birminghammail--2020-10-31--Major anti-lockdown demo in city centre with David Icke set to speak

Hundreds of maskless protesters gathered in Birmingham city centre demanding `` freedom '' - hours before the Prime Minister 's TV lockdown address .
Footage of the Victoria Square event showed a large crowd being addressed outside the council house on Saturday afternoon , October 31 .
David Icke was among the advertised speakers , according to his Twitter account .
`` Take off the masks '' was chanted along with a song about not accepting the vaccine from the Government .
5G conspiracy theories were also among the subjects addressed .
The event appeared to be passing off peacefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' placards urging people to `` show yourself , reconnect yourself , release yourself and choose yourself '' appeared ahead of Mr Johnson 's 5pm broadcast , which was expected to outline details of a second national lockdown .
More than 46,000 people have so far died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus .
On Saturday , October 31 , the deaths of 256 people were announced with 36 in the Midlands .
Taking to social media , one user wrote on Twitter : `` Look at that sunshine now !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ another added : `` What a lovely afternoon in Birmingham for a protest . ''
But senior scientists and medics have repeatedly warned the public to take the pandemic seriously .
England 's deputy chief medical officer , Jonathan Van-Tam , told the BBC last month : `` People have relaxed too much , now is the time for us to re-engage , and to realize that this [ is ] a continuing threat to us . ''
And a coronavirus sufferer hit back , writing online : `` I ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days in bed .
Horrible symptoms .
`` So sorry if I passed it on to anyone .
We ’ ve been so careful .
The last ten days have been physically and emotionally very hard .
Please take this seriously .
I ’ ve been lucky .
Others won ’ t be . ''

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Hundreds of maskless protesters gathered in Birmingham city centre demanding "freedom" - hours before the Prime Minister's TV lockdown address.
Footage of the Victoria Square event showed a large crowd being addressed outside the council house on Saturday afternoon, October 31.
David Icke was among the advertised speakers, according to his Twitter account.
"Take off the masks" was chanted along with a song about not accepting the vaccine from the Government.
5G conspiracy theories were also among the subjects addressed. The event appeared to be passing off peacefully.
"Live free and vaccine free" placards urging people to "show yourself, reconnect yourself, release yourself and choose yourself" appeared ahead of Mr Johnson's 5pm broadcast, which was expected to outline details of a second national lockdown.
More than 46,000 people have so far died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus. On Saturday, October 31, the deaths of 256 people were announced with 36 in the Midlands.
Taking to social media, one user wrote on Twitter: "Look at that sunshine now! Go Birmingham #EndLockdownNow."
While another added: "What a lovely afternoon in Birmingham for a protest."
But senior scientists and medics have repeatedly warned the public to take the pandemic seriously.
England's deputy chief medical officer, Jonathan Van-Tam, told the BBC last month: "People have relaxed too much, now is the time for us to re-engage, and to realize that this [is] a continuing threat to us."
And a coronavirus sufferer hit back, writing online: "I’ve been absolutely wiped out by COVID, eight days in bed. Horrible symptoms.
"So sorry if I passed it on to anyone. We’ve been so careful. The last ten days have been physically and emotionally very hard. Please take this seriously. I’ve been lucky. Others won’t be."


birminghammail--2020-10-31--The Gogglebox families booted off the show for breaking rules

And over the years , some of the sofa regulars have become firm favourites with viewers .
But popularity is no guarantee of safety when it comes to facing the axe .
A source on the show previously told the Daily Star : `` Channel 4 knows the show works because it 's normal families watching TV in their homes .
`` They do n't want so-called celebrities on it . ''
While some fan favourites have chosen to leave of their own accord so they can pursue other opportunities - without facing the wrath of producers - others have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two Gogglebox families that were unceremoniously dumped .
Our sister site Mirror Online takes a look at what happened ...
The Michaels were one of the original families on the show when it first aired in 2013 .
Dad Andrew was very much the patriarch , joined by wife Carolyne son Louis and daughter Alex .
They were very popular with viewers .
But the family were axed in 2014 when Andrew stood for election as a UKIP candidate .
At the time Andrew , a retired hotelier , told the Radio Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their natural habitat , you have an insight into British society in its multifarious colours . ''
Channel 4 spokesman said : `` Sadly any Gogglebox cast member who becomes a candidate for a political party will have to step down from their involvement in Gogglebox . ''
Carolyne said she was very sad to leave the show and later found it `` too painful '' to watch .
As Andrew failed to win the Hastings and Rye seat for UKIP , the family were invited back on the show .
Since then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gogglebox furniture - although there have been some surprises .
Viewers were shocked to see Andrew and Carolyne 's other daughter Catheryne on the sofa - Alex 's twin .
It has been revealed that Catheryne , known as Katie , sometimes stands in for her sister if Alex ca n't make filming .
George Gilbey , mum Lynne McGarry and stepdad Pete McGarry from Clacton , first appeared on series two .
Lynne and Pete have fostered more than 68 children and George is Lynne 's biological son .
Lynne told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all you need to be a foster parent is a spare room , a sense of humour and a good heart .
`` I ’ ve just brought them up as my own .
On Mother ’ s Day I get so many phone calls .
They don ’ t forget you .
A lot still regard me and Pete as their parents . ''
They provided plenty of giggles with George winning over viewers with his Essex boy charm .
He was so popular the electrician was wooed by Channel 5 Celebrity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show .
But his decision to enter the house in August 2014 cost him .
Gogglebox producer Chantal Boyle confirmed the Gilbey family would not be returning to the show because it `` wouldn ’ t work '' once viewers saw George on another TV programme .
However Boyle went into more detail than was perhaps necessary when she added : `` It ’ s all about money .
`` They are pretty cash-strapped and so you can see why they would accept the offer to go on Big Brother . ''
George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The family were able to return to the show in 2016 .
However in recent years Gogglebox fans have seen much more of Linda and Pete .
In 2018 George was found guilty of attacking his ex-girlfriend in a drunken rage .
George 's ex , Gemma Conway , claimed he tried to strangle her while she begged him not to kill her .
The Gogglebox star denied assault by beating and criminal damage .
But magistrate Nicholas Bennett said : “ We find Miss Conway was subject to a sustained attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage to her flat.
” And last year , George was jailed for three months after being found guilty of drink-driving .
Lynne and Pete remain Googlebox regulars without their son .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Kyle O' Sullivan, Sanjeeta Bains)

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Multi-award winning Gogglebox has become a TV phenomenon.
And over the years, some of the sofa regulars have become firm favourites with viewers.
But popularity is no guarantee of safety when it comes to facing the axe.
A source on the show previously told the Daily Star: "Channel 4 knows the show works because it's normal families watching TV in their homes.
"They don't want so-called celebrities on it."
While some fan favourites have chosen to leave of their own accord so they can pursue other opportunities - without facing the wrath of producers - others have not been so lucky.
Here are two Gogglebox families that were unceremoniously dumped.
Our sister site Mirror Online takes a look at what happened...
The Michaels
(Image: Channel 4)
The Michaels were one of the original families on the show when it first aired in 2013.
Dad Andrew was very much the patriarch, joined by wife Carolyne son Louis and daughter Alex.
They were very popular with viewers.
But the family were axed in 2014 when Andrew stood for election as a UKIP candidate.
At the time Andrew, a retired hotelier, told the Radio Times: "Having seen 13 families in their natural habitat, you have an insight into British society in its multifarious colours."
Channel 4 spokesman said: "Sadly any Gogglebox cast member who becomes a candidate for a political party will have to step down from their involvement in Gogglebox."
The entire family was dropped.
Carolyne said she was very sad to leave the show and later found it "too painful" to watch.
As Andrew failed to win the Hastings and Rye seat for UKIP, the family were invited back on the show.
Since then they've become truly part of the Gogglebox furniture - although there have been some surprises.
Viewers were shocked to see Andrew and Carolyne's other daughter Catheryne on the sofa - Alex's twin.
It has been revealed that Catheryne, known as Katie, sometimes stands in for her sister if Alex can't make filming.
The Gilbey family
George Gilbey, mum Lynne McGarry and stepdad Pete McGarry from Clacton, first appeared on series two.
Lynne and Pete have fostered more than 68 children and George is Lynne's biological son.
Lynne told the Daily Star: "I always say all you need to be a foster parent is a spare room, a sense of humour and a good heart.
"I’ve just brought them up as my own. On Mother’s Day I get so many phone calls. They don’t forget you. A lot still regard me and Pete as their parents."
They provided plenty of giggles with George winning over viewers with his Essex boy charm.
He was so popular the electrician was wooed by Channel 5 Celebrity Big Brother producers to appear on the show.
But his decision to enter the house in August 2014 cost him.
Gogglebox producer Chantal Boyle confirmed the Gilbey family would not be returning to the show because it "wouldn’t work" once viewers saw George on another TV programme.
However Boyle went into more detail than was perhaps necessary when she added: "It’s all about money.
"They are pretty cash-strapped and so you can see why they would accept the offer to go on Big Brother."
George finished on the show in fourth place.
The family were able to return to the show in 2016.
However in recent years Gogglebox fans have seen much more of Linda and Pete.
In 2018 George was found guilty of attacking his ex-girlfriend in a drunken rage.
George's ex, Gemma Conway, claimed he tried to strangle her while she begged him not to kill her.
The Gogglebox star denied assault by beating and criminal damage.
But magistrate Nicholas Bennett said: “We find Miss Conway was subject to a sustained attack by Mr Gilbey who also caused criminal damage to her flat.”
And last year, George was jailed for three months after being found guilty of drink-driving.
Lynne and Pete remain Googlebox regulars without their son.


birminghammail--2020-11-01--Ex-Villa star blasts trolls over £50k lockdown good causes donation

Former Aston Villa captain Micah Richards is donating £50,000 to good causes to combat the `` depression and lonliness '' of the new lockdown .
The Birmingham-born ex-England defender , now a pundit on shows including Match of the Day , tweeted that he would pick two businesses or charities and split the cash between them .
They will be in Manchester , where he spent most of his career , and Leeds , where he grew up .
The gesture was welcomed by a string of followers , including former Villa goalkeeper Mark Bunn .
But in a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his big-hearted initiative from accusations it was a publicity stunt .
He tweeted on Saturday night : `` Lockdown 2 is gon na cause more deaths through depression , loneliness and financial stress .
`` Leeds and Manchester have been nothing but great to me growing up so I ’ m gon na donate 50k !
25k each to two different charities/businesses in the two areas which I feel need it the most ! ''
But on Sunday morning he added : `` What world do we live in when you offer 50k @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative .
`` I have no agent no PR company no agenda .
I tweeted it so charities can get in touch .
Those who think it ’ s a publicity thing are a embarrassment .
Deary Deary me !
!
! ''
Richards ended his career at Villa in an injury-ravaged spell after making his name at Manchester City , where he earned his England caps and won the title .
He is now a familiar presence on TV and radio sports shows .
His £50,000 donation came hours after the Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new lockdown from Thursday , November 5 .
Non-essential shops will close along with gyms , pubs , bars and restaurants , although takeaway service is allowed .
And schools , colleges and nurseries will also remain open .

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Former Aston Villa captain Micah Richards is donating £50,000 to good causes to combat the "depression and lonliness" of the new lockdown.
The Birmingham-born ex-England defender, now a pundit on shows including Match of the Day, tweeted that he would pick two businesses or charities and split the cash between them.
They will be in Manchester, where he spent most of his career, and Leeds, where he grew up.
The gesture was welcomed by a string of followers, including former Villa goalkeeper Mark Bunn.
But in a second tweet, Richards was forced to defend his big-hearted initiative from accusations it was a publicity stunt.
He tweeted on Saturday night: "Lockdown 2 is gonna cause more deaths through depression, loneliness and financial stress.
"Leeds and Manchester have been nothing but great to me growing up so I’m gonna donate 50k! 25k each to two different charities/businesses in the two areas which I feel need it the most!"
But on Sunday morning he added: "What world do we live in when you offer 50k to a charity gets turned into a negative.
"I have no agent no PR company no agenda. I tweeted it so charities can get in touch. Those who think it’s a publicity thing are a embarrassment. Deary Deary me!!!"
Richards ended his career at Villa in an injury-ravaged spell after making his name at Manchester City, where he earned his England caps and won the title.
He is now a familiar presence on TV and radio sports shows.
His £50,000 donation came hours after the Prime Minister announced England would enter into a new lockdown from Thursday, November 5.
Non-essential shops will close along with gyms, pubs, bars and restaurants, although takeaway service is allowed.
And schools, colleges and nurseries will also remain open.


birminghammail--2020-11-01--Panos Pavlakis comments on 'shocking' Birmingham City news

Three key employees behind-the-scenes at Birmingham City have departed recently .
Blues are progressing on the field under the leadership of Aitor Karanka and picked up their third win of the season away to Preston North End on Saturday .
Karanka was given the power to bring several new faces to St Andrew 's during the transfer window and Blues are beginning to reap the rewards of his knowledge and contacts .
But there 's been plenty of change off the field too with BirminghamLive revealing this morning that three of the club 's support staff have left the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club ’ s head of media and communications Colin Tattum , who was the public face of Blues through some of the most choppy waters in their history , including EFL charges , multiple manager changes and controversy both on the field of play and off it .
Part of the club for the last six years , he was a familiar face at Blues for countless more before that as a reporter for the Birmingham Mail who covered the club 's most famous and infamous days for the best part of three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also been made redundant after 28 years at Blues , while Suzanne Smith , erstwhile PA to the board and club coordinator , is another who is no longer with the club .
Pavlakis , who was a director at Blues for three years before leaving at the end of the 2016/17 season , worked alongside the trio during his tenure at St Andrew 's .
`` When it comes to Blues as an organisation , Tatts , Rita and Sue were three of the most trustful , reliable , switched on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my time there , '' said Pavlakis .
`` Shocking news for me to be honest . ''
All the departures follow a similar pattern in recent years that have seen the likes of ex-chief finance officer Roger Lloyd , former club secretary Julia Shelton and ex-chief coordinating officer Joanne Allsopp exit .
Popular development coach Richard Beale left the club last summer , while Paul Robinson - who had been working in the academy since retiring - moved on earlier this year .

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Three key employees behind-the-scenes at Birmingham City have departed recently.
Blues are progressing on the field under the leadership of Aitor Karanka and picked up their third win of the season away to Preston North End on Saturday.
Karanka was given the power to bring several new faces to St Andrew's during the transfer window and Blues are beginning to reap the rewards of his knowledge and contacts.
But there's been plenty of change off the field too with BirminghamLive revealing this morning that three of the club's support staff have left the club.
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Among those made redundant is the club’s head of media and communications Colin Tattum, who was the public face of Blues through some of the most choppy waters in their history, including EFL charges, multiple manager changes and controversy both on the field of play and off it.
Part of the club for the last six years, he was a familiar face at Blues for countless more before that as a reporter for the Birmingham Mail who covered the club's most famous and infamous days for the best part of three decades.
First team PA Rita Greenaway has also been made redundant after 28 years at Blues, while Suzanne Smith, erstwhile PA to the board and club coordinator, is another who is no longer with the club.
Pavlakis, who was a director at Blues for three years before leaving at the end of the 2016/17 season, worked alongside the trio during his tenure at St Andrew's.
"When it comes to Blues as an organisation, Tatts, Rita and Sue were three of the most trustful, reliable, switched on and straightforward persons I came across during my time there," said Pavlakis. "Shocking news for me to be honest."
All the departures follow a similar pattern in recent years that have seen the likes of ex-chief finance officer Roger Lloyd, former club secretary Julia Shelton and ex-chief coordinating officer Joanne Allsopp exit.
Popular development coach Richard Beale left the club last summer, while Paul Robinson - who had been working in the academy since retiring - moved on earlier this year.


birminghammail--2020-11-01--Stray firework blaze devastates nursery

Stray firework blaze devastates nursery

Firefighters rushed to the scene at Little Scallywags Day Nursery at about 9pm on Saturday , October 31 .
The @ @ @ @ @ before it spread to the outside of the two-storey semi-detached building .
Crews from Shard @ @ @ @ @ flames using a hosereel jet .
The blaze prompted West Midlands Fire Service to urge @ @ @ @ @ when using fireworks at private displays .
Taking to Twitter , the account for Sheldon @ @ @ @ @ Please be careful when using fireworks .
Last night green watch along with @ WMFSWardEnd @ @ @ @ @ nursery which was caused by a firework . ''
A spokesperson added : `` There @ @ @ @ @ equipment at the front of Little Scallywags nursery .
The fire spread to the exterior @ @ @ @ @ It was accidental cause by a stray firework . ''
The last fire crew left @ @ @ @ @ .

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A stray firework exploded at a Shard End nursery - starting a devastating blaze.
Firefighters rushed to the scene at Little Scallywags Day Nursery at about 9pm on Saturday, October 31.
The fire started burning play equipment before it spread to the outside of the two-storey semi-detached building.
Crews from Shard End and Sheldon extinguished the flames using a hosereel jet.
The blaze prompted West Midlands Fire Service to urge the public to be careful when using fireworks at private displays.
Taking to Twitter, the account for Sheldon Fire Station posted: " Please be careful when using fireworks. Last night green watch along with @WMFSWardEnd attended this fire at a nursery which was caused by a firework."
A spokesperson added: "There was a fire involving play equipment at the front of Little Scallywags nursery. The fire spread to the exterior of the building.
"It was accidental cause by a stray firework."
The last fire crew left the scene at about 10.30pm.


birminghammail--2020-11-01--Watch gangs hurl fireworks at each other and passing cars in city centre

This is the shocking moment gangs of youths launched fireworks at each other in Birmingham city centre as residents watched on in horror .
Dressed all in black , the yobs hurled the explosives into roads , narrowly missing passersby and passing cars , on Saturday night , October 31 .
Huge bangs were heard at around 9pm as the thugs set off the pyrotechnics near apartment blocks in Masshouse Lane and Smallbrook Queensway .
Concerned residents raised the alarm with the police twice amid fears innocent pedestrians or drivers would be hurt .
Video above captures the moment fireworks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short distance from the landmark Selfridges and Bullring buildings .
A resident at Allegro Living said : `` I could see fireworks were being thrown at traffic and where passers by were walking and was really concerned someone would get hurt .
`` I was considering phoning for an ambulance too as I was so sure someone would be seriously injured .
`` I phoned the police twice because they hadn ’ t come after half an hour , and the responder said they were dealing with a number of similar incidents in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one wearing a bunny mask over his face - also sparked terror with locals in Masshouse apartments as they ran around shouting and shooting off fireworks at 'head height ' .
A stunned resident at the Masshouse apartments witnessed the thugs throwing the fireworks at one another near to Aston University .
The 25-year-old told BirminghamLive : `` I was just having dinner and heard a loud noise outside , I ran onto the balcony to see what was happening .
`` There was probably eight or more people running , dressed all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bunny mask .
I did n't really know what was going on , I was scared that a wayward firework would come up near the balcony .
`` They literally ran round there firing fireworks at head height , exploding on the street as they ran up past Aston University .
They were firing fireworks forward at a group .
`` They were loitering around the bottom of the apartments , from their conversations it sounded like there were two different groups chasing after each other . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Alexander Brock, Stephanie Balloo)

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This is the shocking moment gangs of youths launched fireworks at each other in Birmingham city centre as residents watched on in horror.
Dressed all in black, the yobs hurled the explosives into roads, narrowly missing passersby and passing cars, on Saturday night, October 31.
Huge bangs were heard at around 9pm as the thugs set off the pyrotechnics near apartment blocks in Masshouse Lane and Smallbrook Queensway.
Concerned residents raised the alarm with the police twice amid fears innocent pedestrians or drivers would be hurt.
Video above captures the moment fireworks were thrown into the road, a short distance from the landmark Selfridges and Bullring buildings.
A resident at Allegro Living said: "I could see fireworks were being thrown at traffic and where passers by were walking and was really concerned someone would get hurt.
"I was considering phoning for an ambulance too as I was so sure someone would be seriously injured.
"I phoned the police twice because they hadn’t come after half an hour, and the responder said they were dealing with a number of similar incidents in the area."
The youths - one wearing a bunny mask over his face - also sparked terror with locals in Masshouse apartments as they ran around shouting and shooting off fireworks at 'head height'.
A stunned resident at the Masshouse apartments witnessed the thugs throwing the fireworks at one another near to Aston University.
The 25-year-old told BirminghamLive: "I was just having dinner and heard a loud noise outside, I ran onto the balcony to see what was happening.
"There was probably eight or more people running, dressed all in black, one of them had a bunny mask. I didn't really know what was going on, I was scared that a wayward firework would come up near the balcony.
"They literally ran round there firing fireworks at head height, exploding on the street as they ran up past Aston University. They were firing fireworks forward at a group.
"They were loitering around the bottom of the apartments, from their conversations it sounded like there were two different groups chasing after each other."
BirminghamLive has contacted West Midlands Police for a statement.


birminghammail--2020-11-01--Teen charged £111 by Uber for journey of less than TWO miles

A mum has slammed a taxi company for an `` outrageous '' fee - after her son was charged £111 for a two-mile trip .
Matty Bennett booked a trip with an Uber driver to travel from an address in Nottingham to a road just eight minutes away .
However , the 18-year-old was horrified to check his phone the next day and realise he had been charged a whopping £111.23 for the journey .
The plumber paid just £4.90 for the same two months before .
His mum , 57-year-old Mandy , told Nottinghamshire Live : `` What they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should n't be allowed to do this .
If it is a busier time , then I understand there being a reasonable surcharge , but £111 ?
I could n't believe it .
`` We rang the credit card company and tried to cancel the payment , but they would n't do it . ''
Mandy claimed she was told by Uber that Matty must have accepted the surcharge via a notification on his screen before the journey started , which meant he was n't eligible for a refund .
She said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being charged such a huge amount for such a short journey was not acceptable .
`` They would n't put me through to a supervisor when I asked to speak to one , '' she said .
`` They just told me the same thing every time - that he would n't be refunded .
`` Uber wo n't accept responsibility for what happened .
I just ca n't get my head around it .
I do n't want this to happen unknowingly to anyone else . ''
Since contacting Nottinghamshire Live , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Matty to offer him a full refund .
Uber has been approached for comment .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Peter Hennessy, Jordan Coussins)

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A mum has slammed a taxi company for an "outrageous" fee - after her son was charged £111 for a two-mile trip.
Matty Bennett booked a trip with an Uber driver to travel from an address in Nottingham to a road just eight minutes away.
However, the 18-year-old was horrified to check his phone the next day and realise he had been charged a whopping £111.23 for the journey.
The plumber paid just £4.90 for the same two months before.
His mum, 57-year-old Mandy, told Nottinghamshire Live : "What they charged is absolutely outrageous.
"They shouldn't be allowed to do this. If it is a busier time, then I understand there being a reasonable surcharge, but £111? I couldn't believe it.
"We rang the credit card company and tried to cancel the payment, but they wouldn't do it."
Mandy claimed she was told by Uber that Matty must have accepted the surcharge via a notification on his screen before the journey started, which meant he wasn't eligible for a refund.
She said she accepted that may be true, but being charged such a huge amount for such a short journey was not acceptable.
"They wouldn't put me through to a supervisor when I asked to speak to one," she said.
"They just told me the same thing every time - that he wouldn't be refunded.
"Uber won't accept responsibility for what happened. I just can't get my head around it. I don't want this to happen unknowingly to anyone else."
Since contacting Nottinghamshire Live, Mandy says Uber has been in touch with Matty to offer him a full refund.
Uber has been approached for comment.


birminghammail--2020-11-01--Aston Villa team for Southampton - Traore comes in for Trezeguet

Dean Smith has set his sights on getting back to winning ways against Southampton this afternoon by making one change by bringing in Bertrand Traore for Trezeguet .
The head coach has decided to switch things up for today 's clash against Saints following last week 's 3-0 disappointing defeat to Leeds United .
Summer signing Bertrand Traore - who cost £17 million - makes his first Premier League start and will play on the right-hand side .
`` Trez has been excellent , '' Smith said of the Egyptian , who drops out for the first time in 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plus for us staying in the league last season with his goals and performances .
`` I did n't think he was at his best level against Leeds but he was n't the only one .
I 'm sure he 'll get back to that level again . ''
Traore will play on his favoured right-side position while , over on the left , skipper Jack Grealish - who 's created more goal-scoring chances than any Englishman ( 106 ) since last season - starts once more .
Ollie Watkins leads the line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his memorable hat-trick against Liverpool last month .
In midfield , Douglas Luiz , John McGinn and Ross Barkley will look to provide the ammunition , with the latter playing in a more advanced role .
At the back for Villa it 's the same back four of Matt Targett , Tyrone Mings , Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash .
Emiliano Martinez is Smith 's No.1 again , too .
Here are the teams in full , below :

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Dean Smith has set his sights on getting back to winning ways against Southampton this afternoon by making one change by bringing in Bertrand Traore for Trezeguet.
The head coach has decided to switch things up for today's clash against Saints following last week's 3-0 disappointing defeat to Leeds United.
Summer signing Bertrand Traore - who cost £17 million - makes his first Premier League start and will play on the right-hand side.
"Trez has been excellent," Smith said of the Egyptian, who drops out for the first time in 12 games. "He was a big plus for us staying in the league last season with his goals and performances.
"I didn't think he was at his best level against Leeds but he wasn't the only one. I'm sure he'll get back to that level again."
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Traore will play on his favoured right-side position while, over on the left, skipper Jack Grealish - who's created more goal-scoring chances than any Englishman (106) since last season - starts once more.
Ollie Watkins leads the line for Smith eyeing his first goal since his memorable hat-trick against Liverpool last month. In midfield, Douglas Luiz, John McGinn and Ross Barkley will look to provide the ammunition, with the latter playing in a more advanced role.
At the back for Villa it's the same back four of Matt Targett, Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash. Emiliano Martinez is Smith's No.1 again, too.
Here are the teams in full, below:
Aston Villa, 4-4-1-1: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Traore, Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Grealish; Barkley; Watkins. Subs: Steer, Engels, Elmohamady, Hourihane, Nakamba, Trezeguet Davis.
Southampton, 4-4-2: McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Vestergaard, Bertrand; Armstrong, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Walcott; Adams, Ings. Subs: Forster, Stephens, Diallo, Redmond, Djenepo, N'Lundulu, Long.


birminghammail--2020-11-01--What McDonald's is telling customers about new lockdown

Fast food giant McDonald 's has responded to questions over whether it will keep serving during the new lockdown .
The chain was asked on Twitter whether it would be able to continue once the new shutdown begins in England on Thursday November 5 .
The tough new measures were announced by the Prime Minister on Saturday night , October 31 .
But restaurants will be allowed to remain open for takeaway , delivery and click and collect .
The Government guidelines state : `` Restaurants can still provide takeaway and delivery services . ''
At the start of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed all its branches and did not reopen for delivery and Drive-Thru until May .
In response to one fan , McDonald 's tweeted : `` We will comply with any directives given by the UK government in relation to the opening of our stores next week . ''
Over the last lockdown , the chain released several secret recipes for their bestseller products , as fans coped without their fast food fix .
In May it reopened drivet-thru restaurants around the UK in phases - and with a £25 per car price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last to open - by June 4 for drive-thru and delivery .

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Fast food giant McDonald's has responded to questions over whether it will keep serving during the new lockdown.
The chain was asked on Twitter whether it would be able to continue once the new shutdown begins in England on Thursday November 5.
The tough new measures were announced by the Prime Minister on Saturday night, October 31.
Pubs, restaurants, entertainment venues and non-essential shops will shut.
But restaurants will be allowed to remain open for takeaway, delivery and click and collect.
The Government guidelines state: "Restaurants can still provide takeaway and delivery services."
At the start of the first lockdown in March, McDonald's closed all its branches and did not reopen for delivery and Drive-Thru until May.
In response to one fan, McDonald's tweeted: "We will comply with any directives given by the UK government in relation to the opening of our stores next week."
Over the last lockdown, the chain released several secret recipes for their bestseller products, as fans coped without their fast food fix.
In May it reopened drivet-thru restaurants around the UK in phases - and with a £25 per car price cap.
Birmingham branches were some of the last to open - by June 4 for drive-thru and delivery.


birminghammail--2020-11-01--Drug-drive arrest as pedestrian killed in crash

Police are investigating after a pedestrian was fatally struck by a car in a crash on a Birmingham street .
The 54-year-old man suffered serious injuries in Duddeston Manor Road , Nechells last night , Saturday , October 31 .
Emergency services attended just after 6pm but he died at the scene .
His relatives have been informed and were being supported by specialist officers , West Midlands Police said .
The driver stopped at the scene .
A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and causing death by dangerous driving .
Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witnessed the crash or who had dashcam footage to contact them .
Pc Paul Du Cros , from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit , said : “ Our thoughts remain with the family who are being supported by specialist officers at this difficult time .
“ We want to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or anyone with dashcam footage who hasn ’ t yet got in touch . ''
Anyone with information can contact collision investigators on FL_ COLLISION INVEST @ west-midlands.pnn.police.uk , via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 101 anytime .
Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
Quote log number 3328 31/10 .

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Police are investigating after a pedestrian was fatally struck by a car in a crash on a Birmingham street.
The 54-year-old man suffered serious injuries in Duddeston Manor Road, Nechells last night, Saturday, October 31.
Emergency services attended just after 6pm but he died at the scene.
His relatives have been informed and were being supported by specialist officers, West Midlands Police said.
The driver stopped at the scene. A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and causing death by dangerous driving.
Police appealed for information and urged anyone who witnessed the crash or who had dashcam footage to contact them.
Pc Paul Du Cros, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family who are being supported by specialist officers at this difficult time.
“We want to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or anyone with dashcam footage who hasn’t yet got in touch."
Anyone with information can contact collision investigators on FL_ COLLISION INVEST@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk, via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk from 8am to midnight, or by calling 101 anytime.
Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Quote log number 3328 31/10.


birminghammail--2020-11-01--Lockdown could last beyond December, Government admits

The new lockdown could last longer than originally announced if the second coronavirus wave is not brought into control .
Michael Gove said the Government would be forced to extend restrictions if the R rate had not been reduced by December 2 , The Mirror reports .
Speaking to Sky News ’ Sophy Ridge on Sunday , the Cabinet Office minister also refused to rule out more lockdowns in the future .
Mr Gove said it was “ likely ” the shutdown would bring the R number below one - but the Government would react if it the four-week shutdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We are going to review it on December 2 but we are always driven by what the data shows .
`` We ’ ve got this four-week period during which we ’ re going to review progress .
But of course we ’ ll always be driven by the data .
`` It ’ s our hope , on the basis of the analysis we have , that we will have significantly reduced the reinfection rate .
He added : “ If we chop away at all of the restrictions we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we don ’ t have a sufficiently strong team , bundle , raft of restrictions necessary in order to get R below one.
” Asked a fourth time if the national lockdown could be extended , he replied : `` We ’ ll always take a decision in the national interest based on evidence .
The best information we have . ''
Asked a fifth time if it could be extended , Mr Gove replied : `` Yes . ''
Mr Gove also refused to rule out bringing in later national lockdowns after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` One thing we can definitively say is unless we take action now the NHS is going to be overwhelmed in a way none of us could countenance .
So therefore we have to take these steps .
`` No-one in government relishes taking these steps .
We believe that by doing this now we ’ ll be in a stronger position later in December to have a stronger testing regime , we ’ ve significantly increased testing capacity , and we also believe we ’ ll further have developed our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we ’ ll always be guided by the evidence on what is right , and what recent months have shown is this virus is a terrible force of nature . ''
Labour leader Keir Starmer said on The Andrew Marr show that it was likely December 2 would be `` a review date not an end date '' .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Dan Bloom, Sanjeeta Bains)

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The new lockdown could last longer than originally announced if the second coronavirus wave is not brought into control.
Michael Gove said the Government would be forced to extend restrictions if the R rate had not been reduced by December 2, The Mirror reports.
Speaking to Sky News’ Sophy Ridge on Sunday, the Cabinet Office minister also refused to rule out more lockdowns in the future.
Mr Gove said it was “likely” the shutdown would bring the R number below one - but the Government would react if it the four-week shutdown fails to do so.
He said: "We are going to review it on December 2 but we are always driven by what the data shows.
"We’ve got this four-week period during which we’re going to review progress. But of course we’ll always be driven by the data.
"It’s our hope, on the basis of the analysis we have, that we will have significantly reduced the reinfection rate.
He added: “If we chop away at all of the restrictions we may end up in a position where we don’t have a sufficiently strong team, bundle, raft of restrictions necessary in order to get R below one.”
Asked a fourth time if the national lockdown could be extended, he replied: "We’ll always take a decision in the national interest based on evidence. The best information we have."
Asked a fifth time if it could be extended, Mr Gove replied: "Yes."
Mr Gove also refused to rule out bringing in later national lockdowns after the second one is over.
He said: "One thing we can definitively say is unless we take action now the NHS is going to be overwhelmed in a way none of us could countenance. So therefore we have to take these steps.
"No-one in government relishes taking these steps. We believe that by doing this now we’ll be in a stronger position later in December to have a stronger testing regime, we’ve significantly increased testing capacity, and we also believe we’ll further have developed our approach towards therapeutics.
"But again, we’ll always be guided by the evidence on what is right, and what recent months have shown is this virus is a terrible force of nature."
Labour leader Keir Starmer said on The Andrew Marr show that it was likely December 2 would be "a review date not an end date".


birminghammail--2020-11-01--Street sealed  off as police investigate suspected shooting - updates

Police sealed off a road after a gunfire alert in Small Heath .
Footage from Green Lane showed the smashed @ @ @ @ @ parked outside takeaway restaurants at about 8.30pm on Saturday , October 31 .
A number @ @ @ @ @ had been heard and footage posted on social media showed a heavy police presence .
@ @ @ @ @ confirmation of what had happened .
One resident said : `` Gunshots heard on Green @ @ @ @ @ Stay away .
Stay safe . ''
While another local added : `` Gun shots @ @ @ @ @ Road park . ''
Stay with us for live updates .

Police sealed off a road after a gunfire alert in Small Heath.
Footage from Green Lane showed the smashed windscreen of a people carrier parked outside takeaway restaurants at about 8.30pm on Saturday, October 31.
A number of people reported that gunfire had been heard and footage posted on social media showed a heavy police presence.
One resident said: "Gunshots heard on Green Lane, Small Heath. Stay away. Stay safe."
While another local added: "Gun shots on Green Lane opposite Grange Road park."
West Midlands Police later confirmed shots were fired at a park car. No injuries were reported and the investigation is ongoing.
Stay with us for live updates.


birminghammail--2020-11-01--Blues' Renaissance Man and Comeback King thrive at Preston

Birmingham City this weekend did what no Blues team has been able to do for more than 19 years by winning at Preston North End .
If that was a surprise then even more of one was what turned out – by Championship standards at least – to be a free-flowing and entertaining football match that produced 30 shots and periods of actual end to end attacking .
So far under Aitor Karanka we ’ ve been used to single goal arm wrestles and a binary scoring system but this was a genuinely open encounter that Blues deservedly edged , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the opening ten minutes was the most effective period either side could put together .
This is what leapt off the Deepdale turf .
We ’ ve all swooned at Ivan Sanchez ’ s technical ability , felt slight incredulity that a player of Mikel San Jose ’ s quality has signed for a team that has struggled to stay in the Championship for so long and luxuriated in the fact Neil Etheridge is Birmingham City ’ s goalkeeper – but the only man who has played everyone minute of Championship football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blues captain has been a divisive figure at points during his three-year career at St Andrew ’ s but what everyone can agree on is the fact that he ’ s thriving under Karanka ’ s stewardship and playing the best football of his time at the club .
At the start of the season it was possible to argue that Blues ’ centre backs were looking so unflustered because they were so well protected by a defensive set-up but in the last couple of games Dean and Marc Roberts have had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29-year-old has been supreme .
The lapses of concentration are gone , the leadership is more than just talk – though there ’ s plenty of the right kind of that - and even his attacking forays are more judiciously employed and he could quite easily have a couple of assists so far this term .
Dean ’ s renaissance is more profound than anyone else ’ s .
Speaking of Sanchez , it turns out Birmingham City have not discovered the secret of footballing alchemy and produced that most sought after of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply the Spaniard was poor at Deepdale , certainly well short of the kind of enterprising and classy displays to which we have become accustomed in the last couple of months .
He had negligible attacking impact , his set-pieces were hit and miss and lost the ball in dangerous positions .
However , while that would have been all there was to say about Blues ’ previous Spanish , left-footed right winger , Sanchez is clearly made of more defiant stuff than Jota .
Even though things weren ’ t going his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still did his work for the team , winning the turnover that led to the first goal and clearing off the line after Etheridge had parried Tom Barkhuizen ’ s shot .
That proves that even when performances aren ’ t consistent ( when are they ever for a winger ? )
, application always can be .
Full marks for effort .
Hands up if you thought you ’ d seen the last of Josh Dacres-Cogley in a Birmingham City shirt ?
After all it has been nearly three years since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blues – and no-one wants to think about that 1-0 defeat at Fulham in December 2017 when Jeremie Boga missed a penalty and Steve Cotterill steadfastly refused to make eye-contact with the travelling supporters ; inside the ground .
Last season was spent in League Two with Crawley Town , the season before that he ’ d had a period on the bench under Garry Monk but managed just two minutes of League football .
Which leads us back to 2017 , the year of his breakthrough under Gianfranco Zola and his time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Cotterill trying to make sense of them all .
Yet here he is , now 24-years-old and clearly well thought of by Aitor Karanka showing that turning up and working hard every day does get you noticed eventually .
It was heartwarming to see Dacres-Cogley back in a Blues shirt , even if it was red - and he didn ’ t let anyone down .
Dacres-Cogley started at right back with Marc Roberts to his left and as part of a back five , as Karanka went for three central defenders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t the 5-4-1 of Norwich or Huddersfield , or the 5-3-2 of QPR , this was a slightly different set up .
While the back five of Dacres-Cogley , Roberts , San Jose , Dean and Kristian Pedersen was similar to that which had done a job at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium , the midfield configuration was far more attacking .
Ivan Sunjic was the only defensive midfielder and was left with acres of ground to cover in front of his back line , while Riley McGree and Sanchez looked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Lukas Jutkiewicz .
That was a very front-foot move by Karanka who had thus far kept the tactical handbrake on .
But he ’ d always contended that Blues would create and score more when his attacking players are fit – and so it ’ s proved , there have been three goals from open play in the last two games and signs that Karanka is just starting to open up .
While we ’ re talking tactics the other noteworthy point is how seamlessly the team slips in and out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisation .
We ’ ve had 4-4-2 , 4-2-3-1 , 5-4-1 and 5-3-2 so far this season but the solidity has been constant .

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Birmingham City this weekend did what no Blues team has been able to do for more than 19 years by winning at Preston North End.
If that was a surprise then even more of one was what turned out – by Championship standards at least – to be a free-flowing and entertaining football match that produced 30 shots and periods of actual end to end attacking.
So far under Aitor Karanka we’ve been used to single goal arm wrestles and a binary scoring system but this was a genuinely open encounter that Blues deservedly edged, if only for the fact their onslaught in the opening ten minutes was the most effective period either side could put together.
This is what leapt off the Deepdale turf.
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Renaissance man
We’ve all swooned at Ivan Sanchez’s technical ability, felt slight incredulity that a player of Mikel San Jose’s quality has signed for a team that has struggled to stay in the Championship for so long and luxuriated in the fact Neil Etheridge is Birmingham City’s goalkeeper – but the only man who has played everyone minute of Championship football this season is Harlee Dean.
Justifiably so.
The Blues captain has been a divisive figure at points during his three-year career at St Andrew’s but what everyone can agree on is the fact that he’s thriving under Karanka’s stewardship and playing the best football of his time at the club.
At the start of the season it was possible to argue that Blues’ centre backs were looking so unflustered because they were so well protected by a defensive set-up but in the last couple of games Dean and Marc Roberts have had to fend for themselves more – and the 29-year-old has been supreme.
The lapses of concentration are gone, the leadership is more than just talk – though there’s plenty of the right kind of that - and even his attacking forays are more judiciously employed and he could quite easily have a couple of assists so far this term.
Dean’s renaissance is more profound than anyone else’s.
The difference with Jota
Speaking of Sanchez, it turns out Birmingham City have not discovered the secret of footballing alchemy and produced that most sought after of commodities – a consistent winger.
Put simply the Spaniard was poor at Deepdale, certainly well short of the kind of enterprising and classy displays to which we have become accustomed in the last couple of months.
(Image: Getty Images)
He had negligible attacking impact, his set-pieces were hit and miss and lost the ball in dangerous positions.
However, while that would have been all there was to say about Blues’ previous Spanish, left-footed right winger, Sanchez is clearly made of more defiant stuff than Jota.
Even though things weren’t going his way in the final third, he still did his work for the team, winning the turnover that led to the first goal and clearing off the line after Etheridge had parried Tom Barkhuizen’s shot.
That proves that even when performances aren’t consistent (when are they ever for a winger?), application always can be. Full marks for effort.
The Comeback
Hands up if you thought you’d seen the last of Josh Dacres-Cogley in a Birmingham City shirt?
After all it has been nearly three years since the right back started a Championship game for Blues – and no-one wants to think about that 1-0 defeat at Fulham in December 2017 when Jeremie Boga missed a penalty and Steve Cotterill steadfastly refused to make eye-contact with the travelling supporters; inside the ground.
Last season was spent in League Two with Crawley Town, the season before that he’d had a period on the bench under Garry Monk but managed just two minutes of League football.
Which leads us back to 2017, the year of his breakthrough under Gianfranco Zola and his time spent with Harry Redknapp collecting right backs and Cotterill trying to make sense of them all.
Yet here he is, now 24-years-old and clearly well thought of by Aitor Karanka showing that turning up and working hard every day does get you noticed eventually.
It was heartwarming to see Dacres-Cogley back in a Blues shirt, even if it was red - and he didn’t let anyone down.
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Shape shifters
Dacres-Cogley started at right back with Marc Roberts to his left and as part of a back five, as Karanka went for three central defenders once more.
However, this wasn’t the 5-4-1 of Norwich or Huddersfield, or the 5-3-2 of QPR, this was a slightly different set up.
While the back five of Dacres-Cogley, Roberts, San Jose, Dean and Kristian Pedersen was similar to that which had done a job at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, the midfield configuration was far more attacking.
Ivan Sunjic was the only defensive midfielder and was left with acres of ground to cover in front of his back line, while Riley McGree and Sanchez looked to get forward in support of Jonathan Leko and Lukas Jutkiewicz.
That was a very front-foot move by Karanka who had thus far kept the tactical handbrake on.
But he’d always contended that Blues would create and score more when his attacking players are fit – and so it’s proved, there have been three goals from open play in the last two games and signs that Karanka is just starting to open up.
While we’re talking tactics the other noteworthy point is how seamlessly the team slips in and out of different shapes yet without ever losing any organisation.
We’ve had 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, 5-4-1 and 5-3-2 so far this season but the solidity has been constant.


birminghammail--2020-11-01--Aston Villa v Southampton LIVE updates & action from Villa Park

Hello and welcome to today 's Premier League coverage as Villa face off against another in-form side in Southampton .
Ralph Hasenhüttl 's side convincingly beat Everton 2-0 last week to take their post-lockdown record to 28 points from 15 games played behind-closed-doors .
As for Villa , Dean Smith 's men have been the surprise package of the season having won four from their first five games which included THAT memorable 7-2 humiliation of champions Liverpool on October 4 .
Fast-forward almost a month and Villa have beat Leicester but lost to Leeds United last week in their only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team news is concerned , Smith has the exact same squad to choose from following last Friday 's 3-0 loss with the likes of Jack Grealish , Ross Barkley and John McGinn all having nine days of recovery ahead of this afternoon 's encounter with Southampton .
Last season , of course , Saints had Villa 's number twice and beat Smith 's side with ease at Villa Park 3-1 and 2-0 at St Mary 's just before lockdown commenced .
`` They ’ ve got goals in the team with Danny Ings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` They ’ ve got a really good systematic approach that works for them .
We ’ ll have to be at our best . ''
Stay with us for all of the pre-game build-up ahead of the 12pm kick-off .
We 'll be inside Villa Park providing confirmed team news , text commentary , kick-by-kick action and all the fallout .
The live blog , below , will update automatically .

Aston Villa were well-beaten by bogey side Southampton in another damaging defeat at Villa Park.
Saints' skipper James Ward-Prowse struck two stunning free-kicks to kill off any hopes of a first-half fight back with the England ace wrapping his right foot around the ball twice in some style from 20 and 25 yards respectively.
Villa, who lost to Southampton twice last season, were already a goal down at that point with Jannik Vestergaard powering home a free header from that man again, Ward-Prowse. The big centre-half was allowed a free run on his marker John McGinn.
Ralph Hasenhuttle's side, though, were almost a goal up inside the opening five minutes - but for VAR to rule out a deflected Che Adams effort with the former Birmingham City striker a fraction offside from Danny Ings' front-post flick on.
Moments later and giving Villa another warning sign it was Theo Walcott who raced away before skewing his side-footed effort on top of Emiliano Martinez's crossbar.
Looking for a response, Dean Smith's side tried to land blows of their own but time and time again efforts from the likes of Jack Grealish and Ross Barkley were blocked. Chelsea loanee Barkley did well to pick out Bertrand Traore - in for his first Premier League start since his £17 million move - from a well-worked free-kick.
However, the Burkinabe's effort was deflected out for a corner in what was Villa's only meaningful attack throughout a damaging first 45 minutes. Traore, though, limped off just before the half-hour mark after pulling up with a suspected groin injury and was subsequently replaced by Trezeguet.
In truth, Villa continued from where they left off last week after Leeds United took them to the cleaners in the second half and went six goals down without a reply counting last week's second half performance and the first 45 against Saints.
After the break, Grealish made Alex McCarthy work for the first time after heading Douglas Luiz's ball into the ground before the Saints stopper tipped the ball over.
Southampton, though, showed that they were far from done and it was Ings who showcased the art of clinical finishing when he peeled off Matty Cash before unleashing pure hell fire into the far right-hand corner with the ball whipping in off the post and bar to make it four.
Villa finally responded with a goal of their own just four minutes later as Tyrone Mings headed home a mere consolation. It was Grealish with the invention this time as his ball across the face of goal following a short corner with the disappointing Ross Barkley found Villa's centre-half for his second goal of the season.
Villa continued to huff and puff with Smith taking off Cash to protect his right-back from a second booking. Trezeguet, who replaced Traore in the opening half, had as many as four attempts on goal with Saints happy to sit on their three-goal advantage.
The Egyptian hammered right-footed efforts after arriving late at the back post but Saints stopper McCarthy was equal to everything. The goalkeeper was called into action again as he tipped over Mings' arrowed header with 10 left. Villa's record striker Ollie Watkins bagged a late penalty to make it 2-4 after Grealish was fouled by substitute Ibrahima Diallo inside the box while, moments after, Grealish scored to reduce the arrears with a brilliant finish from deep.
What's worth remembering is Villa faced off against a side that were beaten 9-0 by Leicester City exactly a year ago, a team that still had eight players on show at Villa Park following that desperate evening at St Mary's 12 months ago.
In their three meetings since, Villa are now down 9-4 on aggregate against Hasenhuttl's free-scoring side after their third successive defeat in the space of almost 11 months.
Villa now face a daunting trip to Arsenal next week where a response must be forthcoming prior to the international break.
Aston Villa, 4-4-1-1: Martinez; Cash (Elmohamady, 67), Konsa, Mings, Targett; Traore (Trezeguet, 29), Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Grealish; Barkley; Watkins. Subs: Steer, Engels, Nakamba, Hourihane, Davis.
Southampton, 4-4-2: McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Bednarek (Stephens, HT), Vestergaard, Bertrand (Diallo, 79); Armstrong, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Walcott; Adams, Ings (Long, 85). Subs: Forster, Redmond, Djenepo, N'Lundulu.
Goals
Aston Villa: Mings (63); Watkins (pen, 90+3); Grealish (90+7)
Southampton: Vestergaard (20); Ward-Prowse (33, 45); Ings (58).
The ref: Darren England
VAR: Chris Kavanagh
Next up: Arsenal (a); Sunday, November 8, 7.15pm kick-off, Sky Sports Box Office


birminghammail--2020-11-01--There are big changes going on behind the scenes at Birmingham City

While much attention is focused on Aitor Karanka ’ s attempts to build his Birmingham City team on the pitch , off it non-playing staff at the club are undergoing a period of upheaval .
With coronavirus preventing paying attendances at matches and denying the club an important revenue stream , focus at St Andrew ’ s has shifted to cost-cutting , with several departments experiencing redundancies .
The media and marketing teams are among those so far affected , resulting in the departure of some long-standing and experienced members of staff .
Among those made redundant is the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colin Tattum , who was the public face of Blues through some of the most choppy waters in their history , including EFL charges , multiple manager changes and controversy both on the field of play and off it .
Part of the club for the last six years , he was a familiar face at Blues for countless more before that as a reporter for the Birmingham Mail who covered the club 's most famous and infamous days for the best part of three decades .
First team PA Rita Greenaway has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Blues , working with managers such as Steve Bruce , Alex McLeish and Chris Hughton .
In 2017 Rita received a Long Service Award from the club and was highly regarded by her peers .
Suzanne Smith , erstwhile PA to the board and club coordinator is also no longer with the club .
BirminghamLive understands the three-strong recruitment team has been furloughed since April and redundancy mooted over the last couple of months , although a final decision is yet to be reached .
During that time Blues have signed 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squad .
Others have left Blues of their own volition , with analysts Pete Shuttleworth and Simon Houston and members of the academy support staff also moving on to new roles .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest transfer news and comment Why should you sign up ?
In our daily Birmingham City bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
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Google Play Store and App Store All the departures follow a similar pattern in recent years that have seen the likes of ex-chief finance officer Roger Lloyd , former club secretary Julia Shelton and ex-chief co-ordinating officer Joanne Allsopp exit Richard Beale and Paul Robinson left the development and academy set-up as Blues began to leach experience - well before the world had ever heard of COVID-19 .

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While much attention is focused on Aitor Karanka’s attempts to build his Birmingham City team on the pitch, off it non-playing staff at the club are undergoing a period of upheaval.
With coronavirus preventing paying attendances at matches and denying the club an important revenue stream, focus at St Andrew’s has shifted to cost-cutting, with several departments experiencing redundancies.
The media and marketing teams are among those so far affected, resulting in the departure of some long-standing and experienced members of staff.
Among those made redundant is the club’s head of media and communications Colin Tattum, who was the public face of Blues through some of the most choppy waters in their history, including EFL charges, multiple manager changes and controversy both on the field of play and off it.
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Part of the club for the last six years, he was a familiar face at Blues for countless more before that as a reporter for the Birmingham Mail who covered the club's most famous and infamous days for the best part of three decades.
Also in the media team programme editor Pete Lewis has been hit by redundancy having been at Blues for 24 years.
First team PA Rita Greenaway has also been made redundant after 28 years at Blues, working with managers such as Steve Bruce, Alex McLeish and Chris Hughton.
In 2017 Rita received a Long Service Award from the club and was highly regarded by her peers.
Suzanne Smith, erstwhile PA to the board and club coordinator is also no longer with the club.
BirminghamLive understands the three-strong recruitment team has been furloughed since April and redundancy mooted over the last couple of months, although a final decision is yet to be reached.
During that time Blues have signed 11 players and completely overhauled Karanka’s squad.
Others have left Blues of their own volition, with analysts Pete Shuttleworth and Simon Houston and members of the academy support staff also moving on to new roles.
Carl McInally has also left his role as player recruitment officer, to take up a role in Aston Villa's academy.
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest news and comment Why should you sign up? In our daily Birmingham City bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
All the departures follow a similar pattern in recent years that have seen the likes of ex-chief finance officer Roger Lloyd, former club secretary Julia Shelton and ex-chief co-ordinating officer Joanne Allsopp exit
Richard Beale and Paul Robinson left the development and academy set-up as Blues began to leach experience - well before the world had ever heard of COVID-19.


birminghammail--2020-11-01--Villa hero Gabby Agbonlahor has trolled Leeds United again

The feud between Gabby Agbonlahor and Leeds United is showing no sign of ending .
Aston Villa hero Agbonlahor riled Leeds ' supporters by suggesting Marcelo Bielsa 's side are a 'myth ' after they were defeated by Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road recently .
`` Leeds are a myth , ( now ) maybe all the pundits will get out of Bielsa 's a*** , '' tweeted Agbonlahor shortly after the game .
He would later explain his comments on radio station talkSPORT , saying : `` I watched them last night and this season and they look like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They are probably the fittest team in the league .
They 're organised but going forward , they lack a bit on the wings and strikers .
Teams will find them out a bit .
If you can work as hard as Leeds , I think you 'll beat them on quality .
`` If we 're getting that excited for Bielsa then we must be putting the red carpet down for Dean Smith .
Maybe because he 's English we do n't get too excited about him but what he 's doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deserves a lot of credit for .
`` I feel like people need to calm down with Leeds United at the moment . ''
Just a few days after Agbonlahor 's comments Leeds defeated Villa 3-0 at Villa Park with Patrick Bamford netting a hat-trick .
Their supporters hit back at Agbonlahor and the club tweeted a montage of his pre-match comments .
But Agbonlahor is n't giving in and jokingly suggested he would rather West Bromwich Albion win the Premier League than Leeds in his latest appearance on talkSPORT ( via HITC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ 1000 per cent I would rather West Brom win the Premier League than Leeds . ''

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The feud between Gabby Agbonlahor and Leeds United is showing no sign of ending.
Aston Villa hero Agbonlahor riled Leeds' supporters by suggesting Marcelo Bielsa's side are a 'myth' after they were defeated by Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road recently.
"Leeds are a myth, (now) maybe all the pundits will get out of Bielsa's a***," tweeted Agbonlahor shortly after the game.
He would later explain his comments on radio station talkSPORT, saying: "I watched them last night and this season and they look like a team of hard workers.
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"They are probably the fittest team in the league. They're organised but going forward, they lack a bit on the wings and strikers. Teams will find them out a bit. If you can work as hard as Leeds, I think you'll beat them on quality.
"If we're getting that excited for Bielsa then we must be putting the red carpet down for Dean Smith. Maybe because he's English we don't get too excited about him but what he's doing tactics wise with Aston Villa, he deserves a lot of credit for.
"I feel like people need to calm down with Leeds United at the moment."
Just a few days after Agbonlahor's comments Leeds defeated Villa 3-0 at Villa Park with Patrick Bamford netting a hat-trick. Their supporters hit back at Agbonlahor and the club tweeted a montage of his pre-match comments.
But Agbonlahor isn't giving in and jokingly suggested he would rather West Bromwich Albion win the Premier League than Leeds in his latest appearance on talkSPORT (via HITC).
The former England man said: “1000 per cent I would rather West Brom win the Premier League than Leeds."


birminghammail--2020-11-01--Chris Hughton breaks silence on failed Kamil Grosicki transfer

Chris Hughton says the collapse of Kamil Grosicki 's transfer to Nottingham Forest is 'hugely disappointing ' .
The West Bromwich Albion winger agreed to join Forest on loan on transfer deadline day but the move fell through after it was revealed that the paperwork was n't submitted on time .
An arbitration panel heard the case this week and decided the loan transfer could not be ratified because the paperwork was submitted beyond the 5pm deadline on October 16 .
It is understood the cut-off was missed by a matter of seconds , rather than minutes , but Grosicki @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreseeable future .
The Polish winger is also granted a spot in Slaven Bilic 's 25-man Premier League squad after only 24 names were submitted to leave a space free .
But that does n't help Forest , who were defeated by Middlesbrough on Saturday and currently sit 21st in the Championship with six points from nine matches .
Speaking for the first time since Grosicki 's transfer was officially called off , Forest boss Hughton said : “ It ’ s hugely disappointing , but as manager all you can do is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then work with what you ’ ve got .
`` If I ’ m looking at the group of players that I ’ ve got and the squad that I ’ ve got , it ’ s a squad that I was working with before and will continue to work with.
” Forest could reignite their interest in Grosicki when the January transfer window opens with the Poland international out of contract at Albion at the end of the season .
“ In every window , every manager and every team will look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - players you can bring in and players who haven ’ t played so much , '' Hughton told Nottinghamshire Live .
“ That ’ s the opportunity for every club .
“ But at this moment , it ’ s very much about getting results . ''

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Chris Hughton says the collapse of Kamil Grosicki's transfer to Nottingham Forest is 'hugely disappointing'.
The West Bromwich Albion winger agreed to join Forest on loan on transfer deadline day but the move fell through after it was revealed that the paperwork wasn't submitted on time.
An arbitration panel heard the case this week and decided the loan transfer could not be ratified because the paperwork was submitted beyond the 5pm deadline on October 16.
It is understood the cut-off was missed by a matter of seconds, rather than minutes, but Grosicki will now stay at Albion for the foreseeable future.
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The Polish winger is also granted a spot in Slaven Bilic's 25-man Premier League squad after only 24 names were submitted to leave a space free.
But that doesn't help Forest, who were defeated by Middlesbrough on Saturday and currently sit 21st in the Championship with six points from nine matches.
Speaking for the first time since Grosicki's transfer was officially called off, Forest boss Hughton said: “It’s hugely disappointing, but as manager all you can do is find out what the decision is and then work with what you’ve got.
"If I’m looking at the group of players that I’ve got and the squad that I’ve got, it’s a squad that I was working with before and will continue to work with.”
Forest could reignite their interest in Grosicki when the January transfer window opens with the Poland international out of contract at Albion at the end of the season.
“In every window, every manager and every team will look at the options they’ve got - players you can bring in and players who haven’t played so much," Hughton told Nottinghamshire Live. “That’s the opportunity for every club.
“But at this moment, it’s very much about getting results."


birminghammail--2020-11-01--Shearer praises 'fantastic' Podence & two more Wolves stars

Alan Shearer has lavished Portuguese playmaker Daniel Podence with praise after he ripped apart Crystal Palace on Friday night .
Podence netted Wolves ' second goal to make the game safe after Rayan Ait-Nouri had opened the scoring on his debut for Nuno Espirito Santo 's side .
Podence , who recently made his debut for Portugal , had a hand in Ait-Nouri 's goal too with an excellent run down the right and a cross to the far post where the youngster fired home .
Shearer , speaking on Match of the Day on Saturday , also waxed lyrical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wing-back Nelson Semedo - but Podence was his star man .
“ Rayan Ait-Nouri , Nelson Semedo and Daniel Podence , '' Shearer began , `` they made the pitch huge , stretched Crystal Palace and they couldn ’ t handle it .
`` The stretch of play was on and this guy here , Podence , was absolutely fantastic .
He gave them a torrid evening : trickery , full of commitment , passion , willing to get forward .
“ Semedo : driving forward , a constant threat , a beautiful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , what a finish by Ait-Nouri , but Podence wasn ’ t to be outdone.
” The trio were key to the way Nuno set his team up against Palace with Semedo and Ait-Nouri playing extremely high up the field to allow Podence to drift inside and combine with Raul Jimenez and Pedro Neto .
Podence 's goal was just his second for Wolves since arriving from Olympiakos in January , with the other also coming against Palace in another 2-0 win at Molineux in July .
Speaking after the game , Nuno @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am really pleased .
He ’ s been playing really good .
He scored and for him it ’ s important .
He ’ s a fantastic player that needs this confidence to finish the actions .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Alex Dicken, Josh Challies)

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Alan Shearer has lavished Portuguese playmaker Daniel Podence with praise after he ripped apart Crystal Palace on Friday night.
Podence netted Wolves' second goal to make the game safe after Rayan Ait-Nouri had opened the scoring on his debut for Nuno Espirito Santo's side.
Podence, who recently made his debut for Portugal, had a hand in Ait-Nouri's goal too with an excellent run down the right and a cross to the far post where the youngster fired home.
Shearer, speaking on Match of the Day on Saturday, also waxed lyrical about the performances of Ait-Nouri and fellow wing-back Nelson Semedo - but Podence was his star man.
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“Rayan Ait-Nouri, Nelson Semedo and Daniel Podence," Shearer began, "they made the pitch huge, stretched Crystal Palace and they couldn’t handle it.
"The stretch of play was on and this guy here, Podence, was absolutely fantastic. He gave them a torrid evening: trickery, full of commitment, passion, willing to get forward.
“Semedo: driving forward, a constant threat, a beautiful weight of pass. What a debut, what a finish by Ait-Nouri, but Podence wasn’t to be outdone.”
The trio were key to the way Nuno set his team up against Palace with Semedo and Ait-Nouri playing extremely high up the field to allow Podence to drift inside and combine with Raul Jimenez and Pedro Neto.
Podence's goal was just his second for Wolves since arriving from Olympiakos in January, with the other also coming against Palace in another 2-0 win at Molineux in July.
Speaking after the game, Nuno said of his number 10: “I am really pleased. He’s been playing really good. He scored and for him it’s important. He’s a fantastic player that needs this confidence to finish the actions.”


birminghammail--2020-11-01--Aitor Karanka delivers important Birmingham City fitness update

Aitor Karanka was a satisfied man after Saturday ’ s 2-1 victory at Preston North End .
Goals from Riley McGree and Gary Gardner gave Birmingham City a second victory in three days .
His press conference was full of positivity – here ’ s what was discussed .
I knew Gazza could make an impact because the game was such a tough game , we needed energy on the pitch and a player like his has lots of energy .
He ’ s full of confidence now because he has scored in the last game and scored today , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really important and I knew that having games every single two or three days it is really important to keep everybody fit .
Yes Gazza has scored another important goal but we have to say also players like Riley McGree or Josh Cogley deserve a lot of credit .
Again , I said since the beginning here that I wanted to build a really competitive squad .
Not just to compete in the games , but to compete against each other .
To have competition on the pitch is vital because they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If players improve individually then we improve as a team also .
We saw today that we have a really good squad .
Everybody fighting together , everybody fighting each other ( for a place ) .
This is important , especially when you have too many games in a row to keep the players fit and to not have injuries .
Doubts about the team with so many changes ?
Not for me , because I knew it .
It is for the players because they are feeling even more so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are improving a lot and we have won two games in a row .
We will lose games , but now it is time to take advantage of this situation because last year it was completely the opposite .
I told them after the game that a winning run is much , much better than a losing one so it is just to keep improving and keep going .
Top professional since I have been here .
He has played friendly games in pre-season but not others and he trains at 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is important in your squad .
He is not complaining , he is waiting for his chance and when he got his chance , he was brilliant .
So I like players like him in the squad , especially in the Championship .
I can ’ t remember which game it was now , one we lost , but I told the players in the changing room afterwards that tactics are important but more than the tactics the attitude and the team spirit is .
On the pitch they again showed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everybody is committed and everybody is confident - so , again , it is just to keep going .
This league doesn ’ t stop .
We have another game Wednesday and another on Saturday .
The game on Wednesday is the biggest and best problem a manager can have – to choose a starting XI for the next game because I knew that I had 20-22 players to choose for every single game but after today I will have even more problems .
I am really pleased to have that problem .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think he is the image of the work in the training ground , ” Karanka said .
I don ’ t know exactly when he arrived but he has settled in really well , the other players have taken to him really well because everybody could see how good he is .
Today was a difficult game , firstly because it was his first game as a player and the second thing is the opponent – if there is a tough team to play against Preston is .
We knew it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he was lucky because he scored at the beginning .
To be honest I think that goal penalised us a little bit because we thought that the game was over and against Preston the game is never over .
A good signing – not many clubs look in the A League We have a very good relationship with Charlotte , we were speaking about our players and when we were speaking about Riley I didn ’ t have any doubt he was the type of player who was going to help us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time we are helping Charlotte because we are developing Riley in this league – one of the most competitive in the world .
All parties are really pleased .
The player who is happy now because he has played and scored a goal , Birmingham City Football Club because we have a very good player and Charlotte because we are developing this player .
Excited by potential of the team ?
I am really excited with the performance of the team .
We can ’ t forget where we are coming from – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is the way for sure .
We are in October , we are really well but the Championship and I told you at the beginning I don ’ t want to make a mistake saying we are going to be at the top or in the play-offs or we are going to be mid-table .
It ’ s day by day , we can achieve something nice but again we have to go carefully because maybe it sounds stupid to say this but Wycombe is going to be really , really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be out for a while I think .
I do not think he will be fit for Wednesday or Saturday .
I hope we are talking weeks not months .
He is strong , hopefully he will be with us sooner than we think He is fit , he was doing well , he got injured but when you leave the team it is difficult to come back because there is a lot of competition .
Now he is out of the team but he is in the squad , the main thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going to be important .

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Aitor Karanka was a satisfied man after Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Preston North End.
Goals from Riley McGree and Gary Gardner gave Birmingham City a second victory in three days.
His press conference was full of positivity – here’s what was discussed.
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Great substitution (Gary Gardner)
I knew Gazza could make an impact because the game was such a tough game, we needed energy on the pitch and a player like his has lots of energy.
He’s full of confidence now because he has scored in the last game and scored today, I knew he was going to be really important and I knew that having games every single two or three days it is really important to keep everybody fit.
Yes Gazza has scored another important goal but we have to say also players like Riley McGree or Josh Cogley deserve a lot of credit.
(Image: Getty Images)
Five changes
Again, I said since the beginning here that I wanted to build a really competitive squad.
Not just to compete in the games, but to compete against each other.
To have competition on the pitch is vital because they are going to improve that way, individually. If players improve individually then we improve as a team also.
We saw today that we have a really good squad. Everybody fighting together, everybody fighting each other (for a place). This is important, especially when you have too many games in a row to keep the players fit and to not have injuries.
Doubts about the team with so many changes?
Not for me, because I knew it. It is for the players because they are feeling even more so now that we are really good, we are improving a lot and we have won two games in a row.
We will lose games, but now it is time to take advantage of this situation because last year it was completely the opposite.
I told them after the game that a winning run is much, much better than a losing one so it is just to keep improving and keep going.
Josh Dacres-Cogley thrown in
Top professional since I have been here. He has played friendly games in pre-season but not others and he trains at 100 per cent, the kind of player who is important in your squad.
He is not complaining, he is waiting for his chance and when he got his chance, he was brilliant. So I like players like him in the squad, especially in the Championship.
(Image: Getty Images)
Formation changes
I can’t remember which game it was now, one we lost, but I told the players in the changing room afterwards that tactics are important but more than the tactics the attitude and the team spirit is.
On the pitch they again showed that they are a really good team - everybody is committed and everybody is confident - so, again, it is just to keep going. This league doesn’t stop. We have another game Wednesday and another on Saturday.
Next Wednesday
The game on Wednesday is the biggest and best problem a manager can have – to choose a starting XI for the next game because I knew that I had 20-22 players to choose for every single game but after today I will have even more problems. I am really pleased to have that problem.
Riley McGree performance
I am really pleased with him because I think he is the image of the work in the training ground,” Karanka said.
I don’t know exactly when he arrived but he has settled in really well, the other players have taken to him really well because everybody could see how good he is.
Today was a difficult game, firstly because it was his first game as a player and the second thing is the opponent – if there is a tough team to play against Preston is.
We knew it was going to be a really demanding game and he was lucky because he scored at the beginning.
To be honest I think that goal penalised us a little bit because we thought that the game was over and against Preston the game is never over.
(Image: Getty Images)
A good signing – not many clubs look in the A League
We have a very good relationship with Charlotte, we were speaking about our players and when we were speaking about Riley I didn’t have any doubt he was the type of player who was going to help us a lot.
And at the same time we are helping Charlotte because we are developing Riley in this league – one of the most competitive in the world.
All parties are really pleased. The player who is happy now because he has played and scored a goal, Birmingham City Football Club because we have a very good player and Charlotte because we are developing this player.
Excited by potential of the team?
I am really excited with the performance of the team. We can’t forget where we are coming from – let’s see where we arrive. This is the way for sure.
We are in October, we are really well but the Championship and I told you at the beginning I don’t want to make a mistake saying we are going to be at the top or in the play-offs or we are going to be mid-table.
It’s day by day, we can achieve something nice but again we have to go carefully because maybe it sounds stupid to say this but Wycombe is going to be really, really tough game on Wednesday.
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest news and comment Why should you sign up? In our daily Birmingham City bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Adam Clayton
He will be out for a while I think. I do not think he will be fit for Wednesday or Saturday. I hope we are talking weeks not months.
He is strong, hopefully he will be with us sooner than we think
Jon Toral back?
He is fit, he was doing well, he got injured but when you leave the team it is difficult to come back because there is a lot of competition. Now he is out of the team but he is in the squad, the main thing is we are in October and everyone is going to be important.