when we lost to Arsenal in the FA Cup .
I was sick to death of struggling year after year at that point so an FA Cup win would 've been welcome .
This time , however , I want survival due to the hard work it took to get us back in the Premier .
@ billbob9999999 : Both would be alright I guess @ jake_kingsnorth : Well obviously yes but it doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both so it ’ s irrelevant @ green_raqeeb : Not a big claim at all .
It ’ s what we need we have no choice villa go down and we ’ re in deep deep trouble .
@ OviAvfc1 : Premier League survival 100 % if I had to choose one .
@ MrWazzman : No brainer PL every day of the week Wembley big day out have fun that ’ s it @ Mrbaggins7 : If you have a good cup run it can boost the moral of the team which @ @ @ @ @ @

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Aston Villa fans have been discussing pundit Charlie Nicholas' claims that the majority of the club's supporters would prefer Premier League survival to a Carabao Cup trophy.
Villa are in the competition's final and will play Manchester City at the beginning of next month at Wembley for their sixth crown.
Dean Smith's side are also fighting on a second front this season, with Premier League survival very much a priority.
They are in 17th place with 13 games remaining, one point above West Ham United in the relegation zone.
Former Arsenal player Nicholas claimed in his Sky Sports column that most of the claret and blue army would prefer survival instead of a trophy.
Tottenham Hotspur are up next for Villa, who are looking to take a big step away from the relegation zone this weekend.
Nicholas said: "It is needs must in the Premier League for Aston Villa, despite reaching the Carabao Cup final," he said in his predictions column for Sky Sports.
"If you were to say to Dean Smith this could be the game to keep you in the Premier League, while you would lose the Carabao Cup final, despite being underdogs anyway, I think he would take it.
"And I think the majority of Villa fans would too.
"A trophy is important to breed winners and confidence, and gain the credibility that Villa are back, but we have seen before that teams have won it and have gone down.
"The global interest is in the Premier League, so they have to go after it."
His comments have divided Villa fans on social media.
Here's what they've had to say...
@ MattParish76 : Not a big claim at all, I’d rather get beaten 6-0 at Wembley and stay up.
@ PJLinton : Cup final win all day long for me
@ scottavfc9 : We will take a 7-1 bashing at Wembley and still stay in the premier league aswel
@ SirBob1892 : Yes but it isn’t a choice. We could have both or neither, it’s irrelevant what we prefer.
@ JacopLindholm : Silver, Parade, pride. Better then a punch bag
@ triplex77 : Premier League survival is main aim, no point going to Wembley and getting relegated few months later
@ SS19642 : normally I would say no, as I did when we lost to Arsenal in the FA Cup. I was sick to death of struggling year after year at that point so an FA Cup win would've been welcome. This time, however, I want survival due to the hard work it took to get us back in the Premier.
@ billbob9999999 : Both would be alright I guess
@ jake_kingsnorth : Well obviously yes but it doesn’t matter because we are gonna do both so it’s irrelevant
@ green_raqeeb : Not a big claim at all. It’s what we need we have no choice villa go down and we’re in deep deep trouble.
@ OviAvfc1 : Premier League survival 100% if I had to choose one.
@ MrWazzman : No brainer PL every day of the week Wembley big day out have fun that’s it
@ Mrbaggins7 : If you have a good cup run it can boost the moral of the team which ultimately helps with league survival!


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Juventus join Man Utd, Chelsea & Arsenal in race for Birmingham City starlet - report

Juventus have become the latest European heavyweight to enter the battle for Birmingham City youngster Jude Bellingham , according to reports .
The Daily Mail say Maurizio Sarri 's Serie A side are monitoring the 16-year-old , who is enjoying a stellar breakout campaign with Blues this season .
Bellingham has made 31 appearances in all competitions , registering four goals and three assists .
He set up Scott Hogan 's winner in the 1-0 victory at Barnsley in midweek , finding the on-loan Aston Villa striker after chasing down the ball .
Chelsea , Manchester United and Arsenal have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the midfielder , who made his senior debut earlier on this season .
Bayern Munich , too have also been mentioned with the Bundesliga giants said to be keen .
Blues boss Pep Clotet has previously addressed the speculation surrounding Bellingham and how he has dealt with it .
He said : “ We are in a shell of all us , we try to work and win a game .
Jude is focused on that and he is performing on a good level .
“ I think he is happy in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something and is helping us to build a dream to improve our football style as we saw in the first half .
“ We are doing it with youth , giving them that opportunity .
Jude is helping us on this .
Jude is very focused on his job and I have never seen him distracted .
“ We are aware of interest in him .
From the beginning he has been watched since he was 13 or 14 .
For the Middlesbrough game half of Europe was here .
He is used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
I have always said it is very good that clubs show interest in our players because this means that we have good players .
“ In my position as head coach because I am not the manager it is difficult to evaluate .
I think Jude is very happy with what he ’ s doing , we are very happy with him , he ’ s growing and I see him very focused on us .
`` It ’ s his club , his people he is living a dream that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of people in the academy put together to reach this level .
He understands that .
“ The fact in the press they are saying these clubs are watching our players for this amount of money , it just makes us proud that he know we ’ re doing things the right way , in giving a path to the first-team for the players in our academy .
“ On a personal point it makes me proud that I was here with him when he started this journey , and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the fact one of our players is attracting this interest .
“ I think it ’ s fantastic for the club .
“ But I have heard nothing , everything is the same and I ’ ve had no communication on this matter , so there ’ s nothing to worry about .
”

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Juventus have become the latest European heavyweight to enter the battle for Birmingham City youngster Jude Bellingham, according to reports.
The Daily Mail say Maurizio Sarri's Serie A side are monitoring the 16-year-old, who is enjoying a stellar breakout campaign with Blues this season.
Bellingham has made 31 appearances in all competitions, registering four goals and three assists.
He set up Scott Hogan's winner in the 1-0 victory at Barnsley in midweek, finding the on-loan Aston Villa striker after chasing down the ball.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal have all been credited with an interest in the midfielder, who made his senior debut earlier on this season.
Bayern Munich, too have also been mentioned with the Bundesliga giants said to be keen.
Blues boss Pep Clotet has previously addressed the speculation surrounding Bellingham and how he has dealt with it.
He said: “We are in a shell of all us, we try to work and win a game. Jude is focused on that and he is performing on a good level.
“I think he is happy in this club and is helping us to build something and is helping us to build a dream to improve our football style as we saw in the first half.
“We are doing it with youth, giving them that opportunity. Jude is helping us on this. Jude is very focused on his job and I have never seen him distracted.
“We are aware of interest in him. From the beginning he has been watched since he was 13 or 14. For the Middlesbrough game half of Europe was here. He is used to it and I am used to it. I have always said it is very good that clubs show interest in our players because this means that we have good players.
“In my position as head coach because I am not the manager it is difficult to evaluate. I think Jude is very happy with what he’s doing, we are very happy with him, he’s growing and I see him very focused on us.
"It’s his club, his people he is living a dream that comes from the work that he and a lot of people in the academy put together to reach this level. He understands that.
“The fact in the press they are saying these clubs are watching our players for this amount of money, it just makes us proud that he know we’re doing things the right way, in giving a path to the first-team for the players in our academy.
“On a personal point it makes me proud that I was here with him when he started this journey, and he makes the club and his team-mates proud for the fact one of our players is attracting this interest.
“I think it’s fantastic for the club.
“But I have heard nothing, everything is the same and I’ve had no communication on this matter, so there’s nothing to worry about.”


birminghammail--2020-02-13--'Just pips it' - Man Utd sent transfer message over Aston Villa rumours

Former Manchester United striker Daniel Nardiello says his old side should sign Jack Grealish if they were to choose between the Aston Villa captain and Leicester City 's James Maddison .
The pair have been perennially linked with a move to Old Trafford ahead of the re-opening of the transfer window in the summer .
Grealish and Maddison , both pals , have attracted the interest of United as they undergo an overhaul under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer .
The playmakers are flying at their respective clubs , with Grealish helping Villa stay just above the relegation zone in the Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all competitions .
Maddison , meanwhile , is reportedly nearing a contract extension with City after his form has propelled Brendan Rodgers ' side into the Champions League places .
But if it were a choice between the two , Nardiello has only one man in mind .
`` I think he is an unbelievable talent , as is Madison but for me Grealish just pips it .
“ If they do get them both then can ’ t really complain but like I say I think it ’ ll be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at once .
`` I ’ m not convinced myself whether they would both fit into the same team.
” He added : “ Grealish just carried that Aston Villa team through the whole season .
“ He ’ s got everything a midfielder needs ; he can score goals , he can create goals , nobody can get the ball off him , his passing is phenomenal , he ’ s started to work a lot harder , puts a few tackles in here and there .
“ I just think he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it ’ s a natural talent as well .
He can glide past players and make things look so effortless and for me just pips Madison .
”

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Former Manchester United striker Daniel Nardiello says his old side should sign Jack Grealish if they were to choose between the Aston Villa captain and Leicester City's James Maddison.
The pair have been perennially linked with a move to Old Trafford ahead of the re-opening of the transfer window in the summer.
Grealish and Maddison, both pals, have attracted the interest of United as they undergo an overhaul under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The playmakers are flying at their respective clubs, with Grealish helping Villa stay just above the relegation zone in the Premier League with nine goals and seven assists in all competitions.
Maddison, meanwhile, is reportedly nearing a contract extension with City after his form has propelled Brendan Rodgers' side into the Champions League places.
But if it were a choice between the two, Nardiello has only one man in mind.
“I prefer Grealish," he told Love Sport Radio.
"I think he is an unbelievable talent, as is Madison but for me Grealish just pips it.
“If they do get them both then can’t really complain but like I say I think it’ll be a bit too much if both players come at once.
"I’m not convinced myself whether they would both fit into the same team.”
He added: “Grealish just carried that Aston Villa team through the whole season.
“He’s got everything a midfielder needs; he can score goals, he can create goals, nobody can get the ball off him, his passing is phenomenal, he’s started to work a lot harder, puts a few tackles in here and there.
“I just think he’s more of an all-round talent and it’s a natural talent as well. He can glide past players and make things look so effortless and for me just pips Madison.”


birminghammail--2020-02-13--McDonald's fans find the same issue after stocking up on Big Mac sauce

Big Mac fans across the country have been racing to their nearest McDonald 's restaurant to get their hands on the new Big Mac sauce .
The secret recipe condiment is available at restaurants across the UK and Ireland and are expected to sell-out quickly - so in response people have been stocking up on the special sauce , which costs 50p .
So far , so good - except after returning home and putting their stash in the fridge people have noticed a common issue , the expiry dates .
The pots actually have a seven-day shelf life and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used on the day of purchase .
That means there are lots of McDonald 's fans with fridges full of the special sauce - and not a lot of time with which to eat them .
Taking to Twitter , one Maccy Dees fan wrote : `` I got 8 but then realised it states it has to be used on day of purchase - oops lol . ''
Another revealed how they 'd spent a tenner on a bag of sauce , only to discover their shelf-life .
McDonald 's confirmed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The 50ml pots have a seven-day shelf life . ''
Not everyone was concerned about the expiry date though , with lots of customers heaping praise on the limited-edition product .
One wrote : `` Making this sauce available as a dip is the best thing you 've ever done !
!
!
!
This is the condement I 've always wanted and needed in my life !
!
We Stan big mac sauce # mcdonalds . ''
Michelle Graham-Clare , Vice President Food & Marketing , McDonald ’ s UK & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , customers have been desperate to get their hands on the world-famous Big Mac Special Sauce , many have attempted to recreate it at home to no avail .
`` So we are delighted to finally bring these dipping pots to the UK and Ireland .
`` We are looking forward to seeing the imaginative ways our customers attempt to ‘ Mac It Better ’ in kitchens across the UK , by adding our iconic Special Sauce to their breakfast , lunch and dinner .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Rachel Pugh, Katie Brooks)

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Big Mac fans across the country have been racing to their nearest McDonald's restaurant to get their hands on the new Big Mac sauce.
The secret recipe condiment is available at restaurants across the UK and Ireland and are expected to sell-out quickly - so in response people have been stocking up on the special sauce, which costs 50p.
So far, so good - except after returning home and putting their stash in the fridge people have noticed a common issue, the expiry dates.
The pots actually have a seven-day shelf life and the little pots state they must be used on the day of purchase.
(Image: McDonald's)
That means there are lots of McDonald's fans with fridges full of the special sauce - and not a lot of time with which to eat them.
Taking to Twitter, one Maccy Dees fan wrote: "I got 8 but then realised it states it has to be used on day of purchase - oops lol."
Another revealed how they'd spent a tenner on a bag of sauce, only to discover their shelf-life.
McDonald's confirmed to our sister title Manchester Evening News: "The 50ml pots have a seven-day shelf life."
Not everyone was concerned about the expiry date though, with lots of customers heaping praise on the limited-edition product.
One wrote: "Making this sauce available as a dip is the best thing you've ever done!!!! This is the condement I've always wanted and needed in my life!! We Stan big mac sauce #mcdonalds."
Michelle Graham-Clare, Vice President Food & Marketing, McDonald’s UK & Ireland, said: “For years, customers have been desperate to get their hands on the world-famous Big Mac Special Sauce, many have attempted to recreate it at home to no avail.
"So we are delighted to finally bring these dipping pots to the UK and Ireland.
"We are looking forward to seeing the imaginative ways our customers attempt to ‘Mac It Better’ in kitchens across the UK, by adding our iconic Special Sauce to their breakfast, lunch and dinner.”


birminghammail--2020-02-13--£100,000 worth of illegal tobacco seized across Black Country raids

Illegal tobacco with a street value of nearly £100,000 has been seized from addresses and businesses from across The Black Country .
Trading Standards teams apprehended the eye-watering amount of illicit drugs during raids in Dudley , Sandwell and Walsall on Thursday , February 13 .
Dudley Council 's led an operation saw a search warrant served on a home at around 7.30am .
Officers found a number of people asleep at the property and seized boxes full of illegal tobacco and large amounts of counterfeit packaging from several rooms in the house .
The haul was removed for further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have an approximate street value of nearly £100,000 .
Councillor Nicolas Barlow , cabinet member responsible for trading standards , said : “ Selling illegal tobacco is a crime and today ’ s seizure sends out a strong message , both from the council and the police , that we won ’ t tolerate it .
“ While all smoking is harmful , illegal tobacco is sold at low prices and without the necessary health warnings .
It makes it easier for children and young smokers to get hooked and harder for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negatively on health and our community .
“ It deprives legitimate businesses of revenue and robs the tax payer of money that could be spent on schools and hospitals.
” More than 350 packets of suspected counterfeit tobacco products worth more than £7,000 were discovered in a raid on an Oldbury shop .
Most of the suspect tobacco products were found in the kitchen of the premises , with others concealed in a jacket worn by the shopkeeper .
Councillor Farut Shaeen , Sandwell Council ’ s cabinet member for living healthy lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excellent result for the trading standards team and their partnership with the police .
“ Shopkeepers should realise that if they get involved in providing illegal tobacco products they will get caught out and face further action.
” And more than 10,000 illegal cigarettes were seized by police in Walsall .
Officers and Trading Standards officials descended on Bloxwich where they found more than 10,000 illicit cigarettes and 94 packs of tobacco yesterday .
The business is now under investigation by the police , a spokeswoman from Walsall Trading Standards said .
Walsall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two of our officers have assisted Walsall Council with the seizure of these !
`` Over 10,000 cigarettes and 94 packs of tobacco seized . ''

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Illegal tobacco with a street value of nearly £100,000 has been seized from addresses and businesses from across The Black Country.
Trading Standards teams apprehended the eye-watering amount of illicit drugs during raids in Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall on Thursday, February 13.
Dudley Council's led an operation saw a search warrant served on a home at around 7.30am.
Officers found a number of people asleep at the property and seized boxes full of illegal tobacco and large amounts of counterfeit packaging from several rooms in the house.
The haul was removed for further investigation, but it is estimated to have an approximate street value of nearly £100,000.
Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said: “Selling illegal tobacco is a crime and today’s seizure sends out a strong message, both from the council and the police, that we won’t tolerate it.
“While all smoking is harmful, illegal tobacco is sold at low prices and without the necessary health warnings. It makes it easier for children and young smokers to get hooked and harder for people to quit.
“These crimes impact negatively on health and our community.
“It deprives legitimate businesses of revenue and robs the tax payer of money that could be spent on schools and hospitals.”
More than 350 packets of suspected counterfeit tobacco products worth more than £7,000 were discovered in a raid on an Oldbury shop.
Most of the suspect tobacco products were found in the kitchen of the premises, with others concealed in a jacket worn by the shopkeeper.
Councillor Farut Shaeen, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for living healthy lives, said: “This is another excellent result for the trading standards team and their partnership with the police.
“Shopkeepers should realise that if they get involved in providing illegal tobacco products they will get caught out and face further action.”
And more than 10,000 illegal cigarettes were seized by police in Walsall.
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Officers and Trading Standards officials descended on Bloxwich where they found more than 10,000 illicit cigarettes and 94 packs of tobacco yesterday.
The business is now under investigation by the police, a spokeswoman from Walsall Trading Standards said. Walsall Taskforce tweeted saying: "This afternoon two of our officers have assisted Walsall Council with the seizure of these!
"Over 10,000 cigarettes and 94 packs of tobacco seized."


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Aston Villa goalkeeper suffers injury blow with loan club

Aston Villa goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic has suffered an injury blow with loan side Toulouse .
The stopper signed with the French side for the rest of the campaign last month and was making his fourth appearance for the club when he was forced off the pitch on Saturday 's 1-0 defeat to Marseille .
Kalinic was substituted after 36 minutes , replaced by Baptiste Reynet .
French media outlet L'Equipe say he has suffered a tear in the left thigh that will keep him out for more than a month .
Kalinic , who has n't played a single competitive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Toulouse for first-team football and was the club 's starting goalkeeper until his injury .
Signed in December 2018 , he got injured last season and fell out of favour thanks to Jed Steer 's form and the signing of Tom Heaton .
`` All our players trained this week , except for Kalidou Sidibe and Lovre Kalinic , '' he said .
`` For the latter , the exams showed a muscular problem , so we have to be very careful .
`` The healing times are specific to each one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that Lovre will not be operational this weekend against Nice . ''

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Aston Villa goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic has suffered an injury blow with loan side Toulouse.
The stopper signed with the French side for the rest of the campaign last month and was making his fourth appearance for the club when he was forced off the pitch on Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Marseille.
Kalinic was substituted after 36 minutes, replaced by Baptiste Reynet.
French media outlet L'Equipe say he has suffered a tear in the left thigh that will keep him out for more than a month.
Kalinic, who hasn't played a single competitive minute for Villa this season, moved to Toulouse for first-team football and was the club's starting goalkeeper until his injury.
Signed in December 2018, he got injured last season and fell out of favour thanks to Jed Steer's form and the signing of Tom Heaton.
Toulouse boss Denis Zanko discussed Kalinic's injury at a press conference on Thursday.
"All our players trained this week, except for Kalidou Sidibe and Lovre Kalinic," he said.
"For the latter, the exams showed a muscular problem, so we have to be very careful.
"The healing times are specific to each one.
"only thing certain to date is that Lovre will not be operational this weekend against Nice."


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway launch date revealed - and there's not long to wait

Ant and Dec 's Saturday Night Takeaway returns to our TV screens this month and we now know when it starts .
Hosts Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly teased the news on Wednesday afternoon , asking their followers : `` Right then , who wants to know when the new series of @ itvtakeaway starts ?
# SaturdayNightTakeaway . ''
Well hundreds of people commented begging for the date to be revealed - and they delivered this morning .
The official Saturday Night Takeaway Twitter account posted : `` We just ca n't wait 'til ( next ) Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch date is Saturday February 22 , 2020 .
The show returns after a year hiatus after Ant spent time in rehab for substance and alcohol abuse issues .
He was also dragged through the courts on a drink-driving charge , after he crashed his car into another vehicle .
A promo for video for the show was shared on the duo 's shared Twitter account last month , teasing that the new series will be `` the best ever '' .
They excitedly wrote : `` Think we can make # SaturdayNightTakeaway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can-can !
On your telly this Feb @ itvtakeaway @ itv…oh , and @ stephenmulhern '' .
Their hilarious teaser shows the presenting duo sat in the show 's HQ as they chat to each other about the upcoming series .
Ant asked his co-star : `` Do you really think we can make the new series of Saturday Night Takeaway the best ever ? ''
As Dec replied : `` Yeah course we can ! ''
After a pause , Ant quizzed again : `` We can ? ''
Before Dec repeated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show looks set to be filled with more huge surprises , fun games , dancing , live performances and stuff that 's up for grabs .
The promo shows the audience cheering and laughing from a previous series , as well as a few of the big stars that have made an appearance on the show - including David Tennant and Ricky Gervais .
But caught up in the excitement of the show 's return - Ant and Dec forget about Stephen Mulhern .
He interrupts the pair from giggling and jumping around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think you 're forgetting someone . ''
`` No , do n't think so , '' Dec replies , as Stephen gives an awkward `` ah '' .
Ant and Dec 's Saturday Night Takeaway starts on Saturday February 22 on ITV .

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Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway returns to our TV screens this month and we now know when it starts.
Hosts Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly teased the news on Wednesday afternoon, asking their followers: "Right then, who wants to know when the new series of @itvtakeaway starts?#SaturdayNightTakeaway."
Well hundreds of people commented begging for the date to be revealed - and they delivered this morning.
The official Saturday Night Takeaway Twitter account posted: "We just can't wait 'til (next) Saturday," along with a GIF revealing the launch date is Saturday February 22, 2020.
(Image: ITV)
The show returns after a year hiatus after Ant spent time in rehab for substance and alcohol abuse issues.
He was also dragged through the courts on a drink-driving charge, after he crashed his car into another vehicle.
A promo for video for the show was shared on the duo's shared Twitter account last month, teasing that the new series will be "the best ever".
They excitedly wrote: "Think we can make #SaturdayNightTakeaway the best ever?! We certainly can-can! On your telly this Feb @itvtakeaway@itv…oh, and @stephenmulhern".
Their hilarious teaser shows the presenting duo sat in the show's HQ as they chat to each other about the upcoming series.
Ant asked his co-star: "Do you really think we can make the new series of Saturday Night Takeaway the best ever?"
As Dec replied: "Yeah course we can!"
After a pause, Ant quizzed again: "We can?" Before Dec repeated: "We can-can."
The show looks set to be filled with more huge surprises, fun games, dancing, live performances and stuff that's up for grabs.
The promo shows the audience cheering and laughing from a previous series, as well as a few of the big stars that have made an appearance on the show - including David Tennant and Ricky Gervais.
But caught up in the excitement of the show's return - Ant and Dec forget about Stephen Mulhern.
He interrupts the pair from giggling and jumping around by saying: "Guys, I think you're forgetting someone."
"No, don't think so," Dec replies, as Stephen gives an awkward "ah".
Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway starts on Saturday February 22 on ITV.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Hunted starts on Channel 4 tonight and two friends from Birmingham are hoping to win

A foster carer and landscape gardener are flying the flag for Birmingham in the new series of Hunted .
Returning for its fifth series on Channel 4 , the show sees ordinary people go on the run for 25 days and try to disappear in one of the most watched nations on Earth .
The aim of the competition is to evade the eagle eyes of a top team of `` hunters '' - made up of military and intelligence operatives with years of training .
Hoping to win the £100,000 prize fund are Frankie Greenidge and Daniel Edwards from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carer and also works as a contact supervisor for children in care , while Dan is a former graphic designer who set up a landscape gardening business after his mum died .
The friends have watched previous series of the show together and are hoping `` going rural '' will be the key to their success .
They 're convinced they 're going to fall out over the course of the show , but it ’ s not a major concern for them , as Frankie says : “ We ’ ll get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
For the first time in Hunted history , The fugitives have been stripped of all personal belongings and start the competition with just the clothes on their back .
This is something Dan is dreading : `` Right from the get-go we are going to need resources and essentials and who knows how long that will take .
I could be in the same clothes for 25 days…imagine that . ''
Frankie is n't looking forward to that element either : `` I ’ m dreading what I ’ m going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll just get on with it , I ’ m not planning to cry about it and I ’ ll just take it one day at a time .
As long as I ’ ll get food , I ’ m sure I ’ ll live . ''
If they were to win the huge prize fund , Frankie would buy a house with a bigger garden so that her son can practice his football skills easier , while Dan would like to pay off some debts and donate to a cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The money isn ’ t a major factor , I ’ ve always said ‘ Memories over Money ’ ( M.O.M ) .
This experience is something money can ’ t buy , ” he explains .

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A foster carer and landscape gardener are flying the flag for Birmingham in the new series of Hunted.
Returning for its fifth series on Channel 4, the show sees ordinary people go on the run for 25 days and try to disappear in one of the most watched nations on Earth.
The aim of the competition is to evade the eagle eyes of a top team of "hunters" - made up of military and intelligence operatives with years of training.
Hoping to win the £100,000 prize fund are Frankie Greenidge and Daniel Edwards from Birmingham.
(Image: Channel 4)
Frankie is a full-time foster carer and also works as a contact supervisor for children in care, while Dan is a former graphic designer who set up a landscape gardening business after his mum died.
The friends have watched previous series of the show together and are hoping "going rural" will be the key to their success.
They're convinced they're going to fall out over the course of the show, but it’s not a major concern for them, as Frankie says: “We’ll get over it though – we normally do."
For the first time in Hunted history, The fugitives have been stripped of all personal belongings and start the competition with just the clothes on their back.
This is something Dan is dreading: "Right from the get-go we are going to need resources and essentials and who knows how long that will take. I could be in the same clothes for 25 days…imagine that."
Frankie isn't looking forward to that element either: "I’m dreading what I’m going to look like. I hope I’ll just get on with it, I’m not planning to cry about it and I’ll just take it one day at a time. As long as I’ll get food, I’m sure I’ll live."
If they were to win the huge prize fund, Frankie would buy a house with a bigger garden so that her son can practice his football skills easier, while Dan would like to pay off some debts and donate to a cancer charity in memory of his late mother.
“The money isn’t a major factor, I’ve always said ‘Memories over Money’ (M.O.M). This experience is something money can’t buy,” he explains.
Hunted starts tonight on Channel 4 at 9pm.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Gang banged up for 60 years attacked security guard, smashed cashpoints and snatched cars

A gang who targeted cash machines by tying straps around them before ripping them out with stolen cars in a massive crimewave , has been jailed .
The ruthless raiders also targeted banks , supermarkets , convenience stores and a college and shockingly attacked a security guard in a violent robbery where a cash box containing tens of thousands of pounds was stolen .
The attacks were spread across Birmingham and Solihull and began in March last year .
A dramatic video which can be viewed above shows when one of the men was captured when he tried to escape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the engine stopped and police officers wearing bodycams chased and caught him .
The footage also shows the gang violently ripping cash machines out of walls and reveals how police managed to crack the case and track them down .
On Tuesday , ( February 11 ) , 11 men were found guilty of a range of offences following an 11 week trial at Birmingham Crown Court .
And today ( Thursday February 13 ) four were sentenced for what police said were ' a variety of offences ' .
Larry Barnett , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stechford was given 21 years .
Jamie Lambie who is 43 and from Wheatfield Close , Smith ’ s Wood was handed 19 years while 32-year-old Lee Barnett from Wheldrake Avenue , Shard End was given a 12 year sentence .
Michael Dunleavy , aged 37 , from Needlers End Lane , Balsall Common was sent to prison for nine years .
Thirteen vehicles were stolen during their crime spree , which started in March last year , and were used to carry out the series of robberies .
Banks , supermarkets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the thieves during their three month rampage .
They were responsible for 14 offences during the three months , mainly ATMs , but they also stole around £40,000 worth of cigarettes .
onday 18 March - The gang ram through glass windows at Solihull College and drag a cash machine containing £2,000 causing over £20,000 worth of damage • Tuesday 19 March - They reverse a stolen van near the entrance to a Co-op in Acocks Green and make several attempts to steal a cash machine • Thursday 25 April - Using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempt to ram a Tesco Express in Balsall Common .
They are unsuccessful and abandon the skip which had blocked access to the shop • Tuesday 30 April - Using sledge hammers and an angle grinder , the gang spend over 10 minutes trying to remove a cash machine from the wall at a Morrisons in Rednall • Friday 3 May - They attack a security guard with hammers and a crowbar and steal a cash box containing £20,000 .
They then attempted to launder the money though bookmakers in Shard End and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smartwater which assisted us in identifying where it came from .
• Tuesday 21 May - They target a Nationwide bank in Shirley , they are seen by police shortly after and ram a police car head on causing minor injuries to two officers • Wednesday 12 June/Thursday 13 June - Two supermarkets have substantial amounts of cigarettes stolen .
Detective Sergeant Martin Kelly , who oversaw the operation , said : “ The actions of this gang were shocking .
Their behaviour was blatant , often spending long periods of time trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the people around them .
They had no regard for the law and were determined to do what they wanted with no thought about the consequences .
“ They also used unnecessary levels of violence towards various security guards and staff members and also rammed a police car head on in an effort to evade us .
“ Their crime spree also left a trail of destruction , with damage thought to be in the region of £200,000 .
“ Thanks to great police work , we were able to build up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their vehicles and movements .
We even seized CCTV from Larry Barnett ’ s own house showing him and others trying to work out how to use a power tool that we know was used in one of their crimes .
He added : “ We continue to work with the cash machine industry to help increase security awareness to reduce the risk of them being targeting by criminals in this way in the future .
“ I hope their lengthy prison time will be of some comfort to those people affected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous offenders are now off the streets and being punished for their actions . ''
Seven other men will be sentenced for their involvement next month , they are : • Shaun Bates , aged 26 , from Slyvan Grove , Shirley • Michael Bowen , aged 31 , of no fixed address • Steven Ives , aged 40 , from Chingford Road , Kingstanding • Karl Hastings , aged 46 , from Barnett Road , Kingstanding • Carl Heard , aged 38 , from Brays Road , Sheldon • Shawn Bancroft , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Castle Bromwich • Oliver Higgins , aged 33 , from Packhorse Lane , Hollywood

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A gang who targeted cash machines by tying straps around them before ripping them out with stolen cars in a massive crimewave, has been jailed.
The ruthless raiders also targeted banks, supermarkets, convenience stores and a college and shockingly attacked a security guard in a violent robbery where a cash box containing tens of thousands of pounds was stolen.
The attacks were spread across Birmingham and Solihull and began in March last year.
A dramatic video which can be viewed above shows when one of the men was captured when he tried to escape through a flooded Ford in Hollywood - the engine stopped and police officers wearing bodycams chased and caught him.
The footage also shows the gang violently ripping cash machines out of walls and reveals how police managed to crack the case and track them down.
On Tuesday, (February 11) , 11 men were found guilty of a range of offences following an 11 week trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
And today (Thursday February 13) four were sentenced for what police said were 'a variety of offences'.
Larry Barnett, aged 33, from Greenhough Road, Lichfield, was given 21 years. Jamie Lambie who is 43 and from Wheatfield Close, Smith’s Wood was handed 19 years while 32-year-old Lee Barnett from Wheldrake Avenue, Shard End was given a 12 year sentence.
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Michael Dunleavy, aged 37, from Needlers End Lane, Balsall Common was sent to prison for nine years.
Thirteen vehicles were stolen during their crime spree, which started in March last year, and were used to carry out the series of robberies.
Banks, supermarkets, convenience stores and a college were targeted by the thieves during their three month rampage.
To keep up-to-date with the latest news from Birmingham Courts, join our Facebook group here
They were responsible for 14 offences during the three months, mainly ATMs, but they also stole around £40,000 worth of cigarettes.
The crimes included:
onday 18 March - The gang ram through glass windows at Solihull College and drag a cash machine containing £2,000 causing over £20,000 worth of damage
• Tuesday 19 March - They reverse a stolen van near the entrance to a Co-op in Acocks Green and make several attempts to steal a cash machine
• Thursday 25 April - Using a stolen skip lorry, the gang attempt to ram a Tesco Express in Balsall Common. They are unsuccessful and abandon the skip which had blocked access to the shop
• Tuesday 30 April - Using sledge hammers and an angle grinder, the gang spend over 10 minutes trying to remove a cash machine from the wall at a Morrisons in Rednall
• Friday 3 May - They attack a security guard with hammers and a crowbar and steal a cash box containing £20,000. They then attempted to launder the money though bookmakers in Shard End and Coventry. The money was dyed with Smartwater which assisted us in identifying where it came from.
• Tuesday 21 May - They target a Nationwide bank in Shirley, they are seen by police shortly after and ram a police car head on causing minor injuries to two officers
• Wednesday 12 June/Thursday 13 June - Two supermarkets have substantial amounts of cigarettes stolen.
Detective Sergeant Martin Kelly, who oversaw the operation, said: “The actions of this gang were shocking. Their behaviour was blatant, often spending long periods of time trying to steal cash machines with no care for the people around them. They had no regard for the law and were determined to do what they wanted with no thought about the consequences.
“They also used unnecessary levels of violence towards various security guards and staff members and also rammed a police car head on in an effort to evade us.
“Their crime spree also left a trail of destruction, with damage thought to be in the region of £200,000.
“Thanks to great police work, we were able to build up a detailed picture of the gang, their vehicles and movements. We even seized CCTV from Larry Barnett’s own house showing him and others trying to work out how to use a power tool that we know was used in one of their crimes.
He added: “We continue to work with the cash machine industry to help increase security awareness to reduce the risk of them being targeting by criminals in this way in the future.
“I hope their lengthy prison time will be of some comfort to those people affected by their wild three-month crime spree. These dangerous offenders are now off the streets and being punished for their actions."
Seven other men will be sentenced for their involvement next month, they are:
• Shaun Bates, aged 26, from Slyvan Grove, Shirley
• Michael Bowen, aged 31, of no fixed address
• Steven Ives, aged 40, from Chingford Road, Kingstanding
• Karl Hastings, aged 46, from Barnett Road, Kingstanding
• Carl Heard, aged 38, from Brays Road, Sheldon
• Shawn Bancroft, aged 27, from Faircroft Road, Castle Bromwich
• Oliver Higgins, aged 33, from Packhorse Lane, Hollywood


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Has this pundit just said what most Aston Villa fans are thinking?

Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas reckons most Aston Villa fans would rather stay in the Premier League than win the Carabao Cup .
Dean Smith 's side are back in League action this weekend when they host Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park on Sunday ( 2pm ) .
Villa are in 17th place in the League with 13 games left for them to secure their survival from relegation to the Championship .
But they are fighting on two fronts this season , with the Carabao Cup final proving a welcome distraction from a difficult return to the top flight .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Wembley will provide Smith and his side with a break from the scrap of being down at the bottom of the League , but should they prioritise avoiding relegation .
That 's what former Arsenal player Nicholas reckons , anyway .
`` It is needs must in the Premier League for Aston Villa , despite reaching the Carabao Cup final , '' he said in his predictions column for Sky Sports .
`` If you were to say to Dean Smith this could be the game to keep you in the Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carabao Cup final , despite being underdogs anyway , I think he would take it .
`` And I think the majority of Villa fans would too .
`` A trophy is important to breed winners and confidence , and gain the credibility that Villa are back , but we have seen before that teams have won it and have gone down .
`` The global interest is in the Premier League , so they have to go after it .
`` Meanwhile , Tottenham have not been convincing but are getting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top four , especially after the recent signings , chasing the likes of Sheffield United and Chelsea .
It will be another cracking game of football here . ''

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Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas reckons most Aston Villa fans would rather stay in the Premier League than win the Carabao Cup.
Dean Smith's side are back in League action this weekend when they host Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park on Sunday (2pm).
Villa are in 17th place in the League with 13 games left for them to secure their survival from relegation to the Championship.
But they are fighting on two fronts this season, with the Carabao Cup final proving a welcome distraction from a difficult return to the top flight.
The March 1 date with Manchester City at Wembley will provide Smith and his side with a break from the scrap of being down at the bottom of the League, but should they prioritise avoiding relegation.
That's what former Arsenal player Nicholas reckons, anyway.
"It is needs must in the Premier League for Aston Villa, despite reaching the Carabao Cup final," he said in his predictions column for Sky Sports.
"If you were to say to Dean Smith this could be the game to keep you in the Premier League, while you would lose the Carabao Cup final, despite being underdogs anyway, I think he would take it.
"And I think the majority of Villa fans would too.
"A trophy is important to breed winners and confidence, and gain the credibility that Villa are back, but we have seen before that teams have won it and have gone down.
"The global interest is in the Premier League, so they have to go after it.
"Meanwhile, Tottenham have not been convincing but are getting the results. They have to go after the top four, especially after the recent signings, chasing the likes of Sheffield United and Chelsea. It will be another cracking game of football here."


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Man claimed he was crippled by pothole - then took part in iron man events

A man who tried to fleece a council out of thousands by exaggerating his injuries when he tripped down a pothole in Walsall has escaped jailed .
Nicholas McDaid , of Bloxwich , claimed that he had suffered a serious ankle injury caused by a pothole trip whilst walking his dogs .
The 35-year-old also claimed that the ligament and soft tissue damage to his ankle was so severe he was unable to work and brought a claim against Walsall Council in 2013 .
An interim payment of around £12,000 for an ankle operation was then paid to McDaid .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation by the council and its lawyers , Browne Jacobson LLP , uncovered that he has engaged in extreme sporting activities during the time when he claimed to have been unable to do so .
Pictures and evidence were provided to the Court which showed him competing in Iron Man triathlons , full and half marathons , cycling challenges and scoring tries for his local Rugby Club which highlighted his dishonesty .
Some of these athletic activities were uploaded to a personal fitness app , the court was told .
The personal injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Truman in May 2018 depriving him of his genuine damages when he was found to be fundamentally dishonest .
She said : “ He put forward a witness statement which he knew was deliberately misleading with regard to the abilities that he had and the level of care that he required .
I can not see any other reason for doing any of that except to try to maximise the claim for compensation that he was putting forward.
” McDaid then unsuccessfully appealed this decision , arguing that despite the fact that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fundamentally dishonest .
This was rejected by the Honourable Mr Justice Martin Spencer in Birmingham County Court .
Walsall Council then pursued a private prosecution for contempt of court leading to his criminal conviction .
This ruling was upheld on December 17 , 2019 .
McDaid fully admitted his guilt before the court and the judge sentenced him to two months in prison , suspended for 12 months , for six counts of contempt of court .
He was also ordered to pay Walsall Council ’ s prosecution costs .
Leader of Walsall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the bills could have cost the council more than £200,000 He said : “ Anybody who tries to claim money from Walsall taxpayers by giving a dishonest and exaggerated account of their injuries will see their day in Court .
It is wrong – pure and simple .
“ It also takes money from the public purse and away from important services in Walsall .
“ We always scrutinise any claim that could be fundamentally dishonest , so I ’ m surprised that this individual thought we wouldn ’ t properly investigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was so visible in his sporting activities .
“ Let his hefty fees and a criminal record - be a reminder that Walsall Council will pursue and prosecute anyone who tries to wildly exaggerate a personal injury claim in this way.
” Paul Wainwright , partner and head of counter fraud services at Browne Jacobson , added : “ Given the council ’ s concerns which were raised by its expert , it was right that a full and thorough investigation was carried out .
“ Those investigations revealed extensive sporting activity which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Court giving a false and misleading impression of the effect of his injury for financial gain .
Had he succeeded in his claim , valuable resources would have been unavailable for the council ’ s frontline services .
“ Walsall Council with Browne Jacobson ’ s help has clearly demonstrated its determination to take action to prevent fraud , protect the public purse and prosecute fraudsters .
We hope this case will be a salutary lesson for anyone considering such action in the future .
”

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A man who tried to fleece a council out of thousands by exaggerating his injuries when he tripped down a pothole in Walsall has escaped jailed.
Nicholas McDaid, of Bloxwich, claimed that he had suffered a serious ankle injury caused by a pothole trip whilst walking his dogs.
The 35-year-old also claimed that the ligament and soft tissue damage to his ankle was so severe he was unable to work and brought a claim against Walsall Council in 2013.
An interim payment of around £12,000 for an ankle operation was then paid to McDaid.
But the McDaid was rumbled after an investigation by the council and its lawyers, Browne Jacobson LLP, uncovered that he has engaged in extreme sporting activities during the time when he claimed to have been unable to do so.
Pictures and evidence were provided to the Court which showed him competing in Iron Man triathlons, full and half marathons, cycling challenges and scoring tries for his local Rugby Club which highlighted his dishonesty.
Some of these athletic activities were uploaded to a personal fitness app, the court was told.
The personal injury claim was dismissed by Her Honour Judge Truman in May 2018 depriving him of his genuine damages when he was found to be fundamentally dishonest.
She said: “He put forward a witness statement which he knew was deliberately misleading with regard to the abilities that he had and the level of care that he required. I cannot see any other reason for doing any of that except to try to maximise the claim for compensation that he was putting forward.”
(Image: Finisherpix)
McDaid then unsuccessfully appealed this decision, arguing that despite the fact that he was dishonest, he had not been fundamentally dishonest.
This was rejected by the Honourable Mr Justice Martin Spencer in Birmingham County Court.
Walsall Council then pursued a private prosecution for contempt of court leading to his criminal conviction. This ruling was upheld on December 17, 2019.
McDaid fully admitted his guilt before the court and the judge sentenced him to two months in prison, suspended for 12 months, for six counts of contempt of court. He was also ordered to pay Walsall Council’s prosecution costs.
Leader of Walsall Council Cllr Mike Bird said the cost of the bills could have cost the council more than £200,000
He said: “Anybody who tries to claim money from Walsall taxpayers by giving a dishonest and exaggerated account of their injuries will see their day in Court. It is wrong – pure and simple.
“It also takes money from the public purse and away from important services in Walsall.
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“We always scrutinise any claim that could be fundamentally dishonest, so I’m surprised that this individual thought we wouldn’t properly investigate his alleged injuries, especially when he was so visible in his sporting activities.
“Let his hefty fees and a criminal record - be a reminder that Walsall Council will pursue and prosecute anyone who tries to wildly exaggerate a personal injury claim in this way.”
Paul Wainwright, partner and head of counter fraud services at Browne Jacobson, added: “Given the council’s concerns which were raised by its expert, it was right that a full and thorough investigation was carried out.
“Those investigations revealed extensive sporting activity which McDaid had dishonestly failed to evidence before the Court giving a false and misleading impression of the effect of his injury for financial gain. Had he succeeded in his claim, valuable resources would have been unavailable for the council’s frontline services.
“Walsall Council with Browne Jacobson’s help has clearly demonstrated its determination to take action to prevent fraud, protect the public purse and prosecute fraudsters. We hope this case will be a salutary lesson for anyone considering such action in the future.”


birminghammail--2020-02-13--'Would be devastated' - Aston Villa hero makes Jack Grealish transfer claim

Jack Grealish leaving Aston Villa would be a hammer blow for Dean Smith 's side , according to Villa Park hero Alan Hutton .
Hutton , who left the club in the summer , played with Grealish since he came through the ranks at Bodymoor Heath since 2012 .
Grealish has been heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park when the transfer window re-opens at the end of the season .
Manchester United have been mentioned the most , while Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Man City have also been credited with an interest as have Spanish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has proved himself at Premier League level and has scored nine times in all competitions this season while setting up seven goals for his team-mates .
He has been the heartbeat of Villa 's season as they bid to stave off relegation to the Championship and his form has alerted Europe 's top sides .
And Hutton says there is no way that a possible Grealish departure does n't deliver a telling blow to Villa .
“ It would be a massive blow , there ’ s no point in sugar-coating it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everybody would be devastated , it would be devastating .
He means so much to the team , everything comes through him .
“ He ’ s really matured since he ’ s been the captain .
There ’ s so many plus points to him playing .
“ Literally take him out the team and I think Villa are down , basically .
That ’ s how much he means to them at this moment in time .
He ’ s such a big player for them .
”

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Jack Grealish leaving Aston Villa would be a hammer blow for Dean Smith's side, according to Villa Park hero Alan Hutton.
Hutton, who left the club in the summer, played with Grealish since he came through the ranks at Bodymoor Heath since 2012.
Grealish has been heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park when the transfer window re-opens at the end of the season.
Manchester United have been mentioned the most, while Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Man City have also been credited with an interest as have Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Grealish has proved himself at Premier League level and has scored nine times in all competitions this season while setting up seven goals for his team-mates.
He has been the heartbeat of Villa's season as they bid to stave off relegation to the Championship and his form has alerted Europe's top sides.
And Hutton says there is no way that a possible Grealish departure doesn't deliver a telling blow to Villa.
“It would be a massive blow, there’s no point in sugar-coating it,” Hutton told Football Insider.
“Everybody would be devastated, it would be devastating. He means so much to the team, everything comes through him.
“He’s really matured since he’s been the captain. There’s so many plus points to him playing.
“Literally take him out the team and I think Villa are down, basically. That’s how much he means to them at this moment in time. He’s such a big player for them.”


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Rush hour driver disqualified after overtaking police on wrong side of roundabout

A driver who overtook police on the wrong side of a mini roundabout has been disqualified , police said .
@ @ @ @ @ on patrol in Trowbridge , Wiltshire , in an unmarked police car when he was @ @ @ @ @ Transit van at about 4.55pm on January 19 .
He followed the van using his @ @ @ @ @ ordered the driver to pull over .
Wiltshire Police said the driver , Wesley Gilchrist @ @ @ @ @ and results showed he was more than twice the legal drink drive limit .
He @ @ @ @ @ driving while over the legal alcohol limit at Salisbury Magistrates Court , was fined £750 @ @ @ @ @ 15 months , the force said .
Speaking after the case , PC Lee said @ @ @ @ @ overtook me I was initially stunned by the poor standard of driving , and stopped @ @ @ @ @ the vehicle .
`` I have no doubt that Gilchrist 's actions could have very @ @ @ @ @ or someone being seriously injured or worse . ''

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A driver who overtook police on the wrong side of a mini roundabout has been disqualified, police said.
Police Constable Andy Lee was on patrol in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, in an unmarked police car when he was overtaken by a white Ford Transit van at about 4.55pm on January 19.
He followed the van using his sirens and blue lights and ordered the driver to pull over.
Wiltshire Police said the driver, Wesley Gilchrist, 41, was breathalysed and results showed he was more than twice the legal drink drive limit.
He later admitted one charge of driving while over the legal alcohol limit at Salisbury Magistrates Court, was fined £750 and disqualified from driving for 15 months, the force said.
Speaking after the case, PC Lee said: "When the van overtook me I was initially stunned by the poor standard of driving, and stopped for a second before following the vehicle.
"I have no doubt that Gilchrist's actions could have very easily led to a crash or someone being seriously injured or worse."


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Sajid Javid says he resigned as Chancellor because no 'self-respecting minister' could accept Boris

Sajid Javid says he resigned as Chancellor because no 'self-respecting minister' could accept Boris Johnson's demands

Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid has explained why he quit as Chancellor - saying no `` self-respecting minister '' could have accepted the conditions imposed by Boris Johnson for staying on .
He insisted he would continue to support the Prime Minister despite resigning from the Cabinet .
But he made it clear he was unhappy with the way he had been treated .
Explaining his shock resignation , he said Mr Johnson had ordered him to sack his aides .
Mr Javid said : `` It 's been a huge honour to serve as Chancellor of the Exchequer , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister wanted to re-appoint me , I was unable to accept the conditions that he had attached .
`` So I felt I was left with no option other than to resign . ''
He added : `` The conditions that were attached was a requirement that I replace all my political advisers .
These are people that have worked incredibly hard on behalf of not just the government but the whole country , done a fantastic job , '' I was unable to accept those conditons .
I do n't believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions .
And so therefore I felt the best thing to do was to go . ''
Asked if My Johnson 's aide Dominic Cummings had imposed the conditions , Mr Javid said : `` Those were the conditions requested by the Prime Minister .
That was of course his preogatve . ''
Referring to Rishi Sunak , the Yorkshire MP who has replaced him as Chancellor , Mr Javid said : `` My successor has my full support and the Prime Minister continues to enjoy my full support , as does the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson attempted to carry out his first big reshuffle since his victory in December 's general election .
As part of the changes , Mr Johnson ordered Mr Javid to fire his closest aides and replace them with advisers chosen by Number 10 .
While he refused , his successor , Mr Sunak , has agreed to the condition .
It means the Prime Minister and his senior colleagues in 10 Downing Street , including Mr Cummings , have more control over the Chancellor and the Treasury .
Mr Javid had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 .
The reshuffle gives Mr Johnson the chance to shape the Government ready for the challenge of governing the country after Brexit .
Julian Smith became the first casualty of Boris Johnson 's Government reshuffle after being unceremoniously dumped from the Northern Ireland Office .
His departure comes just weeks after brokering the deal which restored the powersharing administration in Stormont .
Other senior ministers axed include Andrea Leadsom from her role as business secretary and Esther McVey , who attended Cabinet as housing minister .
Here 's a rundown of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Exchequer George Eustice became Secretary of State for Environment , Food and Rural Affairs Brandon Lewis became Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Stephen Barclay became Chief Secretary to the Treasury .
Dominic Raab remains Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Michael Gove remains Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster , and Minister for the Cabinet Office Robert Buckland remains Lord Chancellor , and Secretary of State for Justice Liz Truss remains Secretary of State for International Trade , President of the Board of Trade , and Minister for Women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State for Work and Pensions .
Robert Jenrick remains Secretary of State for Housing , Communities and Local Government Jacob Rees Mogg remains Leader of the House of Commons

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Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid has explained why he quit as Chancellor - saying no "self-respecting minister" could have accepted the conditions imposed by Boris Johnson for staying on.
He insisted he would continue to support the Prime Minister despite resigning from the Cabinet. But he made it clear he was unhappy with the way he had been treated.
Explaining his shock resignation, he said Mr Johnson had ordered him to sack his aides. Mr Javid said: "It's been a huge honour to serve as Chancellor of the Exchequer, and whilst I was very pleased that the Prime Minister wanted to re-appoint me, I was unable to accept the conditions that he had attached.
"So I felt I was left with no option other than to resign."
He added: "The conditions that were attached was a requirement that I replace all my political advisers. These are people that have worked incredibly hard on behalf of not just the government but the whole country, done a fantastic job,
"I was unable to accept those conditons. I don't believe any self respecting minister would accept such conditions. And so therefore I felt the best thing to do was to go."
(Image: PA)
Asked if My Johnson's aide Dominic Cummings had imposed the conditions, Mr Javid said: "Those were the conditions requested by the Prime Minister. That was of course his preogatve."
Referring to Rishi Sunak, the Yorkshire MP who has replaced him as Chancellor, Mr Javid said: "My successor has my full support and the Prime Minister continues to enjoy my full support, as does the government.
His shock resignation came as Mr Johnson attempted to carry out his first big reshuffle since his victory in December's general election.
As part of the changes, Mr Johnson ordered Mr Javid to fire his closest aides and replace them with advisers chosen by Number 10. While he refused, his successor, Mr Sunak, has agreed to the condition.
It means the Prime Minister and his senior colleagues in 10 Downing Street, including Mr Cummings, have more control over the Chancellor and the Treasury.
Mr Javid had been due to deliver a Budget on March 11.
Boris Johnson's reshuffle continues
The reshuffle gives Mr Johnson the chance to shape the Government ready for the challenge of governing the country after Brexit.
Julian Smith became the first casualty of Boris Johnson's Government reshuffle after being unceremoniously dumped from the Northern Ireland Office.
His departure comes just weeks after brokering the deal which restored the powersharing administration in Stormont.
Other senior ministers axed include Andrea Leadsom from her role as business secretary and Esther McVey, who attended Cabinet as housing minister.
Here's a rundown of the changes:
A new job
Rishi Sunak became Chancellor of the Exchequer
Alok Sharma became Business Secretary
Anne-Marie Trevelyan became International Development Secretary
Oliver Dowden became Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary
Suella Braverman became Attorney General.
George Eustice became Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Brandon Lewis became Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Stephen Barclay became Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
Staying in their post
Dominic Raab remains Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
Michael Gove remains Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Minister for the Cabinet Office
Priti Patel remains Home Secretary
Robert Buckland remains Lord Chancellor, and Secretary of State for Justice
Matt Hancock remains Health Secretary
Liz Truss remains Secretary of State for International Trade, President of the Board of Trade, and Minister for Women and Equalities
Thérèse Coffey remains Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
Robert Jenrick remains Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
Ben Wallace remains Secretary of State for Defence
Grant Shapps remains Secretary of State for Transport
Alister Jack remains Secretary of State for Scotland
Simon Hart remains Secretary of State for Wales
Jacob Rees Mogg remains Leader of the House of Commons
Resigned
Sajid Javid resigned as Chancellor
Sacked
Julian Smith, former Northern Ireland Secretary
Andrea Leadsom, former Business Secretary
Geoffrey Cox, former Attorney General
Theresa Villiers, former Environment Secretary


birminghammail--2020-02-13--New Banksy art in Bristol just in time for Valentine's Day - and locals love it

A piece of street art has appeared in Banksy 's hometown of Bristol , with speculation that it could be the work of the elusive artist .
Residents in the Barton Hill area of the city awoke on Thursday to find the piece on the side of a building .
The artwork , on Marsh Lane , features a girl firing a slingshot of flowers in a possible nod to Valentine 's Day .
Kelly Woodruff , 37 , who helps manage the rented home which the piece is displayed on , said she became aware of it on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Facebook post showing the artwork .
She told the PA news agency : `` My friend said 'Is n't that one of your rental properties ? '
`` We 've been down here all day and it 's just been a complete buzz of excitement .
There 's so many people coming and enjoying it , taking pictures , it 's fantastic .
`` There 's been a lot of debate if it is a Banksy or not .
Most people I 've spoken to think it 100 % is , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Banksy .
Mrs Woodruff said the artwork had come on the 67th birthday of her father , Edwin Simons , who owns the family rental business .
She also said the family were looking to get glass to cover the art to preserve it , but said Bristol City Council was unable to offer any help .
She added : `` My slight worry is , we 've got this Storm Dennis coming on the weekend , so I really want to try and protect the roses . ''
Bristol Somali Community Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we woke up with this remarkable mural art painted on one of the houses of the area .
`` We hope it 's Banksy 's work .
Come and have a look yourself .
Whoever painted , it 's worth admiring their creativity .
Thank you . ''
One local resident , James Bullock , tweeted that he had seen the piece early on Thursday morning .
`` Me and my girlfriend were heading that way to the gym this morning about 6.20 and there were people with scaffolding up , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ odd and then we walked past it again this morning !
! ''
Bristol-based blog She and Hem tweeted photographs of the street art , writing : `` Is this a Banksy in Bristol ? ''
.
Banksy often confirms his artworks by posting images of them on Instagram or his website .
However , the Bristol piece had not appeared on either on Thursday morning .

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A piece of street art has appeared in Banksy's hometown of Bristol, with speculation that it could be the work of the elusive artist.
Residents in the Barton Hill area of the city awoke on Thursday to find the piece on the side of a building.
The artwork, on Marsh Lane, features a girl firing a slingshot of flowers in a possible nod to Valentine's Day.
Kelly Woodruff, 37, who helps manage the rented home which the piece is displayed on, said she became aware of it on Thursday morning when a friend tagged her in a Facebook post showing the artwork.
She told the PA news agency: "My friend said 'Isn't that one of your rental properties?'
"We've been down here all day and it's just been a complete buzz of excitement. There's so many people coming and enjoying it, taking pictures, it's fantastic.
"There's been a lot of debate if it is a Banksy or not. Most people I've spoken to think it 100% is, and they're naming it the Valentine's Banksy.
"It's incredible and beautiful."
Mrs Woodruff said the artwork had come on the 67th birthday of her father, Edwin Simons, who owns the family rental business.
She also said the family were looking to get glass to cover the art to preserve it, but said Bristol City Council was unable to offer any help.
She added: "My slight worry is, we've got this Storm Dennis coming on the weekend, so I really want to try and protect the roses."
Bristol Somali Community Association tweeted: "Today in Barton Hill, we woke up with this remarkable mural art painted on one of the houses of the area.
"We hope it's Banksy's work. Come and have a look yourself. Whoever painted, it's worth admiring their creativity. Thank you."
One local resident, James Bullock, tweeted that he had seen the piece early on Thursday morning.
"Me and my girlfriend were heading that way to the gym this morning about 6.20 and there were people with scaffolding up," he tweeted.
"Thought it was odd and then we walked past it again this morning!!"
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Bristol-based blog She and Hem tweeted photographs of the street art, writing: "Is this a Banksy in Bristol?".
Banksy often confirms his artworks by posting images of them on Instagram or his website.
However, the Bristol piece had not appeared on either on Thursday morning.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--After Life season two release date confirmed by Netflix and Ricky Gervais

Ricky Gervais 's popular Netflix series After Life will return for a second series on April 24 .
The streaming service said there will be six new episodes of the comedy drama about a man struggling with grief following the death of his wife .
The show sees Gervais play local journalist Tony Johnson , who contemplates taking his own life .
However , he instead decides to live long enough to punish the world by saying and doing whatever he likes , while also caring for his dog Brandy .
The second series will see Tony still struggling with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also trying to become a better friend to those around him in his home town Tambury .
Everyone around him is grappling with their own problems , and issues are only intensified by the looming threat of the local newspaper being shut down .
There will also be an amateur dramatic show that could lift the spirits of the community .
Cast members Penelope Wilton , David Bradley , Ashley Jensen , Tom Basden , Tony Way , Kerry Godliman , Roisin Conaty and Diane Morgan are among those returning for the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After Life was its second most popular series of 2019 , behind fantasy drama The Witcher .
Gervais , who writes , directs and executive produces After Life , confirmed the show would return last year after the positive response to the first series .
At the time the comedian said : `` I have never had a reaction like this before .
It 's been insane .
And heartwarming .
`` But now I have to make sure the second season is even better so I 'll probably have to work much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

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Ricky Gervais's popular Netflix series After Life will return for a second series on April 24.
The streaming service said there will be six new episodes of the comedy drama about a man struggling with grief following the death of his wife.
The show sees Gervais play local journalist Tony Johnson, who contemplates taking his own life.
However, he instead decides to live long enough to punish the world by saying and doing whatever he likes, while also caring for his dog Brandy.
(Image: Natalie Seery/Netflix/PA Wire)
The second series will see Tony still struggling with immense grief for his wife, while also trying to become a better friend to those around him in his home town Tambury.
Everyone around him is grappling with their own problems, and issues are only intensified by the looming threat of the local newspaper being shut down.
There will also be an amateur dramatic show that could lift the spirits of the community.
Cast members Penelope Wilton, David Bradley, Ashley Jensen, Tom Basden, Tony Way, Kerry Godliman, Roisin Conaty and Diane Morgan are among those returning for the second season.
Netflix revealed in December that After Life was its second most popular series of 2019, behind fantasy drama The Witcher.
Gervais, who writes, directs and executive produces After Life, confirmed the show would return last year after the positive response to the first series.
At the time the comedian said: "I have never had a reaction like this before. It's been insane. And heartwarming.
"But now I have to make sure the second season is even better so I'll probably have to work much harder than usual. Annoying really."


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Aston Villa help out Carlisle United again with another classy gesture

Aston Villa are proving very useful for teams lower down the football pyramid recently .
Given the central location of the club 's Bodymoor Heath training ground , it is an ideal mid-point for teams that have to make gruelling journeys from one side of the country to the other - if they 're allowed .
Hartlepool United are the latest side to make use of the club 's facilities , with Storm Ciara wreaking havoc in the north-east and rendering the club 's Peterlee base unusable .
With Dave Challinor 's side playing Solihull Moors this weekend , Bodymoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final plans together for the National League clash .
Villa head coach Dean Smith , who started his coaching career with League Two Walsall , knows all about the testing environment of lower league football .
And he 's showed that by offering Bodymoor to Carlisle United again , following up his kind gesture earlier this year when Chris Beech 's side played Cardiff City in the FA Cup .
United travel to Crawley Town on Saturday and Smith has helped them out once more .
“ We ’ re training at Aston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s great news , ” Beech told the Cumbria-based News and Star website .
“ Dean Smith phoned me on Tuesday actually , and he had sympathy because I just sent a picture of our training ground ( which has been flooded ) and said ‘ any chance for Friday ?
’ – he said yeah , no worries .
”

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Aston Villa are proving very useful for teams lower down the football pyramid recently.
Given the central location of the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground, it is an ideal mid-point for teams that have to make gruelling journeys from one side of the country to the other - if they're allowed.
Hartlepool United are the latest side to make use of the club's facilities, with Storm Ciara wreaking havoc in the north-east and rendering the club's Peterlee base unusable.
With Dave Challinor's side playing Solihull Moors this weekend, Bodymoor is the ideal place to put their final plans together for the National League clash.
Villa head coach Dean Smith, who started his coaching career with League Two Walsall, knows all about the testing environment of lower league football.
And he's showed that by offering Bodymoor to Carlisle United again, following up his kind gesture earlier this year when Chris Beech's side played Cardiff City in the FA Cup.
United travel to Crawley Town on Saturday and Smith has helped them out once more.
“We’re training at Aston Villa again, mid journey, and that’s great news,” Beech told the Cumbria-based News and Star website.
“ Dean Smith phoned me on Tuesday actually, and he had sympathy because I just sent a picture of our training ground (which has been flooded) and said ‘any chance for Friday?’ – he said yeah, no worries.”


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Amsterdam bans tours past sex workers' windows in red light district

The local government in Amsterdam has banned guided tours that take groups past the famed windows in the city 's red light district where visitors watch semi-naked sex workers pose .
The move is the city government 's latest attempt to address over-tourism , protect workers and clean up the Dutch capital 's red light district , which is a magnet for rowdy visitors .
Sex workers are regularly abused and photographed without their consent by members of tour groups , the city said .
`` It is disrespectful to treat sex workers as a tourist attraction , '' Amsterdam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the red light district will still be allowed if guides stick to the new restriction , which takes effect in April , and keep the windows off their itineraries .
Some 115 guided tours pass through the district every day .
The city said research has shown that the high number of visitors inconveniences more than half of the residents and businesses in the area .
Banning group tours of the red-light district windows `` will help to prevent disruptions for residents and businesses '' , Mr Everhardt said .
Amsterdam has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too many people crowding the canal-side streets of the city 's historic heart , which includes the red light district .

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The local government in Amsterdam has banned guided tours that take groups past the famed windows in the city's red light district where visitors watch semi-naked sex workers pose.
The move is the city government's latest attempt to address over-tourism, protect workers and clean up the Dutch capital's red light district, which is a magnet for rowdy visitors.
Sex workers are regularly abused and photographed without their consent by members of tour groups, the city said.
"It is disrespectful to treat sex workers as a tourist attraction," Amsterdam deputy mayor Victor Everhardt said.
Tours of the red light district will still be allowed if guides stick to the new restriction, which takes effect in April, and keep the windows off their itineraries.
(Image: Wowcher)
Some 115 guided tours pass through the district every day.
The city said research has shown that the high number of visitors inconveniences more than half of the residents and businesses in the area.
Banning group tours of the red-light district windows "will help to prevent disruptions for residents and businesses", Mr Everhardt said.
Amsterdam has for years suffered a negative side from too many people crowding the canal-side streets of the city's historic heart, which includes the red light district.


birminghammail--2020-02-14--Aston Villa favourite issues cheeky one-word Jack Grealish message

With seven goals and five assists in the Premier League , he boasts the best attacking record of any English midfielder in the division .
That ’ s despite Villa sitting just one point above the relegation zone going into Sunday ’ s home clash against Tottenham .
He is expected to receive his first Three Lions call-up for the friendlies against Italy and Denmark at the end of March .
That form has brought about interest from elsewhere , with Manchester United thought to be at the head of the queue for his signature in the summer .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other week it 's Barca or Real Madrid , ” head coach Dean Smith said this week .
“ There 's always going to be speculation about top players .
He is a top player but , thankfully , the window is shut and we do n't have to talk about it anymore .
“ It 's obviously speculation .
I ca n't keep commenting on speculation about people.
” One Villa fan account posted on Twitter on Thursday : “ Jack Grealish is the best footballer I have ever seen play for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 1992 .
RT if you agree .
Comment if you do n't with who was better.
” At the time of writing the post has been retweeted 155 times and has over 600 likes , but former Villa striker Alan McInally couldn ’ t resist replying with a cheeky message .
Quoting the tweet , the Sky Sports pundit said “ ME ” , followed by a flurry of exclamation marks .
McInally scored 18 goals in 59 league appearances for Villa , helping the club win promotion in 1988 .

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Jack Grealish is enjoying a terrific season leading Aston Villa’s fight against relegation.
With seven goals and five assists in the Premier League, he boasts the best attacking record of any English midfielder in the division.
That’s despite Villa sitting just one point above the relegation zone going into Sunday’s home clash against Tottenham.
He is expected to receive his first Three Lions call-up for the friendlies against Italy and Denmark at the end of March.
That form has brought about interest from elsewhere, with Manchester United thought to be at the head of the queue for his signature in the summer.
“One week it's Man United the other week it's Barca or Real Madrid,” head coach Dean Smith said this week.
“There's always going to be speculation about top players. He is a top player but, thankfully, the window is shut and we don't have to talk about it anymore.
“It's obviously speculation. I can't keep commenting on speculation about people.”
One Villa fan account posted on Twitter on Thursday: “Jack Grealish is the best footballer I have ever seen play for Aston Villa. I have been going since 1992. RT if you agree. Comment if you don't with who was better.”
(Image: Twitter / @alanmcinally)
At the time of writing the post has been retweeted 155 times and has over 600 likes, but former Villa striker Alan McInally couldn’t resist replying with a cheeky message.
Quoting the tweet, the Sky Sports pundit said “ME”, followed by a flurry of exclamation marks.
McInally scored 18 goals in 59 league appearances for Villa, helping the club win promotion in 1988.


birminghammail--2020-02-14--Storm Dennis travel warnings across Birmingham with rail and road chaos expected

People are being warned to expect disruption to transport as heavy rain and strong winds batter the UK for a second consecutive weekend .
The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings ahead of the arrival of Storm Dennis , covering England , Wales and large parts of Scotland on Saturday , and the entire UK on Sunday .
These include amber warnings stating that flooding could cause a danger to life , power cuts are expected and there is a good chance transport links will be impacted .
Winds of up to 70mph and severe downpours are forecast .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ these are expected to batter the UK for the weekend .
Forecasters predict it will become a bombcyclone as it moves through the North Atlantic on Saturday with pressure dropping substantially and rapidly .
Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said : `` Storm Dennis will bring a disruptive spell of weather over the weekend , and there are warnings in place for strong winds and heavy rain .
`` In parts of Devon , South Wales , northern England and a swathe of southern England - stretching from Andover eastwards - rainfall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persistent , and these areas are covered by amber warnings because of the risk of flooding and other disruption . ''
The Environment Agency said there is a `` heightened risk of flooding '' across much of southern , central and northern England this weekend .
Network Rail advised passengers to expect disruption on many routes due to flooding and allow more time for their journeys .
Tracks could be flooded as the ground near parts of the railway is already saturated , particularly in the North West .
Network Rail 's network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As we saw last week , stormy weather brings high winds that can lead to trees and other debris falling onto the railway , and floods that prevent us from running trains on parts of the network .
`` That is why we are again asking passengers to check their journeys before they travel this weekend , either with their train operator directly or through National Rail Enquiries .
`` Our teams of engineers will again be out working at all hours and in all weathers to remove fallen trees and debris from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work to reopen lines affected by flooding . ''
Households living near rail lines are being urged to secure any loose items in their gardens , after several trampolines were blown onto tracks and overhead electric wires last weekend , blocking lines .
The storm is also likely to cause treacherous driving conditions .
AA Patrol of the Year Ben Sheridan said : `` The forecast looks bleak across the UK with warnings for wind and heavy rain which will significantly reduce visibility on the roads .
`` For those who are braving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they account for the conditions .
Slow down , allow for greater stopping distances and watch out for potential hazards . ''

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People are being warned to expect disruption to transport as heavy rain and strong winds batter the UK for a second consecutive weekend.
The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings ahead of the arrival of Storm Dennis, covering England, Wales and large parts of Scotland on Saturday, and the entire UK on Sunday.
These include amber warnings stating that flooding could cause a danger to life, power cuts are expected and there is a good chance transport links will be impacted.
Winds of up to 70mph and severe downpours are forecast.
High winds are currently blasting Iceland and these are expected to batter the UK for the weekend. Forecasters predict it will become a bombcyclone as it moves through the North Atlantic on Saturday with pressure dropping substantially and rapidly.
Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: "Storm Dennis will bring a disruptive spell of weather over the weekend, and there are warnings in place for strong winds and heavy rain.
"In parts of Devon, South Wales, northern England and a swathe of southern England - stretching from Andover eastwards - rainfall is expected to be particularly heavy and persistent, and these areas are covered by amber warnings because of the risk of flooding and other disruption."
The Environment Agency said there is a "heightened risk of flooding" across much of southern, central and northern England this weekend.
Network Rail advised passengers to expect disruption on many routes due to flooding and allow more time for their journeys.
Tracks could be flooded as the ground near parts of the railway is already saturated, particularly in the North West.
Network Rail's network services director Nick King said: "As we saw last week, stormy weather brings high winds that can lead to trees and other debris falling onto the railway, and floods that prevent us from running trains on parts of the network.
"That is why we are again asking passengers to check their journeys before they travel this weekend, either with their train operator directly or through National Rail Enquiries.
"Our teams of engineers will again be out working at all hours and in all weathers to remove fallen trees and debris from the railway, repair damaged infrastructure and work to reopen lines affected by flooding."
Households living near rail lines are being urged to secure any loose items in their gardens, after several trampolines were blown onto tracks and overhead electric wires last weekend, blocking lines.
The storm is also likely to cause treacherous driving conditions.
AA Patrol of the Year Ben Sheridan said: "The forecast looks bleak across the UK with warnings for wind and heavy rain which will significantly reduce visibility on the roads.
"For those who are braving the storm, drivers should make sure they account for the conditions. Slow down, allow for greater stopping distances and watch out for potential hazards."