birminghammail--2020-02-07--Friends reunion could be on the way after 'cast sign HBO deal'

Friends fans have been calling for a reunion for years and we could be one step closer to getting what we want .
It 's been widely reported that the cast of the 90 's sitcom is expected to be getting an unscripted reunion special , which will help to launch upcoming streaming service HBO Max .
According to Deadline , all six original stars of the show have `` reached an agreement in principle '' with Warner Bros. TV to do an hour-long special .
Cast members Jennifer Aniston , Courteney Cox , Lisa Kudrow , David Schwimmer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be paid in the region of $ 3m- $ 4m ( £2.3m-£3m ) each range for appearing , it 's understood .
The decision came after a number of back-and-forth discussions between the actors ' representatives , Warner Bros TV and HBO , according to the publication .
The suspicion that Friends might return to screens began last October when Jennifer Aniston Instagrammed a photo with the rest of her co-stars enjoying dinner .
Then there was official talk of it in January , with HBO Max 's Chief Creative Officer Kevin Reilly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around , and yet we ca n't get the interest all alighted to push the button on it .
Today it 's just maybe . ''
Then earlier this week , actor Matthew Perry sent fans into a frenzy when he tweeted `` big news coming '' , leading many to think it signalled the long-awaited Friends comeback .
In response to Perry ’ s tweet , one fan wrote : “ Reunion ?
?
?
Its 2020 and everyone including Emma has woken up from their nap !
!
!
” Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with my feelings like this .
”

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Friends fans have been calling for a reunion for years and we could be one step closer to getting what we want.
It's been widely reported that the cast of the 90's sitcom is expected to be getting an unscripted reunion special, which will help to launch upcoming streaming service HBO Max.
According to Deadline, all six original stars of the show have "reached an agreement in principle" with Warner Bros. TV to do an hour-long special.
Cast members Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry will each be paid in the region of $3m-$4m (£2.3m-£3m) each range for appearing, it's understood.
(Image: Neil Munns/PA Wire)
The decision came after a number of back-and-forth discussions between the actors' representatives, Warner Bros TV and HBO, according to the publication.
The suspicion that Friends might return to screens began last October when Jennifer Aniston Instagrammed a photo with the rest of her co-stars enjoying dinner.
Then there was official talk of it in January, with HBO Max's Chief Creative Officer Kevin Reilly saying: "There is interest all around, and yet we can't get the interest all alighted to push the button on it. Today it's just maybe."
Then earlier this week, actor Matthew Perry sent fans into a frenzy when he tweeted "big news coming", leading many to think it signalled the long-awaited Friends comeback.
In response to Perry’s tweet, one fan wrote: “Reunion??? Its 2020 and everyone including Emma has woken up from their nap!!!”
Another pleaded: “Don’t play with my feelings like this.”


birminghammail--2020-02-07--Transfer targets, staff departure & Adama Traore latest - The Wolves stories you may have missed

Nuno Espirito Santo has called up six youngsters for this week ’ s trip to Marbella - including new signing Enzo Loiodice .
Wolverhampton Wanderers are using Marbella ’ s football facility for a warm weather training camp during the Premier League ’ s winter break .
Nuno ’ s side drew 0-0 with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday and won ’ t return to action until a Valentine ’ s Day date with Leicester City on February 14 .
Not only will Nuno be putting his first team stars through their paces out in Spain , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the club ’ s under-23 players .
Wolves star Adama Traore is a wanted man - with former club Barcelona reportedly ready to make an offer to bring him back to the Nou Camp this summer .
Adama has been a revelation in Nuno Espirito Santo ’ s side this season after finding a regular place in the starting XI , and has five goals and ten assists in all competitions so far this term .
A product of Barca ’ s famous La Masia academy , the Spaniard left for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but would make for Middlesbrough a little over a year later .
Boro , during Traore ’ s time at the Riverside , battled for promotion under Tony Pulis , but when they fell at the play-off hurdle , Wolves swooped for a fee believed to be in the region of £18m .
Kevin Thelwell has thanked Wolverhampton Wanderers after deciding to leave to join MLS club New York Red Bulls .
Thelwell will step down from his position as sporting director at Wolves in order to make the move across the pond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club ’ s academy manager in 2008 after holding a similar position at Derby County .
He was appointed sporting director shortly after Fosun ’ s takeover in 2016 and was recently added to the club ’ s board of directors .
And he says the chance to become Red Bulls ' head of sport was too good to turn down .
The January transfer window has been and gone and Wolverhampton Wanderers were extremely busy .
A host of players left the club , including more than half a dozen deadline day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Of those four new signings Portuguese star Daniel Podence is the only player expected to become a firm fixture in the first team immediately .
Fifty per cent of supporters who voted in a BirminghamLive poll are undecided as to whether January was a success or failure for Wolves .
Our Wolves reporter , Alex Dicken , gives his take on the month and the deals that came off before looking ahead to the summer window .
You can watch the video here - or at the top of this page .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed but like all aspiring top clubs Wolverhampton Wanderers are already planning for the next .
Wolves signed four players last month with Daniel Podence , Leonardo Campana , Enzo Loiodce and Luke Matheson all penning deals at Molineux .
There are , however , going to be positions which need to be addressed in the summer months .
John Ruddy ’ s future is up in the air with his contract set to expire in June , while Wolves are short at wing-back and are still without a senior competitor for Raul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right end of the table but there will inevitably be three teams who drop down to the Championship .
And that will see their prize assets scramble for summer transfers .
With that in mind , we ’ ve taken a look at the players who could become available once the likes of Aston Villa , Watford and West Ham ’ s fate has been decided on May 17 .
Wolverhampton Wanderers ’ new French midfielder Enzo Loiodice is being given the chance to impress Nuno Espirito Santo this week .
The 19-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the January transfer window , initially on loan with the deal poised to become permanent for around £2million in the summer .
Loiodice has made 21 senior appearances for Dijon but he ’ s expected to play for James Collins ’ under-23s to begin with .
He has , however , been called up to the first team ’ s warm weather training camp in Marbella .
Keen to find out more about the France under-20 star , BirminghamLive spoke to regular Dijon watcher Thomas Jobard .

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Training camp
Nuno Espirito Santo has called up six youngsters for this week’s trip to Marbella - including new signing Enzo Loiodice.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are using Marbella’s football facility for a warm weather training camp during the Premier League’s winter break.
Nuno’s side drew 0-0 with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday and won’t return to action until a Valentine’s Day date with Leicester City on February 14.
Not only will Nuno be putting his first team stars through their paces out in Spain, he will also take a closer look at some of the club’s under-23 players.
FULL STORY
Traore latest
Wolves star Adama Traore is a wanted man - with former club Barcelona reportedly ready to make an offer to bring him back to the Nou Camp this summer.
Adama has been a revelation in Nuno Espirito Santo’s side this season after finding a regular place in the starting XI, and has five goals and ten assists in all competitions so far this term.
A product of Barca’s famous La Masia academy, the Spaniard left for Aston Villa in the summer of 2015 but would make for Middlesbrough a little over a year later.
Boro, during Traore’s time at the Riverside, battled for promotion under Tony Pulis, but when they fell at the play-off hurdle, Wolves swooped for a fee believed to be in the region of £18m.
FULL STORY
Thellwell departure
Kevin Thelwell has thanked Wolverhampton Wanderers after deciding to leave to join MLS club New York Red Bulls.
Thelwell will step down from his position as sporting director at Wolves in order to make the move across the pond.
Thelwell first joined Wolves as the club’s academy manager in 2008 after holding a similar position at Derby County.
He was appointed sporting director shortly after Fosun’s takeover in 2016 and was recently added to the club’s board of directors.
And he says the chance to become Red Bulls' head of sport was too good to turn down.
FULL STORY
Summer priorities
The January transfer window has been and gone and Wolverhampton Wanderers were extremely busy.
A host of players left the club, including more than half a dozen deadline day departures, and four fresh faces arrived.
Of those four new signings Portuguese star Daniel Podence is the only player expected to become a firm fixture in the first team immediately.
(Image: PA)
Fifty per cent of supporters who voted in a BirminghamLive poll are undecided as to whether January was a success or failure for Wolves.
Our Wolves reporter, Alex Dicken, gives his take on the month and the deals that came off before looking ahead to the summer window.
You can watch the video here - or at the top of this page.
Transfer targets
The January transfer window has only just closed but like all aspiring top clubs Wolverhampton Wanderers are already planning for the next.
Wolves signed four players last month with Daniel Podence, Leonardo Campana, Enzo Loiodce and Luke Matheson all penning deals at Molineux.
There are, however, going to be positions which need to be addressed in the summer months.
John Ruddy’s future is up in the air with his contract set to expire in June, while Wolves are short at wing-back and are still without a senior competitor for Raul Jimenez.
Wolves are challenging at the right end of the table but there will inevitably be three teams who drop down to the Championship. And that will see their prize assets scramble for summer transfers.
With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at the players who could become available once the likes of Aston Villa, Watford and West Ham’s fate has been decided on May 17.
FULL STORY
Loiodice verdict
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ new French midfielder Enzo Loiodice is being given the chance to impress Nuno Espirito Santo this week.
The 19-year-old joined from Ligue 1 club Dijon towards the end of the January transfer window, initially on loan with the deal poised to become permanent for around £2million in the summer.
Loiodice has made 21 senior appearances for Dijon but he’s expected to play for James Collins’ under-23s to begin with. He has, however, been called up to the first team’s warm weather training camp in Marbella.
Keen to find out more about the France under-20 star, BirminghamLive spoke to regular Dijon watcher Thomas Jobard.
FULL STORY


birminghammail--2020-02-07--Ramsey's Debut, McGinn, and Wembley ticket latest - The Aston Villa stories you may have missed

Aston Villa youngster Jacob Ramsey enjoyed an unforgettable night on his loan debut for Doncaster Rovers , scoring two goals to ensure Darren Moore 's side left Tranmere with a victory .
Ramsey struck twice for Rovers after joining on loan for the remainder of the League One season .
He could 've easily had more as well .
The youngster threatened in the first half , with a chance cleared from the line .
Shortly after he had a second attempt in similar circumstances saved in the face of the goal .
It was n't too long until he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kieran Sadlier blasted down the right flank with a tricky piece of footwork before trickling a tantalising ball through the Tranmere defence .
They were slow to react while Ramsey crept into the box to track the path of the ball .
He hit it from close range to give Doncaster a second-half league , burying Tranmere at the third attempt from the same position .
Ramsey was n't settling for just one goal , either .
A neat passage of play on the flank pushed Niall Ennis to the corner flag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the box .
He rushed alongside his marker and casually diverted the ball 's path beyond the goalkeeper with a neat header to double Doncaster 's lead .
The youngster reacted quickly in a crowded box to steal the chance away from the defence .
He was taken off to applause in the 86th minute , with Rovers in a comfortable lead thanks to Ramsey 's fantastic play .
Gigantic diggers , hoardings , work vans and constant construction noise continues to fill the air around Aston Villa 's Bodymoor Heath training ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rear of The Belfry is currently undergoing a major face-lift , with plans afoot to build a spanking-new `` high performance centre '' for Dean Smith 's first-team stars ready for the start of pre-season in late June .
Villa 's owners , Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens , continue to pump millions into the club 's training HQ , with the pair seeing Bodymoor as the bedrock to a sustained - and incredibly successful - future .
Chief executive Christian Purslow , who runs the club on a day-to-day basis on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a Villa TV interview it 's an all-hands-to-the-pump effort to `` make this club great again '' .
`` A huge amount of work has been ongoing at Bodymoor , '' explained Purslow .
`` I think most of our fans know because of the HS2 project we were essentially forced to rebuild large chunks of our academy operation .
That work is complete .
Our facility is one of the largest in Europe .
It 's open , it 's working .
We 're hosting under-23 and youth games now here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Dean Smith 's side travel to the Home of Football for the third year running on March 1 to face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final ( 4.30pm ) .
Ahead of the tickets going on sale , Villa updated their policy and issued the following statement : `` After listening to feedback from our supporters , the club has made the decision to introduce extra levels of sales criteria for Carabao Cup Final tickets .
`` This will now include windows for Claret or Cub members who have attended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home fixtures ( including matches in the Carabao Cup ) this season , subject to availability .
Season ticket holders who have had one since the 2015-16 campaign were able to secure their seat earlier this week .
This will run until Tuesday , when 2019-20 season ticket holders can buy theirs .
Villa have won the competition six times in their history , the most recent success coming in the 1995-96 season .
Jas Bhullar owes his support of the club to his father and is giving away two Wembley tickets to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mad dad .
For a five pound donation to Acorns via a GoFundMe page , Villa fans stand a chance of winning the pair of limited final tickets for the match at Wembley against Manchester City .
The winner of the draw will be announced on 23/02/2020 .
Jas 's tickets are guaranteed to him via criteria .
He 's a season ticket holder at the Villa and he has his father to thank for all the highs and lows he has experienced at Villa Park over the years .
`` As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ticket for the final , '' he said .
`` But I have to thank my Dad for making me fall in love with this great club .
He heartbreakingly lost his life 2 years ago , but as a family we 've carried on flying the Villa flag high for him .
He would n't want us to do anything else .
`` Once the GoFundMe has concluded , I will announce the winner on my Twitter page @ JSB_AV1 & arrange delivery/collection of the tickets .
Please only donate £5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Jas donated his late father 's season ticket to a Villa fan in a profound and charitable gesture .
As for the Carabao Cup final tickets , you can enter here with a £5 donation .
Aston Villa have resubmitted its updated 25-man squad for the remainder of the Premier League season .
With 13 games left to go , Dean Smith has withdrawn injured duo Wesley and Tom Heaton with the pair not available until the start of the 2020/21 campaign due to respective knee ligament injuries .
Villa supporters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John McGinn retained to the squad list .
The affable Scot has been out of action after fracturing his ankle on December 21 .
A concern for supporters looking at the updated Premier League squad would be seeing just two strikers , Mbwana Ally Samatta and new signing Borja Baston following their January transfer window arrivals .
Keinan Davis , meanwhile , who picked up an injury on under-23 duty on Monday , is on Villa 's home-grown under-21 list .
Douglas Luiz is listed as a contracted , under-21 player .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a surprise to many onlookers , but to those inside Bodymoor Heath , the American had already been pinned as 'one for the future ' .
The only surprise was how quickly it has all happened .
With injuries decimating Aston Villa 's front line , many expected Dean Smith to rush into the transfer market for reinforcements .
And although Mbwana Samatta and Borja Baston arrived in the January window , the Villa boss was relaxed about his options .
That calmness was partially down to the performances of Vassilev , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with two Premier League performances in the last month .
On the youngster , who can play both as a winger and a striker , Smith said : `` He 's surprised me in a good way .
Sometimes when you give an opportunity to a young player they can sink or swim .
He is certainly a swimmer .
He has looked really good so far .
`` You can always tell how the reaction is through the other players , in their relationships with them .
You can see them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and puts a shift in for them .
If you do that and have quality to add to it you will do alright in the dressing room . ''
The reaction that Smith described in the first-team dressing room is one that Villa 's U23 coach Mark Delaney knew would occur .
“ He ’ s a real shining light for the Academy and he speaks volume for us as an Academy , '' Delaney told VillaTV .
`` If you know him as a character and see him around any dressing room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a person who you just warm to .
He 's got that enjoyment factor , they ’ re all young kids and you want them to enjoy football and that ’ s what he does every day .
“ Not forgetting that he ’ s a talented footballer , somebody who we ’ re not surprised where he ’ s got , But we are surprised at how quickly he ’ s got there .
“ He ’ s taken every opportunity and if you speak to the manager , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Terry ] – they all value his contribution at the minute.
” After arriving from IMG Academy in Florida in 2018 , Vassilev has made a huge impact on his coaches both at youth level and in Smith 's first-team staff .
Prince William has met Aston Villa royalty this week after linking up with John McGinn .
William , a huge Villa nut , was on hand to launch his all-new Heads Together , Heads Up campaign in London .
The FA project will kick-off the biggest conversation around mental health over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and beyond .
The Duke of Cambridge , meanwhile , was in the capital alongside a host of football stars including Andros Townsend , Adebayo Akinfenwa , Fran Kirby and , of course , Villa 's super John McGinn .
The Scottish midfielder is currently out having suffered a fractured ankle just moments into Villa 's defeat to Southampton on December 21 .
It 's estimated that McGinn will be out for up to three months , but manager Dean Smith did say the 25-year-old could be targeting the Carabao Cup Final against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential return date .
`` He has been doing a lot of work in the pool and is due to come out of the protective boot , '' Smith said recently .
`` Once that happens we can start advancing his recovery .
I have not got a time limit .
`` Knowing John he would probably have pencilled in the cup final .
Knowing the medical staff they will have rubbed that out .
He is a fighter and a quick healer .
I would not rule it out .
He has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well .
He will be itching to get back , that is for sure . ''
However , during the meeting in London , McGinn and Prince William enjoyed a chat about all things Villa .
According to The Sun 's Royal Correspondent , Emily Andrews , Wills told McGinn he was `` gutted '' during a discussion about Villa 's latest defeat to Bournemouth .
McGinn : `` Erm.. about five to six weeks I 'll be back . ''
Prince William : `` Well , as fast as you can , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Good to see you ! ''
McGinn , of course , is now in a race against time to be fit for the March 1 final , however it appears to be unlikely .
Smith , his boss , will want him fit and firing again ready for the Premier League run-in with a more realistic fixture perhaps being either Leicester City away on March 9 or Chelsea at Villa Park on March 14 .
For more about Prince William 's FA-backed Heads Together campaign , click here .

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Jacob Ramsey's night to remember
Aston Villa youngster Jacob Ramsey enjoyed an unforgettable night on his loan debut for Doncaster Rovers, scoring two goals to ensure Darren Moore's side left Tranmere with a victory.
Ramsey struck twice for Rovers after joining on loan for the remainder of the League One season. He could've easily had more as well.
The youngster threatened in the first half, with a chance cleared from the line. Shortly after he had a second attempt in similar circumstances saved in the face of the goal.
It wasn't too long until he got his chance to score again though.
Kieran Sadlier blasted down the right flank with a tricky piece of footwork before trickling a tantalising ball through the Tranmere defence.
They were slow to react while Ramsey crept into the box to track the path of the ball. He hit it from close range to give Doncaster a second-half league, burying Tranmere at the third attempt from the same position.
(Image: Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Ramsey wasn't settling for just one goal, either. A neat passage of play on the flank pushed Niall Ennis to the corner flag, and his whipped cross fell into the box.
He rushed alongside his marker and casually diverted the ball's path beyond the goalkeeper with a neat header to double Doncaster's lead. The youngster reacted quickly in a crowded box to steal the chance away from the defence.
He was taken off to applause in the 86th minute, with Rovers in a comfortable lead thanks to Ramsey's fantastic play.
Bodymoor Heath works
Gigantic diggers, hoardings, work vans and constant construction noise continues to fill the air around Aston Villa's Bodymoor Heath training ground.
The impressive North Warwickshire complex at the rear of The Belfry is currently undergoing a major face-lift, with plans afoot to build a spanking-new "high performance centre" for Dean Smith's first-team stars ready for the start of pre-season in late June.
Villa's owners, Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, continue to pump millions into the club's training HQ, with the pair seeing Bodymoor as the bedrock to a sustained - and incredibly successful - future.
Chief executive Christian Purslow, who runs the club on a day-to-day basis on behalf of Sawiris and Edens, said in a Villa TV interview it's an all-hands-to-the-pump effort to "make this club great again".
(Image: Aston Villa Football Club)
"A huge amount of work has been ongoing at Bodymoor," explained Purslow. "I think most of our fans know because of the HS2 project we were essentially forced to rebuild large chunks of our academy operation. That work is complete. Our facility is one of the largest in Europe. It's open, it's working. We're hosting under-23 and youth games now here at Bodymoor in our wonderful new facility."
FULL STORY
Wembley Tickets
Dean Smith's side travel to the Home of Football for the third year running on March 1 to face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final (4.30pm).
Ahead of the tickets going on sale, Villa updated their policy and issued the following statement: "After listening to feedback from our supporters, the club has made the decision to introduce extra levels of sales criteria for Carabao Cup Final tickets.
"This will now include windows for Claret or Cub members who have attended 8 or more and 5 or more home fixtures (including matches in the Carabao Cup) this season, subject to availability.
Season ticket holders who have had one since the 2015-16 campaign were able to secure their seat earlier this week.
This will run until Tuesday, when 2019-20 season ticket holders can buy theirs.
Villa have won the competition six times in their history, the most recent success coming in the 1995-96 season.
Carabao Cup Final ticket donation
Jas Bhullar owes his support of the club to his father and is giving away two Wembley tickets to the final in honour of his Villa mad dad.
For a five pound donation to Acorns via a GoFundMe page, Villa fans stand a chance of winning the pair of limited final tickets for the match at Wembley against Manchester City. The winner of the draw will be announced on 23/02/2020.
Jas's tickets are guaranteed to him via criteria. He's a season ticket holder at the Villa and he has his father to thank for all the highs and lows he has experienced at Villa Park over the years.
"As a season ticket holder I'll be guaranteed a ticket for the final," he said.
"But I have to thank my Dad for making me fall in love with this great club. He heartbreakingly lost his life 2 years ago, but as a family we've carried on flying the Villa flag high for him. He wouldn't want us to do anything else.
"Once the GoFundMe has concluded, I will announce the winner on my Twitter page @JSB_AV1& arrange delivery/collection of the tickets. Please only donate £5. Up the Villa."
Previously, Jas donated his late father's season ticket to a Villa fan in a profound and charitable gesture.
As for the Carabao Cup final tickets, you can enter here with a £5 donation.
FULL STORY
The squad list
Aston Villa have resubmitted its updated 25-man squad for the remainder of the Premier League season.
With 13 games left to go, Dean Smith has withdrawn injured duo Wesley and Tom Heaton with the pair not available until the start of the 2020/21 campaign due to respective knee ligament injuries.
Villa supporters, though, will be pleased to see John McGinn retained to the squad list. The affable Scot has been out of action after fracturing his ankle on December 21.
A concern for supporters looking at the updated Premier League squad would be seeing just two strikers, Mbwana Ally Samatta and new signing Borja Baston following their January transfer window arrivals. Keinan Davis, meanwhile, who picked up an injury on under-23 duty on Monday, is on Villa's home-grown under-21 list. Douglas Luiz is listed as a contracted, under-21 player.
Aston Villa's 25-man squad, under-21 players, contracted and scholars - read here
The rise of Indiana Vassilev
The rise of Indiana Vassilev may have come to a surprise to many onlookers, but to those inside Bodymoor Heath, the American had already been pinned as 'one for the future'.
The only surprise was how quickly it has all happened.
With injuries decimating Aston Villa's front line, many expected Dean Smith to rush into the transfer market for reinforcements. And although Mbwana Samatta and Borja Baston arrived in the January window, the Villa boss was relaxed about his options.
That calmness was partially down to the performances of Vassilev, who was dropped into the deep end, with two Premier League performances in the last month.
On the youngster, who can play both as a winger and a striker, Smith said: "He's surprised me in a good way. Sometimes when you give an opportunity to a young player they can sink or swim. He is certainly a swimmer. He has looked really good so far.
"You can always tell how the reaction is through the other players, in their relationships with them. You can see them all behind him. He goes in and puts a shift in for them. If you do that and have quality to add to it you will do alright in the dressing room."
The reaction that Smith described in the first-team dressing room is one that Villa's U23 coach Mark Delaney knew would occur.
“He’s a real shining light for the Academy and he speaks volume for us as an Academy," Delaney told VillaTV.
"If you know him as a character and see him around any dressing room or around any training session, he’s a person who you just warm to. He's got that enjoyment factor, they’re all young kids and you want them to enjoy football and that’s what he does every day.
“Not forgetting that he’s a talented footballer, somebody who we’re not surprised where he’s got, But we are surprised at how quickly he’s got there.
“He’s taken every opportunity and if you speak to the manager, and Rich [O'Kelly] and John [Terry] – they all value his contribution at the minute.”
After arriving from IMG Academy in Florida in 2018, Vassilev has made a huge impact on his coaches both at youth level and in Smith's first-team staff.
FULL STORY
Prince William meets royalty
Prince William has met Aston Villa royalty this week after linking up with John McGinn.
William, a huge Villa nut, was on hand to launch his all-new Heads Together, Heads Up campaign in London.
The FA project will kick-off the biggest conversation around mental health over the next fortnight in the Premier League and beyond.
The Duke of Cambridge, meanwhile, was in the capital alongside a host of football stars including Andros Townsend, Adebayo Akinfenwa, Fran Kirby and, of course, Villa's super John McGinn.
The Scottish midfielder is currently out having suffered a fractured ankle just moments into Villa's defeat to Southampton on December 21.
It's estimated that McGinn will be out for up to three months, but manager Dean Smith did say the 25-year-old could be targeting the Carabao Cup Final against Manchester City on March 1 as a potential return date.
"He has been doing a lot of work in the pool and is due to come out of the protective boot," Smith said recently. "Once that happens we can start advancing his recovery. I have not got a time limit.
"Knowing John he would probably have pencilled in the cup final. Knowing the medical staff they will have rubbed that out. He is a fighter and a quick healer. I would not rule it out. He has a big date with the Euros as well. He will be itching to get back, that is for sure."
(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
However, during the meeting in London, McGinn and Prince William enjoyed a chat about all things Villa. According to The Sun's Royal Correspondent, Emily Andrews, Wills told McGinn he was "gutted" during a discussion about Villa's latest defeat to Bournemouth.
McGinn : "Erm.. about five to six weeks I'll be back."
Prince William : "Well, as fast as you can, get back. It's crucial. Good to see you!"
McGinn, of course, is now in a race against time to be fit for the March 1 final, however it appears to be unlikely. Smith, his boss, will want him fit and firing again ready for the Premier League run-in with a more realistic fixture perhaps being either Leicester City away on March 9 or Chelsea at Villa Park on March 14.
For more about Prince William's FA-backed Heads Together campaign, click here.


birminghammail--2020-02-07--Leeds United opinions, Ferguson latest - The West Bromwich Albion stories you may have missed

Tottenham Hotspur are planning an early move for West Brom youngster Nathan Ferguson once the season is over - but Crystal Palace , the side who came so close to completing a deal for him last month , are intent on bringing him to Selhurst Park at the second attempt as they look to offer Roy Hodgson transfer assurances .
Spurs want to bring Ferguson to the capital , after London and top flight rivals Palace missed out on his signing last week before the closure of the window , when he ’ ll be a free agent and allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the close season .
The Albion full-back , a product of the academy that he joined when he was just eight years old , sees his current contract run out at the end of the season , though a new - and considerably improved - deal is understood to remain on the table from Albion .
Kieran Gibbs is back training with the rest of the West Brom squad as he steps up his recovery from the hamstring injury he suffered on New Year ’ s Day .
Left-back Gibbs ’ season has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August at Derby County , and his hopes of a long-term return in the second half of the campaign took a serious blow when he hobbled off within the first 20 minutes of the draw with Leeds last month .
Slaven Bilic , who has utilised both Nathan Ferguson and Conor Townsend in that role this also , is tempering his optimism with caution aplenty , though - Gibbs ’ track record being what it is .
Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa says he is not concerned about West Brom going top .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ over strugglers Luton Town on Saturday , taking advantage of Leeds ' surprise slip-up at the hands of Wigan .
But Leeds boss Bielsa is n't concerned about the latest switch up in pole position .
Asked if he is worried about dropping to second , he simply responded 'no ' before going into a little more detail .
He continued : “ There is nothing that makes me more frustrated than not winning a match like this one .
West Brom ’ s under 23s took the derby bragging rights after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heath - Nick Clayton-Phillips the match winner .
Albion drew first blood in the 12th minute ; George Harmon was sent flying down the left and although his centred cross wasn ’ t controlled by Jamie Soule , it ran to Clayton-Phillips on the far side , who took one touch before leathering the ball into the top corner .
Villa took the game to their visitors in the second half and made a number of openings - Jaden Philogene-Bidace and Cameron Archer might ’ ve levelled .
Albion , though , secured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all .
Here are the talking points .
The mutual appreciation has been in full flow during this year 's race for the Premier League .
West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United have been the two main protagonists for much of the season but both teams ' recent blips have seen Fulham and Nottingham Forest close the gap .
Beyond Fulham and Forest are Brentford and Bristol City , while Albion 's gap to seventh place is now just nine points .
But boss Slaven Bilic will hope Saturday 's 2-0 win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which ended a seven-game wait for a league victory , will kickstart another positive sequence of results for the table-toppers .
Marcelo Bielsa 's Leeds , meanwhile , are still in the midst of their bad run with three defeats in their last four games , including a 1-0 reverse to Wigan Athletic at Elland Road on Saturday .
Leeds now face potentially season-defining fixtures against Forest , Brentford and Bristol City - and that gives Albion a chance to extend their lead at the top of the Championship ahead of a similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a couple of weeks .
The mutual appreciation has been in full flow during this year 's race for the Premier League .
West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United have been the two main protagonists for much of the season but both teams ' recent blips have seen Fulham and Nottingham Forest close the gap .
Beyond Fulham and Forest are Brentford and Bristol City , while Albion 's gap to seventh place is now just nine points .
But boss Slaven Bilic will hope Saturday 's 2-0 win over Luton Town at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait for a league victory , will kickstart another positive sequence of results for the table-toppers .
Marcelo Bielsa 's Leeds , meanwhile , are still in the midst of their bad run with three defeats in their last four games , including a 1-0 reverse to Wigan Athletic at Elland Road on Saturday .
Leeds now face potentially season-defining fixtures against Forest , Brentford and Bristol City - and that gives Albion a chance to extend their lead at the top of the Championship ahead of a similar run of games for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But what exactly have the powers that be at Leeds said about Albion this season ?
“ West Brom are a great team and after you have a big group of teams , ” Bielsa said .
“ Even if they are not teams with a big impact , the same level as West Brom and Fulham , but it ’ s a big group of those kinds of teams .
“ You ask this because maybe you think the competition is weaker than last season .
In the beginning , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment , I would say there are fewer quality teams , but more difficult teams to play against.
” “ For me personally I think anyone who finishes above West Brom will get promoted , ” added midfielder Adam Forshaw during a punditry appearance on QUEST in November .
Bielsa 's feelings towards Albion are certainly reciprocated .
Bilic 's words after the two teams played out a 1-1 draw at The Hawthorns in January were short , but hugely complimentary .
`` I rate myself .
I am a confident guy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Bielsa and to compete with him is a great privilege . ''

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Nathan Ferguson latest
Tottenham Hotspur are planning an early move for West Brom youngster Nathan Ferguson once the season is over - but Crystal Palace, the side who came so close to completing a deal for him last month, are intent on bringing him to Selhurst Park at the second attempt as they look to offer Roy Hodgson transfer assurances.
Spurs want to bring Ferguson to the capital, after London and top flight rivals Palace missed out on his signing last week before the closure of the window, when he’ll be a free agent and allowed to talk to whoever he likes in the close season.
The Albion full-back, a product of the academy that he joined when he was just eight years old, sees his current contract run out at the end of the season, though a new - and considerably improved - deal is understood to remain on the table from Albion.
FULL STORY
Injury update
Kieran Gibbs is back training with the rest of the West Brom squad as he steps up his recovery from the hamstring injury he suffered on New Year’s Day.
Left-back Gibbs’ season has been ravaged by set-backs, beginning in August at Derby County, and his hopes of a long-term return in the second half of the campaign took a serious blow when he hobbled off within the first 20 minutes of the draw with Leeds last month.
Slaven Bilic, who has utilised both Nathan Ferguson and Conor Townsend in that role this also, is tempering his optimism with caution aplenty, though - Gibbs’ track record being what it is.
FULL STORY
Title race
Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa says he is not concerned about West Brom going top.
The Baggies reclaimed top spot with victory over strugglers Luton Town on Saturday, taking advantage of Leeds' surprise slip-up at the hands of Wigan.
But Leeds boss Bielsa isn't concerned about the latest switch up in pole position.
(Image: Dave Thompson/PA Wire)
Asked if he is worried about dropping to second, he simply responded 'no' before going into a little more detail.
He continued: “There is nothing that makes me more frustrated than not winning a match like this one.
FULL STORY
U23 Analysis
West Brom’s under 23s took the derby bragging rights after a 1-0 success over Aston Villa at Bodymoor Heath - Nick Clayton-Phillips the match winner.
Albion drew first blood in the 12th minute; George Harmon was sent flying down the left and although his centred cross wasn’t controlled by Jamie Soule, it ran to Clayton-Phillips on the far side, who took one touch before leathering the ball into the top corner.
Villa took the game to their visitors in the second half and made a number of openings - Jaden Philogene-Bidace and Cameron Archer might’ve levelled.
Albion, though, secured their fourth successive league win, five in all.
Here are the talking points.
Leeds and Albion
The mutual appreciation has been in full flow during this year's race for the Premier League.
West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United have been the two main protagonists for much of the season but both teams' recent blips have seen Fulham and Nottingham Forest close the gap.
Beyond Fulham and Forest are Brentford and Bristol City, while Albion's gap to seventh place is now just nine points.
But boss Slaven Bilic will hope Saturday's 2-0 win over Luton Town at The Hawthorns, which ended a seven-game wait for a league victory, will kickstart another positive sequence of results for the table-toppers.
Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds, meanwhile, are still in the midst of their bad run with three defeats in their last four games, including a 1-0 reverse to Wigan Athletic at Elland Road on Saturday.
Leeds now face potentially season-defining fixtures against Forest, Brentford and Bristol City - and that gives Albion a chance to extend their lead at the top of the Championship ahead of a similar run of games for themselves beginning in a couple of weeks.
The mutual appreciation has been in full flow during this year's race for the Premier League.
West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United have been the two main protagonists for much of the season but both teams' recent blips have seen Fulham and Nottingham Forest close the gap.
Beyond Fulham and Forest are Brentford and Bristol City, while Albion's gap to seventh place is now just nine points.
But boss Slaven Bilic will hope Saturday's 2-0 win over Luton Town at The Hawthorns, which ended a seven-game wait for a league victory, will kickstart another positive sequence of results for the table-toppers.
Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds, meanwhile, are still in the midst of their bad run with three defeats in their last four games, including a 1-0 reverse to Wigan Athletic at Elland Road on Saturday.
Leeds now face potentially season-defining fixtures against Forest, Brentford and Bristol City - and that gives Albion a chance to extend their lead at the top of the Championship ahead of a similar run of games for themselves beginning in a couple of weeks.
But what exactly have the powers that be at Leeds said about Albion this season?
“West Brom are a great team and after you have a big group of teams,” Bielsa said. “Even if they are not teams with a big impact, the same level as West Brom and Fulham, but it’s a big group of those kinds of teams.
“You ask this because maybe you think the competition is weaker than last season. In the beginning, I thought that as well. In this moment, I would say there are fewer quality teams, but more difficult teams to play against.”
“For me personally I think anyone who finishes above West Brom will get promoted,” added midfielder Adam Forshaw during a punditry appearance on QUEST in November.
Bielsa's feelings towards Albion are certainly reciprocated. Bilic's words after the two teams played out a 1-1 draw at The Hawthorns in January were short, but hugely complimentary.
"I rate myself. I am a confident guy,’ said Bilic. ‘But Bielsa is Bielsa and to compete with him is a great privilege."


birminghammail--2020-02-07--Storm Ciara - Rail passengers warned not to travel as 80mph winds set to batter West Midlands

Rail passengers in the West Midlands are being advised to `` only travel if absolutely necessary '' on Sunday as Storm Ciara is set to wreak havoc on the region .
Trains will either be cancelled , delayed or running at just 50mph on all tracks in the region - half their normal speed - because of the high winds forecast .
Network Rail said winds of 80mph had been predicted and this could lead to trees and other objects being blown onto the tracks - causing a risk to life .
They have issued a stark warning : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely necessary.
” Residents who live next to a railway line and have equipment , such as trampolines in their gardens , are being asked to make sure they are secure and not likely to blow away .
Network Rail said the warning applies to all services between London , the West Midlands , North West and Cumbria this weekend .
Those services which did run would only be at 50mph speed limit on the West Coast main line , Chiltern main line , and lines in the West Midlands .
Usually , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chiltern line can reach speeds of up to 125mph .
Rail bosses have said the reduced speed will mean passengers ' journeys will take much longer than usual and people should plan ahead .
They are being advised to check before they travel and with their train operators to see how their journeys could be affected .
Some train operators may allow tickets booked for Sunday to be used on Saturday or Monday .
Jake Kelly , Network Rail ’ s strategic operations and passenger director for the North West and Central region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us to advise passengers to only travel if necessary , but with the latest forecasts showing how severe Storm Ciara will be , we must prioritise the safety of passengers and railway staff .
“ Our teams have been planning for the likelihood that debris will be blown onto tracks and overhead electric wires .
`` We have extra people on the ground at various locations across the region to deal with any disruption .
I understand 50mph speed limits on Sunday may be frustrating for some people , but they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather is expected .
`` With the adverse weather forecast this weekend , our plans and decisions are prioritising the safety of passengers and railway staff . ''
He said : `` We have extra people on the ground at various locations across the region to deal with any disruption .
`` I understand 50mph speed limits on Sunday may be frustrating for some people , but they are a necessary safety precaution when such wild weather is expected .
“ For anyone planning to travel by train this Sunday , expect your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Business owners and householders neighbouring the railway are also being reminded to secure anything in their gardens and yards which could be blown onto the tracks .
It comes after a trampoline was blown onto the West Coast main line last month bringing disruption to passengers .
Jake said : “ In strong winds trampolines become airborne very easily and our advice is to tether these kinds of items .
“ We ’ re appealing to people living and working by the railway to ensure other items , such as gazebos , marquees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the like are fixed in place , so they don ’ t end up on the tracks during high winds.
” For more information on disruption to services , check www.nationalrail.co.uk over the weekend to check for the latest travel alerts ahead of Storm Ciara ’ s arrival .

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Rail passengers in the West Midlands are being advised to "only travel if absolutely necessary" on Sunday as Storm Ciara is set to wreak havoc on the region.
Trains will either be cancelled, delayed or running at just 50mph on all tracks in the region - half their normal speed - because of the high winds forecast.
Network Rail said winds of 80mph had been predicted and this could lead to trees and other objects being blown onto the tracks - causing a risk to life.
They have issued a stark warning: “Only travel by train this Sunday if absolutely necessary.”
Residents who live next to a railway line and have equipment, such as trampolines in their gardens, are being asked to make sure they are secure and not likely to blow away.
(Image: Network Rail)
Network Rail said the warning applies to all services between London, the West Midlands, North West and Cumbria this weekend.
Those services which did run would only be at 50mph speed limit on the West Coast main line, Chiltern main line, and lines in the West Midlands.
Usually, trains on the West Coast line and Chiltern line can reach speeds of up to 125mph.
Rail bosses have said the reduced speed will mean passengers' journeys will take much longer than usual and people should plan ahead.
(Image: Network Rail)
They are being advised to check before they travel and with their train operators to see how their journeys could be affected.
Some train operators may allow tickets booked for Sunday to be used on Saturday or Monday.
Jake Kelly, Network Rail’s strategic operations and passenger director for the North West and Central region, said: "It is rare for us to advise passengers to only travel if necessary, but with the latest forecasts showing how severe Storm Ciara will be, we must prioritise the safety of passengers and railway staff.
“Our teams have been planning for the likelihood that debris will be blown onto tracks and overhead electric wires.
"We have extra people on the ground at various locations across the region to deal with any disruption. I understand 50mph speed limits on Sunday may be frustrating for some people, but they are a necessary safety precaution when such wild weather is expected.
"With the adverse weather forecast this weekend, our plans and decisions are prioritising the safety of passengers and railway staff."
He said: "We have extra people on the ground at various locations across the region to deal with any disruption.
"I understand 50mph speed limits on Sunday may be frustrating for some people, but they are a necessary safety precaution when such wild weather is expected.
“For anyone planning to travel by train this Sunday, expect your journey to take longer than normal.”
Business owners and householders neighbouring the railway are also being reminded to secure anything in their gardens and yards which could be blown onto the tracks.
It comes after a trampoline was blown onto the West Coast main line last month bringing disruption to passengers.
Jake said: “In strong winds trampolines become airborne very easily and our advice is to tether these kinds of items.
“We’re appealing to people living and working by the railway to ensure other items, such as gazebos, marquees, empty builders’ sacks, tents and the like are fixed in place, so they don’t end up on the tracks during high winds.”
For more information on disruption to services, check www.nationalrail.co.uk over the weekend to check for the latest travel alerts ahead of Storm Ciara’s arrival.


birminghammail--2020-02-07--'Wonderful ability' - Doncaster boss Darren Moore on rise of Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey

Darren Moore is prepared to help Jacob Ramsey develop at Doncaster Rovers - not only to assist Aston Villa - but to ensure the playmaker can aid Rovers in their push for promotion .
'JJ ' enjoyed a fine debut , scoring two goals and walking off to applause after joining on a season-long loan for Villa , and his qualities are clear to his new boss .
“ JJ has come in and he ’ s an intelligent boy , he ’ s got wonderful ability as we know and he ’ s started very well with the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Doncaster boss Moore to the Doncaster Free Press .
“ He will find the consistency that we want from him and we ’ ll help nurture him further . ''
Moore understands the role Doncaster have to play in Ramsey 's development .
He 's a young loan player at a loan club - and the main goal will always be the first team minutes gained at a lower level to help nurture him into an asset for his parent club .
In simple terms , the loan relationship is not at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll improve him even more so than where his game is at now .
There ’ s areas in his game where we ’ ll look to improve and there ’ s areas of his game where he ’ s strong and we ’ ll look to make him even stronger .
That is the same with him and all the loan players that have been here .
“ We feel we have the duty to them because they want to improve .
We are giving them first team football but also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make up the numbers .
`` They have to have a mindset and a mentality to step into the first team and play consistently well in the first team.
” Despite Ramsey 's solid first impression - Moore is well aware that both his side and Ramsey are projects and that patience will always be needed .
“ The message to fans , not just with JJ but the team as a whole , I ’ ve beaten the drum from the start of the season that we ’ re a work in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve covered a huge amount of ground already since the start of the season and we ’ re just looking for consistency and improvement .
My message is to keep getting behind the boys , keep supporting them and keep looking for that improvement .
”

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Darren Moore is prepared to help Jacob Ramsey develop at Doncaster Rovers - not only to assist Aston Villa - but to ensure the playmaker can aid Rovers in their push for promotion.
'JJ' enjoyed a fine debut, scoring two goals and walking off to applause after joining on a season-long loan for Villa, and his qualities are clear to his new boss.
“JJ has come in and he’s an intelligent boy, he’s got wonderful ability as we know and he’s started very well with the two goals and an accomplished performance,” said Doncaster boss Moore to the Doncaster Free Press.
“He will find the consistency that we want from him and we’ll help nurture him further."
Moore understands the role Doncaster have to play in Ramsey's development. He's a young loan player at a loan club - and the main goal will always be the first team minutes gained at a lower level to help nurture him into an asset for his parent club.
In simple terms, the loan relationship is not at all lost on him.
“We’ll improve him even more so than where his game is at now. There’s areas in his game where we’ll look to improve and there’s areas of his game where he’s strong and we’ll look to make him even stronger. That is the same with him and all the loan players that have been here.
(Image: Getty Images)
“We feel we have the duty to them because they want to improve. We are giving them first team football but also they’re not just here to make up the numbers.
"They have to have a mindset and a mentality to step into the first team and play consistently well in the first team.”
Despite Ramsey's solid first impression - Moore is well aware that both his side and Ramsey are projects and that patience will always be needed.
“The message to fans, not just with JJ but the team as a whole, I’ve beaten the drum from the start of the season that we’re a work in progress,” he said
“We’ve covered a huge amount of ground already since the start of the season and we’re just looking for consistency and improvement. My message is to keep getting behind the boys, keep supporting them and keep looking for that improvement.”


birminghammail--2020-02-07--The 14 Aston Villa players at risk of sensational summer transfer cull

Aston Villa registered its updated Premier League squad list this week ahead of what 's promised to be a nervy final 13-game run-in .
Dean Smith 's men have 25 points from their 25 games played and currently sit dangerously above the drop-zone .
Smith , alongside chief executive Christian Purslow and sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch , signed four first-team players in January to combat a series of injures to the likes of Wesley , Tom Heaton and John McGinn .
Both Wesley and Heaton were withdrawn from Smith 's squad list this week given their season-ending knee ligament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set for a welcome return in around six weeks ' time .
Smith submitted 23 out of 25 senior first-team stars , replacing Jonathan Kodjia with , for example , deadline day signing Borja Baston .
Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz was put to the Premier League as a contracted under-21 player .
Villa 's squad , though , does consist of fringe players and , if Villa manage to stay in the Premier League , their Villa Park futures could look bleak given their respective lack of game time .
Here , Club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of forgotten stars - and suggests Smith could look at trimming the fat in the summer should Villa cement their big-league status ... What players are most-likely to depart in the summer ?
The ex-Nottingham Forest captain was surprisingly thrown in at Bramall Lane in mid-December in place of Douglas Luiz , but last just 66 minutes before being replaced with Villa already 1-0 down .
Lansbury was given another chance to prove himself at Watford , playing ahead of Conor Hourihane and Douglas Luiz in a midfield three .
However , Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the side .
Barring a couple of stand-out games in the early rounds of the Carabao Cup , it has n't happened for the 29-year-old under Dean Smith .
There does n't seem to be a place in this Villa side for the Arsenal academy graduate and a move away to a mid-table Championship club looks most likely in the summer - regardless if Villa stay up or go down .
Lansbury is yet to prove himself during his three-year spell at Villa Park .
The experienced Welshman started Villa 's first six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept £14m summer recruit Matt Targett out of the XI .
Smith admires Taylor 's never-say-die attitude and likes him at left-back in a flat back four during the early months of the season .
However , Smith 's since changed system and Taylor has become a bit-part player and cover to Targett who 's much better suited to Villa 's newfound wing-back role .
Taylor was , according to reports , courted by Championship clubs on deadline day with Smith reluctant to allow his cover at left-back leave .
The ex-Swansea captain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summer given chances at Villa Park are now beginning to fall by the wayside .
The Spaniard sizzled in pre-season and looked the bargain buy of Aston Villa 's £130m summer outlay .
However , it 's all well and good doing it against the likes of Minnesota United , Shrewsbury and Walsall - the Premier League 's a different ball game all together .
Jota 's best game in claret and blue to date was his display against Everton on that Friday night .
He put in a defence-splitting pass to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since then , he 's drastically fallen out of favour .
Smith started him at Watford at Vicarage Road - but hauled him off at half-time which gives you every indication he 'll no longer be in Villa 's Premier League plans .
A decision could be made to retain Jota if Villa go down , but even that seems unlikely .
Has seriously struggled with the physicality demands .
It was a surprise to most to see Lovre Kalinic stay around after the summer deadline given the apparent lack of faith shown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach , of course , signed Tom Heaton , had Jed Steer as his No.2 and Orjan Nyland back from injury .
The big Croat finally secured his move away to Ligue 1 with Toulouse on January 20 , citing ambitions to play at Euro 2020 with his native country as a key factor .
Kalinic , of course , was Smith 's first-ever signing as Villa boss this time last year but managed just seven starts before suffering an injury .
Since signing for Toulouse , Kalinic has started all three games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the club 's 12-game losing streak with a 0-0 draw at Amiens .
It 's likely Kalinic will search for another fresh start in the summer .
Our Chezzie !
The likeable skipper was given Smith 's blessing to leave B6 on deadline day after admitting it was one of the toughest decisions he 's ever had to make in football .
Chester , though , was desperate to play games after finally tasting that match feeling again against Liverpool and Fulham in the cups .
Given Chester 's knee trouble , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League for Villa , it would have been deemed too big a risk .
Chester , though , deserves to ride out onto the sunset and he 'll be targeting a return to form at Stoke City .
Will get the luxury of picking his next club in the summer when his Villa deal expires .
James Bree featured heavily in pre-season but did n't do enough to impress Smith and was soon loaned out to the Championship .
The 22-year-old joined from Barnsley alongside Conor Hourihane in January 2017 and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starts for Villa under Steve Bruce and then Smith , acting as an emergency centre-half during Villa 's time of need .
Breezy , as he 's known , has featured heavily for the Championship 's bottom club Luton this season .
You ca n't envisaging the full-back donning a first-team shirt at Villa Park again , in truth .
Smith preferred to go four games without a striker rather than to recall Scott Hogan from Stoke City , which tells you everything about Hogan 's future at Villa Park .
Still only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself across the city and started life at St Andrew 's with a goal on his debut .
Villa will take a huge hit on the £9m transfer fee they paid for Hogan in the summer and , in truth , they 'll be lucky to get anything back .
Will still have 12 months left to run on his Villa deal when the summer comes around - and you could easily see Villa cutting their losses by ripping up his contract .
A disaster buy , sadly .
Handed his Villa debut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sherwood up in Sunderland , Rushian Hepburn-Murphy will go down as one of the biggest talents never to cut it at Villa Park .
Thirteen league substitute appearances he 's managed since breaking through in 2015 , with loan moves to Cambridge , Tranmere and now Derby , the latter initially signing as an under-23 player , where he 's hoping to impress to earn a permanent contract .
Hepburn-Murphy 's Villa career appears over .
What players will Aston Villa need to make a decision about ?
Elmo 's Kevin De Bruyne-esque @ @ @ @ @ @ @ semi-final will live long in the memory of Villa 's supporters .
The Egyptian has been a solid performer ever since his £1m switch from Hull City in the summer of 2017 .
Elmohamady did , though , sign a one-year contract extension before Christmas to take his deal up until next summer .
A viable back-up option for Freddie Guilbert , Elmo has also been used as a defensive winger by Smith late on in games .
Has experience in abundance , too .
However , should Villa stay in the Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an area to strengthen with Elmohamady possibly being moved on .
The 32-year-old has captained Villa admirably in the Carabao Cup this term , while he 's helped the likes of Trezeguet settle into life in Birmingham .
A key man behind the scenes who could see out his deal before leaving on a free .
I guess it all depends on Elmo , though , does he want regular game-time elsewhere ?
Contract expires : Not stated , signed a new deal in August 2019 Regular game time is a theme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Irishman , Conor Hourihane .
The 29-year-old began the season as Villa 's unorthodox anchorman behind John McGinn and Jack Grealish in midfield - but that was never going to work given Hourihane 's knack of scoring goals when deployed higher up the pitch .
Hourihane has seven goals in all comps this season , including winning strikes in the Premier League against Newcastle United in November and Norwich City on Boxing Day .
Knowing the Cork-born star , he 'll be disappointed at the lack of minutes since the turn of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ featured in Villa 's last three games - that 's despite Smith 's men looking for a goal in all three .
Hourihane will want to play every week and he 'll no doubt have a tricky decision to make in the summer : stick it out and break back into Villa 's XI or secure a move away to play more regularly .
He is , though , a top pro and has frequently come to Villa 's rescue .
`` It 's not so much a problem , '' explained Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of playing time , `` he 's a very good professional .
He knew from the start of the season we were looking to add in that area and the quality that we 've got there has been there for all to see .
Douglas Luiz and Marvelous Nakamba have been excellent .
We 've brought in Danny Drinkwater as well .
We 've got John McGinn who 's got injured .
Jack Grealish was playing there as well , Henri Lansbury .
We 've got a number of players in that position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fight .
`` When Conor 's been called upon , he 's not let us down .
He 's scored six or seven goals this season .
He has n't started since the Manchester City game but he 's certainly played enough minutes this season , probably not enough for him but for in terms of a Premier League season . ''
There 's still a decision to be made about Matija Sarkic 's Villa future .
The 22-year-old is a full Montenegro international who performed wonders while on-loan at Livingston in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season .
Sarkic has , though , suddenly risen to third-choice keeper behind Pepe Reina and Orjan Nyland .
He returned back to Bodymoor following Lovre Kalinic 's move to Toulouse and , with Jed Steer and Tom Heaton injured , could yet stake his claim for a new contract in the weeks and months to come .
Sarkic is a top talent and perhaps Villa will be reluctant to let him walk away for nothing in the summer given his young age .
Keinan Davis simply divides opinion among Villa supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a three-month lay-off , Davis has looked brilliant coming off the bench against Leicester City and , more recently , Bournemouth .
He 's a real handful and a totally different option to Villa 's current strikers .
However , injuries have been persistent ever since Davis broke into the first team after being plucked from non-league Biggleswade Town .
Davis , of course , crumpled to the turf again on Monday night , appearing to pull up with another hamstring injuring just 25 minutes into Villa 's under-23 defeat to Albion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ instructions to play Davis at Bodymoor on Monday to get some much-needed minutes into the striker 's legs .
It now remains to be seen at just how long the 21-year-old will be out for this time around .
Given Villa 's time and effort spent nurturing Davis ' raw talent then you 'd envisage a new deal being in the offing - especially given stern interest from Championship clubs who could be ready to pounce on a bargain .
Davis will have showdown talks with Smith in the weeks to come to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a curious case , Andre Green .
The winger is enjoying a new lease of life under new boss Lee Bowyer at Charlton , scoring two goals in three games playing up front alongside Lyle Taylor .
According to colleagues who cover Charlton , Bowyer likes a speedy winger playing off Taylor having deployed Karlan Grant and Jonathan Leko there previously - and Green 's loving life at The Valley .
Green could n't get a look in at Preston during this first six months and cut short his season-long loan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Villa is a peculiar one : dragged straight back from his loan at Portsmouth last season to play a part in Villa 's run to promotion .
Smith , though , did n't see him cutting it in the Premier League and sent him out despite a pretty good showing throughout pre-season .
As for Green , ex-boss Sherwood used to rave about him and once said that had he secured another job , Green was the one he 'd take .
If the 21-year-old keeps up his Addicks form then he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping him on .
I believe a decision will be based on whether Villa are a Premier League club next season .
If they are , Green goes for nothing in the summer but , if they manage to drop down in the Championship , Green could be retained .
It does , though , say a lot that Smith did n't believe Green was worthy of staying around , much preferring Trezeguet and Anwar El Ghazi as options ahead of the academy graduate .
Here 's another fine talent off the Solihull @ @ @ @ @ @ @ youngster is currently fine-tuning his craft in League One with play-off hopefuls Coventry City .
O'Hare was tearing it up for Carlisle this time last year and he 's been doing superbly at Cov this time around , too .
He has , though , started 12 of Sky Blues ' 27 games while scoring just twice in League One .
Like Green , a decision will have to be made regarding O'Hare 's furture in the summer - and it could well depend on Villa 's league status .
Should the unthinkable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a poor man 's replacement for Jack Grealish .
Gulps .
O'Hare is , though , ridiculously talented with the ability to unlock defences , such is his vision for a pass , quick feet and low centre of gravity .
Colleague Andy Turner , our Coventry City reporter , said : `` O'Hare made an early impression with the Sky Blues , scoring twice from the bench against Oxford United and Blackpool when he proved to be a highly effective impact player .
He went on to have spells in and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played a role in most games and has offered a consistently lively and dangerous attacking option for Mark Robins 's upwardly mobile Sky Blues .
`` He 's arguably got better as the season has progressed and is currently one of four hugely talented attacking midfielders vying for two available berths as the manager continues to rotate his options to mix things up from game to game .
`` He 's scored three so far but missed the chance for glory and a place in the history books against Villa 's arch rivals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at St Andrew 's ( first time round ) when he mis-cued from three yards out to deny City a stoppage time winner .
However , he had a hand in Max Biamou 's goal in the replay that should have been the winner before Blues ' stoppage time leveller in extra-time forced the tie to penalties , which Coventry lost 4-1 .
`` The fans love him because of his tricky and busy contributions on the ball in and around the box , coupled with his direct and fearless approach to getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produces openings .
Overall , he 's been a hugely successful loan signing who has certainly played his part in City 's success so far . ''

Aston Villa registered its updated Premier League squad list back in February.
Prior to the pandemic break, Dean Smith's men have 25 points from their 25 games played and currently sit dangerously above the drop-zone.
Smith, chief executive Christian Purslow and sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch signed four first-team players back in January to combat a series of injures to the likes of Wesley and Tom Heaton.
Smith submitted 23 out of 25 senior first-team stars, replacing Jonathan Kodjia with, for example, deadline day signing Borja Baston. Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz was put to the Premier League as a contracted under-21 player.
Villa's squad, though, does consist of fringe players and, if Villa manage to stay in the Premier League once football resumes, their Villa Park futures could look bleak given their respective lack of game time.
Here, Club Writer Ashley Preece assesses Villa's crop of forgotten stars - and suggests Smith could look at trimming the fat in the summer should Villa cement their big-league status...
What players are most-likely to depart in the summer?
Henri Lansbury, 29
Contract expires: June 2021
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
The ex-Nottingham Forest captain was surprisingly thrown in at Bramall Lane in mid-December in place of Douglas Luiz, but last just 66 minutes before being replaced with Villa already 1-0 down. Lansbury was given another chance to prove himself at Watford, playing ahead of Conor Hourihane and Douglas Luiz in a midfield three.
However, Villa were well beaten again with Lansbury in the side. Barring a couple of stand-out games in the early rounds of the Carabao Cup, it hasn't happened for the 29-year-old under Dean Smith. There doesn't seem to be a place in this Villa side for the Arsenal academy graduate and a move away to a mid-table Championship club looks most likely in the summer - regardless if Villa stay up or go down. Lansbury is yet to prove himself during his three-year spell at Villa Park.
Neil Taylor, 31
Contract expires: June 2021
The experienced Welshman started Villa's first six games in the Premier League and surprisingly kept £14m summer recruit Matt Targett out of the XI. Smith admires Taylor's never-say-die attitude and likes him at left-back in a flat back four during the early months of the season. However, Smith's since changed system and Taylor has become a bit-part player and cover to Targett who's much better suited to Villa's newfound wing-back role. Taylor was, according to reports, courted by Championship clubs on deadline day with Smith reluctant to allow his cover at left-back leave. The ex-Swansea captain could favour one last transfer away in the summer given chances at Villa Park are now beginning to fall by the wayside.
Jota, 28
Contract expires: June 2021
The Spaniard sizzled in pre-season and looked the bargain buy of Aston Villa's £130m summer outlay. However, it's all well and good doing it against the likes of Minnesota United, Shrewsbury and Walsall - the Premier League's a different ball game all together. Jota's best game in claret and blue to date was his display against Everton on that Friday night. He put in a defence-splitting pass to feed Wesley for the opener but, since then, he's drastically fallen out of favour. Smith started him at Watford at Vicarage Road - but hauled him off at half-time which gives you every indication he'll no longer be in Villa's Premier League plans. A decision could be made to retain Jota if Villa go down, but even that seems unlikely. Has seriously struggled with the physicality demands.
Lovre Kalinic, 29
Contract expires: June 2023
It was a surprise to most to see Lovre Kalinic stay around after the summer deadline given the apparent lack of faith shown in him by Smith. The head coach, of course, signed Tom Heaton, had Jed Steer as his No.2 and Orjan Nyland back from injury. The big Croat finally secured his move away to Ligue 1 with Toulouse on January 20, citing ambitions to play at Euro 2020 with his native country as a key factor. Kalinic, of course, was Smith's first-ever signing as Villa boss this time last year but managed just seven starts before suffering an injury. Since signing for Toulouse, Kalinic has started all three games while helping to put a stop to the club's 12-game losing streak with a 0-0 draw at Amiens. It's likely Kalinic will search for another fresh start in the summer.
James Chester, 31 *on-loan at Stoke City
Contract expires: June 2020
Our Chezzie! The likeable skipper was given Smith's blessing to leave B6 on deadline day after admitting it was one of the toughest decisions he's ever had to make in football. Chester, though, was desperate to play games after finally tasting that match feeling again against Liverpool and Fulham in the cups. Given Chester's knee trouble, he was never going to play in the Premier League for Villa, it would have been deemed too big a risk. Chester, though, deserves to ride out onto the sunset and he'll be targeting a return to form at Stoke City. Will get the luxury of picking his next club in the summer when his Villa deal expires.
James Bree, 22 *on-loan at Luton Town
Contract expires: June 2021
James Bree featured heavily in pre-season but didn't do enough to impress Smith and was soon loaned out to the Championship. The 22-year-old joined from Barnsley alongside Conor Hourihane in January 2017 and, since then, has made just 21 starts for Villa under Steve Bruce and then Smith, acting as an emergency centre-half during Villa's time of need. Breezy, as he's known, has featured heavily for the Championship's bottom club Luton this season. You can't envisaging the full-back donning a first-team shirt at Villa Park again, in truth.
Scott Hogan, 27 *on-loan at Birmingham City
Contract expires: June 2021
(Image: BCFC)
Smith preferred to go four games without a striker rather than to recall Scott Hogan from Stoke City, which tells you everything about Hogan's future at Villa Park. Still only 27, Hogan has looked to reinvigorate himself across the city and started life at St Andrew's with a goal on his debut. Villa will take a huge hit on the £9m transfer fee they paid for Hogan in the summer and, in truth, they'll be lucky to get anything back. Will still have 12 months left to run on his Villa deal when the summer comes around - and you could easily see Villa cutting their losses by ripping up his contract. A disaster buy, sadly.
Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, 21 *on-loan at Derby County
Contract expires: June 2020
Handed his Villa debut as a tiny 16-year-old kid under Tim Sherwood up in Sunderland, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy will go down as one of the biggest talents never to cut it at Villa Park. Thirteen league substitute appearances he's managed since breaking through in 2015, with loan moves to Cambridge, Tranmere and now Derby, the latter initially signing as an under-23 player, where he's hoping to impress to earn a permanent contract. Hepburn-Murphy's Villa career appears over.
What players will Aston Villa need to make a decision about?
Ahmed Elmohamady, 32
Contract expires: June 2021
Elmo's Kevin De Bruyne-esque cross for Trezeguet in the Carabao Cup semi-final will live long in the memory of Villa's supporters. The Egyptian has been a solid performer ever since his £1m switch from Hull City in the summer of 2017. Elmohamady did, though, sign a one-year contract extension before Christmas to take his deal up until next summer. A viable back-up option for Freddie Guilbert, Elmo has also been used as a defensive winger by Smith late on in games. Has experience in abundance, too. However, should Villa stay in the Premier League, Smith could yet see right-back as an area to strengthen with Elmohamady possibly being moved on. The 32-year-old has captained Villa admirably in the Carabao Cup this term, while he's helped the likes of Trezeguet settle into life in Birmingham. A key man behind the scenes who could see out his deal before leaving on a free. I guess it all depends on Elmo, though, does he want regular game-time elsewhere?
Conor Hourihane, 29
Contract expires: Not stated, signed a new deal in August 2019
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Regular game time is a theme which could be a concern for Villa's Irishman, Conor Hourihane. The 29-year-old began the season as Villa's unorthodox anchorman behind John McGinn and Jack Grealish in midfield - but that was never going to work given Hourihane's knack of scoring goals when deployed higher up the pitch. Hourihane has seven goals in all comps this season, including winning strikes in the Premier League against Newcastle United in November and Norwich City on Boxing Day. Knowing the Cork-born star, he'll be disappointed at the lack of minutes since the turn of 2020, while he hasn't even featured in Villa's last three games - that's despite Smith's men looking for a goal in all three. Hourihane will want to play every week and he'll no doubt have a tricky decision to make in the summer: stick it out and break back into Villa's XI or secure a move away to play more regularly. He is, though, a top pro and has frequently come to Villa's rescue.
"It's not so much a problem," explained Smith, when asked about Hourihane's lack of playing time, "he's a very good professional. He knew from the start of the season we were looking to add in that area and the quality that we've got there has been there for all to see. Douglas Luiz and Marvelous Nakamba have been excellent. We've brought in Danny Drinkwater as well. We've got John McGinn who's got injured. Jack Grealish was playing there as well, Henri Lansbury. We've got a number of players in that position so they all knew they'd have to fight.
"When Conor's been called upon, he's not let us down. He's scored six or seven goals this season. He hasn't started since the Manchester City game but he's certainly played enough minutes this season, probably not enough for him but for in terms of a Premier League season."
Matija Sarkic, 22
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Contract expires: June 2020
There's still a decision to be made about Matija Sarkic's Villa future. The 22-year-old is a full Montenegro international who performed wonders while on-loan at Livingston in the SPL during the first half of this season. Sarkic has, though, suddenly risen to third-choice keeper behind Pepe Reina and Orjan Nyland. He returned back to Bodymoor following Lovre Kalinic's move to Toulouse and, with Jed Steer and Tom Heaton injured, could yet stake his claim for a new contract in the weeks and months to come. Sarkic is a top talent and perhaps Villa will be reluctant to let him walk away for nothing in the summer given his young age.
Keinan Davis, 21
Contract expires: June 2020
(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
Keinan Davis simply divides opinion among Villa supporters. After returning to match action following a three-month lay-off, Davis has looked brilliant coming off the bench against Leicester City and, more recently, Bournemouth. He's a real handful and a totally different option to Villa's current strikers. However, injuries have been persistent ever since Davis broke into the first team after being plucked from non-league Biggleswade Town. Davis, of course, crumpled to the turf again on Monday night, appearing to pull up with another hamstring injuring just 25 minutes into Villa's under-23 defeat to Albion. Youth coach Mark Delaney was under strict instructions to play Davis at Bodymoor on Monday to get some much-needed minutes into the striker's legs. It now remains to be seen at just how long the 21-year-old will be out for this time around. Given Villa's time and effort spent nurturing Davis' raw talent then you'd envisage a new deal being in the offing - especially given stern interest from Championship clubs who could be ready to pounce on a bargain. Davis will have showdown talks with Smith in the weeks to come to sort out his future.
Andre Green, 21 *on-loan at Charlton Athletic
Contract expires: June 2020
Now here's a curious case, Andre Green. The winger is enjoying a new lease of life under new boss Lee Bowyer at Charlton, scoring two goals in three games playing up front alongside Lyle Taylor. According to colleagues who cover Charlton, Bowyer likes a speedy winger playing off Taylor having deployed Karlan Grant and Jonathan Leko there previously - and Green's loving life at The Valley. Green couldn't get a look in at Preston during this first six months and cut short his season-long loan to join Charlton last month. His story for Villa is a peculiar one: dragged straight back from his loan at Portsmouth last season to play a part in Villa's run to promotion. Smith, though, didn't see him cutting it in the Premier League and sent him out despite a pretty good showing throughout pre-season. As for Green, ex-boss Sherwood used to rave about him and once said that had he secured another job, Green was the one he'd take. If the 21-year-old keeps up his Addicks form then he'll no doubt make Smith think about keeping him on. I believe a decision will be based on whether Villa are a Premier League club next season. If they are, Green goes for nothing in the summer but, if they manage to drop down in the Championship, Green could be retained. It does, though, say a lot that Smith didn't believe Green was worthy of staying around, much preferring Trezeguet and Anwar El Ghazi as options ahead of the academy graduate.
Callum O'Hare, 21 *on-loan at Coventry City
Contract expires: June 2020
Here's another fine talent off the Solihull conveyor belt, Callum O'Hare. The youngster is currently fine-tuning his craft in League One with play-off hopefuls Coventry City. O'Hare was tearing it up for Carlisle this time last year and he's been doing superbly at Cov this time around, too. He has, though, started 12 of Sky Blues' 27 games while scoring just twice in League One. Like Green, a decision will have to be made regarding O'Hare's furture in the summer - and it could well depend on Villa's league status. Should the unthinkable happen, then O'Hare could be seen as a poor man's replacement for Jack Grealish. Gulps. O'Hare is, though, ridiculously talented with the ability to unlock defences, such is his vision for a pass, quick feet and low centre of gravity.
Colleague Andy Turner, our Coventry City reporter, said: "O'Hare made an early impression with the Sky Blues, scoring twice from the bench against Oxford United and Blackpool when he proved to be a highly effective impact player. He went on to have spells in and out of the starting line-up but has played a role in most games and has offered a consistently lively and dangerous attacking option for Mark Robins's upwardly mobile Sky Blues.
"He's arguably got better as the season has progressed and is currently one of four hugely talented attacking midfielders vying for two available berths as the manager continues to rotate his options to mix things up from game to game.
"He's scored three so far but missed the chance for glory and a place in the history books against Villa's arch rivals in the FA Cup fourth round tie at St Andrew's (first time round) when he mis-cued from three yards out to deny City a stoppage time winner. However, he had a hand in Max Biamou's goal in the replay that should have been the winner before Blues' stoppage time leveller in extra-time forced the tie to penalties, which Coventry lost 4-1.
"The fans love him because of his tricky and busy contributions on the ball in and around the box, coupled with his direct and fearless approach to getting at the opposition which often excites and produces openings. Overall, he's been a hugely successful loan signing who has certainly played his part in City's success so far."


birminghammail--2020-02-07--The X Factor taken off ITV this year

The X Factor taken off ITV this year

The X Factor wo n't be returning to ITV this year .
According to The Sun , the singing show , which has been running for 16 years , is taking a break while Simon Cowell ponders changes to the series .
It 's then expected to return to our screens in 2021 .
A TV insider said : “ Simon wants to really think through the show and how to reinvigorate it for the future .
“ Although The X Factor is contracted for one more series , ITV totally understand the rationale behind the idea of resting it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the team the time to do what they feel is right.
” It comes after Simon signed a new deal to air Britain ’ s Got Talent until 2024 , which included a 2020 version of X Factor .
Simon attempted to revamp the format last year by introducing two new versions , X Factor : Celebrity and X Factor : The Band but their ratings took an even bigger dive .
The X Factor launched the careers of chart superstars One Direction , Olly Murs , JLS , James Arthur and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show winners have struggled to make an impact , both in the charts and with television audiences .
Just over seven million viewers tuned in to watch Dalton Harris crowned 2018 winner , compared to the 17.7m who watched Matt Cardle win the competition back in 2010 .
A spokesman for Britain ’ s Got Talent and The X Factor said : “ Plans for this autumn are still being finalised and will be announced in due course .
We are currently filming Britain ’ s Got Talent 2020 .
”

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The X Factor won't be returning to ITV this year.
According to The Sun, the singing show, which has been running for 16 years, is taking a break while Simon Cowell ponders changes to the series.
It's then expected to return to our screens in 2021.
A TV insider said: “Simon wants to really think through the show and how to reinvigorate it for the future.
(Image: Thames/Syco)
“Although The X Factor is contracted for one more series, ITV totally understand the rationale behind the idea of resting it this year and want to give Simon and the team the time to do what they feel is right.”
It comes after Simon signed a new deal to air Britain’s Got Talent until 2024, which included a 2020 version of X Factor.
Simon attempted to revamp the format last year by introducing two new versions, X Factor: Celebrity and X Factor: The Band but their ratings took an even bigger dive.
The X Factor launched the careers of chart superstars One Direction, Olly Murs, JLS, James Arthur and Leona Lewis but in the recent years show winners have struggled to make an impact, both in the charts and with television audiences.
Just over seven million viewers tuned in to watch Dalton Harris crowned 2018 winner, compared to the 17.7m who watched Matt Cardle win the competition back in 2010.
A spokesman for Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor said: “Plans for this autumn are still being finalised and will be announced in due course. We are currently filming Britain’s Got Talent 2020.”


birminghammail--2020-02-07--Desperate search for missing teenager Cindy Worthington thought to be in Wolverhampton

Officers have launched an urgent appeal to find a teenager who has been missing for four days .
Cindy Worthington was last seen in the Stafford area on February 3 , but police believe she may currently be in Wolverhampton .
The 17-year-old is white with long straight black hair .
Her nose and tongue are pierced .
She is 5ft 6ins tall and was last reported to be wearing a blue sports jacket , black leggings and pink sliders .
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said : `` Have you seen Cindy Worthington ?
`` The 17-year-old is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe she is currently in Wolverhampton .
Cindy is described as white , 5ft 6ins tall , has long straight black hair and has her tongue and nose pierced .
She was last seen wearing a blue Adidas jacket with black leggings and pink Ellesse sliders .
`` Call 101 if you see her . ''
The force defines a person as missing when their whereabouts can not be established and where the circumstances are out of character or the person may be subject of crime or at risk of harm to themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also be classed as absent if they are not at a place where they are expected or required to be and there is no apparent risk .

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Officers have launched an urgent appeal to find a teenager who has been missing for four days.
Cindy Worthington was last seen in the Stafford area on February 3, but police believe she may currently be in Wolverhampton.
The 17-year-old is white with long straight black hair. Her nose and tongue are pierced.
She is 5ft 6ins tall and was last reported to be wearing a blue sports jacket, black leggings and pink sliders.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "Have you seen Cindy Worthington ?
"The 17-year-old is missing from the Stafford area but we believe she is currently in Wolverhampton. Cindy is described as white, 5ft 6ins tall, has long straight black hair and has her tongue and nose pierced. She was last seen wearing a blue Adidas jacket with black leggings and pink Ellesse sliders.
"Call 101 if you see her."
The force defines a person as missing when their whereabouts cannot be established and where the circumstances are out of character or the person may be subject of crime or at risk of harm to themselves or someone else.
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A person may also be classed as absent if they are not at a place where they are expected or required to be and there is no apparent risk.


birminghammail--2020-02-07--Wolves star Adama Traore is still running away with this - despite a new challenger

Debates around Player of the Year are beginning to emerge now that the Premier League campaign is approaching the final stretch .
Adama Traore may not be in the running for such a prestigious award , but if there was an accolade dedicated to the player who 's improved the most , it 's likely that the Spaniard would be amongst the favourites .
This season , he 's developed a reputation for explosiveness and above all else , dribbling .
The Wolves forward is simply impossible to stop in certain situations as he possesses both pace and power in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ca n't be knocked off the ball , and he ca n't be out-ran .
His dribbling ability can be captured by underlying numbers beneath the surface .
Adama is averaging an incredible 13.6 dribble attempts per 90 in the Premier League this season , which is the most in England based on players to have amassed over 1,000 minutes .
Wilfried Zaha is second on 11.4 per 90 , while Allan Saint-Maximin places third with 11.3 .
The top ten are pictured below , with two Wolves players featuring in total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that despite his volume of dribbles , Adama also has a better success rate than any other player within the top 30 places , with his percentage of 70.8 % dwarfing Zaha 's 53 % and Saint-Maximin 's 58 % .
However , once expanding the sample beyond the Premier League to Europe 's top five leagues , Adama appears to have a challenger .
Only one player from within England , France , Germany , Italy and Spain is attempting to beat opposing players on the dribble more often than Adama .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neymar .
Paris Saint Germain 's playmaker is averaging slightly more with 13.8 per 90 , having returned to full fitness in November .
He 's the only player who can compete with Adama at present for dribbling frequency , yet the Wolves man still appears to have the edge .
Neymar 's success rate is mostly average , similar to Zaha and Saint-Maximin , as his figure stands at 52.5 % .
That means that despite attempting virtually the same number of dribbles , Adama tends to complete roughly 20 % more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Adama will continue to improve considering he 's just 24 years-old , but it 's reasonable to suggest that his dribbling potential has already been maximised .

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Debates around Player of the Year are beginning to emerge now that the Premier League campaign is approaching the final stretch.
Adama Traore may not be in the running for such a prestigious award, but if there was an accolade dedicated to the player who's improved the most, it's likely that the Spaniard would be amongst the favourites.
This season, he's developed a reputation for explosiveness and above all else, dribbling.
The Wolves forward is simply impossible to stop in certain situations as he possesses both pace and power in abundance while also being technically proficient. He can't be knocked off the ball, and he can't be out-ran.
His dribbling ability can be captured by underlying numbers beneath the surface.
Adama is averaging an incredible 13.6 dribble attempts per 90 in the Premier League this season, which is the most in England based on players to have amassed over 1,000 minutes.
Wilfried Zaha is second on 11.4 per 90, while Allan Saint-Maximin places third with 11.3. The top ten are pictured below, with two Wolves players featuring in total.
(Image: @DistanceCovered)
What's even more impressive is that despite his volume of dribbles, Adama also has a better success rate than any other player within the top 30 places, with his percentage of 70.8% dwarfing Zaha's 53% and Saint-Maximin's 58%.
However, once expanding the sample beyond the Premier League to Europe's top five leagues, Adama appears to have a challenger.
Only one player from within England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain is attempting to beat opposing players on the dribble more often than Adama.
That player, somewhat unsurprisingly, is Neymar.
Paris Saint Germain's playmaker is averaging slightly more with 13.8 per 90, having returned to full fitness in November.
He's the only player who can compete with Adama at present for dribbling frequency, yet the Wolves man still appears to have the edge.
Neymar's success rate is mostly average, similar to Zaha and Saint-Maximin, as his figure stands at 52.5%.
That means that despite attempting virtually the same number of dribbles, Adama tends to complete roughly 20% more of his actions.
It's likely that Adama will continue to improve considering he's just 24 years-old, but it's reasonable to suggest that his dribbling potential has already been maximised.